Packing light is a great way to save money and make travel more efficient, but it can be tricky to limit your belongings to a carry-on bag when your destination is a cold one. Items like sweaters, boots, and coats take up a lot of space, but with the right strategy, it’s possible to fit everything you need into one convenient place—without checking a suitcase. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere cold this winter, read on for some of our go-to minimalist packing tips.
Layers, Layers, Layers
One of the best ways to make the most of limited packing space is to plan your outfits in layers. Donning t-shirts under pieces like sweaters and coats will allow you to get more use out of these bulkier items throughout your trip, reducing the quantity you’ll need to bring to begin with. Wear your largest items on the plane to save even more space in your bags.
Choose Accessories Wisely
Accessories are a perfect example of “a little goes a long way.” Items like hats, gloves, and scarves are incredibly helpful when it comes to staying warm, but unlike sweaters, they don’t take up much room. Look for options that can serve multiple purposes, like a blanket scarf to keep you cozy during your flight. To save even more space, pack them in vacuum bags.
Versatile Footwear
Footwear may be the trickiest part of packing light for cold destinations, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated. The easiest way to approach packing shoes is to choose one pair, such as some comfortable, waterproof snow boots that will suit all of your needs throughout your trip. If you need to bring several pairs of shoes, wear the bulkiest ones on the plane.