Winter is the perfect time to travel. What better way to take a break from our busy lives and indulge in some much-needed relaxation? Whether you’re planning a big vacation or just taking an impromptu weekend getaway, it’s important that you pack appropriately for your trip. Today, we’re going to chat all about winter travel essentials and what to bring with you on your next winter vacation!
Depending on how long your trip is and where you’re going will determine the number of items below you should bring. One of the reasons I love staying in Airbnb’s vs Hotels when nI travel is Airbnb’s often have washers and dryers so I can do laundry while I’m away. This drastically cuts down on the number of clothes I have to pack.
Clothing Items To Pack For Your Winter Vacation
Warm Jacket
What kind of jacket you bring depends on where you’re going and how long your trip is. You’ll want to look for a coat that’s warm, water-resistant, and has a hood. This will help keep the wind off your face while also protecting yourself from any unexpected snowfall or rain showers! Canada Goose, LandsEnd, and NorthFace all make great winter jackets.
Fitted Sweater
I always like to bring a sweater with me on my trips. I usually pick one that can be dressed up or down. Sweater serves as an excellent extra layer of warmth when it’s cold outside!
Waterproof Boots
Depending on where you’re going, sometimes it snows and other times there is nothing but ice for miles (think Iceland). Once your feet get cold, it’s almost impossible to warm yourself up again so it really important you pick footwear that is waterproof.
A Scarf For Layering
During the winter I always travel with a scarf. Scarfs are great for keeping your neck and ears warm and they make great fashion accessories when you want to add a pop of color to an otherwise boring outfit. If you bring a large scarf, they also make great airplane blankets!
Water Proof Gloves
Like scarfs, gloves make wonderful fashion accessories (except on days with freezing rain…I made this mistake in Colorado a few years ago). It’s important to pick gloves that keep your hands warm and dry. There is nothing worse than wet fabric touching frozen skin.
Warm Socks and/or Boot Socks
I always make sure I pack extra socks when I’m traveling to keep my feet warm. Depending on how cold it is where you’re going, sometimes a pair of wool boot socks will be good enough and other times you might need two pairs (one for wearing inside your boots and one as an extra layer).
Earmuffs
For earmuffs, I like to bring ones that can be folded up and put in your bag when not needed. Earmuffs are great for keeping our ears warm and can help cut down on the stinging feeling you get when it is really cold and windy. The downside with earmuffs is they can be bulky so try to find a pair that folds in on themselves. That way you tuck them away when you’re not using them
Hat
I like to bring a hat with me on my winter trips. Hats are great for keeping your head warm and they also serve as an excellent barrier between the cold wind and your face!
Baselayer
Depending on where you’re going, sometimes it can be really cold. Bringing a baselayer is an excellent way to keep yourself warm without having to wear all the items above at once! When it comes to base layers I love brands that are moister wicking and draw moister away from my body while keeping me warm.
Non-Clothing Items To Pack For Your Winter Vacation
Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are a must when traveling during the winter. I ordered mine from Amazon for really cheap and I love them. You can buy hand warmers at any gas station or local convenience store. They are easy to find at your location of you can pick them up in advance and you don’t have to worry about them taking up space in your bag!
Water Bottle
When it’s cold outside, I like to carry around a reusable water bottle that keeps the liquid inside of it hot for hours (even if that means carrying an extra pound or two). If you bring one of these bottles along with you then having access to piping hot tea is easier than ever before!
Chapstick and Lip Balm
I always travel with chapstick or lip balm…Period! In the winter my lips get so dry and chapped that they crack which is very painful! By bringing along some chapstick or another lip balm of your choice you can ensure your smile stays just as bright even in freezing temperatures.
Hand and Body Moisturizer
In addition to bringing my favorite lip balm with me, I also make sure I have a good moisturizer. In the winter not only do your lips get chapped but so does your skin! When you travel be sure to bring along a nice lotion or body butter that will hydrate all parts of your body and keep them soft throughout even the coldest days.
Sun Screen
You might not think about it but when you’re traveling to a cold destination the sun can be brutal on your skin. It’s important to remember that you can still get burnt even if it’s cloudy and chilly! Bring along some good quality sunscreen and apply it before planning any outdoor activities.
Sunglasses
The harshness of the sun can be brutal even in winter. If you’re traveling somewhere sunny then it’s important to bring along a pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes from all harmful UV rays! You don’t want to end up with burnt, red, or irritated peepers when you are trying to have fun on vacation!
Now that you have a list of important clothing and non-clothing items to pack when visiting cold weather locations, it’s time to get packing@
