Have you ever left Milwaukee in a parka and landed somewhere so humid your glasses fog up the minute you set foot off the plane? Then you know the challenge of transitioning between climates.
The difference between a Wisconsin January and a warm Caribbean afternoon is no joke. And you’ll need more than a single wardrobe change to stay comfortable. You must be prepared for both climates for the journey there and the journey back.
The Two-Climate Problem
Packing for a tropical trip seems simple… Until you’re packing for one where you’re departing in 20°F weather. It means you need cold-weather gear for the airport run, then a week’s worth of warm-weather clothing to fit into whatever space is left in your bag.
Your winter coat alone can take up half of your carry-on, and when you add boots and a chunky sweater, you’re already at capacity before you’ve slipped in a t-shirt. Of course, you can always check in an extra bag, but that brings its own set of problems.
When you land, you can expect 80°F humidity, which means you’ll be sweating through your bulkiest layer in five minutes flat.
Wear Your Bulkiest Winter Layers on the Plane
Wearing your heaviest clothes instead of packing them can free up a lot of room.
Ideally, you’ll want to wear your coat and boots on the plane, since they swallow up the most space. Alternatively, a thick sweater over a long-sleeve base counts as two layers and can stay on your body the whole flight.
If you’re worried about being too warm on the plane, wear a zip-hoodie over a breathable long-sleeve shirt. That way, you can peel back a layer when you start heating up.
Wearing your bulkier items on the plane means you’ll have plenty of room in your carry-on for a lightweight t-shirt. What’s even better is that you can easily change in the plane bathroom just before you arrive. Just put your long-sleeve shirt into your bag and carry your jacket through the airport.
Build a Tropical Wardrobe That Packs Small
Everything that goes into your suitcase needs to be as lightweight as possible. Luckily, since tropical climates are so hot and humid, lightweight fabrics are just what you need.
Linen breathes well, and cotton is perfect for more casual pieces. These fabrics also pack flat and shake out wrinkle-free after a long flight.
Find multi-purpose items, too. For example, a neutral wrap dress can work for the beach and for dinner (you only need to change your shoes). Packing for flexibility rather than your itinerary is the best move to make.
Plan for the “In-Between” Moments
You don’t only want to pack for the extremes. There may be an overly air-conditioned airport transfer or an unexpectedly breezy evening walk when the sun goes down.
A lightweight jacket that can be slipped into a bag takes up almost no room. And it really comes in handy when a restaurant suddenly cranks up the AC.
Caring for Your Skin
If you’ve planned for both climates, you won’t have to rummage through an overstuffed bag. But that readiness should also extend to your skin.
Moving from dry Wisconsin cold into tropical humidity can be more of a shock than you expect. Luckily, these glow-on-the-go skincare tips can help you to be prepared for that change.
Don’t Let the Weather Derail Your Trip
The moment the warm air hits you after leaving the Wisconsin winter behind, you’ll forget all about your packing stress. When you finally board your cruise to the Bahamas, you can shed your coat and pull out your sunglasses for a well-earned vacation.
Wisconsin winters are long and harsh. So the holiday you take deserves way more than a last-minute bag-stuff the night before you leave.
Leave a Reply