Many would agree that packing lightly in winter is more complicated than in summer. Given winter’s colder temperatures, you’ll need bulkier clothing, additional layers, and accessories like hats, gloves and scarves for your winter getaways. Just because you need more clothing items doesn’t mean you have to take another case with you; it just means you must plan before you pack, and we are here to help.
Whether you’re gearing up for a winter holiday in a colder destination or finally embarking on that long-awaited winter sports adventure, here are our tips on how to pack lightly this winter.
H3 Pack layers instead of bulky clothing
A common mistake is packing bulky clothing items that take up too much space in your luggage. Instead of packing bulky coats and sweatshirts, it is ideal to pack more layers. Dressing thinner and using insulating layers such as long-sleeve tops and light sweatshirts will take up less space in your bag and give you more clothing alternatives.
Wear, don’t pack.
It is inevitable to travel in winter and not need bulky items such as your winter coat, but wearing your sweater rather than packing it will save you luggage space. Wear it on your journey to the airport, even if you don’t plan to wear it throughout the flight. When you get warm, take it off and stuff it in the overhead locker. This will save you a lot of space for more items in your luggage.
Use vacuum packs
Pack your winter clothing in vacuum packs to create more room in your luggage. These handy compression packs release air from bulky clothing, such as sweaters and winter coats.
Opt-in for re-wearable clothing.
Planning your outfits can help you get the most out of your clothing while packing less. When packing in winter, you must be programmatic and choose whether each clothing item is essential. Bringing plain sweatshirts, trousers, and t-shirts can help you alternate between different outfits with limited clothing.
H2 Avoid baggage fees
If you plan your packing, you may avoid having to pay additional baggage fees for bulkier items that did not fit into your luggage or not accurately estimating the weight of certain heavier items of clothing. Read more on how to pack your carry-on luggage like a pro here.
Some tips to try to avoid paying baggage fees are:
- Have the right luggage.
- Check your weight allowance prior.
- Use travel-size toiletries.
- Organise your packing.
Consider your activities
It is important to consider what activities you will be doing on your holiday. This means you can plan around it; packing for predominately outdoor activities differs greatly from an indoor conference holiday. Estimate the essentials you need and the number of products and items needed for the duration of your stay.
Traveling with sportswear and equipment.
Packing for a ski trip is a whole different ball game. You will need almost double the number of items, sports gear, and additional clothing to wear daily.
Travelling with sports gear can be bulky and heavy, so there are two options to consider: Renting sports gear when you reach your destination or carefully planning your packing.
If you decide to bring your own gear, there may be no way around it, and you might just have to check on an additional bag. However, packing considerably can still avoid checking in two bags.
When packing for a winter getaway on the slopes, staying updated with weather patterns and changes in your destination is essential to get a more accurate estimate of what clothing to pack. To help get the most out of your luggage, you could consider purchasing lighter sports gear or sharing your sports gear equipment with those you are travelling with.
Peace of mind
If you are planning a winter holiday, travel insurance is highly recommended. The AA can help you with this. To find out more about why you should buy travel insurance, click here.
Our winter sports cover takes you to new heights; find out about our winter sports travel insurance here.
