Packing for a trip with multiple destinations is one of the hardest packing challenges if you ask me (which is saying something, because a quick weekend trip gives me a run for my money when it comes to packing). It’s even more challenging when you’re dealing with multiple climates. Last month had me packing for Iceland, Amsterdam and Florida and it was a challenge. Definitely not a trip I was able to use my typical approach of packing for, aka throwing everything in my bag an hour before I need to be at the airport.
It seems that it is becoming more and more common to hit more than one spot when traveling these days. Whether its because you’re trying to maximize vacation time or taking advantage of deals like IcelandAir’s stopover (which is what we did) whenever a friend mentions they’re going abroad it’s usually a multi stop trip. I’ve done quite a few of these trips in the last few years both international and domestic, and have finally figured out the art of packing for a trip with multiple destinations (and climates!)
1. Check the weather // Check the weather forecast, and keep checking it if you’re going somewhere that has fairly volatile weather patterns it’s hard to predict what the weather will be like period, let alone 10 days out. Also read a few blogs
2. Make a list, and check it twice // I can’t stress this enough. Making a list is so crucial when packing for a trip with multiple destinations. I usually start by making a list of everything I would be bringing to each place if they were two separate trips. Once I have my “master list” I go through and see where I can consolidate instead of bringing duplicates.
3. Lay everything out // If you have an spare bed in your house I find this is the best spot to lay everything out, otherwise the couch or even the living room floor is perfect. Just make sure you can lay everything out so you can see it, this way you’ll be able to see everything before you put it in your bags.
4. Make a list of what you need // Check your original list with everything you’ve pulled out so far, then make a new list of everything you need. Be sure to think about all your toiletries here, I realized that while I wouldn’t need it for Iceland, I was going to be landing in Amsterdam during tulip season which meant all the allergies requiring a trip to CVS for some Sudafed!
5, Do a practice pack // See if it will all fit so you can figure out if you can fit it all or need to pare down a little (which I always inevitably end up having to do)
6. Layers are your friend // If you’re going to be experiencing different clients, embrace the layers. This way instead of needing to pack a Winter and summer Wardrobe you can just layer up for the cold and down for the warmth!
7. Get a jump start // This is not an easy process, start a couple days before your trip to make sure you’re not rushing and don’t forget anything. If you have any time at home between trips, pack for the next trip before you leave for the first one. I was supposed to have 18 hours from when I landed in DC from Amsterdam and when I was supposed to leave for Florida, because of major delays I ended up having 6. I was so beyond happy that my bag was already packed for Florida. All I had to do was pull out my toiletry and makeup bags and stick them in the new suitcase, it was perfect!
These are just a few things that work for me, I am by no means a packing expert, in fact I’m pretty terrible at it. If you have any tips for packing for a trip with multiple destinations I’d love to hear them so send them my way!
