Cold-Weather Travel Tips: Expert Packing Guide for Winter Trips

Planning a trip to a cold-weather destination? Proper packing for cold weather can make or break your experience. Arrive unprepared and you risk shivering your way through the vacation. Overpack your bags and they might burst at the seams, not to mention the potential for costly luggage weight fees.

Packing light for winter trips is an art, so we sought the guidance of AAA Travel Agents for their cold-weather travel hacks. Our panel of cold-weather travel experts includes Deidre Portzen, Gina Stevens, Ron Angie, Jr. and Keidrie Savelle. Their expert packing tips for winter trips will help you navigate the chills in style and comfort. Read on for your winter travel packing guide. 

Layering for winter travel

Regardless of the destination, you should bring plenty of layers for a cold-weather retreat. Consider the main activities you’re traveling for as a compass for what kind of layers to bring.

• Your base layer matters: If you’re going on a winter sports adventure (e.g., skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or dog sledding), start with a base layer made from a moister-wicking fabric. Materials like polyester and merino wool help draw sweat away from your skin and keep you dry, even in cold conditions. Gina adds her expertise by noting, "Layering your clothing is always the best way to go rather than packing a big parka that takes up a lot of space. A t-shirt, followed by breathable, heat-retaining layers and a sweatshirt is a good combination."
• Blanket benefits: Deidre shares that “a fleece-lined legging and long coat can make all the difference” when packing for cold weather. She recently added another layer to her cold-weather packing list: “I always bring a blanket whenever I travel, even when I’m flying. I was flying home from Amsterdam and the flight, during the winter, was freezing. I was so glad to have my blanket.” Travel blankets are compact, lightweight, and designed for comfort and warmth on the go—perfect for flights, road trips and outdoor adventures—so compare materials, size, weight and packability to find the perfect fit for your travel style. 
• Weather adaptive: Layering to adjust to the destination’s changing weather is also an essential factor. Ron says, “Weather is unpredictable, even in cold climates. One moment, it’s sunny and the next, it’s snowing—layers give you the flexibility to stay comfortable." He adds, "Even on a warm cruise, nights on the ocean can be surprisingly chilly. Having flexible layers ensures you’re prepared for everything from glacier sightseeing on deck to cozy evenings in the dining room."

Essential cold-weather packing items

When compiling your list, start with the winter travel essentials that will keep you bundled up and allow you to stay outdoors for extended periods in inclement weather.

• The must-haves: Ron advises, “No matter where you’re going, whether it’s a cooler climate in the fall or a frozen one like the Arctic in winter, I always tell people: pack a hat, gloves and a scarf—those are non-negotiables. A compact, foldable umbrella is always a smart addition—easy to pack and ready for unexpected rain or snow.” Deidre adds, "I always tell my clients to pack boots—if it’s going to be snow weather, it needs to be more of a water-resistant type of boot—a thicker sock, fleece pants, a beanie, definitely something to cover the ears and a scarf."
• The backups: Keidrie has learned to travel with backup essentials, noting that she “always travels with an extra pair of gloves and socks—you’ll thank yourself when one pair gets wet!” She prefers gloves with finger pads that allow her to use her phone while on the go.
• The expert hack: Keidrie’s favorite cold-weather travel hack is hand warmers. Deidre agrees and notes, “Skip the battery-powered ones due to flight regulations and go for the single-use kind you can toss in your gloves or pockets for four to six hours of warmth." 

Warm clothing packing tips and techniques

When packing for a cold-weather trip, think compact and nimble. Our panel’s top tips and techniques highlight the most efficient ways to pack light for winter trips. Here’s how to see the world without an entourage of luggage.

• Space-savers: Keidrie finds more space in her bags by "packing bulky items like puffer jackets or sweaters in vacuum-sealed bags. They save space and let you bring more without overstuffing your luggage." Gina notes, "Packing socks and gloves inside your shoes in your suitcase can help save space while keeping smaller, essential items organized."
• All contained: Deidre shares, "Packing cubes are lifesavers for organizing your winter clothes. Roll your sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and leggings into cubes to maximize space. And they make unpacking a breeze."
• Geo-locators help: Keidrie advocates for Apple AirTags or other alternatives like Tile Mates, referring to them as travel “life savers.” She adds, “I have them in all my luggage, even my carry-on bags; anything important to me, I have an AirTag attached.” She notes that she’s had experiences where “the airline tells me where they thought my bag was,” and thanks to her AirTags, “I knew exactly where it was.”

Preparing for your destination's climate

Cold-weather travel differs from general travel in that it requires more thoughtful packing. The forecasts matter more when traveling in cold climates, as snowy conditions and arctic blasts can significantly impact travel. Embrace every frosty adventure with these insights.

• Track the weather: Gina recommends her clients “check the weather about 7–10 days before leaving and always to expect some variation. Weather can change quickly, and you should be prepared with versatile, adaptable clothing."
• Testing everything: One of Gina’s top cold-weather travel tips is to “test out new winter gear in advance.” She adds, “If you’re buying a new jacket, boots or cold-weather outfit, wear them a few times before your trip to ensure it’s comfortable and warm enough."
• Be prepared for anything: Deidre has found "a versatile army-style poncho blanket” to be a game-changer, especially for her travels at sea. “I’ve used mine to stay warm on chilly cruise decks and frigid flights—it’s lightweight, wind-resistant and compact."

The benefits of using a travel professional

Now that you know how to pack for cold-weather travel, rely on a AAA Travel Agent to customize your perfect winter getaway. Ron says it best: "Using a travel professional ensures you’re taken care of from A to Z. We can help you navigate packing, guide you on what to bring, and confirm all the details, like if a cruise or tour provides winter-weather essentials like umbrellas.” Ron, adds one last pearl of advice, “whether you’re traveling to Canada, New England, Antarctica, Iceland or on a river cruise during the Christmas market time, travel agents are there to make sure you’re best equipped for the vacation every step of the way.”