Packing List Of Essential Gear For Holland, France & England

Packs & Travel Bags

Travel Luggage: The first step in preparing for your cruise is selecting the right travel luggage. Choose a travel bag appropriate in size to the amount you’re planning to pack to ensure your luggage doesn’t become bulky and difficult to board.

Expert Tip A soft-top bag is easily compacted and stored during your stay on board.

Backpack: Lightweight and waterproof backpack for carrying items ashore and keeping your arms free. If your backpack is not waterproof, protect camera equipment and other electronic devices leak-proof/seal-proof bags.

Expert Tip Choose a backpack with a waist-strap–the extra strap helps distribute the pack’s weight, alleviating pressure off the shoulders, and secures the pack more firmly to prevent chafing.

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Insulation Layer

Light-Weight Loft Jackets and Vests: This layer is at the center of your adventuring gear, consisting of elements that can be worn together or alone. Wear the vest on board the ship so you will be prepared to head out to the deck to get a closer view of passing vistas. On cold days when you don’t need a waterproof layer, wear the jacket on its own or over a vest.

Expert Tip Loft vests and jackets trap heat with remarkable efficiency even when they are wet. They are also water-repellent and windproof and double as outerwear in mild weather. Consider also adding fleece as a layering option.

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Tops

Long & Short Sleeve Shirts: Due to the unpredictable weather, pack shirts that you can wear under your jacket as a layer for extra warmth or by itself. Select shirts that are lightweight, wick moisture and come with UPF sun protection and/or insect repellent.

Expert Tip Choose light and bright colors–dark shades tend to draw mosquitoes.

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Bottoms

Convertible Pants: Even in warm weather, conditions can be fickle: wind, water, and some clouds can change the needs of the moment. Pack lightweight and fast-drying convertible pants with built-in UPF sun protection so that when the weather flips, you simply zip on or off the bottom legs to convert your pants to shorts.

Expert Tip Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans that seems to fit just right–but for an expedition, it may not hold up exactly the same. When jeans get wet they dry slowly, especially in humid conditions.

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Outer Layer

Rain Jacket: Packable, lightweight, waterproof rain jacket. The fabric should be breathable so that moisture from your body can escape. Pack this piece in your hand luggage so that you have a windbreaker ready when you deplane. A rain poncho is an economical and practical alternative to a rain jacket.

Expert Tip A great rain jacket makes for an excellent travel companion, on this adventure and the next one–investing in a breathable, packable rain jacket proves its usefulness again and again.

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Hats, Gloves & Socks

Hat: Keep your head and face protected when the weather forecast calls for rain. Choose a waterproof hat with a shaped brim to direct water away from your face and neck during showers. The same hat will provide valuable sun protection on a hot day.

Expert Tip Keep your hat secure in windy conditions with a chin cord.

Socks: Prepare for the adventure of the day by packing socks that wick moisture, are made from wool or a wool blend and that cushion the heel well.

Expert Tip The thickness of the sock is important for more than just warmth: It also makes a significant difference for comfort. A robust, cushioning sock can help your feet not only stay warm, but blister-free.

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Footwear

Boots: Comfortable hiking boots. Preferably splash- or water-proof.

Expert Tip It’s essential that your boots are 100% waterproof. Getting your feet even a little wet can make a big, uncomfortable difference.

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Accessories

Trekking Poles: Trekking Poles provide crucial stability while navigating uneven or slippery terrain. A helpful tool both when ascending and descending, trekking poles help ensure safety, stability, and ease along any expedition. Trekking poles are available on board for use during your trip, but if you prefer to have a heightened sense of security through optimal sizing, access, and ownership, we have curated a set of trekking poles we consider ideal for expedition travelers.

Expert Tip A great backpack will have an easy mechanism to strap your collapsible trekking poles to your pack, so they’re out of the way while you board and disembark, but handy when you begin to navigate terrain.

Binoculars: Your expedition will undoubtedly offer stunning views and rare peeks at wild aquatic life–moments you won’t want to miss! Compact, high-performance binoculars help ensure you experience every single unique vista along your cruising journey. Binoculars and spotting scopes are available on board for use during your trip, but if you are considering purchasing your own, we offer a curated selection.

Expert Tip When choosing binoculars, be sure to select a pair with at least 10X power and 25mm objective diameter–this is considered ideal for scenic and wildlife watching.

Protecting Your Valuables: Your phone and tablet are crucial tools in capturing your experience. Ensure they stay dry and safe during every part of your adventure by protecting them with a waterproof, floating case. A great case will allow full use of your device when it is in the case.

Expert Tip Use sturdy, leak-proof bags to keep other valuables dry in even the most challenging conditions.

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• Remember to stay hydrated after your flight and throughout your cruise. Bring a reusable water bottle.

• Consider compression socks. In addition to helping to reduce foot swelling during your flight, they help prevent sprains and offer additional stability over rough terrain.

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• Reduce microfiber plastic entering the oceans by washing garments in the GUPPYFRIEND washing bag.