How to Pack Light for Winter Travel (in a Carry On)

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First of all, let me start by saying hi, my name is Sally and I kind of hate winter. I spent the majority of my life in warm and sunny Southern California, basking in the warm desert sun. In fact, up until 2015 or so, I had no idea how to pack light for winter travel because the warmest thing I owned was what a friend referred to as a “spring coat.” Coats aren’t just for winter?! My mind was blown. I lived in blissful ignorance until I went to Turkey during a snowstorm. See how sad I look in those photos? It’s because I didn’t own any winter clothes and resorted to wearing everything in my suitcase. Guess who learned her lesson about buying real winter clothes? >This girl.<

ANYWAY. I have taken it upon myself to research (and purchase) the very best clothes for winter travel to help the other people who are lacking winter experience. And good news: I’ve traveled during winter numerous times since that fateful trip in 2015 and I managed to do so while still looking (mostly) cute. I know packing winter clothes in a carry on can seem like an impossible task, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This is exactly how to pack for cold weather in a carry on.

How to Pack Light for Winter Travel: The Rules

Only pack for a week

Whether your trip is one week or one month, and whether you’re packing for cold weather or hot days, only bring along one week’s worth of clothing. This is the secret to packing carry on only during all seasons, winter included. There are laundromats and hotel sinks in every country and overpacking pretty much guarantees you won’t be able to fit everything in one suitcase.

In fact, since you won’t be sweating much since it’s winter, you can easily get away with washing a few choice items (mostly base layers and underwear) and re-wearing your outer layers. You won’t have to wash your outer layers until you get home – win! Note: it’s really easy to wash clothing in the sink or shower – hotel soap will do but I use this all-in-one castile soap, which you can use on your body, clothes, the dishes, and more!

Use packing cubes to compress the life out of things

The biggest winter packing hack? Packing cubes. Seriously guys, packing cubes make packing winter clothes in a carry on incredibly easy. I use them during all seasons but they’re especially helpful during winter. They’re essentially these organizational pouches that compress all your clothing down to make them way less bulky, which means more room to bring things in your suitcase! As an added bonus, packing cubes help keep your clothing organized, so you don’t have to dump the entire contents of your suitcase to find a pair of socks. I LOVE these Gonex ones which are durable, good-quality, and very reasonably priced.

Bring and wear (non-bulky) layers

So here’s the thing I didn’t understand about layers during my first winter vacation: just because something is bulky doesn’t mean it’s necessarily warm. Another thing I hadn’t realized: there’s a limit to the number of layers you’ll want to wear (seriously, 3 pairs of leggings and ski pants did not a comfy outfit make).

So when choosing which layers to pack, it’s incredibly important to consider the material you’ll be packing – you want breathable clothing that will keep you warm while also wicking away moisture (nothing is more uncomfortable than a bunch of sweaty clothing sticking to you).

You should bring layers that are easily removable for when you’re indoors (and won’t make you sweat), but are still warm enough to brave the elements. A good rule of thumb is a t-shirt or tank as an initial base layer, followed by a (wool) long-sleeved top, a sweater, and a packable down jacket.  Plus a warm coat. All of these layers will be pretty thin (except for the coat) so you can easily avoid looking and feeling like a snowman. Note: this may sound like a lot, but you rarely have to wear both the down jacket and the coat – you can mix and match according to the temperature outside. For your bottoms, you only need wool leggings / thermals underneath your pants.  

So why am I recommending so many wool base layers? Well, in a nutshell, Merino wool is this magical fabric that keeps you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dries quickly, and wicks away moisture. To date, I don’t quite understand how this sorcery works but I just go with it. There are two well-known Merino wool brands: I prefer Smartwool, but have found the Icebreaker brand to be just as good. You can check out a comparison of the two brands here.

For photos, you can remove your outer jacket / coat in case you don’t want to look like you wore the same outfit for the whole trip…because Instagram #priorities. Also necessary: warm accessories like thick wool socks, a hat, a scarf, and warm gloves. They don’t take up much room but make a world of difference.

Recommended Base Layers

• Base layer top options: Icebreaker Half-Zip or Smartwool Crew
• Base layer bottom options: Smartwool Bottoms or Icebreaker Vertex Leggings

Note: If you’re on a budget or just don’t want to invest in winter clothes because you don’t travel during winter often enough, this thermal set might be sufficient. It’s not as warm as the other options but it’s okay enough.

Bring warm, waterproof boots

Your fuzzy UGG boots may keep your feet warm and cozy but they can’t do their job when they’re soaking wet. I know this from first hand experience, because I spent my spent most of my time in Turkey with cold and wet feet. It wasn’t fun.

So, assuming that you’ll be weathering (ha, get it?) some other elements besides the cold (i.e. rain and / or snow), you’ll need to get a pair of boots that are both warm and waterproof. Comfortable for walking is a given.

I’m a huge fan of these ones: they’re incredibly warm (cause they’re lined), waterproof, and comfortable. My sister owns these KEEN ones and swears by them, so they’re an excellent alternate as well (I love KEEN’s sandals so I can definitely back the brand’s quality when it comes to shoes).

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane

If you’re anything like me, this should be no problem since sitting on a plane feels like revenge of the AC. Seriously, why are planes SO cold? Forever a mystery. Either way, you aren’t going to be able to squeeze your giant boots, your winter coat, or that scarf that’s basically a blanket into a carry on so prepare to put everything on at home, take it all of at airport security (apparently body scanners can’t handle jackets or something) then rock the winter chic look for the rest of your journey. You can always take your coat off and put it in the overhead bin if you get too warm.

The Complete Winter Packing List for Cold Weather

Like I mentioned before, packing light for winter travel is totally doable and this cold weather packing list includes everything I bring with me on winter trips. Note that this packing list is designed for freezing temperatures but not like, the arctic tundra or The North Pole or something. In that case, I’d tell you to invest in a Canada Goose coat and Google some packing lists for extreme cold. But if you’re after a regular winter trip packing list, you’ve come to the right place.

What to Pack in: Luggage and Accessories

Over the years, I’ve somewhat perfected become better at only packing things I need and packing carry-on only (for the most part) for most of my trips. Except for like, months and months of travel, in which case, I like to have options. The good news? Packing winter clothes in a carry on isn’t as difficult as you think!

So, should you pack your stuff in a backpack or a wheelie suitcase? My answer: it depends.

If you’re traveling to more than two cities, then chances are you’ll be lugging your luggage from place to place (potentially via some mode of public transport if you aren’t driving). I’ve been the person that drags a wheelie suitcase through the streets and it’s honestly just not practical (also the wheels sink in snow and get stuck on cobblestones and can generally be a pain). If you’re only visiting one or two cities and are confident that your bag won’t be destroyed by cobblestones, then go ahead and go for the wheeled suitcase (this is my favorite one). If you’re planning on bouncing around, I highly recommend bringing a backpack for ease of transport. Trust me on this one.

• Backpack: This backpack is hands down the best carry-on-sized backpack I’ve ever used for travel. Not only is it carry-on sized, but it’s also incredibly comfortable and easy to carry, even for a small-framed person like me. It has tons of pockets and compartments for organization, lockable zippers, and it’s weather resistant. If you really don’t think you can handle packing in a carry-on, the Osprey Fairview 70 Backpack is just as comfortable but larger. You can also technically get away with using it as a carry on and the additional pack as your personal item. Win! Be sure to get a rain cover if you’re traveling somewhere where it rains or snows a ton.
• Packing Cubes: I never understood why people needed packing cubes until I got some of my own. Guys, they’re the BEST for keeping organized! I can no longer travel without them. Now I avoid what I fondly call “exploding suitcase syndrome” – that tendency for all your things to go all over the place every time you need to get one thing from your suitcase. I’m a fan of these ones made specifically for the backpack I recommended, but if you have a different backpack, these compression packing cubes are pretty great too!
• Water-Resistant Daypack: For days where I’m out all day, I always carry a daypack. This daypack is great because it’s durable, water-resistant, has several organizational pockets, and folds into a tiny pouch. Alternatively, consider bringing a dry bag instead (this would qualify as your personal item on an airplane). You really only need a dry bag if you’re worried about torrential rain or snow. Otherwise, you’ll be fine with the water-resistant one. Don’t forget to keep your valuables (especially electronics) in a waterproof bag to avoid any kind of water damage.
• Locking Purse (optional): Let me just preface this by saying that most countries don’t have a pickpocketing or purse-snatching problem which is a reason I say this is an optional purchase. However, I’d rather be safe than sorry, which is why I bring this handy lockable purse with me everywhere I travel (especially since I already own it). Is it the most stylish purse I’ve ever owned? No. Does it keep me from worrying about pickpockets? Absolutely. Plus, it’s surprisingly roomy – I keep my water bottle, camera, wallet, and other stuff in there and they fit no problem. If a smaller purse is what you’re after, check out this one or this one. Note: If you don’t want to purchase this purse, you can always keep your smaller valuables in this secret pocket scarf instead.
• Organizing bags: I learned the hard way on my first solo trip that keeping your bag organized is crucial. Otherwise, you end up repacking your bag every other day, which suuuuucks. Therefore, in addition to your packing cubes, bring along an electronics organizer (especially if you travel with a ton of gear), a laundry bag (you can also use a separate packing cube if you prefer), and a toiletries bag (liquids spilling on your clothes make for a bad time). You can also bring along shoe bags if you wish (to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes, of course) but I only recommend bringing one pair of winter boots on this list so you might not need shoe bags.

Packing for Winter Travel: Clothing and Shoes

I know that clothing is always the hardest thing to pack because you want to bring clothes that will keep you warm, aren’t bulky, and are still stylish. Just remember one rule of thumb: wear and pack good-quality layers. Just because you’re traveling during the winter doesn’t mean you’ll always be freezing: some days the sun might come out or the temperatures will rise slightly. You’ll want layers that are easy to mix and match according to the daily forecast.

Tops

• (2) Wool camis: I grew up always wearing a tank underneath my tops no matter what the season, namely because my mom had this idea that not wearing one meant I would catch a cold. Now the habit has stuck. If you feel the same, buy a couple of these camis. If not, just bring 2 of the base layer t-shirts instead.
• (1-2) Basic temperature regulating t-shirts: You’ll want at least one (two if you aren’t bringing a cami / tank) basic temperature regulating shirt, like this one. This T is specially made to be moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and keep you warm. This is an excellent base layer to wear underneath your clothing. You can also wear one to sleep!
• (1) Long-sleeved temperature regulating top: Because Merino wool is designed to be anti-bacterial and not smelly, you’ll only need one of these tops to wear underneath your cute sweaters. Besides, on the off-chance you get sweaty, your initial layers will take care of it. One of these is totally sufficient – don’t forget you’re packing for winter travel in a carry on!
• (2) Sweaters: Bring a couple of cute sweaters to change up your outfit (especially for photos). Just two are sufficient because you can also change up your photo look with your jacket, coat, or your base layers. Make sure the sweaters are warm (wool blends are a good rule of thumb) and not bulky. I like the colors and feel of this one, personally.

Bottoms

• (1) Comfortable travel pants: Pants that are cute, comfortable and water-resistant don’t exist, right? Wrong. Here they are! These are pretty much my favorite pants because they have all the comforts of hiking pants (read: very comfortable) but they’re disguised as cute regular pants. I’m personally a fan of skinny jeans, but prAna has a ton of options if skinny isn’t your style. I wear these with the a wool base layer and voilà! Warmth.
• (1) Jeans: I’m going to be honest: I’m not a big fan of jeans so I tend to wear stretchy pants (like the prAna ones I recommended above) or loose pants (which definitely don’t work for winter). However, Aviator makes the most comfortable travel jeans for women, ever. I got myself a pair after hearing rave reviews and they definitely live up to the hype! They’re stretchy, comfy, have pockets, and are pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted in women’s jeans but can’t find. These jeans, combined with a nice pair of black or colored prAna pants and you’re all set for pants!
• (1) Wool base layer: I’ve already talked about the benefits of Merino wool above so I won’t gush about it again. But you definitely have to keep your bottom half warm and these wool leggings do just that!
• (1) Skirt and fleece-lined tights (optional): I’m not really much of a dress / skirt person during the winter but if you are, pair a midi-skirt with some fleece-lined thermals (or tights) along with your wool base layer, and you should be plenty warm.
• (1) Sweater dress (optional): When I’m cold, I’m more inclined to look practical than cute. However, I love how chic and inexpensive this wool-blend sweater-dress is. You can easily wear it with a few base layers plus the fleece tights and wool leggings.

Wearable Accessories for Winter Travel

• (2) Warm scarves: One of my favorite minimalist hacks for travel is to bring several scarves and several basic shirts and mixing and matching them to make it look like a whole new outfit. Cool trick, right? Since it’s winter, wear one heavier scarf on the plane and pack another medium weight one. Accessories help keep you warm!
• (1) Beanie: I’m personally not a big fan of hats in general. But a good beanie goes a long way in keeping you warm since so much body heat escapes from your head. I love this beanie: not only does it match with everything and keep my head warm but it’s also knit by a women’s co-op in Nepal and all the proceeds for every product sold go directly back to an education fund for Nepalese children. Pretty good reason to buy it, right?
• (1) Sunglasses: Snow blindness is totally a thing so these are a necessity.
• (1) Gloves: I’m not a big of gloves either but I happen to like this pair cause they keep my hands warm and allow me to text. There are plenty of other technical pairs that are ultra-warm and all that good stuff but I’ve always been fine with these.

Outerwear and Underwear

• (2) Bras, (1) workout bra, (7) underwear: I always bring this workout bra for outdoorsy days or if I want to hit the hotel gym because it keeps moisture and smells away. Same goes for this underwear (plus, it dries quickly for easy washing). I also pack a couple of my regular t-shirt bras and voila. Done with undergarments.
• (3) Warm, moisture-wicking socks: These socks will keep your feet nice and cozy but also not sweaty which is a win-win. I use them for all my winter trips and I love them. Bring a few pairs and wash them as needed.
• (1) Packable down jacket: It’s unlikely that you’ll wear both your jacket and your coat on the same day unless it’s really cold but I still highly recommend bringing one along. Why? Well, besides the fact that it’s another warm layer, this packable one is super compressible so it hardly takes up any room in your suitcase – or in your daypack. Plus, you can wear it instead of your coat if you don’t want to wear a coat every single day. Super light and extra warm is a total win.
• (1) Warm winter coat: If you don’t already have a warm winter coat (no judgement, I didn’t buy my first one until I was 18), I really like this one. It’s warm AF, waterproof and inexpensive. However, if you want, just get a cute wool one. Your other layers should keep you pretty warm.

Pajamas

• I like bringing leggings and a basic t-shirt to wear as pajamas just in case there’s an off chance I need to wash them and wear them as clothes in a pinch. Either way, don’t forget pajamas.

Shoes

• (1) Warm, waterproof boots: Yeah, I really only bring one pair of shoes with me on winter trips. I don’t go jogging or anything so I don’t need running shoes, so as long as your pair of boots are waterproof, comfortable, and warm, you really don’t need anything else. I rocked the same pair the entire time I was in Chicago. I love this pair because it has all of the qualities I listed above but my sister swears by this pair. So either should do the trick depending on your style preference! Just make sure to break them in before you leave, of course. Also – if you’re going snowshoeing or somewhere particularly icy, consider buying crampons to help with traction. I’ve never had to use these myself but they might be good to have depending on the destination.

Toiletries and Accessories for Cold Weather

• Oral care: Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss sticks along. Your favorite brands might be unavailable depending on where you go so it’s easier to just bring your stuff with you.
• Deodorant: No explanation necessary.
• Razors: In all honesty, I don’t really shave when I don’t have to so I pack a razor when I travel during winter. However, if you shave all-year-round (kudos), I suggest the ultra-compact yet powerful Venus Snap.
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-in conditioner, and Soap: Word to the wise – your favorite hair and skincare brands (especially if you use ultra-niche or expensive brands) might not be available in whatever country you’re visiting. I personally bring solid shampoo and conditioner bars because they’re lighter, last way longer, and don’t spill on your stuff. I like this shampoo bar and this conditioner bar, but of course, buy/bring whatever suits your hair type. I also always use leave-in conditioner in my hair, but it’s especially necessary during winter so my hair doesn’t look like a scarecrow’s. As for soap, I bring along the miraculous Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, which you can use to clean yourself, clothing, dishes, and more. I learned about it from some traveling friends a few years ago and now it’s my go-to travel soap!
• Hand Sanitizer and face wipes: Face wipes or baby wipes will help you stay refreshed and clean (plus help you remove makeup at night) while hand sanitizer is useful for general…er, sanitizing. Especially if a bathroom isn’t handy or it doesn’t have soap (also learned from personal experience, sigh).
• Makeup: I’ve never been much of a makeup queen and generally get by with tinted moisturizer, mascara, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, and lipstick both on the road and at home. However, my makeup-loving younger sister says that yes, you do need these great travel-sized brushes and that you should buy travel-sized versions of your favorite makeup if you really can’t go makeup minimalist for a week or two. Just know that anything that’s prone to drying out your skin probably isn’t best to bring anyway.
• Chapstick: Use it often and buy the SPF kind. Winter air is notorious for drying out your skin and lips, so Chapstick is a must!
• Sunscreen: I’ve learned a long time ago that you need sunscreen to protect your face whether it’s summer or winter. For everyday use, I use Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen because my skin is prone to acne. The original Neutrogena sunscreen is just as good if acne is a non-issue. Neither will leave your skin feeling gross and greasy.
• Menstruation things: If pads are your period weapon of choice (and you don’t want to pack some), you can usually find your favorite brand around the world. However, tampons and menstrual cups are much more challenging to find (or differ significantly) so do yourself a favor and pack some along with you.
• Skincare: As much as I’m a makeup minimalist, I’m somewhat of a skincare maximalist. I use a variety of products, which I pack into these teeny travel containers. What I don’t skimp on, though, is face moisturizer, and neither should you. Your skin will dry out from the cold and it’s not a cute look. I love the Cerave PM moisturizer (shout out to my dermatologist!) and this bottle comes in a 3 oz size, which makes it TSA-friendly. Don’t forget to pack a good body lotion too. Your body needs hydration as well.
• Miscellaneous: In terms of jewelry, I usually bring 3 pairs of earrings plus what I’m already wearing, and a few cute and matching bracelets and necklaces. Not necessities but I gotta be cute, ok? I also pack this perfume bottle atomizer so I can bring my favorite perfume along, as well as a hairbrush, hair ties and bobby pins.
• Blow dryer (optional): You really only need to bring a blow dryer with you if you’re staying in a hostel and you shower in the morning. Because apparently, frozen hair can snap off? Anyway, if you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, they should provide blow dryers. this post on how to use hair appliances abroad without destroying them.

Travel Safety and First Aid

• Travel Insurance: Yes, you need travel insurance for if things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve been sick, needed stitches, crashed a rental car, had cash stolen and have dealt with luggage delays. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is World Nomads cause they’re awesome. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!
• Luggage Locks: Your stuff can definitely get stolen from your suitcase, whether you’re going through airport security, taking a bus or train, or staying at a hostel (or hotel, even). I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but I’m a worrywart and like to prepare for the worst. So I bring a couple of these small TSA-approved locks with me whenever I travel. Sure, I can’t stop someone from running off with my entire bag, but at least I can stop pickpockets in their track, heyyyy!
• Advil: I always bring some pain reliever with me in case of body aches, cramps, etc. It’s just good to have.
• Travel First Aid Kit: I love that this travel first aid kit is small enough to stick in your bag but still has tons of items in it. I’d remove the scissors if you aren’t planning to check your luggage, but otherwise, this is incredibly handy, especially if you’re going to be doing outdoorsy things.

Electronics to Bring

• VPN: For those of you who don’t know, a VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows you to securely and privately route your internet through a server. Basically, it makes your internet think you’re in one place when you’re in a different one. Why do you need this? Well, if you want to access your bank account or any secure online account, the sites get super sketched out when you’re in a foreign country. It makes accessing some of these sites annoying or downright impossible. Also, if you want to watch your favorite Netflix or Hulu show, you’ll need a VPN to access it. I use NordVPN because it’s powerful enough to get around country-wide VPN blocks. Yay for internet security!
• Power bank: I don’t know if I’m a phone addict or what (jk, the answer to that is an unfortunate but resounding yes) but I legit don’t understand how people can travel without a power bank. You’re out and about all day and using your phone to navigate, take photos, and who knows what else. Phone batteries also tend to run out so much faster when it’s cold out. I always carry my Anker PowerCore while I’m out. It’s light, holds multiple charges, and charges phones quickly. Win!
• Portable WiFi: Once upon a time, I used to collect SIM cards like 90’s kids collected Beanie Babies. I had one for each country I visited and multiple phone numbers I could never remember. Why? So I could always have internet (I’m an addict and I know it). Nowadays, I use an eSIM. Now I get internet pretty much everywhere and can use it for multiple devices.
• Universal travel adapter: After accidentally bringing the wrong plug for a country multiple times, I learned my lesson and bought a couple of universal travel adapters. You can use them in every country and never have to worry about plugs again, yay! This one also has USB slots, which is super handy if you are mainly charging phones, cameras, and tablets. I usually pack two just in case and charge all my stuff with a power strip (linked below).
• Travel Camera(s): I know all the cool kids are about that #iPhoneOnly life, but I still like taking photos with a camera. Does that make me old? Whatever, I’m embracing it. Anyway, for adventure footage and photos, the latest GoPro is seriously the best. It’s waterproof, image stabilizing, and a bunch of other cool features. If you’re looking for a nice digital camera that doesn’t involve complicated lenses, I personally use the Sony RX100 II, which I’m obsessed with. This is the older model (I think they’re on the 6 now) but it works great. The Carl Zeiss lens helps take spectacular, high-quality photos but the camera is small enough to fit in a purse.
• Kindle: Confession: I’m low-key a book fiend and chances are high that I’m currently in the middle of reading something. As a traveler, I don’t have the luxury of taking up precious space in my suitcase with a book or three. I was uncertain about buying a Kindle initially, but it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Not only can you keep guidebooks on there, but it’s also nice to be able to read at your leisure on those long distance trips or at the beach. This particular Kindle magically blocks sun glare somehow (sorcery, I tell you!), which is why I prefer it to reading on a tablet.
• Portable Travel Strip (optional): If you’re one of those annoying people charging your phone, laptop, and camera at the same time (read: me), bringing a small travel strip along makes powering your devices that much more efficient. I know I’m extra. Sorry, not sorry.
• Headphones: There are a lot of things that suck about planes, but bad headphones don’t have to be one of them. The small Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones do a pretty good job of blocking ambient sound on airplanes (and everywhere else). They’re small and they’re wired, making them much more practical for travel than the bulky over-ear headphones.
• Laptop/Tablet (optional): I work online for a living, so I always bring my MacBook Air with me. I don’t like or use tablets personally. However, you might want to bring along a lightweight laptop or your tablet just in case. Travel planning is hard to do on a smartphone (which you should also bring by the way).

Travel Accessories to Pack

• Water purifying bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. Regardless of whether or not you can drink tap water in whichever cold weather destination you’re visiting, I recommend the Grayl’s water filtering bottle: you can fill directly from the tap and drink almost immediately.
• Microfiber towel (optional): Pretty much all hotels will have towels for use on hand, but I find that it’s always nice to have a towel I can use when I travel, whether I’m at an impromptu picnic, or just a bit chilly. This Wise Owl Camping Towel dries super quickly, takes up almost no room and comes with a bonus face/hand towel for hikes and outdoor activities. I always bring it with me when I travel, whether I’m staying in a hostel or not.
• Travel pillow (optional): First of all, if you don’t already use a travel pillow while you’re on a plane, I’m seriously impressed because I can’t board a flight without one! Best believe I’m recommending that dorky but ultra comfortable Trtl travel pillow. It’s super comfortable and designed to hold your head in a proper sleeping position. Plus, it’s easy to just attach to your backpack when you aren’t using it so you don’t have to worry about bending the brace.
• Eye mask and earplugs (optional): I have the hardest time sleeping pretty much anywhere that isn’t a bed, which I know is ridiculous considering how often I travel. I find that making my environment as quiet and dark as possible helps, which is why I travel with both earplugs and this funny-looking eye mask. Some city centers have a fair amount of street noise can be annoying enough to interrupt your sleep. I highly recommend bringing earplugs, even if you don’t sleep with them normally.
• Travel toilet paper (optional): I’ve been in way too many situations where I’m stuck in a public restroom without toilet paper. I don’t know why, but it happens. Now I literally always keep toilet paper, napkins, baby wipes or Kleenex in my purse. Always. You can always buy toilet paper at your destination or take some from your hotel, but I like to keep some of these small toilet paper rolls in my purse when I travel and not worry about it. Toilet seat covers are 100% not a thing (like at all outside of North America from what I’ve seen) so if you’re particularly worried about hygiene, there are also travel toilet seat covers.
• Sleeping bag liner (optional): I’m not a germaphobe by any means but have camped and stayed in hostels enough times to know that sometimes the bedding is…questionable. Or just plain uncomfortable. This silk sleeping bag liner will make you feel ultra-luxurious and put a barrier between you and your bedding, which has made me feel better while camping and staying in budget hotels.

Travel Documents to Remember

• Passport and copy of your passport
• Travel Insurance: very, very important.
• Driver’s license if you’re planning on renting a car
• Credit card and / or debit card
• Cash: just a little for when you arrive. You can usually withdraw from ATMs

You’re all set with the complete packing list! If you have any burning questions about this winter travel packing list, comment below!

Have you ever packed for winter with just a carry on? What are some must-have accessories to add to this list? Share in the comments below!

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