Imagine this. You are all ready to head off on that amazing winter vacation you have been planning for ages. Perhaps it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the North Pole to photograph the Northern Lights or a long-awaited ski break in the Alps. You've bought all the suitable cold-weather gear like ski suits, boots, coats, scarves, and gloves and you're all ready to go. There's just one problem - how to fit everything into your suitcase. We know what it feels like. There never seems to be enough room in your suitcase for all the bulky winter apparel you will need, no matter how hard you try to squash it down to fit it in. However, these few hacks and tips can help you stay warm and stylish without exceeding your luggage limit.
1. Stay Warm with Thermals
Thermals have a very uncool image they don’t deserve because they tend to look like the kind of underwear your granny would wear. However, thermals are a great way to keep you warm without having to wear bulky clothes. They are perfect for stylish locations like the cosmopolitan cities of Canada or Stockholm as you can wear them under lighter tights and tops without freezing.
2. Bulk Up on the Plane
If you are traveling to an icy destination you won’t survive without a huge coat and big boots but that doesn’t mean it needs to take up all your luggage space. Wearing your heaviest items of clothing on the plane will not only protect you from the chilly air conditioning, but they also won’t add weight to your luggage limit and leave more room in your suitcase for other items of clothing.
3. Roll your Clothes
Rolling is a tried-and-tested method of packing that will give you a lot more room to fit everything in. Rolling instead of folding your clothes will not only minimise empty gaps but will also reduce excessive creasing.
4. Don’t Forget to take Sunscreen (Yes, we really mean it!)
Sun protection is not something you usually think of on a winter getaway, however, if you are heading off to a snowy destination it is essential to wear sunscreen to prevent looking like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, especially if you will be skiing. Long days spent on reflective skiing slopes can cause some serious sunburn.
5. Pack Light and Layer Up
Although your first instinct may be to reach for your heaviest clothing when planning a cold-weather trip, packing lots of lighter items of clothing is usually a smarter option. By layering up you will still be able to create a warm and cozy feeling and you can pack more mix-and-match outfits than just a few bulky items.
6. Limit Your Colour Palette
We understand that you would like to look stylish and fashionable on holiday, but you will find it easier to create stylish outfits by sticking to neutral and dark colour combinations and fewer pieces. When it comes to looking chic in cold weather, black is definitely the ultimate in-style colour. A black coat can be worn with almost anything in your wardrobe and a single pair of jeans will go with everything.
7. Take a Pair of Boots
One pair of stylish boots is all you will need as it goes with everything and can be worn day or night. However, if you will be traversing rough terrain in a more outdoor destination like Iceland you will have to pack a sturdier pair of boots. You can still save space by packing small items like rolled socks and underwear on the inside of boots.
8. Pack the Right Accessories
The right accessories can make all the difference when visiting a stylish destination. Colourful scarves, statement jewellery, and hats are all easy ways to make the same outfit look stylish and different every day. Wool linings in gloves will keep your fingers warm but consider choosing the ones with the new touchscreen tips that will allow you to use phone apps like ‘GetYourGuide’ without having to remove your gloves. Or if you’re going to be driving, you could get yourself a pair of driving gloves to keep your hands warm whilst at the wheel!