Travel Essentials: Packing Hacks For Your Winter Holiday
PUBLISHED December 22nd, 2016 12:13 am
The last weeks of December are when everyone starts digging out their passports and board a plane out to see the world. It’s also when winter is most prevalent in the northern hemisphere. Through the years, we’ve been refining our packing skills to pack lighter and smarter, and now we finally feel ready enough to present to you with the ultimate guide to packing for your next winter holiday – snow, hail, or otherwise!
Pick your clothing wisely
Layering is key, as anyone who’ve been to temperate countries would know. Personally, we’d go for a thick sweater worn over a thermal top, supplemented by a chic coat if necessary. Thicker items, though cozy, unfortunately take up more space in your luggage than shirts, so swap out a couple of shirts for a sweater or sweatshirt if necessary. After all, no one’s going to see you wear the same inner shirt more than once. Depending on how cold it gets, long thermal leggings (long johns) may be necessary.
Keep cosmetics to a minimum
It’s simple: fewer cosmetics equals to a lower chance of gooey liquids exploding inside your luggage. Plus, snowy winters and makeup – for example, a thick layer of foundation – are hardly a good combination, unless they are waterproof. Moisturisers are more important to prevent your skin from cracking up. If it’s a dry season, the cold air ensures that you don’t need to keep touching up on your make-up. It’s a win-win.
Winter-proof your equipment
Don’t risk losing your camera or phone (and worse, all your picturesque memories) to the elements. Bring a water-proof case in case of wet weather, and incidentally, try to get gloves with special pads that allow you to use your touchscreen phone even when you’re gloved. Plus, a better grip keeps your electronics from slipping.
Hats are your best friends
When the cold strikes, your head is usually the first to suffer. A good travel hat keeps your ears and ideally the back of your neck warm. That said, avoid the bulky (and ugly) ones with flaps and fluff balls (?) Instead, go for modern hats that are made with better and preferably thinner materials so you won’t feel like a bundle of messy fabric.
Socks up all the way
A warm pair of socks goes miles in keeping you from freezing your bum off. And we don’t mean those ankle-length thin socks you wear to beat the heat. Consider getting thermal socks if you tend to get cold feet (pun intended), but three or four pairs of lightweight wool socks usually do the trick.
Sunscreen? What sun?
Even in the dead of winter, the sun can still be harsh on your skin – especially on your exposed face – without you feeling much of it. Protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays with sunscreen, and remember to apply some on the back of your neck if you’re going scarfless. Plus, we can’t emphasise how important it is to moisturise at least twice daily, to prevent itchy skin, dry patches, and *fingers crossed* painful cold sores. And yes, bring lip balm.
You only need one good coat
Due to space constraints, you may often be able to bring only one coat. If it’s waterproof, even better – you won’t have to waste space on a rain jacket. Ideally, your coat is effective at blocking out wind and slightly spacious so you can wear a few layers underneath without looking like a bear. For ridiculously cold places, a down feather jacket will keep you toasty warm.
Same goes for shoes
Or rather, boots. We’re a big believer in them for a few reasons: they’re mega comfortable, so it’s easy to walk for hours in them; the high top nature means your feet are kept warmer and dryer than sneakers; and they’re typically more durable. If you need another pair for running or the gym, wear your boots onto the plane to free up space in your luggage.
Don’t forget the first aid kit
Even mildly cold weather can wreck havoc on the bodies of unsuspecting Singaporeans – think high-climate fever, headaches, and an upset stomach. Why risk the possibility of sky-high medical bills in a foreign country when you can just bring a few pills and medicine to help?
Bring an umbrella
When a hailstorm or heavy snow hits, you’ll be glad you have an umbrella handy. You’ll be the one laughing at other people running for cover. A small collapsible will work fine, and prevents any complication at the airport.
Bonus: Look good while still keeping warm
Our favourite thing about winter is the ability to put on layer after layer of clothing without pulling a sweat – a dream come true for our inner fashionista. Having said that, you’ll want to pack all-rounder clothing instead of eccentric statement pieces that only look good with one outfit. Tried-and-tested outfits work best. Also, keep a well-pressed shirt and suit jacket, or evening dress and silk top handy for a romantic restaurant dinner. When in doubt, black clothes are always chic and easy to match.
Have your own load-lightening and weather-beating tips to share? Let us know in the comments.
Top Image: Ha Jeong Jeong
