10 Essential Packing Tips for a Winter Holiday

Packing for a winter holiday requires more planning than packing for a beach vacation. Cold-weather clothing tends to be bulkier and heavier, making it more challenging to travel light while staying warm and comfortable. During summer, your travel bag only needs a few bathing suits, a couple of sarongs and flip flops. However, packing for a winter holiday where you will be snowmobiling or snowshoeing is a different kind of story. 

Winter travel clothes are a lot bulkier and heavier, making it more difficult to fit in a suitcase. Not to mention that you also have to consider packing other winter stuff such as mittens, scarves, and hats. Most travellers wouldn’t want to travel while carrying around an oversized suitcase. So to make it easier to fit all your personal belongings in a carry-on, here are some simple and helpful tips on how to pack for that much-awaited winter trip.

1. Pack Outfits That You Can Mix and Match

Plan ahead and ensure that every piece you pack goes with as many other pieces as possible. By doing so, you can easily mix and match pieces, giving you more outfit options when you arrive at your destination. You should also select tops and jeans that have neutral base color such as black, white, or beige.

2. Wear Heavy and Bulky Clothing on the Plane

To save more space in your luggage, wear your heavy and bulky attire like coats and boots on the plane. You can also wear your scarf as it can serve as your blanket on the plane or in the car. Another tip to keep in mind is to bring a coat that has a bright color. Remember that wearing a white coat against white snow wouldn’t look good in your photos.

3. Choose Lightweight and Warm Fabrics Like Cashmere

Cashmere fabric is an ideal choice when choosing attire. This fabric can keep you warm while not occupying too much space in your suitcase.

4. Create A Packing List for Each Day

A list of what you are going to wear for each day on your vacation will help you avoid bringing outfits that you will not use. You will also help yourself from forgetting accessories that you need to complete your look of the day.

5. Use Vacuum Seal Bags to Save Luggage Space

Vacuum seal bags or compression bags are great space-saving tools. All you have to do is put your clothes in, close the bag, and roll the air out. These bags come in different sizes so even your biggest and bulkiest dresses will surely fit. Some bigger bags need a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out.

6. Wear Thermal Garment to Stay Warm and Save Space

Consider packing silk or cashmere thermal garment during your travel as they provide excellent insulation, are lightweight, and take up minimal space in your luggage. Avoid cotton thermal garment as it tends to trap moisture and can feel damp and chilly after extended wear. With high-quality thermals, you’ll need fewer layers, freeing up space in your bag for other essentials.

7. Bring Expandable Luggage for Extra Space

Luggage often feels more crowded on the return journey, especially after shopping or adding winter gear during the trip. Bring expandable suitcases and unzip to release the extra space for your extra items.

8. Leave Your Bulky Favourites at Home

No matter how much you love that dress, if it weighs too much and will half-fill your suitcase, then it’s not coming with you. Prioritise functional clothing over bulky fashion pieces when planning for a winter escapade.

9. Don't Forget Winter Skincare Essentials

Stock up on moisturizer, body lotion, lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn or dryness. Cold weather conditions can be harsh on the skin, making skincare essentials especially important during winter travel. Bring mini containers of these essentials for space-saving.

10. Pack Waterproof Shoes or Boots for Snow and Ice

You wouldn’t want your vacation to be ruined just because you brought the wrong pair of shoes. Before you start packing, consider getting a pair of waterproof shoes or boots. Boots may be heavy and bulky but they are highly advisable, especially if you’ll be walking in deep snow or slippery city streets. When choosing between fashion and comfort, always opt for comfort. Wet feet won’t help keep you warm, and the right footwear ensures you stay dry and comfortable throughout your trip.

Pack Smart and Travel Protected

Pack smart and travel with greater confidence this winter season. With Chubb’s Travel Insure, travellers can enjoy protection for unexpected travel disruptions, medical emergencies, and more during their winter getaway.

This content is brought to you by Chubb Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Registration No. 197001000564 (9827-A) (“Chubb”) for general information/guidance purposes only and is not intended to constitute advice or recommendations upon which a reader may rely nor be viewed as a substitute to obtaining proper legal or other professional advice. Any references to insurance cover are general in nature only and may not suit your particular circumstances. Chubb does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and any insurance cover referred to is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions as set out in the Travel Insure policy wording. Please obtain and read carefully the relevant insurance policy before deciding to acquire any insurance product. A copy of the policy wording can be obtained from the website or by contacting any of the Chubb offices.