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I think packing for a cold weather vacation is much more overwhelming and I think it has a lot to do with being an avid carry on only girl and winter clothes take up so much more room. Below are some things I recommend for adding to your bag when going somewhere in the winter to make you more comfortable and add some convenience and fun.
Base Layer to Stay Warm
If you are going to a very cold location, the base layer you wear is very important. You can buy something expensive at REI or go cheap at Costco but the most important factor is that is moisture wicking and NOT cotton. My friend told me her rules at camp said “cotton is rotten” and that has stuck with me. I like Uniqulo’s heattech and they have different levels. On a recent trip to Norway, I took this scoop neck one that hid nicely under all of my tops but It does have some cotton in it so I wouldn’t recommend it for outdoor activities where you will be sweating. For outdoor activities, I wore this top at their max warmth one which I have worn at home on a few snow days. My friend bought Uniqulo’s leggings as well but I opted for cheaper ones at Costco. For my main pants in Norway, I wore these extremely thick fleece lined leggings we found on Amazon. I ended up wearing them most of the trip and just alternated the base layer under them to keep them clean.
Dual Voltage Hair Tools
Just because you buy a plug adapter, it doesn’t mean you can plug whatever you want in it! The USA uses lower voltage meaning you will fry your hair tools plugging them into most other country’s outlets. I bought an expensive voltage converter and I still lost my beloved hair straightener I had for 10 years when I was in Greece. So don’t do this unless you know it can handle the higher voltage! I use this curling iron and this waver when I travel abroad because they are designed to handle 110 to 220 volts and you don’t even have to push a button or do anything. Most electronics like phones are built this way too since they are sold all over the world.
Insulated Water Bottle and Electrolytes
I always carry an insulated water bottle on the plane to keep hydrated. I hate drinking too much and having to get up a lot on the plane so I drink an electrolyte tablet dissolved in a glass of water. The ones from Nuun come in a little container that do not take up much space and are easy to travel with. They also come in handy if you drink too much wine one night. I have been taking them for years and they are a must pack for me.
Toiletries in Smaller, Lighter Containers
One of my favorite weight and space saving hacks is using small, light spray bottles, small leakproof pods, larger pods, and squeeze tubes for all of my toiletries. I have a dedicated skincare routine and I do not want to let it go while traveling and I also don’t want to lug around full size products in different sized containers. Nothing brings me more joy while packing than seeing my favorite products fit easily in this nice TSA approved zip bag. I also find I need to wash something on a trip so I carry a few of these small packets of detergent.
Waterproof phone case
Don’t be the person who gets in the hot tub with your phone in your pocket! I always find myself wanting to snap a photo once I get in the hot tub so I wear it around my neck in this waterproof case that also floats. It says it takes photos underwater but they always come out fuzzy when I have tried.
Games
I always throw in a deck of cards and a few games in my personal bag on the plan. I think having something to do at the end of the day, at a bar, or even at the airport is much more engaging and fun with your travel partner instead of scrolling on our phone individually. Games I recommend that do not take up a lot of space are Qwixx and The Game.
Plug Adapter
I carry this plug adapter even when I am not traveling internationally because it has 4 usb outlets and 1 usbc allowing me to plug in my phone, watch, headphones, external charger, and kindle using only one outlet. You never know how accessible the hotel will be and I find this keeps me from letting any of my devices. If you are traveling abroad, this one adapter covers quite a few countries with no pesky pieces to switch out like some adapters. Just make sure it works for where you are going! Also remember this just adapts the plug shape and does not convert the voltage so make sure your devices are built for the voltage of where you are going.
Sound Machine
I used to be able to sleep through anything but as I get older I have become more noise sensitive. Since you never know where your hotel room will be and how soundproof it is, traveling with a nice loud white noise machine will help cover the sound of those slamming doors or people talking loudly in the halls. This one has 20 sounds to choose from including fan sounds and white, brown, and pink noise so find your fav. It also has dual voltage so you can take it internationally and its a nice compact size.
Wine Stain Remover
I bring a small bottle of this incredible wine stain remover any time we plan to go wine tasting. I am that person that can’t wear white without spilling red wine on it and this saves me! It also smells weirdly good.
Luggage
I did a lot of research and really wanted to spend money on one of those fancy bags that stalk me on Instagram and TikTok but found this Samsonite bag kept coming up in top performing bag lists. They come in some fun colors and look just as good as those fancy bags we have all seen. I am so glad I went with them because the spinner wheels work great and it is light and holds a lot. I bought the full size bag as well even though I’m a dedicated carry on girl.
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