Packing for a journey through several climates

Layers, not outfits

The most important rule is to think in layers. Rather than bringing separate clothes for each climate, choose pieces that work together: thin T-shirts, light long-sleeved shirts, a warm mid-layer (fleece or a thin down jacket) and a light waterproof shell. Together they handle a cold mountain morning; separately, a warm afternoon.

The same things do several jobs. A long-sleeved shirt keeps the sun off in the Andes and insects off in the Amazon. A waterproof jacket earns its place in rain in New Zealand's mountains and on the deck of a boat. A scarf covers a cool evening or your shoulders at a temple.

What each place asks for

• The Andes: cool mornings and evenings, strong sun by day. A warm layer, a hat, light gloves, sunglasses and comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.
• The Amazon: humid and warm. Light, quick-drying long sleeves and trousers, ideally in light colours, and a light rain jacket. It's worth asking a travel clinic what else is advised for rainforest regions.
• Safari: neutral, dust-friendly colours, a warm layer for early mornings and evenings, a hat and binoculars. Bright and very dark colours are generally best avoided.
• The beach after safari: a few light things are enough. In Zanzibar's Stone Town it's worth having clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
• New Zealand: even in summer, mountain weather changes quickly. A waterproof and a warm layer belong in your daypack every day.

Less luggage, more freedom

Some parts of a journey limit luggage by themselves. Small safari aircraft usually allow only a modest amount of soft baggage, and Amazon lodges are often reached by boat. On many routes you can leave a larger bag at a city hotel and take only what you need for a few days.

Laundry helps too. Many safari camps and hotels offer it mid-journey, so a week's worth of clothes can carry you through two weeks. The bag stays light, and every transfer is simpler.

The best sign you packed well is that almost everything in the bag got used. Tell us where you'd like to go, and along with the route you'll get a practical list of what that journey really calls for.