Planning your winter vacation? Find out my top tips for packing for winter travel so you will be prepared. Scroll down to read more!
This packing for winter travel post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a winter trip and staring at your empty suitcase wondering how you’ll fit everyone’s bulky coats? I’ve been there so many times.
Here’s the thing about packing for winter travel. It’s not just harder than summer packing because of the bulk. It’s also more expensive if you get it wrong and have to pay those dreaded overweight baggage fees.
After years of dragging my family to cold weather destinations (and making plenty of mistakes along the way), I’ve figured out what actually works. As a family travel blogger, I’ve learned that smart winter packing isn’t about bringing everything you might need. It’s about bringing the right things.
Let me share what’s actually saved us time, money, and sanity on our winter trips.
Start With the Right Luggage
This might sound backwards, but choosing your luggage matters way more in winter than summer.
Those rolling suitcases that work great on dry pavement? They’re awful on snowy sidewalks and icy streets. I learned this the hard way trying to navigate a cobblestone street in Europe with two kids and a rolling bag that kept tipping over.
Now we use this Samsonite carry-on spinner when we can swing carry-on only. It’s held up through years of rough treatment from my kids.
But honestly, for winter trips, I prefer a backpack like this one. Your hands stay free for holding onto kids (or catching yourself on ice), and it keeps your stuff higher off the wet ground.
One more tip that’s saved us multiple times. Spray your soft luggage or backpack with waterproof spray before you leave. Takes five minutes and keeps everything dry when you’re trudging through slush.
The Secret to Warm Without Bulk
Want to know the biggest game-changer for winter packing?
Thermal underwear.
I’m serious. I’ve been wearing Cuddl Duds thermals for 15 years and they’re the reason I don’t have to pack three sweaters per person. They fold down tiny, fit in side pockets, and mean you can wear regular-weight clothes on top instead of bulky layers.
My kids wear them under everything on cold days. I wear them under jeans when we’re doing outdoor activities. They make such a difference.
Here’s another trick. Choose black or dark colors for your winter clothes. Yeah, it sounds boring, but dark colors actually absorb more sunlight and convert it to heat. Plus everything coordinates, which makes packing way easier.
My Can’t-Travel-Without Winter Essentials
Okay, I’m going to give you my actual packing list. Not 50 products. Just the stuff we really use every single trip.
For Cold Weather:
- Wool socks (I have this exact set and they’re SO warm)
- Thermal underwear for everyone
- One warm coat per person (wear it on the plane to save space)
- Packable wool hat that doesn’t take up room
- Blanket scarf (this one is my favorite thing ever)
For Snow Destinations: Add snow boots, waterproof mittens, and battery-powered hand warmers. Trust me on the hand warmers. They’re lifesavers.
The Accessories That Actually Matter:
- HydroFlask water bottle (keeps drinks hot for hours)
- Small travel umbrella to protect your phone and camera
- Fingerless gloves because those touch-screen finger things never work
- Wet bags for storing wet or dirty clothes
- Moisturizing skincare and chapstick (winter air destroys your skin)
That’s it. That’s the list.
What About Sun Protection?
I know it seems weird to think about sunscreen when it’s freezing, but snow reflects sunlight like crazy. We always pack reef-safe sunscreen left over from our Hawaii trips and polarized sunglasses.
Getting sunburned from snow glare is just embarrassing. Don’t be like me on that ski trip in 2019.
Smart Packing Strategies for Winter Travel
Here’s what most packing guides won’t tell you. The real challenge isn’t what to pack. It’s how to pack it without paying extra fees.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane
I know you’ll be hot in the airport. Do it anyway. Wear your winter coat, your boots, your warmest sweater. Once you’re on the plane, stuff the coat in the overhead bin or use it as a blanket.
This alone has saved us from checked bag fees multiple times.
Use Small Spaces Wisely
Got an empty HydroFlask? Stuff small items like jewelry, charging cables, or even hand warmer packs inside before you pack it.
Roll your thermals and tuck them into your hat. Put your silica gel packets in wet bags to absorb moisture. Every little space counts.
Double-Duty Items Save the Day
Your scarf isn’t just a scarf on the plane. It’s a blanket when you’re cold and a privacy screen when you’re nursing.
Earmuffs block sound and cold. Your blanket scarf is both a fashion statement and actual warmth.
Special Considerations for Different Winter Trips
Heading to a Cabin?
Check what they provide before you pack. Most cabins have kitchen supplies and linens, but you might need to bring firewood, toiletries, and your own hairdryer. Pack sturdy hiking boots and lots of warm layers.
If you’re planning any winter cabin trips, check out my post on avoiding common packing mistakes. I learned several of these lessons the hard way.
Winter Road Trip?
Your packing list needs to include safety gear. Ice scraper, emergency kit with emergency blankets, jumper cables, first aid supplies, and a portable phone charger. I have a whole guide to holiday road trip essentials with everything you need.
Also, kitty litter. I’m serious. It gives your tires traction if you get stuck on ice. Plus check out my road trip packing hacks for keeping everyone happy on long drives.
Flying with Kids?
Pack snacks. Then pack more snacks. Hungry kids on planes are nobody’s friend.
Bring layers that are easy to take on and off for security. Let kids wear their bulky coats through the airport, then stuff them in your carry-on bag after security.
For more tips on making airport days easier, I have detailed guides on flying with a toddler, flying with a baby, and getting through airport security with children.
Skip the Rental Hassle
Hotels in Cold Weather Destinations
Finding the right place to stay makes such a difference in winter. Look for hotels with heated pools (kids love them after cold days), on-site laundry (lifesaver for long trips), and free breakfast (fewer things to pack).
Search winter destination hotels on Expedia where you can filter by amenities that matter for families in cold weather.
Winter Activities Worth Booking
Some of my favorite winter memories have come from activities we booked ahead. Northern lights tours, winter hiking excursions, and holiday market experiences are all so magical with kids.
Check out winter activities on Viator or Get Your Guide before your trip. They often sell out during peak season.
Don’t Forget the Photos
One thing I’ve learned as a family travel expert is that getting good photos in winter is tricky. Everyone’s bundled up, the lighting is weird, and nobody wants to stand still in the cold.
That’s why we use Flytographer for our important trips. They send a local photographer to meet you for 30 minutes to an hour, and you get gorgeous professional photos without the stress. Plus you save $20 when you use my link.
It’s so worth it to actually be IN the photos with your kids instead of always being behind the camera.
What About Specific Destinations?
If you’re heading somewhere specific this winter, I’ve got detailed planning guides that go way deeper than just packing.
Planning a European winter getaway? My Paris with kids travel guide includes winter-specific tips, and my Italy with kids travel guide covers everything from packing to where to eat.
Free Planning Help
I also have free email courses that walk you through planning trips step-by-step. They’re super helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed:
- How to Plan a Trip to Scotland
- How to Plan a Trip to Ireland
- How to Plan a Trip to Paris
- How to Plan a Trip to London
- How to Plan a Trip to Italy
These courses cover way more than packing and include insider tips I’ve learned from actually traveling to these places with my kids.
The Stuff You Don’t Need
Let me save you some suitcase space. Here’s what you can leave at home:
Your Own Ski Equipment
Unless you’re going multiple times this season, just rent at the resort. Yes, it costs money, but you save on baggage fees and the hassle of lugging it through airports.
Cotton Socks
They don’t keep your feet warm when they get wet. Stick with wool.
Ten Pairs of Shoes
You need boots for snow, comfortable shoes for walking, and maybe one nicer pair. That’s it. I promise.
Jewelry
Save it for warmer destinations where you’re not covered up. Accessorize with scarves and hats instead.
Pack Smart, Travel Happy
The secret to stress-free winter travel isn’t bringing everything you might possibly need. It’s bringing the right essentials and knowing how to pack them efficiently.
Start with good thermal underwear, add your tried-and-true winter accessories, and remember that you can always buy something if you really need it. Most places you’re traveling have stores.
Your goal should be having everything you need without paying extra baggage fees or struggling with heavy bags on icy sidewalks.
Want more family travel tips? Check out my complete checklist for traveling abroad with kids and my travel gift guide for items that make every trip easier.
The best winter trips happen when you spend less time worrying about what you packed and more time making memories with your family in the snow.
Don’t know where to head this winter? We have a few suggestions like the best winter weekend getaways from Seattle, magical Christmas getaways in the United States, top winter destinations in the US, and 5 Amazing places for a winter hike in the USA.
