Hopping on a plane to your favorite winter wonderland can mean additional packing woes, particularly if traveling light is a priority. While it’s virtually impossible to carry as little as you might for a summer excursion, it is possible to take a cold-weather vacation without packing everything but the kitchen sink. Following are a few of my favorite ways to stay warm while on the road in northern climes.
Length
Cold-weather wear can be extremely bulky. One way to combat that bulk is by choosing articles of clothing that accomplish the same level of warming with less space. For example, neck gaiters provide adequate protection from the elements with far less fabric than a basic neck scarf. For between $15 and $25, you can purchase a critical warming layer without the dangling ends. Gaiters are commonly available in a variety of materials and colors, allowing you to choose one that fits your travel wardrobe and itinerary, whether your plans include zipping down a mountain or enjoying an architectural walking tour.
Similarly, there are other ways to pull off a dressy travel look besides dragging along a full-length trench coat. Mid-length jackets worn on the plane, wool wraps and an extra base layer underneath a snazzy sweater all offer a chance to avoid a chill while saving space and sidestepping unnecessary checked luggage. Lined skirts and slacks offer additional coverage on breezy evenings.
Limits
Warmer getaways allow for the possibility of multiple pairs of footwear in the form of ballet flats, flip flops and adventure sandals. Winter footwear takes up a little more room and dictates the need for advance planning. If you have your heart set on snowshoeing, skiing or some other adventure activity, you may need to make some tough choices regarding fancy dinners out after a day on the slopes.
Ballet flats may get you by if you’re hitting a bistro at the resort that doesn’t require walking outside, but they’ll hardly do the job if you need to stroll through slushy streets to get where you’re going. If there’s no room in your suitcase for winter dress boots, you might have to skip the formal Italian restaurant in favor of a gourmet burger someplace where you can wear your hiking boots. Local pubs and mountaintop lodges each fit the bill.
Shelley Seale, author of “How to Travel for Free,” takes things one step further by purchasing inexpensive scarves and gloves on location and then leaving them behind for hotel staff. This leaves room for other things in her suitcase, and provides the opportunity to make a difference for an independent local business at her chosen destination.
Alternatives
Sometimes apparel that is specifically targeted as travel wear can come with a higher price tag. This is not always the case but when it is, consider similar options in other clothing categories. Fitness wear for instance, offers a significant amount of cold-weather protection at a fraction of the cost compared to designer duds such as brand-name cashmere. During a recent shopping trip to L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine, to look for some new boots, I explored the women’s department for cozier attire than what I was currently carrying in the back of my Jeep. I noticed a packable quilted travel vest for $99, and a comparably styled fitness vest for $60.
By switching my focus from travel clothing to active wear, I uncovered a savings opportunity of nearly $40. Men’s and women’s active base layers were also available for roughly $50 each, compared to nearly a hundred dollars a pop for full-length travel underwear I’d seen elsewhere. Frequent traveler Mary Ann Anderson recently uncovered a similar space-saving opportunity with sports attire on a trip to Paris. Says Anderson, “I found that sports bras take up much less room than those with underwire. It truly made a big difference in suitcase space, and left room for other things.”
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