I thought I had finally gotten my packing down to a science. I thought I had cured myself of my tendency to overpack, and my anxiety over travel. I thought I had work travel all figured out!

Apparently the new challenge was packing for cold weather.

About a month ago I was informed that I was selected to attend a training workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. I was so thrilled! I was one of only 20 participants from our offices around the world, and I would get to go to Africa!

My excitement was tempered by the email informing me of the cold July weather in Nairobi. All my ideas about what clothes to pack for work trips went out the window, because apparently all my ideas were for tropical climates, and I had no idea how to pack for cold, rainy African weather.

Research is key. The workshop organizers had said temperatures ranged from 11 to 21 degrees Celsius, so I started monitoring the weather forecast for Nairobi. I asked friends who’d lived in or traveled to colder climates. I shopped my closet for clothes I could layer. I thought about what I would be doing and where I would be staying. I got some Uniqlo HeatTech, and longer socks, and dug out my scarves and cardigans.

It took me two weeks to figure out my packing, on top of figuring out my baggage allowance and deciding on which bags to bring. I’m happy to report that my bag came in well under the weight limit, so all that remains is to see if I’ll be warm enough.

Fingers crossed!