I just wanted to take a moment to wish those who celebrate a very Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. I hope that the warmth, joy, and happiness of the season continue into your New Year and beyond!
I hope that you will all have a chance to get some travel in soon, despite the up and down news that we hear. Winter travel will surely brighten your spirits! Whether you will be joining your family for the season’s festivities or just taking advantage of the time off from work and school to get some traveling in, you’re probably wondering what you should be packing for your trip. So, I wanted to put together a quick guide on preparing for winter travel in those colder areas.
Let’s Talk Layers
When I said that this would be a guide for those traveling to colder areas, I refer to temperatures that range between 20-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of you may think that is not so cold, but hey, I’ve been here in So Cal for a very long time now! Even though a 40-degree day may require fewer layers than a 20-degree day, it’s better to be prepared for whatever mother nature throws your way. Let’s break down what that means:
- Base Layer: Long johns, of course, or thermal underwear. There are even some fabulous fleece-lined leggings to keep you warm and toasty.
- Mid Layer(s): Long-sleeved shirt and/or sweater on top and jeans on the bottom.
- Outer layer: A waterproof insulated jacket with a hood. Make sure your outer layer is about a size or two bigger than your regular size to accommodate all the layers underneath. And hmmm, if it has been hanging in your closet through the pandemic, you may want to try it on well before you have to pack. Not sure all of my outer layers still have room for the mid-layer!! Also, make sure your jacket has nice-sized pockets as another layer to protect your hands.
Lace-Up Your Boots
In colder climates, you are likely to encounter snow or ice, so make sure your feet are kept warm and dry. There are two types of boots you may want to consider packing on a winter trip. The first is the typical “duck” boot, which has waterproofing from snow or rain. The other type of boot I would suggest is something a little less bulky but still with some water resistance. Of course, you also want to make sure your boots have good traction on the soles to help keep you steady in the case of ice or mud. It is not the time for those amazing boots with heels, even though you want to show them off on your trip!
Don’t Forget to Accessorize
Scarf? Check! Beanie? Super check! Gloves? Triple check! (And for these, make sure you have the ones where you can still use your phone at the fingertips). On top of these basics, I recommend carrying a hands-free (messenger bag or backpack) theft-resistant bag by a company like Travelon, which can also be water-resistant to protect your important devices, identification, and belongings.
One last thing to be aware of in planning is that these warmer clothes obviously take up much more space in your luggage and carry much more weight than tank tops and shorts. You can plan for mix and match outfits, and - if you’re going on a cruise or staying in a rental home - check if you’re able to do laundry so that you can bring less bulk with you. Compressible packing cubes or even compressible luggage may be another great option to reduce the bulk in your bags.
So there you have it! A super quick and simple guide for prepping for winter travel! If you are already thinking about your next trip after the holiday and your bucket list of destinations for 2022, let’s chat! Click here to schedule a call and let us help you “Seymour” of the World!
