Tulip Time River Cruise Packing List (March – May)

🌷 Clothing:

• Lightweight waterproof jacket or trench coat

• Layered outfits (long-sleeve tops, sweaters, light fleece)

• Comfortable walking shoes (water-proof or water-resistant recommended)

• Jeans, leggings, or lightweight pants

• Short-sleeve tops (for warmer afternoons)

• Scarves for dressing up simple tops and for warmth if it's chilly

• Sunglasses and hat

• Light gloves (early spring can be brisk)

• Evening attire (smart casual for dinners)

Tips from Mary: I prefer wool socks for travel in Fall, Winter and Spring. My favorite brands are SmartWool and Darn Tough.

🌷 Accessories:

• Small travel umbrella (for spring showers)

• Crossbody bag for excursions

• Reusable tote for shopping

• Binoculars (for birdwatching and scenic tulip fields)

• Camera with extra SD cards (for capturing tulip fields)

Tips from Mary: My favorite travel bag is a the round mini shoulder bag from Uniqlo. It's affordable, lightweight, comes in a variety of colors and is surprisingly spacious. If you want to make it more secure, add a carabiner to the zipper and put that around the strap. See image below:

🌷 Toiletries & Essentials:

• Allergy medication (spring blooms can trigger allergies)

• Prescription medications

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Lip balm and hand cream (spring winds can be drying)

• Travel detergent (for washing lightweight layers)

• Reusable water bottle

• Power adapter for European plugs

🌷 Documents & Financials:

• Your itinerary and travel documents.

• Take a photo of your passport and keep that on your phone.

• Print a copy of your passport and store that separately from the original.

• Small amount of local currency. You can order from your bank in advance of your trip.

• Credit card with tap to pay AND no foreign transaction fees. I recommend bringing at least two forms of payment just in case one gets compromised during your travel.

  
  

  Tips from Mary: Make sure you pack ALL ESSENTIAL ITEMS like medications and travel documents in your carry on bag. Do NOT check these items in case your luggage decides to take a different route.

  
  

🌷 Special Tulip Time Items:

• Lightweight scarf with floral patterns (to match the theme)

• Small notebook for sketching or journaling

• Guidebook or map of the Keukenhof Gardens

• Space in luggage for souvenirs

Tips from Mary: The most important thing to bring is a sense of adventure and flexibility. Some things may not go exactly as you planned. By being flexible, you can have a wonderful, memorable trip all the same.

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Mary Graham mary@tripsbymary.com

Mary Graham owns Trips by Mary, a travel company based in North Carolina, USA. She specializes in river cruises and tours in Europe, the US and beyond. With eight years of planning travel for her valued clients, Mary brings experience and expertise to every trip.

Mary will be attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo, taking place in Vienna, Austria in March 2025. Follow her Facebook and Instagram for updates!!