What to Pack for a Winter Trip

With winter in full force, many people are headed out for a winter getaway. Whether you’re headed to the slopes to ski, see the Northern Lights, or just going somewhere to experience winter beauty; you’ll want to take extra care with your packing list. From base layers to outerwear, packing weather-appropriate clothes will keep you nice and warm on the slopes or around town.

I had planned a winter trip to Lapland, Finland with my friend Caitlin. We were scheduled to scout for clients as well as for potential Atlas Adventures trips. At the last minute, I ended up having to cancel due to health issues. This is your friendly reminder to ALWAYS purchase trip insurance! While I wasn’t able to attend, this is what I planned on packing. Caitlin was still able to go on our winter adventure and all of these lovely photos are hers from the trip!

Base Layers

When planning what to pack for a winter trip, base layers should be the first thing on your packing list. They should fit tight to your body and wick away moisture. You’ll likely want to pack at least two base layer tops and bottoms as these don’t take up much room in your suitcase. I also love to pack turtlenecks as they provide warmth around your neck and are great for layering. You will absolutely want wool socks (double up in sub-zero temperatures) and if you’re skiing, you’ll want to pack ski-specific socks that are high-rise, padded, and keep your feet warm and dry. 

Outerwear

If you’re skiing or participating in other outdoor activities, you’ll want to pack a ski jacket and pants that are insulated and/or have a waterproof shell. Some people prefer ski bibs so you don’t get snow in between your pants and jacket. Since I wasn’t going to be skiing this trip, I opted for a jacket and pants. If you’re mostly exploring around town and the temperatures are milder, you should be fine with either a longer parka or a warm wool coat, depending on the weather. 

For winter accessories, you might want to pack a neck warmer or balaclava, and an ear warmer that fits under your helmet if you’re skiing. For our trip, I packed a warm hat to keep my head covered at all times when outside. You’ll also want to pack insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens. Mittens will keep your hands warmer while gloves allow for dexterity. It all comes down to personal preference. I picked up a pair of merino wool gloves for this trip. Make sure to pack a warm scarf as well!

Apres-Ski & Exploring

For days exploring around town or if you’re participating in any apres-ski activities, you’ll want to pack a few easy, comfortable outfits. A pair of jeans and cozy sweaters are all you need for walking around or dining out. Add your boots (make sure they have great traction), outerwear, and accessories; and you’ll be set. If there’s a hot tub or spa where you’re staying, you may want to pack a swimsuit. In Lapland, it’s very common to go from a sauna into an ice hole. Some people spend hours going back and forth between the two!

Lapland-Specific Winter Packing List

In Lapland, we were going to spend lots of time outside during both the day and night; exploring the landscape and seeing the Northern Lights. In addition to the above items, these are more specific things you’ll want to consider packing for this type of winter trip. 

Crampons are an absolute must or you cannot walk around on ice. A headlamp comes in handy if you’re on a hike at night looking for the Northern Lights. If you’re planning on photographing the Northern Lights, you’ll want a tripod for long-exposure photos. A portable charger is a must on any trip but your phone and devices lose their charge quicker in extreme cold. Make sure you’ve got a backup at all times!

For your skin, you’ll want a very heavy cream to protect the skin barrier in sub-artic temperatures as well as a quality lip balm. To protect your other extremities, warmers for your feet and hands will be extremely important. They last all day and keep your fingers and toes warm. With sub-artic temperatures outside, you may want a hot water bottle if you need to warm up quickly. Caitlin used hers to warm up her bed on the nights she was sleeping in an igloo.

You’ll want a thermal, reusable water bottle as there aren’t many convenient stores to buy water. Some people suggest that Lapland has some of the most pure drinking water in the world. You can also use this to keep tea or coffee warm the entire day! Be sure to pack a lightweight day bag to store your valuables, water bottle, and other daily necessities. As you transition from outdoors to indoors, you’ll want to be able to easily store layers so you’re not juggling everything.

Hopefully, this post helps you better plan what to pack for a winter trip. Planning a trip to experience all the joys of winter is always a good idea! It can be easy to experience the winter blues from all the gray days. Immersing yourself in all the wonders of winter is such a mood booster! We’d love to help you plan your ideal winter trip! Schedule a consult with us today to help plan your next winter adventure.

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What to Pack for Winter in Europe

Winter in Europe can be such a wonderful time! From festive Christmas markets to picturesque snowy landscapes, there are plenty of reasons to visit Europe this time of year. There's something so magical I can't quite put my finger on, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself at some point. Winter packing is all about balancing warmth, comfort, and style. All those layers, heavy sweaters, and boots tend to take up a lot of suitcase space so you’ll want to be cognizant of that when deciding what to pack for winter in Europe. 

While cold weather may not be foreign to you, the European lifestyle causes you to be outdoors a bit more than you may be used to (walking is a much more common mode of transportation than in the States). Start with a good base layer to wick away moisture and keep your body heat sealed in. Consider thermal tops and leggings that can easily fit under your clothes if it’s below freezing and you’ll be outside a lot. Having the right base layers and outerwear is essential to staying warm and cozy. Pick clothes that can easily be layered so you can mix and match outfits. This not only saves space but also provides various outfit options.

Outerwear

The warmer the coat you pack, the better. I highly recommend a down or wool option If you're going somewhere really cold, I would opt for a longer parka. If you're going somewhere a bit more mild (which honestly, London usually is) you'll be fine with a wool blend.

Accessories make a huge difference in staying warm. It may sound obvious, but pack a good variety of scarves. This layer is always key in Europe no matter the season- but especially in winter. To be honest, I used to find gloves to be a bit annoying. Even if they keep my fingers toasty in the winter, I would rarely wear them- until I was in Europe. Now they’re part of my daily outfit. Even if it's not frigid, the seemingly constant state of being outdoors makes your fingers feel stiff, so gloves are a must! Add your favorite warm hat to trap in heat and you’ll be good to go!

Sweaters & Blouses

You’ll likely be wearing a sweater and/or blouse most days so I make sure to pack ones that can easily be mixed and matched. From the ever-popular lady jacket to a cozy roll-neck, these go with just about anything. Oftentimes I’ll layer a blouse that has a fun detail under a sweater. That pop of lace or ruffle peeking out from the collar or sleeves adds that little something extra to your outfit. A long sleeve tee and tissue turtlenecks are also great to layer underneath your sweaters for an added layer of warmth that don’t take up too much room in your suitcase.

Dresses & Pants

If you need a dressier outfit for dinners, high tea, or the theatre; a sweater dress is always a good option. Alternatively, tweed or boucle is a typical winter fabric as it’s a bit heavier material. Those long-sleeved tees and thin turtlenecks you packed can also be layered underneath dresses. Don’t forget to pack a few pairs of tights to go along with them!

A good pair of black pants and jeans are always in my suitcase no matter where I travel. I have a pair in a light stone wash that gets heavy rotation in my winter wardrobe as it pairs well with anything! You’ll want a pair that won’t drag on the ground and get wet but will fit over boots. Depending on where you’re traveling in Europe, you may want to pack some thermal leggings as a base to wear under jeans or pants if the temperatures are sub-zero.

Shoes

Comfortable and waterproof winter boots are essential. Ensure they have a good grip for slippery streets. Also, pack warm socks that will keep your feet dry. A sturdy pair of Chelsea boots are my go-to in the city. If you’re heading to a snowy locale, you’ll want to pack a pair of snow boots. I would recommend wearing these on the plane as these will be your heaviest shoes. Loafers are great if the weather is mild because they are dressier but more comfortable to walk in than heels. If you do want a heel, I’d recommend a block heel.

Figuring out what to pack for winter in Europe doesn’t have to be challenging! Packing warm layers that can be mixed and matched with each other will be your best bet. Be sure to check the weather in the days leading up to your trip! The list above is general guidance but it could be colder, warmer, or more wet so you may need to make adjustments once you have a better idea of the forecast. Pack to be prepared for any weather! There’s nothing worse than being caught without warm layers.

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Holiday Gift Guide

If you're doing some holiday shopping for the travel lovers in your life, I created a small gift guide with some favorite things - items I frequently use, as well as travel-inspired gifts. While holiday shopping can be overwhelming and excessive, I know it can also be fun and meaningful to exchange gifts with your loved ones.

If you’re looking to gift experiences, we’re offering gift cards that can be used for travel planning at two different levels:

$200 Travel Consultation Call: This is a wonderful option if you'd like to run any travel-related questions by our team to receive our feedback, tips, and recommendations, and might be a great fit as you are starting to conceptualize your trip.

$500 Travel Planning Services: For those looking to utilize our team in assistance planning an upcoming trip. Whether you want someone to plan your entire trip, or you just want help with specific requests.

TRAVEL BOOKS

Travel books are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. It’s the perfect way to escape to the countryside or the beach from the comfort of your own home when travel isn’t possible. It’s also a great conversation starter when you’re hosting and these are displayed. It’s fun to daydream with friends about future trips together while poring over these books and adding new destinations to our wishlists.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR & ACCESSORIES

After all of my years traveling via planes, trains, and automobiles; I’ve become particular about the travel gear and accessories I use. They have to withstand a lot of miles and not fall apart after a few trips. I’ve found that investing in quality pieces means you’re spending less in the end. So while that trendy new bag might be appealing, I rely on these classics.

TRAVEL-INSPIRED GIFTS

To remind your giftees of their favorite destinations, travel-inspired gifts are a great idea. In addition to the travel books, you can find destination-focused gifts such as candles, totes, and attire. For Anglophiles, royal-favorite Fortnum & Mason ships to the US and Canada! From their extremely popular hampers and gift baskets to tea and biscuits; Fortum & Mason never disappoints.

STOCKING STUFFERS

These gifts are perfect for stocking stuffers. From a nice passport case to leather luggage tags and card cases, I find that these are travel items that people don’t tend to purchase for themselves as often. Travel-sized beauty items are also great choices and are perfect for those long-haul flights.

FOR THE GUYS

Don’t forget about travel gifts for the guys! Sometimes the guys in your life can be the hardest to buy gifts for. I’m lucky in that my husband loves to travel as much as I do so I know he’ll appreciate these items when we’re off to a new destination or when we’re at home in London.

Regardless of whether or not you’re in the market for any items on this travel-inspired gift guide, I hope your holiday season is filled with lots of  love, joy & happiness!

This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no cost to you.