TRAVEL LIGHT TO AMSTERDAM

We are leaving for Amsterdam today and I couldn't be more excited. I wasn't able to focus on anything else this week, so I am sharing my 'travel light' experience with all of you! 

I am new to all of this "traveling light" stuff-- this is coming from someone who would pack for a long weekend in multiple laundry baskets. yeahhhh, not that organized. Traveling light is a constant struggle for me because I am a planner and I like to be ready for anything. All the what-if's kill me-- i.e. What if I only pack one shirt for Friday and a bottle of ketchup explodes all down the front of me?  This could happen people!

James and I are traveling Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, so we will almost have three full days of touring with a couple of dinners in between. For our three day/two night stay in Amsterdam, I packed one dress, two sweaters, one coat, one pair of black jeans, three pairs of shoes*, one cross body bag and a few accessories. 

*I am no longer bringing the rain boots due to the weather's cooperation!

Weekender Bag (Madewell), Fedora (J Crew), Dress (Zara), Sweater (H & M), Jeans (Zara), Purse (Marc Jacobs), Coat (Gap), Scarf (Zara), Black Boots (Madewell), Brown Booties (Urban Outfitters), Watch (Michael Kors), Sunglasses (Madewell)

Extra items not shown: three pairs of socks, bra/undies, pajamas (leggings and long-sleeve t-shirt), extra white long-sleeve shirt and sweatshirt.

Friday Outfit: Travel & Sightseeing 

(easy, comfortable, warm with a hands-free purse for lots of picture-taking!)

Friday Night Outfit: Dinner & Drinks

(lose the fedora?, change shoes and add lipstick for pop of color)

Saturday Outfit: Museums & Sightseeing

(cute, comfortable, warm and transitional enough to wear to dinner)

Sunday Outfit: Sightseeing & Travel

(easy for touring and traveling in comfort)

Everything I packed is easy, comfortable and broken-in, ANDDD the most important aspect is that everything can be mixed and matched. That, my friends, is key to traveling light.

TRAVEL LIGHT TIPS:

• Packing is less stressful if you stick to a uniform or a theme for your trip. All of your clothes should be interchangeable. You want to be able to mix and match everything! This saves you space in your bag and gives you more clothing options.
• Always check the weather forecast the night before or morning of your trip and pack accordingly. (Umbrella, rain boots, etc...)
• Have an idea of your daily activities and pack accordingly. James and I are only planning on one nice dinner and "night-out", and the rest of our time will be spent walking, touring and eating low-key meals. All of my clothes are warm and comfortable for walking and then I will spruce up dinner outfits with fresh hair, accessories and make-up.
• Only pack items that you KNOW you feel comfortable in. I wouldn't suggest packing items that you haven't worn before. If you haven't worn it in your hometown, you probably won't wear it in another city.
• Always check with your hotel to see what complimentary items are in your hotel room. Our room has a blow-dryer, so it's one less bulky item for me to pack.
• Be strategic with your extras items. I packed a pair of black leggings that double as pajama bottoms or back-up pants and two long-sleeved t-shirts that double as pajama tops or back-up tops.
• I live my everyday life wearing a fedora around town, so it's a no-brainer for me to travel with one, but bringing a cute hat or beanie along can save you a lot of time getting ready in the morning and it will free up space in your bag from all the hair products you don't need anymore.
• Don't go overboard with jewelry. Traveling with jewelry is dangerous and it's heavy. Accessorize with lighter items, like a scarf that also doubles as a blanket on the plane.
• Wear your bulkiest items (boots, coat, etc...) on the plane to conserve space in your bag-- plus, your coat will double as a pillow!
• Ladies, leave your duffel bag of makeup at home and narrow it down to just the basics; concealer, mascara, bronzer and lipstick are my most important items.
• Travel size products are a necessity when packing a carry-on bag. Since they are expensive, I am always looking for miscellaneous bottles and containers to use for my products. Contact lens containers and old hand sanitizer bottles are some of my favorite to use.
• Stuff socks and underwear in shoes/boots to conserve space.
• Don't forget your passport!
• Don't forget to pack your converter!

Easy peasy?? I'll let you know in a few days! Hopefully I have everything I need for an enjoyable Amsterdam trip. 

What are your tips, tricks or hacks to traveling light?

See ya later, London! xo

I'm linking up with the Expat Diaries with Postcards from Rachel!