13 Hacks to Travel Smarter in Winter

Unpredictable weather patterns, crowded airports, and bulky luggage. Winter is here, and with it, the challenges of traveling during colder months.

The key to a hassle-free winter adventure lies in smart preparation. Whether you're heading to a snowy retreat or chasing the sun in warmer climates, knowing the right hacks when traveling in winter can save you time, money, and stress. Don’t let the winter woes derail your travel plans!

There are some things you should know before you travel, though — I’ve done the research for you. Take heed of the following expert-approved tips and advice before going away this season.

Invest in a Portable Battery

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I don’t know how many times I have been traveling and had to curtail my phone or laptop usage because the battery was low.

A portable battery is an emergency essential you never know when you might need. Also, if you are traveling and experience great temperature changes, it could affect the phone and drain the battery.

According to Apple’s website: “When using your device in a very cold environment, you may notice a decrease in battery life, but this condition is temporary.”

Mark Your Items as Fragile

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Here’s a tip you never knew you needed. According to N26, the banking app, you can use this sneaky hack to make sure the airport staff take “extra care of your luggage.” Your bag may even have a greater chance of coming out of the carousel first!

You can buy fragile sticker tape online, and I see on Amazon you can get 500 labels per roll for about five bucks. They also work great for shipping packages.

Pick Connecting Flights Carefully

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James J. Garriss, a weather writer at Almanac, shares his tips for traveling smarter in winter. “Remember that El Niños shift the mid-winter storms south,” he says. “This surprises many travelers.”

Therefore, he recommends taking connecting flights in southern airports such as Dallas to prevent snow delays in fall and spring. In mid-winter, however, travelers should opt for northern terminals, which usually suffer fewer storms than southern states.

Get Vaccinated

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Scared of getting sick before a dream flight — or when you get there? Some doctors may advise the flu shot or other vaccines before you go away.

If you are going to a different country, you may want to find out if there are any recommended medications or vaccinations you need to take to prevent any emergencies.

Take Vitamin D

Smiling Woman Taking an Effervescent Multi Vitamins Pill
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During the winter months, you are probably not getting as much sun — or vitamin D — as you ought. Some may want to opt for Vitamin D sprays or tablets, which can be a very good way to ward off illnesses during the winter season.

Global studies have confirmed that vitamin D supplementation can help protect against acute respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, and chest infections.

Take Out Travel Insurance

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Recently, a family friend went abroad for a two-week vacation in a country in Southeast Asia, which turned out to be a total nightmare. In that short time, he was involved in a scooter accident, which saw a few fractures. Fortunately, he was seen immediately by the hospital, and he received tremendous hospital treatment and care.

The best part was that he didn’t have to pay for any of it — what a time to have insurance!

Roll Your Clothes Instead of Folding Them

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If you are going away in winter, chances are that you need to bring a lot of layers!

To make the packing easier, I recommend rolling your smaller clothes instead of folding them to save space. Your larger, puffier clothes can act as a protective layer for your other fragile items at the bottom of the suitcase.

Limit Shoes

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Wayne Mills, Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide, shares with The Sun that we don’t need many shoes when we are traveling in winter.

At a basic level, you just need a pair of boots on the journey over, and a packed pair of lightweight trainers or flats should do the trick. Stuff socks in the shoes to maximize space.

Wear Your Heaviest Layers

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If it’s a case you need to pack a lot, make sure to wear the heaviest layers on your flight over. There is no point in stuffing all that attire in your bag and having no space or paying an extra fee for it!

You can always take off your extra layers at the airport or on the flight itself.

Vacuum Packs and Zip Seals

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I travel a lot and make use of vacuum packs when I do. Vacuum packs, or compression bags, suck out all of the air, thus reducing your luggage size. This will enable you to pack much more in your bag than it could otherwise hold.

You will also want to put a few spare bags, or zip backs, to carry small items that could otherwise get lost. I always like to put in a spare bag so that I can separate my old “worn” clothes from my rest.

Pack Smartly

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Of course, you want to pack items that you can wear for many occasions, like a warm dress that will suit not just day wear but also when hitting restaurants and bars in the evenings.

In a recent article, we compiled a list of cold-weather essentials that will help you keep warm during the season. For very cold destinations, you may want to wear three layers, bigger boots, and loose-fitting clothes for warmth.

Get Weather Updates Before Traveling

Indonesians meteorologists monitor radar displays. Weather forecast in a office.
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If any crazy weather events happen, be in the know before you venture to the airport. One way to keep updated is to check your airline’s social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to see if flights are getting canceled.

Check the news, too! Every time I watch the news lately, there is a new crazy weather report. Just recently, I was thinking about going to Malaga or Valencia in Spain, but both of those places suffered tremendously from flash floods. Stay safe out there!

Have an Emergency Car Kit

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Emergencies can happen to anyone. Garriss recommends keeping an emergency car kit in the back to be on the safe side.

“…Keep a warm pair of mittens, a blanket, a flashlight, extra batteries, windshield cleaner, a water bottle, an energy bar or two, and a bag of kitty litter or rock salt for traction,” he says.

Author: Caitriona Maria

Caitriona Maria is an accomplished writer, editor, and the founder of TPR Teaching. Her passion for education and entertainment shines through in her content, which inspires and empowers individuals of all ages.

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