If you’re planning a multi-country adventure, from the sunny Italian seaside to the snowy French Alps, or through Austria, Germany, and the UK, some amount of packing and unpacking along the way will be unavoidable. So, what is the best way to pack and prepare your suitcase to ensure it doesn’t become a cumbersome part of your adventure? And how should you pack for multiple climates? Here are our top Multi-Country Packing Tips:
WHAT TO PACK
Check The Weather Forecast
It’s easy to have a preconception of what the climate will be like in a given destination. Then, you pack, only to find out when you arrive that they are having some unseasonably hot or cold weather. Before you start packing, take time to look up the forecasted weather in your destinations. Then you can focus on packing only what you need.
Pack Versatile Layers
When packing light or for multiple climates, layers are key. Bring versatile clothing that you can dress up or down, that can easily mix and match, and that can be worn as second or third layers depending on the weather. Consider a lightweight jacket that is also waterproof – something you would wear on a cloudless night out but also in a light rain shower.
Consider a Travel-size Steamer
If you’re packing to save space, rolling thinner clothes, and compressing thicker items, then a little travel steamer is an easy way to go wrinkle-free. Just remember you’ll probably also need an electrical converter/adaptor.
HOW TO PACK
A Bag For Everything and Everything In Its Bag
Normally, travel gurus tote compression bags as the best way to save space – and they’re not wrong! BUT compression bags and packing cubes serve an even more important purpose when you have a lot of unpacking/ packing to do – keeping everything organized.
Don’t spend time digging through your suitcase every time you need a specific shirt. And don’t unpack your whole suitcase at each destination. Sort your bags/cubes by destination and activity. When you arrive in a new location, all you need to do is pull out one specific bag and leave the rest of your suitcase already packed and ready to go!
Finally, when we say a bag for everything, we mean everything! Think beyond just clothes and get a little bag for electronics, airplane essentials, day-trip items, a compression bag for laundry, a shoe bag, and a toiletry bag.
Ditch the Nooks and Crannies Process
It’s so tempting to try to maximize space by storing smaller items like sunglasses, phone cables, and jewelry in the nooks and crannies left in your suitcase after you’ve packed all your clothing. If you’re traveling to multiple countries and destinations, ditch this method! It’s only a recipe for losing or forgetting things. Keep everything in its proper bag and ensure you put it back in the same place every night. The only exception is socks – they can go in your shoes. Make it easy to see if anything small is missing.
Don’t Forget to Organize Your Carry On
We have a PDF checklist of what should go in your carry-on, but make sure that it stays organized in there as well. You want to ensure your essentials and valuables stay with you, and you can easily reach for what you need without too much digging.
Create a Checklist for the Most Important Items
When you’re on the go every few nights, it increases the chance you’ll leave something behind. Things like phone cables, passports, medication, jewelry, and wallets should be on your out-the-door list that you check before you leave. Put your hand physically on the item and say aloud, “ I packed my X” to ensure you really have it, and you remember later that you did.
If you feel ready to embark on a fabulous multi-destination adventure – Let us know! We’re always excited to help our clients create the best vacation possible.
