For those of you who have planned a vacation, especially to a place that is teeth-chatteringly cold, you need to plan and pack wisely for a comfortable stay. Know what all you must carry with you for a truly perfect winter vacation.
Packing for a vacation can be very exciting, and if it's for a winter vacation, you should keep in mind that you need enough clothing to keep you and your family warm. It's a good idea to start shopping well in advance for all your winter essentials, especially woolen garments, overcoats, jackets, winter weather accessories, etc., so that you don't lose out on good deals. If you are traveling by air, what and how you pack matters a lot, what with all the restrictions on the number of bags you can carry. Winter does not always mean wearing bulky jackets to keep yourself warm. The trick lies in covering yourself with layers of clothing, even if they are thin; it's the layers which trap the heat and keep you cozy. Multiple layers of thin clothes will leave you with a lot more space in your bags than a few bulky coats and sweaters. If you plan on skiing, or are traveling with children or infants, take time to think through what you need, so you do not carry too much of the same item, and jot down what all you really require, before you get down to packing.
When it comes to your sweaters, brightly colored and knitted cardigans are a good idea, but neutral shades like gray, beige, and brown usually go well with most outfits. If your outerwear is too plain, a colorful, woolen scarf or stole paired with a woolen cap in solid colors will give you a classy look. In addition to the above checklist, carry plastic bags with you to pack any wet or soiled clothes separately. Get enough sets of thermal undergarments and clothes, one for each day, in case they get dirty and you do not have laundry facilities at the hotel where you will put up. When you put on layered clothing, make sure it's not too tight that you feel cramped and suffocated. Each garment you wear (and this holds true for babies and children as well) should be a size bigger than the one beneath it to allow free bodily movements. It is important that you change out of wet clothes immediately, dry your skin, dab lots of moisturizer, and wear a fresh set of clothes to prevent yourself from falling sick or getting frostbite.
Packing for a vacation can take up a lot of time, so if you make a list of all the items you need and begin packing well in advance, there is little chance that you will forget to pack in any essential item. Always pack your bags with the bigger, heavier clothes at the bottom, and the smaller, lightweight items on top. It's a good idea to wear the heavy jackets instead of packing them away (or pack at least one in your cabin bag). This way you create more space in your bag, and have your warm outerwear on you when you arrive at your wintry destination. Of course, it goes without saying that you check whether you have all relevant paperwork (passports, visas, travel and health insurance papers), credit/debit cards, mobiles, camera, etc., with you before you depart.
