What Does One Take for Two Weeks in Newfoundland?

 One of the biggest challenges of any trip is figuring out what to pack. For this trip, I knew it would be even trickier.

After all, we were heading to Newfoundland in June. While many people think of June as summer, Newfoundland doesn't always get that memo. We were hoping to see icebergs, which meant cool temperatures were practically guaranteed. Add in a lot of hiking, sightseeing, and time spent outdoors, and I needed to pack items that could handle a wide range of conditions.

To make things a little easier, I used the Sudoku Capsule Wardrobe method.

If you're not familiar with it, the idea is to pack a small collection of clothing pieces that all work together. Three bottoms, three tops, three layers, all in neutral tones. In a grid each piece is layer out: first row is layer top bottom, second row is top bottom layer, and third row is bottom layer top.  This will provide 7 different combinations. It's one of my favourite ways to pack for longer trips.

I started with my capsule sudoku wardrobe and then added an extra pair of bottoms, a couple of additional tops, and a few extra layering pieces. Newfoundland weather is famous for changing quickly, and layers are your best friend. Some days called for a t-shirt and light jacket, while others required sweaters, rain gear.

Since we would be on a two-week road trip, staying in several Airbnbs along the way, I knew we'd essentially be living out of our suitcases. I wanted everything to be practical, comfortable, and easy to mix and match.

Of course, clothing is only part of the packing process.

Along with the usual toiletries and hair paraphernalia, I packed plenty of bug spray. I had plenty of experience with Newfoundland black flies and mosquitoes to know I didn't want to be caught unprepared. As it turned out, the cooler weather meant we didn't need nearly as much of it as I expected.

I also packed laundry sheets, which turned out to be a great decision. Having access to laundry facilities in several of our Airbnbs meant I could wash clothes along the way and avoid bringing an enormous suitcase.

There were a few non-negotiable items as well.

Yorkshire Tea made the cut immediately. Anyone who knows me knows that I drink tea all day long,, and I wasn't about to spend two weeks searching grocery stores for my favourite blend.

My camera came too, along with extra batteries. Newfoundland is one of those places where every turn in the road seems to reveal another incredible view, colourful fishing stage, dramatic coastline, or unexpected iceberg. I knew I would be taking a lot of photos.

As departure day got closer, and my suitcase began increasing, so did my excitement.  .

The funny thing is that no matter how carefully I plan, I always wonder if I've forgotten something important.

Thankfully, this time I got it mostly right.

The layers were needed. The tea was appreciated. The camera batteries were used. And the bug spray mostly enjoyed a two-week vacation in the bottom of my suitcase … and I had a little extra room in my suitcase should I want to do a little shopping along the way.

That's probably the best kind of packing success.

What are your packing habits?  Do you have any must-take items when you travel?