Are you traveling to a snowy destination this winter? If so, you are in for a treat. Besides snagging great deals on flights and accommodations, you will probably experience a more satisfying vacation since you do not have to compete with large crowds when you visit museums, theatres, and other tourist spots. There is no pressure to constantly move from one place to the next. You can relax, savour every moment, and bask in the beauty of snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes.
However, to enjoy such a seemingly magical vacation, you should prepare well. Packing the right clothes, accessories, and other essentials will help ensure a warm, comfortable, and satisfying trip. Otherwise, you might spend most of your time inside the hotel room because you lack suitable outfits to brave the cold weather.
Perhaps you need help figuring out what to pack for your dream winter vacation. If so, we’ve got you covered. This piece will enumerate essential items to keep you warm, dry, and protected so you can make the most of your travels. From clothes and accessories to hot packs and skincare products, here are 11 must-haves for your winter getaway.
Winter Vacation Essentials
Thermal Clothing
Contrary to a common misconception, putting on thicker clothes and bulky coats does not guarantee warmth during freezing weather. The key is layering, or wearing the right clothing pieces on top of each other to trap body heat effectively. That said, the first thing on your packing list should be thermal tops and bottoms, as they are your first layer of defence against the cold. You can wear them under your sweater and pants to help retain heat in your arms, body, and legs.
Opt for thermal clothing in neutral colours so you can use them as ordinary clothes. For instance, you can wear them while relaxing or sleeping in your hotel room since they feel soft and warm. You may not need to purchase new thermals if you already own pieces that you can use as base layers. A snug-fitting silk or merino long-sleeve shirt and a pair of tights or cotton leggings with a soft brushed lining are great options.
Oversized Sweaters
For the middle layer, consider packing oversized sweaters made of wool and cashmere, as they are ultra-warm, comfy, and easy to style. Try pairing them with black fleece-lined leggings or dark skinny jeans to balance your silhouette. Complete the look with a dark brown trench coat and leather boots in the same shade, and you are ready to explore the area and take stunning selfies. When shopping for oversized sweaters, choose pieces with artful necklines (like turtlenecks or crewnecks), ribbed cuffs, and curved hems for a more polished appearance instead of simply looking baggy and shapeless.
Down Jacket or Coat
Your winter ensemble will not be complete without an outer layer to trap heat and shield you from the biting wind and low temperatures. That said, you can never go wrong by bringing a high-quality down jacket for such a purpose. Down is a remarkable insulator, feels comfortable, and comes in various styles to suit your preference.
Are you vacationing in a place where it snows most of the time? Opt for a long down coat with a detachable hood to provide maximum warmth and coverage. You may also want to look at styles with cuffed wrists to retain heat better and fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm outdoors.
Dark Skinny Jeans
Unless you plan on engaging in snow activities or spending most of your time outdoors, you can probably omit waterproof pants from your packing list and replace them with your favourite dark skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are versatile and look great with just about anything. They also match your winter boots perfectly. However, make sure to wear fleece-lined leggings or thermal bottoms underneath the jeans to keep your legs toasty. An extra-long coat can also help if you need additional warmth.
Scarves
Scarves are not mere accessories to add a splash of colour to your winter outfits. They are a must-have to help retain body heat and prevent the cold wind from lashing at your neck and face. Pack a couple of thick scarves in shades that match your winter tops and bottoms to keep you warm and comfy without sacrificing style. Cable-knit, merino wool, and cashmere blends are excellent choices.
Gloves
Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can reduce the blood circulation, dexterity, and sensitivity of your hands. That is why you cannot merely rely on coat pockets to keep them warm. Instead, pack several pairs of winter gloves to protect your hands and keep them ready for snowball fights and building snowmen. Opt for waterproof gloves that fit perfectly and those with touchscreen features that allow you to take selfies and manipulate your smartphone through the fabric.
Beanies
A beanie is another staple accessory for your winter getaway since it will keep your head and ears warm and cozy. Choose chunky and thick beanies made of wool or fleece for better heat-retaining capacity. As for style and colour, you can opt for classic designs in neutral hues for easy mixing and matching with the rest of your clothes. Perhaps you can pack at least one beanie in a bright shade of red or pink if you plan on wearing an all-white or all-black ensemble to add a pop of colour to your outfit.
Waterproof Boots
Your winter footwear should do more than keep your feet warm and comfy. The perfect pair should also be waterproof to keep your feet dry and have strong traction on the soles to keep you from sliding on ice or wet snow. Pack a pair of stylish dark leather boots pretreated with waterproofing chemicals, as this classic design will go well with everything in your luggage.
Winter Socks
Make sure to bring several pairs of high-quality socks suitable for your winter adventure. You’ll need them to protect your feet from blisters and keep them dry and warm as you see the sights. That said, it’s best to keep your cotton socks at home because cotton retains moisture and can make your feet wet with sweat. Instead, look for pairs made with moisture-wicking fabrics that trap heat well, like wool socks. Aside from examining the material, make sure that the thickness of the socks will fit your boots perfectly for maximum comfort.
Hot Packs
Hot packs or heat packs are small rectangular bags that emit heat after shaking the packs or tearing their packaging. While these products may seem trivial, they will come in handy when you are outdoors and can no longer stand the cold. Just stick one or two of these hot packs onto your clothes, and you will immediately feel warm and cozy. Do not forget to read the package instructions on how to use them safely to avoid burning accidents.
Moisturisers
Vacationing in a winter destination may be fun and exciting, but the freezing temperature and low humidity levels can leave your skin dry, dehydrated, flaky, and itchy. As such, you need to constantly moisturise your skin, especially when you spend time outdoors exposed to dry wind. When searching for moisturising products for your winter trip, choose cream or petroleum-based moisturisers for better hydration. Remember to pack a lip balm as well to prevent painful and unsightly dry lips.
With these must-have winter vacation items, you will be better prepared to enjoy your dream vacation without worrying about the biting cold. Be sure to pack these things in your luggage along with your positive attitude and adventurous spirit for a winter vacation you will never forget.
