Table of Contents
As a seasoned traveler who tests and reviews travel gear and products for a living, I’ve curated a mishap-proof list of travel essentials for every season that I simply can’t — and refuse — to adventure without. And if you’re like me and love to travel carefully, comfortably, and efficiently, then you’ve come to the right place because I’m sharing my winter trip packing list to make your future trips stress-free.
Over the years, I’ve been through more delayed flights than I care to list (especially due to weather), lost luggage fiascos, the discomforts of traveling while sick in freezing temperatures, and much more, and as a result, I like to stay one step ahead of these issues to avoid any mishaps. That’s why, in the wintertime, I travel with items like Apple AirTags to keep an eye on my luggage and other personal belongings, rechargeable hand warmers to prevent frozen fingers from ruining my time outdoors, and plenty of thermal gear that doubles as casual wear.
Below, I’ve included these items and the other winter travel essentials that I never go anywhere without. You’ll be delighted to know that they are starting at just $8, so there’s really no better time than now to build the perfect, ready-to-go travel bag. Trust me, these expert-approved winter gear must-haves will make all of your 2024 trips a breeze.
Pisiqi Thermal Ultrasoft Long John Set
After reading a review from a shopper stating that they “couldn’t survive New York City winter” without this thermal set, I had to try them out for myself. And they were completely right; the temperatures have been dipping well below freezing and I’ve been putting this set to work overtime on every outing and weekend trip. They’re easy to layer under larger jackets and sweatpants and feel just as great worn on their own. Do yourself a favor and try them out yourself while they’re on sale for $25.
Veken Packing Cubes Set
Packing cubes are travel musts, and they’re such a necessity for me that I even keep a pack in my suitcase so they’re ready to go when I am. I personally love the Veken Packing Cubes Set because they not only help me categorize and organize my clothes, shoes, and toiletries, but they also condense my belongings so I can pack even more (which is especially helpful during the winter when I’m relying on bulky outerwear and clothes to get me through the chilly temperatures). Get a set on sale for $19 ahead of your next trip — you won’t regret it.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
If you don’t already have an Apple AirTag, what are you waiting for? It’s a Travel + Leisure editor-loved tracker and a game-changer for seamless, real-time surveillance on any and all of your personal belongings.You might as well snag a pack while they’re on sale for $80 — making them $20 each — because there’s truly nothing worse than losing track of your luggage, keys, and other bags.
AaoLin Store Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Out of all of the gifts that I got during the holidays, these rechargeable hand warmers have got to be my favorite. Although I’ve only had them for a few weeks now, I always keep at least one in any bag, suitcase, crossbody, work bag — you name it — and am thrilled to keep traveling with them for the rest of the season. They’re functional, easy-to-use, and absolutely adorable; grab the duo while it’s $18.
She’s Birdie The Original Personal Security Device
I believe that you can never be too careful, so I always make sure that I travel with an extra line of defense. I first started using the best-selling She’s Bridie personal alarm in the fall, and aside from giving me peace of mind during my travels, it’s also portable enough that I hooked it to my keychain and now bring it along with me everywhere and anywhere I go — to the grocery store, on a walk, etc. Although, be warned: it’s loud.
BioLite Portable Power Bank
In the digital age, keeping a dependable charge on your devices whenever you’re on-the-go is a must. And while typical portable chargers excel in keeping your phones at a full battery, they’re often unable to successfully (and quickly) refuel bigger electronics like laptops and iPads. That’s why I love this BioLite portable power bank that can not only charge three devices at once, but three heavy-duty devices to ensure that everything’s ready to go — and I’m not left out in the cold without my phone’s GPS.
JBL Tour One On-Ear Headphones
I can never travel without some form of audio entertainment — audiobooks, podcasts, music, etc. — and while most on-ear headphones can do the trick, after long hours of use, they can start to make my ears feel sore. I’ve tried a lot of pairs in my day, and these particular ones from JBL, which may be on the steeper side for some (but not as expensive as other comparable headphones), actually feel like cotton candy pillows on my ears. I once wore them for 18 hours straight on a particular hectic travel day and was in complete audio bliss.
And as a bonus, whereas other headphones tend to slip and slide during workouts, these ones stay firmly and comfortably in place. Plus, they make great, makeshift earmuffs in the wintertime.
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
I love the colder months because to me, it’s really just an excuse to add beanies back into my outfit rotations. They not only keep my head and ears warm and shielded from icy winds, but they also can save me from any unexpected bad hair days that come my way. I have a few from Carhartt and they also happen on sale for just $18, so if you don’t already have a few in your lineup, make sure to grab one while it’s on sale.
Gripjoy Original Crew Grip Socks
I’ve started taking Pilates classes over the past few months (to avoid outdoor workouts) and I’ve quickly fallen in love with grip socks to keep my feet firmly on the ground in and out of my classes. And I personally don’t love the feeling of fuzzy socks, so although these aren’t fleece-lined, they are made with a super-soft and warm material that keeps my feet extra toasty in the wintertime.
Free Fly Bamboo Fleece Joggers
These joggers are made from plush-like natural bamboo fibers that feel like whipped butter on the skin and lined with toasty-warm fleece. So, needless to say, each time I travel in the winter, I make sure that I’m wearing them. I have a few other garments from Free Fly, but these particular leggings in heather black have made my cold-weather travel wardrobe incredibly more comfortable and enjoyable to wear.
Care/of Immune Support Supplement
I (and other Travel + Leisure editors) take personalized Care/of vitamins every day and absolutely love them. But when I’m traveling in the winter, I always make sure that I have a pack of the brand’s immune support vitamins in my bag for an extra line of defense against getting sick. While there are always variables out of my control, I travel with more peace of mind knowing that I’ve got an extra immune-boosting blend of vitamin C and zinc on my side. Consult with your doctor before implementing new supplements into your routine.
New Balance Unisex-Adult BB480 Sneakers
Over the years, I’ve learned to condense my travel wardrobe into practical staples that make it easy to mix-and-match outfits and pack. Of those staples, white sneakers are among the most versatile. I love these sneakers from New Balance that are incredibly comfortable, supportive, and have pretty good traction too to keep me from slipping on slick, icy city surfaces.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm Pack
As someone with dry skin in the winter, traveling always tends to further deplete my skin of its much-needed moisture. While moisturizers and oils get all of the praise during the chilly months, I personally love to supplement a hydrating cleanser like The Inkey List’s Oat Cleansing Balm into my routine for even more moisture (it’s also great for getting all of the gunk from a long travel day out of your pores). Grab this travel-friendly two pack and keep one in your toiletry bag and on your vanity to stay hydrated all season long.
Tide To Go Stain Remover Stick Set
One of the downfalls of travel is the lack of access to convenient laundry, and after spilling one too many sauces on new outfits (that I specifically purchased for a trip, might I add), I always keep a Tide To Go Stick pre-packed in my purse. Accidents happen, but they’ll be a worry of the past with this handy-dandy, stain-fighting stick that takes up virtually no room.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.