This is my go-to winter packing list that I constantly update with all my favorite finds. Instead of making a packing list specific to each destination, I just lump together all packing lists for a specific season! Genius right?
When I think of what to pack for winter travel, I think of lots of layers, moisturizer, warm & water-proof!
To be warned, most things will be linked from my favorite & usual shopping sites (Showpo, Misguided, Asos, Sorel & Amazon). I love these because they have so many options and ship nationwide!
I broke this guide into sections:
- Must Haves
- Clothing
- Accessories
- Shoes
Pssst.. Don’t forget to check out my other two guides: 10 Travel Essentials You Can’t Live Without & 20 Unique and Thoughtful Gifts for Travelers!
There’s a high chance this guide contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, that goes right to little Rosie’s dog treats!
– Winter “Must-Haves” –
Hand and Feet Warmers: Hot Hands Hand Warmers are my holy grail for any winter destination! They seriously make the world of a difference. You can stock up with large pack for so cheap on Amazon! I even use these things in Las Vegas in the winter (yes, I am that much of a baby).
Click here to view reviews and pricing
Chapstick: Living in Las Vegas, my lips are ALWAYS dry… no matter how much chapstick I put on them. When I go to a winter destination, especially somewhere windy, I need chapstick on me at all times. This is the only one that ever works for me and lasts FOREVER! They also sell this at Target, but they are out of stock a lot of times.
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
Moisturizer: I have gone to the dermatologist for acne on several occasions. Whenever they hear that I am using CeraVe face wash and moisturizer, they tell me they couldn’t recommend anything better (seriously.. DIFFERENT dermatologists have said that response). Anyways, the CeraVe night cream does wonders for my skin. It comes in a small jar of cream and leaves my skin so glowy! I truly can not recommend it enough.
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
Sunblock: Yes, even in the winter you can get sun burnt! Especially if you are going somewhere with snow. These sun screen packets are SO convenient! Especially when you are going skiing and don’t want to bring a bag. These packets are the size of a ketchup packet & can fit in your pocket or in any size purse.
Click here to see reviews and pricing
Small umbrella: Even if you are going to a snowy destination, you may not always wearing waterproof clothing! This umbrella folds down so small that it can fit a small, cross-body purse. Comes in a bunch of cute colors too!
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
– Clothes –
Thermal under layers: Not the cutest thing in the world, but if you are wearing jeans, a sweater and a big coat over… no one will notice! On the bottom, I wore these with an extra pair of leggings and jeans on top. On the top, I would wear a thick sweater and coat on top.
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
(you know you are pretty when you can make a thermal layer look good..)
Snow Jacket: I feel like snow jackets are hard to pick out online, but I will do my best here. Snow jackets should never be skimped on and can get very costly. Because they are so expensive, I would go with a neutral color that matches with everything you would wear.
Click here to choose sizing and read reviews
Water Resistant Jacket: What is the difference between a snow jacket and a water-resistant jacket? Snow jackets are heavy, thick and mostly for snowy destinations. Water Resistant jackets may be good for a destination with rain, waterfalls (like Iceland), or a lightweight jacket for going out to lunch.
Click here to read reviews and check sizing
Sweaters: I will list a few of my favorite sweaters, but honestly.. anything from ASOS is good quality clothes that are extremely affordable.
Leggings / Jeans: If you are opting out of the thermal leggings, I would still get a thick pair of leggings for a second layer. Some of the best, high quality leggings I’ve tried are: Lulu Lemon, Fabletics & Aerie.
– Accessories –
Beanies: Multiple Beanies to keep your head and ears warm. I would stick to neutral beanies with colorful clothes or neutral clothes with a colorful beanie. This one comes in packs of two and every color you could ever want!
Gloves: If your hands aren’t warm, you won’t be warm. It’s as simple as that. I would recommend getting tech-finger gloves, so you don’t have to take them off when you want to use your maps or take a picture. When I traveled to Banff in the winter, I had a glove liner with tech fingers and thick snow gloves for on top. This pack comes in three different color options!
Click here to read reviews and check pricing.
Wool Socks: Because like your hands, if your feet aren’t warm you will not be warm! This pack comes in all the neutral colors and.. aren’t ugly. Which is always a major plus, ha!
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
Scarves: This scarf comes in every color you could ever need and is so affordable! I am a huge fan of infinity scarves because they usually don’t take up too much room in a suitcase, are easy to style, and come in a thick/warm material.
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
– Shoes –
Flip Flops: Monique… Are you going crazy?! Okay, hear me out here. If you’re going to a cold destination, your hotel better have a hot tub. I don’t care what the circumstances are, it is necessary. Or if you need to walk downstairs to the lobby for a water or coffee, are you going to want to lace up your heavy snow boots?
Click here to read reviews and check pricing
Snow Boots: If you are traveling to somewhere with a lot of snow, I would highly recommend snow boots. When I traveled to Iceland & Banff National Park, the landscapes were very slippery – snow boots have a traction bottom to reduce slips! The best snow boots I have every had are the Sorel Duck Boots. They are cute, affordable, and extremely comfortable!
To shop the exact boots in my picture below, click here.
I hope you found these items useful, if any are out of stock don’t hesitate to contact me and let me know! I try to update this list at least once a month.
In the shopping mood? Don’t forget to check out my other two guides: 10 Travel Essentials You Can’t Live Without & 20 Unique and Thoughtful Gifts for Travelers!
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5 comments
[…] keep a list of all my winter essentials and favorite finds on this guide here. I am constantly updated it after every cold destination – tried, true & […]
[…] Don’t forget to check out my guide on What to pack for a winter vacation & 10 Travel Essentials You Can’t Live […]
Great and an informative article!
Best regards,
Harrell Zacho
Thanks so much!
[…] If you want more ideas on what to pack for a winter destination, I have a full guide that is constantly updated with all my winter recommendations. You can read my Winter Packing List here! […]