My wife and I leave tomorrow on a 2-week trip taking us from Chicago to Bangkok to Chiang Mai to Phuket and, then, back to Chicago - where it's more than a little cold. Any thoughts on how to avoid schlepping winter coats all over Thailand? Thanks.

Don't take a winter coat. Layer,layer,layer. We live in Boston and never take our coats. A rain jacket on top of several long-sleeve shirts will be sufficient. You may need the ls shirts in Chiang Mai evening anyway. For gloves, use a pair of socks as mittens. I know, you'll look ridiculous, but you can take the stuff off once you get to the airport and pack it in your luggage. Remember, laundry is cheap in Thailand. You don't need to pack enough clean clothes for two weeks. There are cheap laundry services available everywhere except the hotel. Just look for a sign saying laundry. Have a great time.

How are you getting to the airport? If someone is driving you, maybe they can take your coats? Or wear silk/capilene long underwear and take it off in the airport.

If you like the idea of having coats with you, you could bring a collapsible bag with you to BKK and leave your coats, in the bag, at the left luggage in BKK.

Leave your coats in Chicago. Is there a left luggage acfility at O'Hare? Many airports have places where you can leave a coat while you are away.

how about a sweater and a polar-tech vest...they squish down in a bag from which you have removed the air...

we also live in the cold north... have a coat available in the car that brings you and picks you up

Andy, I am laughing at the visual image of you with wool socks on your hands!

ET-no laughing. I actually do this all the time when running in the early spring and late fall. It's functional if not particularly attractive.

we have been trying to put a sock over his head for years....

Pandas have socks appeal.

i don't think so....look in the mirror....