Winter Travel Tips
One of my travel vendors sent an email out with some winter travel tips and it inspired me to share some of them along with my personal input. Being from the Midwest, a lot of us tend to travel this time of year to find some different weather (me included) so here are some tips I find useful.
Wear bulky clothing on the plane
If you know you will need your winter jacket or boots, wear these on the plane and save the space in your suitcase. If you are headed to a warm destination where you won’t need these, consider leaving your jacket in your car at the airport or having someone drop you right at the airport door so you don’t need to bring it with you. Layers are also helpful because you never know what temperature you are going to get on an airplane…I have been super hot and super cold on the same day!
Stick to the essentials
Consider what you’ll need before your trip, then lay everything out to decide what is essential. If possible, bring items that are multipurpose, such as a face cream with SPF or an eyeshadow/blush for makeup users. Remember to use a TSA-approved containers for these items if you are packing them in your carry on bag. Additionally, travelers can check in with their lodging ahead of time to see if there’s a washer and dryer available or if any toiletries are provided.
One other thing I have started doing is using a grocery delivery service like Instacart if I am traveling within the US and having them deliver sunscreen or other toiletries once I arrive at my destination so I don’t have to make room in my bag for larger items like these.
Strategically pack your luggage
I am a huge fan of strategic packing and it has changed my vacation prep game in a big way. Select footwear carefully by choosing comfortable and versatile shoes for your destination’s weather and walking. If you need bulky boots, wear them on the plane. Don’t forget about the space inside your shoes in your luggage – that’s a great place to pack socks, underwear and other accessories in a resealable bag.
Use compression bags or packing cubes
If you have been around this blog, you know my love of compression packing cubes! Invest in compression bags or storage cubes to maximize luggage space and help create more space in your luggage making it easier to fit everything into a carry-on. Choose bulkier options to compress, such as sweaters, if you’re going somewhere cold or to make room for souvenirs you’re bringing home. Packing cubes make it easy to organize your belongings, which can be convenient when packing for your return trip.
Make the most out of the airport
Instead of hauling along excess items for long layovers make the best of the airport amenities you’ll be at. For entertainment, most airports have libraries you can access for free. Additionally, instead of sitting and waiting at your gate for hours, consider spending money on access to an airport lounge, which allows travelers to shower, nap and charge your devices before or between flights.
Be patient
Travel plans are always subject to delays, but especially in the winter when ice and snow in one state can affect flights all across the country. Always give yourself plenty of time, but watch your flight status via your airline’s app or website and if something does happen, be patient. Lines may be long to talk to an airline employee, so check the airline app to see if you can change your flight while you wait in line. Or get on hold on the phone as a backup, though that often times takes longer than waiting in person. Make sure to keep your travel agent informed of any changes, too!
Do you have any other tips to share? Tell us!
