Tips
6 November 2024Traveling in winter can be just as exciting as it is challenging. If you're heading to a cold climate, it's essential to pack the right items and bring everything you'll need. And of course, it's also important to pack efficiently to avoid taking up too much space.
We've put together a guide with our recommendations to help you prepare your suitcase for winter holidays. Remember, a well-planned suitcase will make your vacation more comfortable.
1. Research the Weather of Your Destination
We all do this, but we still wanted to start by reminding you of it. Researching the climate and weather conditions of your destination is one of the most important steps to ensure a comfortable trip. Are you going somewhere with heavy snowfall, or will it be cold but dry? When selecting your clothing based on the weather, keep in mind that temperatures can fluctuate quickly during the winter.
2. Don't Forget to Dress in Layers
The key to winter travel is “layering.” Wearing layers helps you stay warm and adjust more easily to temperature changes. You can achieve the right combination by starting with thermal wear as the base layer, adding a light sweater, and finishing with a water- and wind-resistant coat. This layered system will help you get the most out of your clothes.
3. Footwear and Accessories: Choose According to Your Needs
Footwear is critical on any trip. For winter travel, make sure your shoes have non-slip soles and are resistant to snow and water so you can walk safely at your destination. Lightweight and flexible shoes will be useful both when packing and for long walks. Don’t forget to include at least one pair of gloves, a beanie, and a scarf in your suitcase. These small but highly effective accessories help maintain your body heat in cold weather. Since they don’t take up much space, you can pack a few extras if you have room.
4. Organize Your Suitcase with Vacuum Bags
Vacuum bags are always helpful when packing, but they can be lifesavers for winter trips. Why? Let’s explain. For summer trips, a few shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and shirts are usually enough, but in winter, we need thick sweaters, coats, and woolen clothing. Winter clothes take up much more space in a suitcase compared to summer clothes, and if you don’t plan carefully, you’ll either need an extra suitcase (which means more hassle and cost) or you’ll have to leave some items behind. This is where vacuum bags come in handy as a perfect solution. By putting your coats, fleeces, and woolen clothes in vacuum bags, you can reduce their volume, create organization, and fit more items in your suitcase.
5. Choose Lightweight, High-Insulation Clothing
A winter suitcase benefits greatly from lightweight, high-insulation clothing. Merino wool and fleece garments, in particular, will keep you warm without adding too much weight, allowing you to save space in your suitcase.
6. Invest in Dual-Purpose Items
Opting for dual-purpose items like hooded jackets, fleece-lined coats, and gloves with pockets is highly advantageous in terms of both space and weight. This way, you’ll have a lighter suitcase, meet your needs without overpacking, and carry a more flexible range of clothing with you.
7. Don’t Overlook Health and Hygiene Products
Now that we’ve covered clothing, let’s diversify your suitcase a bit. Bringing a small health and hygiene kit with you during travel is very important. Especially considering that cold weather can dry out your skin more, be sure to pack a moisturizing cream and lip balm. It’s also a good idea to bring immunity-supporting vitamins and a disinfectant as a precaution against colds and flu, which many of us continue to carry since the pandemic.
8. Bring Your Emergency Kit
It's always good to be prepared for nature’s surprises, but this is especially true for winter travel. If your destination is known for its snowy and icy conditions, a small emergency kit can be a lifesaver. The same applies if you plan to spend time in rural or wilderness areas. So, what should go into this emergency kit? A mini first-aid kit, hand warmers, a waterproof blanket, energy snacks, and a small knife are all essential for staying prepared in unexpected situations. Customize your emergency kit to meet the specific needs of your destination.
9. Electronics You May Need
Finally, let’s include the electronic items you may need on your winter trip before we close the suitcase. Cold weather drains battery life, so electronic devices can lose power quickly. You may need a few essential electronic items to ensure safety, comfort, and connectivity. A high-capacity power bank and a waterproof phone case are must-haves for travel. A portable Wi-Fi device can greatly secure your internet access, and an external GPS device will be useful if you need to navigate in areas without a connection. USB-charged hand warmers (some of which can also serve as power banks), noise-canceling headphones, multi-charging cables, and plug adapters for different countries are all great electronic items to have with you on your travels.
