Tips on Packing for Winter Vacation

Planning a Winter vacation or winter City break? We share these tips on packing for Winter Vacation, so you can prepare for & enjoy your trip.

While the vast majority of holidaymakers choose to jet off during the sunnier months of the year, there is certainly something to be said for a winter holiday. Whether you’re planning to spend Christmas away or simply want to trek through some snowy scenery, a colder destination can bring some packing challenges with it.

If you’re stumped on how to organize your suitcase, then this blog is exactly what you need. It’s true that there’s no one right answer when it comes to choosing what to bring, but hopefully, these suggestions allow you to make sure you don’t miss anything too important.

Packing for Winter

Sunglasses

You might be wondering why you need sunglasses if you’re not going to be seeing much of the sun, but UV rays can impact your eyes all year round. Forgetting to wear sunglasses on bright winter days can damage your eyes over time, especially if you’re planning on skiing in the mountains. Sunlight can reflect off the snow and make it hard to see, so invest in a pair of polarised sunglasses to stay safe on your adventures. If you want to know more about looking after your eyes on your next getaway, check out All About Vision before leaving home.

Layers

Going to a sunny destination makes it easier to pack light, but colder climates require you to layer up. Make sure you pack thinner base layers as well as thicker jumpers and scarves. This way you can take heavier items of clothing off indoors to feel cooler in front of a roaring fire. Because the clothes you’re taking are going to be heavier and will take up more room in your case, try to pick items that will work well together. You don’t want to pack lots of different outfits, so choose complementary colors and mix and match while you’re away. If you are really worried about bulky clothes taking up a lot of space, invest in thermal fabrics that seem light and thin but efficiently trap heat against your body.

Hand warmers

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors it’s a good idea to have portable hand warmers in your pocket. These can be picked up for very little money and used time and time again. Most hand warmers work by clicking a little piece of metal which causes the surrounding gel to heat up. Once cooled, just boil them in a pot of water and take them out with you the following day.

Back-up batteries

Cold weather can cause your phone or camera battery to run out more quickly. This is because the lithium ions become less efficient, interrupting the electricity flow inside your device. Even if your battery usually lasts a long time, bringing a spare power bank or rechargeable pack of batteries can help you to avoid getting caught out. These days power banks are designed to be small so you’ll be able to easily carry them in your pocket.

Hand cream

When you’re going on a sunny beach holiday, it’s second nature to bring cooling lotions and gels to feel comfortable after a day in the sun. But for a winter holiday, you have a totally different set of problems to think about, one of them being dry and cracked hands. The cold weather can wreak havoc on your hands and nails, especially if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, so make sure you pack a rich balm or cream to replenish moisture.

Spare clothing

In sunny climates, it’s easy enough to let your clothes dry off after a shower of rain, but the same can’t be said for cold winter holidays. Not only will your clothes feel uncomfortable if they get wet, but you’re more likely to encounter bad weather when traveling in colder seasons. To ensure your comfort and health, make sure you pack spare clothes, especially socks, so you can get changed if needed. If the space in your suitcase is limited, try to stay somewhere where there are washing and drying facilities so you can keep on top of your laundry if needed.

First aid kit

It’s important to stay safe on every type of holiday, but you might be more likely to suffer slips and falls in icy locations. Having a first aid kit on hand will help you take care of any minor bumps without having to go in search of a pharmacy. It’s especially key to have plasters and bandages if you plan to go hiking or skiing, as you never know what could happen in more rural areas during physical activity. Make sure you talk to local tour guides or stop by an information booth to learn more about any potential risks you could face. Exploring snowy landscapes can be lots of fun, but the last thing you want is to get stuck in a snowstorm.

Waterproofs

Last but not least, make sure you have waterproof clothing to keep you safe from the rain. More often than not, outdoor jackets are designed to retain heat, keep out the wind and repel rain, so look for pieces that cover all your needs. It’s no good bringing a light rain jacket if you need something more insulated for the snow, but equally a wool coat can get soaked through quickly if you’re not careful. It’s best to keep yourself dry using clothing rather than an umbrella, as this can easily be lost or bent out of shape.