How to Pack for Your Next Trip Somewhere Cold

Winter has always been a popular time for vacations, family get-togethers, and road trips. Alternatively, heading off to somewhere cold while your home state is sweltering in the summer sun can be a huge relief.

With the pains of everyday stress and the inherent hectic nature of almost every trip, the last thing you want is to be caught out in the cold without everything you need to stay safe and warm. To ensure that you pack properly for your next trip to somewhere cold, keep the following tips in mind.

 

Layers, Layers, Layers

While it happens more often on those summer getaways to colder climates, you simply can’t forget to pack some long underwear. Before you and the family don your brand-new ski outfits, you need to insulate your “assets” to help hold your body heat in as much as possible.

 

Wear a pair of flannel pajamas over those thermal undies for an added layer of protection. And, of course, don’t leave home without quality socks to help keep your feet nice and toasty.

 

A Best Practice List

Although individual needs, likes, and styles will vary, we’ve put together a sensible list to help give you a starting point.

 

• Two pairs of long underwear
• Two fitted sweaters
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts
• 2-3 short-sleeve shirts
• One wool or wool-blend beanie
• One pair of winter gloves
• One lightweight scarf
• 1-2 pairs of waterproof or water-resistant boots
• One pair of waterproof or water-resistant sneakers
• 3-4 pairs of socks (merino wool is best)
• One down jacket/coat

 

ProTip:

Don’t forget to pack something warm yet suitable for fine dining. Look for long-sleeved night-out dresses, suits, and other attire made from either natural or synthetic high-performance fabric such as merino wool, jersey, cashmere, and cotton.

 

Additionally, though you’re leaving the exercise bike at home, you may want to take along some workout gear. You never know when the urge to hit the hotel gym might come up, and you don’t want to run to the nearest department store and pay tourist prices.

If you’re going somewhere extra cold, you may also want to consider buying a hoodie to wear under your coat.

 

How to Pack it All

Now that you know what to pack, or at least have a good starting point, you may need some helpful tips for getting packed for a trip somewhere cold. Consider some of these ideas if your winter gear is overfilling your suitcase.

 

• Compression bags are great because they press the excess air out of those inherently bulky sweaters, ski suits, and jackets.
• Travel backpack – a max-size, carry-on-compliant travel backpack can provide plenty of space for everything and save you the headache of checked (and possibly lost) luggage.
• Use your shoes – you’re probably packing at least 1-2 pairs of shoes, and they’re the perfect spot to slip in socks, gloves, scarves, etc.
• Borrow items – if you’re going for an extended visit with family or friends and find yourself in a quandary overtaking everything you need, ask ahead if you can borrow things like sweaters or coats.
• Send ahead – with souvenirs, impulse buys, and various other purchases, you’ll probably head home with a bit more than you left. If you have more than you can pack, use USPS’s flat-rate service and mail some of it home.

 

In closing, the last thing you want is to arrive at your destination rather than be dressed for the current weather. Check the forecast before you depart and carry the appropriate items onboard.

 

Keep everything in mind as you pack for your next trip somewhere cold; chances are better than ever that you’ll be properly equipped to handle the local weather.