Top 5 Must-Packs For a Winter Holiday

Winter holidays are always a trouble to pack. The bulky clothes and boots take up so much luggage space, and more often than not, the weight alone attributes to more than half of our baggage allowance. Knowing what is vital to go into the luggage and what to exclude certainly reduces the possibility of paying for excess baggage. Having been to several winter holidays in the recent months – some of which required me to lug my load to run after inter-city trains and domestic flights – I should believe I am now a semi-pro in packing for sub-zero temperatures.

Here is my list of the top 5 must-haves for a winter holiday, which I have been religiously adhering to so as to not under (and over) pack.

#1 THERMAL WEAR

They are wardrobe essentials to keep us warm and toasty for as long as we are out. Amidst the layers we are going to throw on, this is the most important as it is the layer that is closest to our skin. Buy quality ones from specialized boutiques, as those will hug your skin tightly and the special material will properly generate heat to let you stay warm.

Typically, we do not perspire in winter, so it is perfectly fine to re-wear them. On an average, I wear one piece for approximately 3 times. For a week-long holiday, it is ideal to bring 2 pieces to alternate. And if you are anal about hygiene (like I am), wash them at the end of a long day out, and they should dry by mid next day.

#2 SCARVES

Do not belittle that long piece of cloth (preferably wool or cotton). When the wind blows, the first part to feel the painful cold is your face. While being properly clothed in coats and gloves, many fail to realize how shielding your face can mark a huge difference. Invest in a piece or two, and loop it around your neck before heading out. Whenever you feel cold, just pull it up a little so that your nose and lips are covered.

They are good fashion accessories, if this helps. If you are as vain as I am, bring scarves of different colors and prints to alternate your looks.

#3 BOOTS OR A PAIR OF PRACTICAL SHOES

A pair of practical shoes takes you a long way. Choose a comfortable pair, and one that will keep your warm from the numbing cold in your toes. Boots are your best bet, because they are made to combat the cold, and they are a great way to jazz up your winter ensembles.

But they are heavy, and you will not need to wear a different one everyday anyway. Bring two trusty pairs and they should give you good mileage. And to scrimp even further on luggage space and weight, just wear either pair on the day of your departure, and pack the other.

#4 MOISTURISER AND MASKS

With winter, it is inevitable that your skin will peel. Even if they still look fine, they are actually very dry on the inner layers that we cannot see with our naked eyes. As with all skincare regimes, the diligence happens in the day and at night. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin; there are endless brands and types available in the market – gender-specific, gel-based, creams, alcohol-free etc. I will spare you the details, but two things to note – opt for richer products like ‘cream’ instead of ‘lotion’ as they moisturize much more (just what your skin is deprived of in winter), and ask for travel sizes as much as possible because you will not need the entire tub, unless you are traveling for months.

Bring along some mask sheets and indulge in a little DIY pampering in the comfort of your clean sheets. Mask sheets are also easily available in the market, and their primary purpose is to deeply moisturize, soothe and give your skin a healthy glow. And the best part? They are disposable. Just dump them after you are done and the weight is off for your return flight.

#5 FLU PILLS

Almost every winter holiday, I would get a night when I would go into a sneezing marathon. For worse times, I would get a fever. And I am sure I am not the only one for this.

Severe climate change is the main reason why our bodies “rebel”. You would not want to ruin your holiday, so do yourself this little favor and stay healthy with flu pills on the go. They come in handy when your nose is running a little too much, or when your temperature is on the rise.

There is definitely a lot more to this list, but for first-timers, this should be substantial to aid your packing for that much-awaited holiday. In my next post, I will discuss more about packing for a shopping getaway.

Also read: our guide to essentials for a summer holiday