Text and Photos by Nina Sarmiento

This is me enjoying the snow in Switzerland! Winter travel need not be such a hassle.

 

 

  Traveling in winter can be such a hassle, but sometimes you can’t avoid it either because of work or family obligation. But there’s a way to make it easier. First, you need to lower your expectations and have tons of patience and sense of humor – especially if you’re traveling alone because there’s no one there to help you, comfort you or just to listen to all your rants. This is the time of the year, that mother nature tends to be very moody. And if you’re really unlucky, a snowmageddon will probably ruin all your travel plans (canceled flights, very cold weather that will make you sick, etc).
 
  But more importantly, you need to be extra-prepared when traveling in winter. This is why there are some essentials that I always put in my suitcase when traveling in winter.  I hope that this packing list that I’m sharing to you will help you in your winter travels:
 
Hats:
  You need to wear a hat to protect your head as this is one part of that body that gets cold easily. I  prefer to wear a wool hat to cover my head and also protect my ears from chilly winds. Also, in case you slip while walking in an icy street, the wool will give a bit of protection. My other choice is a water proof hoodie.
 
Tops: 
  I am fan of layering, but this gets very tricky when you are trying to travel light. What I discovered effective for me is to pack the following and lay one item over another:  thermal underwear, a t-shirt, a thin wool jacket and an outer jacket (preferably wet proof or a heavy black coat). I ditched the hoodies, because even though they’re very comfy, the hood itself adds to the bulk.
 
Trousers:
I use either a thermal underwear or tights as trousers. Tights can be packed easily and I looks good paired with a long dress.

Gloves:
  Again wool would be the warmest, but I find it very difficult to move around with those on my hands, so I use a polyester one, and probably wear another one if it gets very cold. But if I am doing some outdoor activities like sailing or skiing, I wear the water proof ones. Another option is to use hand warmers.
 
Socks:
  The golden rule for socks is that the socks should be sliding on the shoes and not your feet against the socks. Wool can be bulky, so my preference is a fleece pair and I just have to make sure the circulation is not cut off. Avoid cotton s it provides minimal insulation, absorbs and holds moisture. You’re better off without socks than wear cotton socks.
 
Shoes:
  I use a knee length boots with enough traction for soles and with synthetic lining. This is comfy footwear for someone flat footed like me. I also keep a pair of spikes in my bag, in case the pavements got too icy.

But my all-time comfy wear is a pair of hiking shoes with deep traction. They’re also easy to remove when undergoing security check up in the airport.

Medicines:
As much as possible, I always get my flu shot. I also keep batch of paracetamol, decongestant and Lemsips in my travel bag.
 
Moisturizers:
Tis the season of moisturize and protect your skin from the vagaries of dry, cold weather. I always bring a facial moisturizer, lip balm and hands lotion in my day bag. If I’m planning to going for a walk the whole day, I also bring a bottle of moisturizing cream for cracked heels

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So what are the essentials in your winter travel list? Do share them to other gypsygals by writing them down in the comment section.   Happy travels!