Living in southwest Florida, my family is accustomed to wearing t-shirts and shorts or jeans, even in December. Some years, we go up north to visit our extended family in New England, and during those trips, we remember just how cold it is in the northern section of the country! If you are planning to travel from a warmer climate to a cold one this holiday season, you might not know what to pack, and if you’re like me, you might not even have a real winter coat! Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
- You don’t necessarily need a bulky coat to keep warm. Dressing in layers once you get to your destination will keep you warm enough. Also, you’re probably not used to the high temperature and dryness of heating systems; when others are comfortable in a sweater, you might want to strip down to long or short shirt-sleeves. Pack thin layers such as polyester or silk undershirts as well as thicker sweaters or sweatshirts. Try not to wear cotton directly against your skin, as it does not wick away perspiration. Also, make sure that you have a windbreaker or a light jacket that will keep the wind off of your torso.
- Think about your extremities. Gloves, mittens, a hat, thick socks and a scarf will keep your ears, nose, fingers and toes toasty when the weather is frightful. Two good things about these items: They’re easy to pack because they’re fairly small, and they’re easy to buy while you’re up north because they’re not very expensive. If you have no need for them after you get home or you’re not able to fit them in your luggage, you can always leave them with family members or donate them.
- Pack clothing in neutral colors. You won’t have room to bring a dozen sweaters, so stick to unobtrusive colors for bulkier items. No one will notice if you wear a navy blue or gray sweater several times during your visit, but a fuschia or lime green sweater will stand out and stick in people’s minds.
- Think about where you will be packing your gifts. With luggage fees being what they are, you may be better off shipping gifts rather than paying for an extra suitcase. Or, bring gift cards for relatives or go holiday shopping once you reach your destination. Of course, you’ll also need to transport home any gifts given to you. If you’re visiting family, you might consider gently and tactfully reminding them of this before they shop.
- If you plan on going hiking or spending a lot of time outside, you’ll need to bring sturdy boots. For just visiting family and going to indoor locations, however, you can get away with wearing regular shoes or sneakers. Either way, wear your largest and heaviest pair of shoes or boots on the plane; this will save you some room in your luggage. This is actually a good strategy for all of your winter items. Wear your jacket and other heavy clothing if your luggage is near its weight limit. Once you are in your seat, you can begin peeling off the layers.
What are some of your best tips for packing for a vacation to a colder climate?
