When you’re traveling in the winter, everything can feel a bit more magical… and also slightly more chaotic.
Between the weather that changes its mind every five minutes, airport crowds during the holidays, and the constant battle of trying not to freeze while also not sweating through three layers indoors, winter trips come with their own set of challenges. That’s why it’s important to prepare before your winter getaway.
Here are six winter travel tips I wish someone had told me before my first winter trip.
1. Pack in layers (but not your entire closet)
It’s easy to fall into the trap when packing for winter. You think you need your giant puffer, the thick sweater you wore once, and every pair of wool socks you own… but that’s how you end up with a suitcase that won’t zip.
Think in threes:
- Base layer: Something like a thermal shirt that sits against your skin
- Middle layer: Fleece, a merino wool sweater, maybe a thin puffer
- Outer layer: Your coat (which you should wear on the plane so it doesn’t take up valuable suitcase room)
2. Expect delayed flights
Winter weather doesn’t care about your itinerary. Storms roll in, flights get canceled, and suddenly you’re scrambling to figure out plan B while standing in a massive airport line.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself:
- Book flights earlier in the day (they’re less likely to have a domino effect of delays)
- Don’t cut your layovers too close
- Pack essentials in your carry-on: meds, chargers, a warm layer, snacks, anything you’d need if your bag got lost
Also (and I can’t stress this enough), download your airline’s app. Airport screens can be slow to update, but the app tells you about gate changes and delays quickly.
And honestly, winter is a great time to consider travel insurance, especially if your airline is strict about refunds.
3. Protect your electronics from the cold
Ever notice how your phone just… dies at 15% when it’s freezing out? That’s not a glitch. Cold drains batteries fast, and it’s incredibly annoying when you need GPS or your boarding pass.
It’s a known thing. According to Apple, “Using an iOS or iPadOS device in very cold conditions outside of its operating range might temporarily shorten battery life and could cause your device to turn off.”
Here are a few easy fixes:
- Keep your phone in an inside pocket, close to your body heat
- Bring a portable charger
- Don’t leave your devices in the car overnight
If you’re going somewhere really cold, like the mountains, you may even want to bring hand warmers to stash in the same pocket as your phone.
4. Choose winter-friendly footwear
The most stylish boots aren’t always the warmest (or the safest). Cold destinations can mean snow, ice, and slush, so you want shoes that can handle a little abuse.
Look for:
- Waterproofing (super important)
- Good traction
- Space for thick socks
- Easy on/off for airports
5. Stay hydrated even when you don’t feel thirsty
This winter travel tip might seem simple, but it’s one of the most important.
Winter air is dry, airplanes are even drier, and then you spend all day in heated spaces. Your body gets dehydrated without you realizing it. You need to keep sipping water throughout your trip, especially on travel days.
You’ll:
- Feel less tired
- Avoid travel headaches
- Keep your skin from feeling like sandpaper
6. Keep warm without looking like a marshmallow
Sure, a nice big coat can help you stay warm, but the little stuff also makes a difference.
I always bring:
- Gloves that work with your phone (touchscreen-friendly ones are everywhere now)
- A scarf that can double as a neck pillow
- A warm hat (you lose a surprising amount of heat through your head)
- Hand warmers
- A small packable blanket (good if you get cold on planes)
Good luck out there this holiday season, and travel safely.
