What to Pack, What to Wear

Weather Forecast

At this time predictions for early April expects highs in the range of low 50s to high 50s.  It's been a bit cooler than normal this year in the Netherlands.  Keukenhof Gardens opens 23 March, and if the tulips aren't in full bloom, there will be plenty of forced blooms in indoor settings to see.  Not to worry!

What to Pack

Early spring in this region means it's okay to wear jeans, but I wouldn't make them your every day style. Either dark denim or black is best to blend in with the locals. Sneakers are a giveaway you are an American tourist, so try for comfortable shoes or at least athletic shoes that are dark in color.  If you have some waterproof Topsiders, or low rise boots, they will be worth packing.  Dry feet are happy feet.

I saw Target has it's microfiber thermal underwear on sale. Great to layer these thin garments under your day clothes, and then take them off if the day heats up.  Carry your jacket/coat aboard the plane so it doesn't take up valuable suitcase space.  A removable lining trench coat is a good option, as is a jean jacket. Scarves and even gloves will go a long way to keep you warm. Cold air hurts my ears, so I take a wide knitted headband.

On the ship, it's great to have a casual yoga-like outfit to wear if you want a late night or early morning cup of tea or coffee.  There's a 24 hour beverage station, the machine is easy to use and even makes a mean latte or espresso. But you can always throw your cabin robe over your jammies if you prefer. Hint, fresh baked cookies hang out here too!

Dress for dinner is "country club casual."  Sometimes you'll see some skirts or dresses, but that's not the norm. Just nice tops and slacks.  There is a lounge, so if you wish to dress and then have a nightcap, you may prefer to dress for dinner.  But you will see others come straight from their afternoon time ashore to dinner. It can be cool on board, so a wrap or blazer is practical.  Men can layer a sweater vest, dress up a shirt with a cardigan or blazer. A tie takes so little room, why not roll one up and bring it along?

Take a peek at my Pinterest Travel Clothing "pins" for lots of ideas
.Click here for Travel2Luv Pinterest boards


My pins address all types of climates, and I think you'll find lots of ideas for early Spring in Europe as well.

These are my basics:
1. Pick a color scheme with some basic bottoms & tops in neutrals: black, navy, grey or brown.
2. Accessorize and pop your outfits with one or two other colors. 
3. Never wear the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row....the cobblestones are tough on your feet.
4. Leave the good jewelry at home.  Don't be a target.
5. Gloves, hat/headband to cover your ears, and scarves will help keep the chill out.
6. As you are planning your outfits, can you wear each item with one or more items? 

For the plane, I never wear jeans.  I want soft supple pull on type of pants.  Easy for the bathrooms, easy for catching a few winks.

Umbrellas are provided by Avalon, so you can leave yours at home. Change the tennis shoe from white to a color and this works for Europe too.

 Here's a standard look you will find in Europe for men.  They wear more button down shirts, and Americans tend to wear more polo styled shirts.  Either are fine for our river cruise.

	Here a black bomber type jacket for colder temps (or could be a vest for mild days). Shown layered over a shirt and pullover sweater.  Dark shoes.

Layers with a Lands End casual blazer.  Add a hat, scarf, sunglasses for excursions. You will be able to leave outerwear on any of our coaches.