6 Secrets to Successfully Pack for a Winter Vacation
Everyone knows how to pack for a warm weather vacation. Just throw a few bathing suits, flip flops, sunglasses and suntan lotion into your suitcase, and you are good to go, right?
Packing for a winter vacation is not as simple. You are faced with a few hurdles that don’t exist when packing for a beach vacation.
Winter clothing is bulkier and heavier, giving you less room to work with in your suitcase, so you may need to be a little craftier when packing. For most of us, bringing additional luggage is not something we want to do because of the extra baggage fees we will have to pay at the airport.
If you are driving, you are also working with limited space to fit everyone’s stuff in the vehicle. Plus, you may also have equipment to contend with such as skis, snowboards, skates and other equipment used for winter activities.
And we haven’t even talked about lugging all your stuff around.
Before you try to jam as much as possible into your suitcase, read these insightful tips for packing efficiently for a winter vacation:
1. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”
How many times do you take a trip and only use about half of the stuff you bring with you on the trip? Make sure you only pack what you really intend on using. Remember, you can wear a pair of pants or a sweater multiple times. Also, avoid packing items “just in case.”
2. Pack the warm stuff first
Focus on packing the items that will keep you warm. It is a winter vacation, after all. Pack your winter hat, gloves, socks and sweaters first. This ensures they get packed. Then you can worry about packing other, less important items.
3. Dress in layers
Dressing in layers is the key to maximizing space in your suitcase. Wear a couple shirts, long johns under your pants, and a couple pairs of socks when travelling. The more you carry on your person, the more room you will have in your suitcase.
4. Utilize your carry on bag
Forget about packing magazines and other frivolous things in your carry on. Use the space to pack items you will use on your trip.
5. Don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen
You will still need your sunglasses and sunscreen on your winter vacation, especially if you plan on hitting the slopes or partaking in outdoor winter activities.
6. Leave your gear at home
While everyone wants to use their own gear, renting it at the resort is probably your best option. When you factor in the cost to transport it and the hassle of lugging it around, it may be easier and more cost effective to rent.
Do you struggle to fit everything you want to take with you on your winter vacation into your suitcase? Tell us about your secrets to pack for a winter vacation!
Winter Vacation Advice
Hot Or Cold? Examining The Pros Of Warm And Cold Weather Vacation Options
Vacation Planning Tips For An Awesome (An Cost Effective) Trip