It’s always fun to get in the car and take a ride to someplace where you can kick back, have some fun — especially if cooler temps are in the forecast. If you’re lucky to travel via airplane to a unique destination where you are renting a furnished place for some much needed R &R then packing should be easy, breezy. Or, maybe your boss has you headed out of town for a business meeting or conference across the country and you don’t know what to pack to keep it light.
Before you head out to regions unknown – or known – it’s important you know how to pack for cold weather. Packing for a cold weather trip can be especially difficult since items are bulky. Car space is typically limited, even if you have an SUV or you are renting an RV, so be wise when getting prepared. Additionally, today’s airlines have limited the amount of luggage as well as carry-on items you can bring aboard.
Here are some quick tips for packing if you are going on a vacation or business trip that requires packing warm clothing.
Compression Bags
Compression or vacuum bagging will definitely save room in the car or if you are flying. These bags suck out the extra air, and ultimately save space in suitcases and other luggage. Be sure to check with your airlines before to make sure these are allowed.
Roll Items
A simple tip that doesn’t cost much — other than perhaps some muscle — is to roll your clothing instead of folding and stacking it inside luggage. In other words, make items tubular to save space and save time. Once you are at your destination just unroll items; they should be wrinkle-free if they were carefully rolled.
Pack Light
It’s best to pack light if you can and opt for items that can be worn interchangeably. For example, don’t pack 12 pairs of jeans and 15 white T-shirts to wear under sweaters. Instead just take two of each and rinse or send them to be laundered if you are staying at a hotel. The key is to have outfits that can be worn in the day, as well as the night (and might just need an update). You can achieve a quick update by adding a belt, scarf, jewelry, shawl, or any accessory.
Limit Personal Items
Maximize your personal items. In addition to a carry-on bag, airlines allow you to bring a personal item such as a purse or laptop bag. Choose a small backpack instead, which can hold a lot more than a purse but will still fit easily under the seat.
LBD
For the ladies, take a little black dress for evening instead of a bunch of outfits that will take up space. A cocktail dress that is simple minus all the frills can be worn just about anywhere, be it a restaurant or sitting by a cozy fire should you be headed skiing.
Shoes
Opt for taking only two pairs of shoes as they do take up a lot of space. Choose shoes that can go with casual wear or even formal outfits.
Re-Wear
Bottom-line: If you can re-wear skirts, slacks, and dresses with different tops throughout the stay, you’re ahead of the game. Pack a travel-size bottle of Febreze or a similar freshening spray. It can be helpful when you want to re-wear a not-quite-dirty piece again.
Remember when packing for a cold weather trip to keep it light, condensed and carefree if it all possible. You’ll have more time to enjoy skiing down the slopes, playing in the snow or simply kicking back in a vacation rental in the cooler climes without worrying about changing your outfit all the time.
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