16 Must-Haves When Packing for a Winter Vacation – If you haven’t vacationed in a cold climate before, then it’s important to learn how to dress for the weather. You also need to bring a few emergency supplies to keep yourself safe if you become stranded on the road or experience a power outage. For a happy trip, include the following items when you pack for a winter vacation.
Warm Clothing
You need winter clothing to keep warm even if you plan on staying inside most of the time. If you’re not used to cold weather, then you might find it uncomfortable inside some buildings without appropriate winter clothing.
1. Full-Body Shapewear and/or Bralettes
You can continue wearing shapewear in cold weather as long as you wear layers to stay warm. Full-body shapewear is ideal because it covers more of your skin than a bra and panties.
If you don’t wear shapewear, you should bring bras and bralettes to support your bust. They work well underneath the thick winter clothing you’ll be wearing. You can still wear padded bras if you prefer, but you might find a bralette to be more comfortable because of its thinner material and more comfortable design.
2. Thermal Underwear
Also known as long johns, thermal underwear covers your legs to help keep you warm under your pants in cold weather. Quality thermal underwear is so comfortable that you’ll forget you have it on. Choose pairs that have moisture-wicking properties. If you’re going to be out in below-freezing temperatures, then you need heavyweight long johns. Midweight is for cold temperatures above freezing, and lightweight is suitable for moderate to cool weather.
3. Scarves
Having your neck exposed can make you feel uncomfortable. Bring a winter scarf with you to protect your neck from the cold winds. Wool is an ideal material choice because it helps keep you both warm and dry.
4. Winter Coat
Many people who are new to winter travel worry about having space for their coats. There are options in winter coats that are designed to be thinner while keeping you cozy. Look for a winter trench coat or parka that has water-resistant, wind-resistant and insulating features.
5. Winter Hat
If the coat you bring doesn’t have a hood, or you prefer hats over hoods, bring a winter hat that will keep your head warm. Fine merino wool and cashmere are cozy materials for winter hats. Sheepskin and faux fur lining are other desirable features. Styles of winter hats to choose from include beanies, berets, fedoras and aviator hats.
6. Gloves
Pack winter gloves that are touchscreen-friendly so that you can use your phone with ease while you’re outside. They will help keep your hands warm without restricting your finger and hand movements.
7. Warm Socks and Boots
You need thicker socks to keep your feet warm in cold weather. Bring winter boots to prevent your feet from getting wet in the snow.
Medicine
To avoid the need to travel to an unfamiliar drugstore in potentially snowy conditions, come prepared for the possibility of falling sick on your vacation. Wash your hands every time you come inside the hotel to help protect yourself from viruses and other pathogens.
8. Cough Drops
Sore throats can be excruciating. Cough drops help soothe your throat and prevent the pain from reaching such a point.
9. Cold and Flu Medicine
Cold and flu viruses may require different types of medicine to treat. Since they are pretty common in the winter, bring the medicine(s) your doctor recommends. These viruses thrive in cold, dry conditions, so it’s important to be prepared.
10. Hand Sanitizer
You should always wash your hands before eating to reduce the risk of falling ill. When you’re out and about, bring a bottle of travel hand sanitizer with you to disinfect your hands before eating.
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit when you travel is essential whatever the climate. Here are the items you will want to have in your emergency kit.
11. Emergency Thermal Blanket
If you become stranded outside, an emergency thermal blanket will keep you dry and warm. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and it can protect you from the cold.
12. First Aid Supplies
Your emergency kit should have basic first aid materials to easily treat any cuts or other minor injuries. Whenever you drive, you should have an emergency kit with you in case the car breaks down. This is especially important if you’re in a rural area or a city that has winter storms.
13. Ice Scraper
Remember to bring an ice scraper to clear snow and ice from your vehicle, too. It’s easy to forget this item if you’re from an area where it doesn’t snow.
14. Red Cloth
To make yourself visible in a situation where your car breaks down, you should have a red cloth to tie on your car. When assistance arrives, they will be able to notice you right away.
15. Backup Batteries and Charging Packs
Bring a backup battery and charging pack for your smartphone in case there’s a power outage or your car breaks down. You don’t want to be stranded with no way to contact help.
16. Winter-Friendly Protective Cases
Put your smartphone and tablet in winter-friendly protective cases. Low temperatures can damage electronic devices, so you need cases that protect them from winter conditions. Avoid leaving your electronic devices in your vehicle for extended periods. Use thick, insulated bags to help protect them if you need to. If your device is cold from sitting in the car, wait until it’s at room temperature to turn it on.
Pack Your Belongings in Waterproof Bags
Snow melts when it lands on your luggage. So, you need to pack your clothing and other items in waterproof suitcases or bags to protect them from the elements. If you’re bringing a backpack while exploring the area, make sure it is waterproof to protect your belongings. Remember to use an RFID–blocking wallet or backpack to prevent thieves from scanning your credit cards.
Enjoy Your Winter Vacation Knowing You Have All the Essentials
Winter vacations offer breathtaking winter wonderland views, the holiday spirit and fun outdoor activities. Now that you know what to pack for a winter vacation, you can be confident that you’ll stay warm and comfortable during your stay. There are plenty of stylish options in winter clothing, so you can keep yourself toasty while expressing yourself through your fashion choices.