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Top 7 Tips For Packing For A Cold Weather Vacation

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Going on a vacation to a cold-weather destination can offer an incredibly beautiful and memorable trip. Packing, however, can feel complicated. Here are 7 tips for packing for a trip somewhere cold or snowy that will make the process a breeze!

Top 7 Tips For Packing For A Cold Weather Vacation

1. Layer Up

One of the best ways to both stay warm and cut down on packing space is to use thermal clothing and layering to your advantage. Thermal undergarments will not only keep you warm but also take up much less space than several coats will.

 Layer Up

2. Bring Two Pairs Of Shoes For Travel

This one is for those traveling by car. More than likely, you’ll be trudging through snow (or slush) at some point during your trip. And if you’re also going to be spending hours or days in your car, having to wear boots (or worse, wet shoes) can be uncomfortable at best. Consider bringing an extra pair of comfortable shoes such as slippers, as well as a bin or bag to put your outdoor shoes in. This will ensure that you’re not only dry and comfortable while driving, but also that any melting snow or ice on your shoes won’t result in a soggy car floor. 

Bring Two Pairs Of Shoes For Travel

3. Hand Warmers Are Your Friends

At some point, you might find that your body heat – even with layering and thermal clothing – isn’t keeping you quite warm enough. Air-activated hand and foot warmers are a great solution to this. They’re cost-effective, as well as easily packable. Better yet, use is straightforward – just open the packaging and slip the warmers into your gloves, pockets, or boots for a little extra warmth. 

Grand canyon in the winter

4. Grab A First Aid Kit Prior To Your Adventure

This is especially applicable if you’re traveling by car (or anywhere else by yourself, such as a winter hike), though it’s still not a bad idea to have a first aid kit on hand even if you’re just staying at a hotel. Because a lot of snowy destinations can be more remote, having some bandaids and other supplies on hand can be convenient or even life-saving. 

Grab A First Aid Kit Prior To Your Adventure

5. Bring A Thermal Blanket

Another safety tip – this one is also most relevant if you’re traveling by car or doing anything in remote areas. Thermal blankets are cheap, easy to pack, and offer an excellent safeguard for keeping you warm in case of car trouble or any other unexpected issues. 

Bring A Thermal Blanket

6. Bring Sunscreen

Sunscreen might be the last thing you’d think to pack while going on a winter vacation somewhere snowy, but if you’re doing anything outside you’ll be glad you brought it. The winter cold can be deceptive when it comes to UV rays, and white snow can also create the perfect reflective surface. Furthermore, cold weather will already have a drying effect on your skin, which can leave it even more sensitive. Bring a bottle of face-friendly sunscreen with you (consider killing two birds with one stone and bringing a moisturizing one) to keep your skin healthy and safe. 

Sunrise over mountains Sun Valley, Idaho

7. Invest In Good Footwear

Footwear can be one of the more overlooked aspects of any trip but is arguably one of the most important if you’re traveling somewhere cold or snowy. Even if you’re not doing very much outdoors, snow and slush can quickly seep their way through your shoes and at the very least make for a pretty uncomfortable and soggy rest of your day. If you are doing anything in the cold for longer periods of time, improper footwear can be downright dangerous and increase the risks of frostbite or hypothermia.  If there’s one thing you might want to consider splurging on, consider investing in some good quality waterproof boots or shoes.

Invest In Good Footwear

Read More:

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Top 5 Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park This Winter

Top 6 Sunny U.S. Destinations To Escape The Cold This Winter

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