The art of packing: Winter edition

Key takeaways

• Smart winter packing is about staying warm with versatile layers instead of overdoing it on bulky clothing.
• Wearing large or heavy items like coats and boots while traveling can free up valuable suitcase space and help avoid baggage fees.
• Choosing practical, multi-purpose outerwear and footwear makes winter travel more comfortable and packing easier.
• Small essentials like lip balm, moisturizer, sunglasses and warm socks can make a big difference.

Stop reading if your destination calls for flip-flops

Winter is easy to romanticize. Imagine joining the bustle of Rockefeller Center during the holidays or cozying up at a cafe in a quaint New England town while snowflakes fall on Main Street. Booking a winter wonderland vacation is a click away — but enjoyable only if you pack for the reality of the frigid temperatures outside and piping hot radiators inside.

Pack like a local

Before opening your suitcase, take a moment to look up the forecast at your destination and consider what’s on your itinerary.

Cold can vary significantly by region. The high-desert chill of Denver feels like walking into a freezer full of dry ice. Meanwhile the cold in more humid destinations like New York City feels bone chilling, like a damp T-shirt you can’t take off. And apparel for a trip to the slopes looks a lot different from what you’d wear for a stroll through the holiday market.

Whether preparing for slippery subway stairs or rugged, snowy trails, packing strategically for winter conditions is essential to avoid wishing you’d booked a trip to a tropical island instead.

Let’s look at a few scenarios:

For the city that turns into a snow globe: Waterproof shoes

The first day that snow falls in a major city feels like a winter wonderland. Life slows down a little as flakes fall onto stoops. People run out to make snowmen next to fire hydrants, and cafes come to life with cold locals looking to warm up with a hot drink.

If you want to be part of the fun, think waterproof comfort. After a few hours, the snow turns into sloshy puddles between the street and sidewalk, which makes packing ankle-height waterproof shoes or boots essential. And when your shoes can’t breathe, your socks need to. Stock up on merino wool socks to keep your feet from sweating when you’re walking and freezing when you stop.

Beyond utility and style, make sure your winter footwear is made for walking, with enough traction on the soles to handle icy sidewalk grates and slippery stairs. The energy of winter in the city is captivating. You wouldn’t want your shoes to let you down.

For chic mountain getaways: All-day versatility

Some of the best winter vacations in the U.S. can be found in towns like Aspen, Colorado, that come to life when most other locales go into hibernation. Even if you’re not skiing, you’ll want to enjoy the lodges with crackling fires and cozy bars and villages full of destination shopping.

Indoor warmth that starts as a welcome respite can become too much when you’re dressed for frigid temperatures outside. To avoid becoming your own personal sweat lodge, you’ll want to be able to quickly peel off a layer or two between outdoor excursions.

Also consider the local style of your destination. A chunky sweater, jeans and boots are the uniform in many classic New England towns. But if you’re heading to a high-altitude outdoor activity hub like Park City, Utah, or Boulder, Colorado, the local vibe leans into utilitarian, high-performance gear: Think sleek puffer vests, moisture-wicking layers and trail-ready footwear. And upscale resort towns like Aspen or Jackson Hole, Wyoming, invite cashmere layers and tailored wool coats.

For taking it slow in the woods: Casual comfort

Winter travel naturally comes with calmer moments. Unexpected snowstorms, shorter days and colder evenings all provide natural excuses to stay in. If you’re planning to lean into nature’s pause button in a mountainside cabin, you’ll want to focus on staying warm and comfortable, whether you’re by the fire inside or venturing out to the quaint, sleepy village nearby.

For low-key trips, focus on elevated loungewear. Trade stiff denim for fleece-lined joggers. Bring slippers with a hard sole so grabbing another log for the fire from the porch isn’t a whole ordeal. Keep quick jaunts into town low-key with pieces that are easy to throw on, like long puffer coats and slip-on winter boots.

Creature comforts and indoor entertainment items are also a must. Prepare for unreliable or non-existent Wi-Fi. Bring along a good book (or load up your e-reader in advance) and a game to play with your cabin companions.

Layers, layers, layers

Remember: Everything you pack will need to be lugged around at some point during your trip. Prioritize building outfits around lightweight layers. Thin thermal tops and leggings can add warmth underneath your regular clothes. Moisture-wicking base layers help keep you comfortable as you transition from the freezing cold into heated restaurants, shops or museums.

Along with retaining warmth, accessories like hats, scarves and gloves also give you easy options for quickly regulating your temperature. Getting too warm? Stuff that wool beanie into your coat pocket and cool off.

Layering also gives you flexibility throughout the day as temperatures change. Feeling overheated from too much clothing in the middle of a bustling holiday market or halfway up a snowy trail can put a damper on truly enjoying the moment.

Protect your eyes and skin

Winter travel can be hard on your skin and surprisingly draining if you’re not prepared for the elements. First and foremost, invest in good lip balm and moisturizer to combat the dry skin and chapped lips that are unavoidable in the cold — and even just on airplanes.

It can be easy to skip the sunscreen when you’re not booking a beach vacation, but snow and bright winter sun can intensify glare and UV exposure. You’ll be glad you stashed your favorite sunglasses in your tote once you get a good look at an expanse of freshly fallen snow.

Don’t make your luggage do all the work

Winter clothes can take up a lot of space, fast. Especially if you’re flying. And with the risk of overweight bag fees, the fight for limited overhead bin space and the frustration of trying to repack an overstuffed bag, wearing your bulkiest or heaviest items in transit instead of packing them can save you a lot of headaches.

Sure, snow boots, wool coats and thick scarves may not be the most convenient airport outfit, but wearing them can free up valuable suitcase space and potentially even help you avoid checking a bag. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it. Coat pockets are great places to stuff gloves, hats or scarves without adding too much extra bulk.

’Tis the season to explore

Winter travel comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re embarking on a high-adrenaline ski adventure, experiencing a world-class city in the snow or cozying up in a remote cabin, booking with Citi Travel using an eligible Citi^® credit card lets you earn points on hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions. Apply to become a Citi cardmember or log in to your account to seize the season today.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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