How to Pack for a Winter Getaway
A winter getaway is the perfect escape for us Southerners. I don’t know about you but a world covered in a blanket of snow just adds pure magic to the Christmas season. Over the past few years I made it a point to get out of Texas and up North for a few trips including Chicago (and this post), Rhode Island (see here and here), Vermont, New Hampshire, Boston and Maine. Each trip was unique and thoughtfully planned out. Since I can get away with just jackets and sweaters most of the year in Houston (if not shorts!)
What to Pack:
The main key to packing efficiently is to think in a color scheme and pack layers. These photographs were from a road trip all over New England this past Winter. I knew bringing a few coats would give flexibility during the sunny warmer days and chilly windy nights. Layering wool coats over puffy vests and overalls got me through so much of the trip. I loved being able to take the coat off and enjoy coming inside for a delicious drink at many of the local breweries and distilleries on the trip. But as soon as I stepped outside I needed the extra insulation with added gloves, down coats or long wool coats, and lots of beanies!
Whenever I pack for a trip I specifically think about the climate. Bringing neutral items that are versatile (skinny jeans, overalls, striped sweaters and neutral outwear) are easy ways to get the most out of your suitcase. Since winter wear is much thicker than resort and beach wear I like to make sure my outer layers will coordinate with more than one outfit.
Thermal tops, flannel button ups and sweaters were staples in layering. During the daytime most of the places we visited were around 20-30 degrees (F) during the day. The skies were a bright white and cloudy oftentimes requiring sunglasses as the light made the sky and earth a bright white. Always pack sunglasses for a winter trip and sunscreen. It’s easy to experience sunburn when there are UV rays reflecting off the snow.
Outside of outerwear the second most important item to look for when packing for a snowy vacation includes footwear. I wore double socks with my tall rain boots, lace up snow boots and a pair of wool short top lace up shoes. All of the shoes were warm, cozy, comfortable and could withstand stepping in snow. When your feet are warm it makes it so much easier for the rest of your body to be warm.
Another tip is to bring thin leggings or tights to wear underneath your pants and jeans. I’m telling you they are a lifesaver. If you are wearing a long skirt, add tights underneath or legwarmers. The trick is to layer. Add a long wool overcoat or wear a puffy jacket underneath an oversized coat to keep your core warm. Winter is so much more enjoyable when your teeth aren’t chattering.
I’m planning our next winter getaway and will be posting more content around this topic. I’d love to hear about some of the things you bring to combat the cold! Comment or send me a tweet (@threeheelclicks) to share! Your feedback means so much and I love reading comments!
What is your dream Winter vacation destination?
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For the past year, I’ve struggled to feel spiritually challenged. For most of my life, I’ve constantly sought to expand my spiritual knowledge and push myself to educate myself about theology, religion, spiritual topics, and the bible. I’ve studied the Bible in depth for the past 30 years dissecting it, cross referencing, and getting involved in small group Bible studies to understand God better and what his word says. I’ve also studied a plethora of other spiritual practices and viewpoints including angel numbers, numerology, Buddhism the history behind the Islamic religion, and Catholicism practices. I wanted to truly understand the world’s viewpoints on faith, hope, righteousness, and what God had to say about them.