6 weeks away from our first ABD, any packing tips/tricks?

[tiggersam00]

DH and I leave in 6 weeks for our first ABD to Germany, we are also spending 3 pre-days in Iceland (they have a great stopover deal) and 2 post days in Munich! We are beyond excited, and really ready for a vacation that does not involve booking tours, making dinner reservations and worrying about buses and transportation... finally a real vacation lol!

Since we will be traveling to 5 hotels in 2 weeks, I was wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks when it comes to packing?

Our itinerary is as follows:
Reykjavik Iceland for 3 nights
Heidelberg Germany for 2 nights
Waldeck Germany for 2 nights
Rotenberg Germany for 2 nights
Munich Germany for 4 nights

Since we will not really have a "home base" on this trip, it doesn't seem like unpacking is a great option... also, Iceland will be a bit cooler then Germany, so we have to bring coats, ugh!

Anyone have any tips? Thanks in advance

 

[sayhello]

I'm not sure how much help I'm going to be because a) I haven't taken this specific trip and b) I always unpack as much as I possibly can unless it's a quick 1-night in & out. I *HATE* living out of a suitcase.

That said, I *always* recommend layers. Rather than taking up all that room for a coat, bring layers. A long-sleeved shirt, a fleece and then a jacket can be just as warm as a coat, unless you're talking *seriously* cold. I've worn layers like that on the deck of the ship in Glacier Bay and College Fjord in Alaska, and it worked fine. *DO* be sure and bring gloves and something to cover your ears, because, in my experience, it doesn't really matter how much you wear if your hands & ears are cold.

I know a lot of people love the packing cubes if you plan to only unpack what you need. They can really help keep things organized.

And do not put all your stuff in one suitcase and all of DH's stuff in a different suitcase. Mix it up with half in each suitcase. That way, if one of the suitcases gets "misplaced", you each still have something.

And do bring sunscreen! Even if it's cloudy, you're going to be outside a lot, and can easily burn.

Sayhello

 

[Tozzie]

DH and I leave in 6 weeks for our first ABD to Germany, we are also spending 3 pre-days in Iceland (they have a great stopover deal) and 2 post days in Munich! We are beyond excited, and really ready for a vacation that does not involve booking tours, making dinner reservations and worrying about buses and transportation... finally a real vacation lol!

Since we will be traveling to 5 hotels in 2 weeks, I was wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks when it comes to packing?

Our itinerary is as follows:
Reykjavik Iceland for 3 nights
Heidelberg Germany for 2 nights
Waldeck Germany for 2 nights
Rotenberg Germany for 2 nights
Munich Germany for 4 nights

Since we will not really have a "home base" on this trip, it doesn't seem like unpacking is a great option... also, Iceland will be a bit cooler then Germany, so we have to bring coats, ugh!

Anyone have any tips? Thanks in advance

Get everything you think you are going to need together and then put only half of it in the suitcase!!!

Now if I can only learn to listen to my own advice!

 

[georgiagirl2]

Get everything you think you are going to need together and then put only half of it in the suitcase!!!

Now if I can only learn to listen to my own advice!

This is great advice! I laid everything out on the bed and then only packed 2/3 of what was there for our Viva Italia trip two weeks ago. I wore everything except one pair of capris, one pair of shorts, and a top. And I had plenty of room in my suitcase for the souvenirs I acquired along the way. I took four pairs of shoes and could have easily made it with just three.


I didn't use packing cubes, but I did find the giant Zip-loc bags to be very helpful for keeping things organized as we moved from hotel to hotel. The bags were also great for storing dirty clothes as they hold quite a lot as long as you squeeze all the air out of the bag.

 

[tiggersam00]

I'm not sure how much help I'm going to be because a) I haven't taken this specific trip and b) I always unpack as much as I possibly can unless it's a quick 1-night in & out. I *HATE* living out of a suitcase.

That said, I *always* recommend layers. Rather than taking up all that room for a coat, bring layers. A long-sleeved shirt, a fleece and then a jacket can be just as warm as a coat, unless you're talking *seriously* cold. I've worn layers like that on the deck of the ship in Glacier Bay and College Fjord in Alaska, and it worked fine. *DO* be sure and bring gloves and something to cover your ears, because, in my experience, it doesn't really matter how much you wear if your hands & ears are cold.

I know a lot of people love the packing cubes if you plan to only unpack what you need. They can really help keep things organized.

And do not put all your stuff in one suitcase and all of DH's stuff in a different suitcase. Mix it up with half in each suitcase. That way, if one of the suitcases gets "misplaced", you each still have something.

And do bring sunscreen! Even if it's cloudy, you're going to be outside a lot, and can easily burn.

Sayhello

That is great advice thanks! I think layers will be easier too, I also have tide sink packs to wash something if need be too. The cold weather worried me but hearing about your cruise made me think I don't need a coat, just some good cold weather accessories. 2 suitcases will be easiest, I always panic that my luggage will be lost so I always slip a few things into DH's bag just in case.

The sunscreen is a must even in cloudy climates, your are right though, I think I will pack a little extra because of all the time outdoors walking.

Get everything you think you are going to need together and then put only half of it in the suitcase!!!

Now if I can only learn to listen to my own advice!

Story of my life too lol! I am huge overpacker... it's genetic

This is great advice! I laid everything out on the bed and then only packed 2/3 of what was there for our Viva Italia trip two weeks ago. I wore everything except one pair of capris, one pair of shorts, and a top. And I had plenty of room in my suitcase for the souvenirs I acquired along the way. I took four pairs of shoes and could have easily made it with just three.


I didn't use packing cubes, but I did find the giant Zip-loc bags to be very helpful for keeping things organized as we moved from hotel to hotel. The bags were also great for storing dirty clothes as they hold quite a lot as long as you squeeze all the air out of the bag.

2/3 maybe I can handle... hey I promise to at least give it a shot! I am a terrible overpacker! I think zip locs will be a must for this trip too, lots of changing hotels and I am sure lots of laundry to pack away at the end!