How to Pack for a Cozy Winter Getaway

As we approach the middle of December, the mountains are now freshly cloaked in snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Whether or not we’re avid skiers, the allure of a snowy escape for an extended weekend is hard to resist during this magical season.

For every winter retreat, careful consideration is needed when selecting our attire, taking into account the various activities we might engage in. While skiers may spend the majority of their day on the slopes, those not participating in skiing often plan alternative winter activities.

Here’s our quick reminder about what to bring other than clothes:

Winter Essentials and Chargers

Mobile phones, both personal and work-related, along with their corresponding chargers. Don’t forget your tablet, Kindle, and laptop, making sure you’ve packed chargers for each device. Having a pre-prepared list of all your electronic devices is beneficial. Compact organizers can assist in efficiently packing your suitcase, and it’s advisable to designate one for chargers. If flying, this organized approach simplifies placing them in carry-on luggage, as required by airport security.

Documents and Money

For those traveling internationally: ensure you have your passport, and consider having a separate wallet for the currency used in the country you’ll be visiting. If you have some local currency at home, set it aside in advance and place it in your designated travel wallet.

Double-check accommodation reservations and tickets. It’s a good idea to have them prepared in advance, either in electronic format (saved on your phone in the appropriate folder) or printed, as passport control increasingly requests proof of accommodation and return date.

Winter Hygiene Essentials

Regardless of the type of accommodation, it’s practical to have in your carry-on: soap, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, a toothbrush, mini toothpaste, contact lens solution if applicable, and any daily medications.

In a larger suitcase, pack other essentials like toothpaste, deodorant, face lotion, creams, etc. Pour your shampoo and conditioner into small bottles available at drugstores or supermarkets.

Separately pack another toiletry bag for supplements, band-aids, and any medications (first aid) you might need.

Hobbies, Winter Leisure, and Reading

If you enjoy reading e-books, it’s practical to make all your purchases and downloads before the trip and transfer them to the appropriate device when you have a reliable internet connection.

Include compact board games, a notepad, and a pen in your winter getaway essentials.

Winter Wardrobe

For the winter season, consider packing “activewear” made of gentle merino wool. These can include shirts with or without sleeves, leggings, and socks. Merino wool is naturally resistant to stains and odors, requiring less frequent washing compared to synthetic materials. Additionally, it provides excellent insulation, keeping the body warm and maintaining optimal temperature in chilly conditions.

Carefully select clothing items that don’t take up much space, fitting neatly into half of your carry-on suitcase. The other half is reserved for underwear and personal hygiene products.

With just 8 clothing items, you can create a versatile wardrobe with 15 outfit combinations. Add a warm jacket, suitable footwear, and winter accessories like a hat, scarf, or shawl.

Including one extra top, with the original three bottoms and five tops, expands your wardrobe to eighteen possible outfit combinations. Pay attention to coordinating colors within your chosen palette to ensure easy mixing and matching.