*I'm about out to head out on a month long trip through Italy and re-visited this post to help me pack. I've added a few more fall-friendly tips below.*
Packing light for a winter trip is difficult, to say the least. Cold weather means heavier shoes, bulkier clothes, and a coat. But, who wants to lug so much around? We've got a few tips that can help you pack lighter during those cold winter months.
- Take your favorite coat.
- Wear your thermal underwear.
- Go neutral (and interchangeable.)
- Plan on washing
- One more thing...shoes.
But only take that one coat. That way, you won't waste valuable space on the bulkiest item in your wardrobe. But, please choose wisely, because you're going to be seen in that coat in every...single...photo. For my upcoming Italy trip I upgraded my closet to include a lightweight down jacket in black. While, I'd rather be wearing a more tailored wool coat, the down offers a lightweight and warm alternative. Plus puffy jackets seem to always be in style in Italy. (I chose a Marmot Neve Sweater
Skip the bulky sweaters and opt for thinner, more effective layers. Wearing a good pair of thermal underwear means you won't have to wear quite as many clothes in order to stay warm and not be forced to wear the same sweater every day. I think this advice is great for traveling in those cold winter months, but for fall I think thermal underwear isn't quite as necessary. Unless you're planning on spending a lot of time outdoors or in a cooler climate, I'd skip it in favor of clothes you'd wear with or without an outer layer.
Keeping the number of outfits down is hands down the most effective way of packing light. If you keep your clothing choices neutral and swapable, you can reduce your bulk without feeling like you're wearing the same thing day after day. (Well, except that damn coat.)I follow this rule regardless of the time of year, but think it's especially important with fall and winter clothes. Pack your neutral sweaters, coat, and jeans. Splash color in with your lightweight shirts and accessories.
You may get away with packing more and washing less in the summer, but in winter, that extra shirt or two is a mistake you can't afford to make. Lighten your load by planning on making a stop at the local laundromat or even splurge on hotel laundry. You can't make winter clothes smaller, but you can pack less of them. This time around I'm packing a week's worth of clothes, no more, no less and following my own advice for changing it up with lighter accessories. I will get on the plane with only a carry on bag, mark my words.
Shoes are even more of a pain in the colder months, because you can't rely on lightweight flip flops to carry you from shower stall to the dance floor. The first rule is comfort, make sure you've got a pair that you can stand wearing all day. In winter, I might throw in a second, almost as comfortable pair, but more attractive for lightweight walking days or nights out. For me, I'm taking a lightweight sneaker (Nike Pauliana Sneakers) and a black leather flat. I *might* spring and bring my running shoes if I think I'll actually have time to do any exercising.
Do you have any tips for packing light for a winter trip? Let us know in the comments.
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Thanks for this great advice. This chronic over-packer needs all the help she can get.
Great tips! I think the biggest one everyone forgets is to plan on doing laundry. While it'd be nice to avoid doing laundry while on vacation, it's easy and usually pretty quick to do, and it sure helps you conserve space in your luggage.
Laundry always seems like more of a pain than it really is...I just add it to my list of cultural experiences. My favorite place to "do" laundry, in Italy while staying with locals. My friends' moms would never let us actually do it ourselves, and I don't think my clothes have ever been that clean again. :)
Having completed a 5 week trip in Europe with 2 kids, husband and mother in law, I can say that packing light is a real skill! We tried our best as we had to fit all of us and all our luggage in the car (we drove within France and to Northern Italy, Switzerland, Andorra, Barcelona...) and as the weeks went on our bags were looking to take over. By the time we reached our final destination (London) we had to throw out some clothes to fit in new ones (I have never been able to resist gorgeous clothes). My best advice is light layers, clothes that can be tumble dried (clothes never dry out doors in winter) and a pair of good looking but comfortable boots. They look good day and night and stand up to hours of walking.
Agree,shose is a pain, but what about handbag....I'm going to NYC with my boyfriend for thanksgivings, I need to buy one of those over the shoulders handbag....a very nice one like Prada, Chanel or Gucci. One comfy stylish black boots and one stylish flat..that can be worn dressup or down,and the bag for everything...we won't be going to any fancy places. Some scarfs to accessories, and a nice fall hat to pull thinks off, and like you said neutral colors
Thanks! Great tips. I'm traveling to Ohio and have to pack a ton of stuff including ski pants and a coat.
In the winter, I recommend buying a coat that comes apart in pieces; such as a coat that can have the inside come apart. I used this and it made it a whole lot easier to take on a plane. I wore the sweatshirt part on the plane and packed the outer layer.