Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

One of the most challenging aspects of packing for long term travelers is when you travel to destinations with varying climates.

“How can you be prepared for everything with just the contents of one travel bag?”

Keep reading to find out my tips!

Secret to Easily Transition from Hot to Cold Weather

On my RTW trip, I very foolishly carried around thermals for seven months through summer climates when I did not even need them until the last month of my trip (when I’d be traveling and camping in Africa in the winter). Why didn’t I just buy them at my final destination?

My 3 Step Process

As a long term traveler, I’ve learned my lessons and now I just buy things as I go.

When I transitioned from ultra-hot Southeast Asia to the bitter cold of the UK last winter, I took the following steps to ensure I’d be prepared for the drastic change in weather:

I planned my new capsule travel wardrobe for England in the winter as you can see in the below pic.
I bought warm leggings and a sweater in Bangkok to get me through my arrival in London.
I went shopping the next day and bought my new capsule wardrobe items from budget stores such as Primark and H&M so I wouldn’t break my travel budget

long-term-travel-tips-transitioning-from-hot-to-cold-weather

all items featured above above are from H&M

And there you go. It was that easy to transition through climates without dragging around clothing I didn’t need all year long. I spent several months in the UK before heading back to winter in Los Angeles. In between I also went to Spain for 2 weeks.

Learn how I packed for Europe’s Budget Airlines despite their super strict carry-on guidelines. Not only did I make use of every item I purchased but by buying upon arrival it also ensured that:

My clothing items would be appropriate for my destination
My fabrics were made for the local weather
And my items were up to date and “in-style” as opposed to out of date old pieces.

If you’re planning to travel to destinations of varied climate, please also read these posts for more tips: How to Pack for Multi-climate Trips PART 1 and PART 2.

How do you deal with drastic changes in climate on your travels?

For more tips on packing for different climates, please read:

Hope you liked this post on my long term travel packing secrets. Please share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

7 Comments

Hari Balan on February 16, 2020 at 7:04 pm

Hi Alex, i will be traveling to Switzerland (going to few mountains also) on 12th April and then 18th April to Paris. Please advise what kind of clothes i should bring along.

Alex on February 18, 2020 at 11:55 pm

Hi Hari, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey.

Then for tips to help you adapt the packing, we have these helpful guides for Paris: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-paris-packing-list-and-capsule-wardrobe-ideas/ and Switzerland: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-switzerland-holidays-zurich/

I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time! ?
Reply