Winters around the globe are known for being beautiful. Think snow-capped mountains, delicious warm drinks, twinkling lights and the feel of the festive season just around the corner.

And when the cold weather hits, you might be tempted to book a winter getaway and explore the world. But packing for a winter trip isn’t as easy as the thin, lightweight layers we take on a summer holiday.

In this Trtl Travel blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about packing for a winter getaway, including some useful tips and tricks to make use of every corner of your suitcase.

What is winter travel?

Winter travel simply refers to travelling during the winter season, which usually spans from December to February for countries in the northern hemisphere, such as the UK and the US. 

It involves going to various colder weather destinations and choosing activities that take advantage of the winter conditions, such as:

• Snow sports — Many people travel to snowy regions during the winter to participate in snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. You’ll more than likely be staying in a mountain resort or a ski town.
  
  
• Winter wonderland destinations — Some travellers seek out destinations known for their picturesque winter landscapes, like Iceland or Norway. These places offer opportunities for activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and simply enjoying the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
  
  
• Holidays and festive travel — Winter is a popular time for holidays, thanks to Christmas and the New Year. Lots of people travel across the world to see famous Christmas markets in the likes of Cologne and Salzburg, while others travel to visit friends and family.
  
  
• Northern Lights viewing — Travellers often venture to northern regions, like Scandinavia and Canada, during the winter to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), a natural phenomenon where colourful lights dance across the night sky.
  
  
• City breaks — Visiting cities during the winter can provide a unique experience with fewer crowds, festive decorations, and the chance to explore museums, restaurants, and cultural sites.

What should you pack for a winter trip?

When it comes to what to pack for a winter holiday, there are a few essentials that you won’t want to miss off your checklist.

1. Thermals or insulating layers

Thermals, or base layers, are essential when heading for a winter trip as they provide a foundational layer of insulation.

Most thermals will consist of long-sleeve tops and bottoms made from moisture-wicking materials that help to keep you warm and dry whilst on your travels. It’s usually a good idea to bring lightweight and mid-weight thermals for layering options, depending on the temperature. You don’t want to overheat, after all!

On the other hand, insulating layers are pieces of clothing designed to keep you warm by trapping and retaining body heat. These layers are typically worn over your thermal base layer and underneath winter jackets or parkas.

 2. Waterproof outerwear

An extra layer of protection against the cold is always essential. Your main pick should be a waterproof and insulated winter coat or parka, ideally with a hood to protect against rain and snow. 

Make sure to look for coats and jackets with sealed seams in breathable materials and prioritise function and comfort over style if you have to.

3. Warm accessories

Cold-weather accessories are crucial for keeping your extremities warm, whether you’re heading down the slopes or taking in the sights of a Christmas market.

Invest in waterproof or woollen gloves or mittens, and make sure to pack a warm beanie or hat that covers your ears! A scarf to protect your neck is a must-have winter accessory, and earmuffs for added warmth.

4. Sunglasses or goggles

We know what you’re thinking: who needs sunglasses during the winter? However, you’d be surprised! 

Sunglasses with polarised lenses and UV protection are necessary for reducing glare from the snow and helping to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays. If you’re planning on taking to the slopes by skiing or snowboarding, invest in a pair of goggles with UV protection and anti-fog features.

5. Jumpers or sweatshirts

Pack a variety of both lightweight and heavier jumpers and sweatshirts that provide flexibility when layering — we all know how essential these colder-weather must-haves are!

Top tip: Jumpers, sweatshirts, fleece jackets or down vests are easily worn over base layers. It’s important to opt for more insulating materials like wool or synthetic fleece that offer warmth and can be easily layered to adapt to different temperatures.

6. Useful footwear

Choose insulated, waterproof winter boots with excellent traction to keep your feet warm and safe on slippery terrain. 

Don’t forget that moisture-wicking socks made from fabrics like merino wool are essential to wear under boots.

7. Skincare protection

The cold weather can be extremely harsh on the skin, so make sure that you pack your skincare items. 

Quality moisturiser helps to combat dry skin due to the cold, dry air; applying SPF helps to protect your skin from UV rays, particularly if you’re at high altitudes. Remember to carry lip balm to prevent chapped and cracked lips!

8. The Trtl Travel Pillow Original

Everyone needs to travel with a comfortable travel pillow, and our Trtl Pillow Original offers complete support. Relieving stress on your spine and muscles, our pillow helps you remain relaxed and at ease for your trip.

How to pack winter clothes properly for a trip

Packing efficiently for a winter trip can help you stay organised and make the most of your luggage space. Here are some handy tips on proper packing:

1. Choose the right suitcase

Choosing the right suitcase is the first step when it comes to packing. Opt for a suitcase or travel bag that suits your needs and is large enough to carry all your winter clothing without being overly bulky.

Hard-shell cases offer added protection against cold and wet weather.

2. Embrace layering

Layering your clothes during the trip allows you to adjust to varying temperatures and keeps you warm without excessively overpacking. 

Before leaving, plan your outfits by coordinating thermals, insulating layers, and outerwear. Remember, you don’t need to wear a new coat or jacket daily — one or two should be enough for a week-long adventure.

3. Implement proper packing techniques

Start with heavier and bulkier items at the bottom of your suitcase and place shoes, boots and other non-clothing items first to help create a stable base. You can also:

• Opt to roll items — Roll your clothes, such as jumpers, trousers and t-shirts, rather than folding them. Rolling helps to save space and reduces wrinkles in your clothes. Place rolled items tightly side by side to maximise space and make sure that they don’t unroll.

• Use packing cubes — Packing cubes help keep your clothing organised and compact. Group similar items together, like base layers, sweaters, or accessories, and use separate cubes for each category so they’re easier to find when it comes to unpacking. Learn how to pack like a pro with the Trtl Packing Pods.

• Utilise any dead space — Utilise every inch of space effectively and fill all the gaps in your suitcase with smaller items like socks, underwear and accessories.

4. Leverage your accessories

If you do find that you’re running out of space quickly, use your accessories to your advantage. 

Stuff hats, scarves and gloves into your boots and shoes to save on space and help these items keep their shape — the last thing you want is a dented boot!

5. Select the right footwear

Limit the number of shoes you bring by choosing versatile pairs that can be worn with multiple outfits. 

Top tip: Pack shoes in dust bags or plastic bags to prevent dirt and moisture from spreading to your clothing — you can thank us later. A recent great TikTok hack suggests using shower caps to cover your shoes and keep the inside of your suitcase clean - we tried and tested it and cannot recommend it more. It's a great use for those free hotel shower caps.

6. Wear your bulkiest items

On travel days, wear your bulkiest and heaviest items, such as your winter coat, boots, and the thickest layers. This frees up space in your suitcase and keeps you warm during your journey.

Tips and tricks for packing bulky items

Packing bulky items can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the most of your luggage space. Here are some useful tips and tricks:

• Use vacuum bags — Vacuum bags are a great way to compress bulky items like winter coats, blankets or puffy jackets. Place your items inside the bag, seal it and then use a hoover to remove the air, which reduces the volume of the items.

• Downsize your toiletries — Your toiletries can take up a significant amount of space, even if you don’t think they will. Consider downsizing your toiletries by using travel-sized containers or buying the toiletries at your destination. You can also opt for 2-in-1 products to help reduce the items you need to pack.

• Pack smarter, not heavier — Instead of packing a variety of bulky clothing options, focus on versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This minimises the need for extra clothing and saves space.

• Consider shipping items — If you have exceptionally bulky or heavy items that you don't need for your entire trip, consider shipping them to your destination in advance. This can be more cost-effective than paying for overweight baggage fees or checking them in on the day of travel.

What's the baggage allowance for winter clothes?

Baggage allowance is the amount of baggage that you’re allowed to take on the plane with you. 

Each airline sets its own allowance, with certain restrictions on size, weight and the number of pieces that you can check-in. Most airlines have a standard weight limit for a single suitcase, anywhere between 20-23 kg, but it’s best to check with your airline before you fly. 

Find out more about baggage allowance with our on everything you need to know.

Travel the right way with Trtl Travel

When it comes to winter packing, there are a few essentials that you’ll need to add to your checklist, but so long as you do, you’ll be alright!

And, we all know just how important it is to be comfortable when you’re flying too. That’s why our travel pillows will leave you feeling refreshed at your destination, whether it’s a quick trip of a few hours or a long-haul flight.  

To find out more helpful tips and tricks for all things flying, check out our blog page.