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What to Pack for a Winter Holiday

What to Pack for a Winter Holiday

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that your adventures are over, but it does come with its downsides. The art of keeping warm often means big jumpers and other winter gear that are heavy and do not leave much room in your case. Travellers need to strike a balance between packing only the essentials and ensuring there is enough to last them the entire duration of the winter holiday. But fear not, it can be done!

Here are some packing tips for those heading off on a winter vacation! 

1. Thermal wear

Do pack some lightweight thermal wear – tops and bottoms. They only occupy a small amount of space in your suitcase and will keep you warm in freezing temperatures. You can also fit them into your day bag easily so that on days you need an extra layer, you do not have to wind up shivering. 

2. Accessories – hat, gloves, ear muffs

Winter accessories, namely gloves, hats, scarves and ear muffs, do not just make you appear more fashionable in the cold. They also play an essential role in keeping you warm as they protect the parts of your body that would otherwise be left exposed to the cold, i.e. your hands, head and neck. Most items of clothing do not offer protection to these areas (plus they look great)…So do not forget your these accessories when you pack for a winter vacation!

3. Winter coat

When you go on a winter vacation, you will surely need a winter coat to complete your outfit and provide you extra warmth. But you only need to bring a single coat along, and try to wear it so it does not take up any much-valued suitcase space. If rain or snow is forecast for the destination you are heading to, consider bringing a coat that is waterproof and comes with a hood.  

4. Footwear

The shoes you wear on your winter vacation should be comfortable enough for you to walk long distances and come with a good grip to prevent you from slipping on wet or icy surfaces. Wear boots to give your feet and legs some extra warmth, which sneakers do not provide. 

If you are planning to bring along additional footwear, do wear the most bulky one on the day you travel to free up space in your suitcase. 

5. Hand warmers

While we can easily slip on an additional layer to keep our upper bodies warm, very few of us wear an extra glove to keep our hands warm. And this is understable since gloves can be an impediment when we want to take photos or search for items in our day bags. But your fingers do not have to suffer the cold even when it is already wrapped in gloves! That is why many travellers bring hand warmers – they stay warm for hours and provide instant relief to frozen hands!

6. Moisturisers

Besides keeping yourself warm, you must not forget to look after your skin during your winter vacation! The cold temperatures can dry out your skin, causing it to become flaky and itchy so ensure that you bring moisturisers for both your face and the rest of your body. While you may need a richer moisturiser for winter, especially if your skin is prone to dryness, you should be using moisturisers that are suitable for your skin type.

Do not forget that winter weather can also cause us to have dry and cracked lips. Luckily this isn't something a little lip balm can't fix. Besides external moisturisers, remember to hydrate body internally by drinking enough water!

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Tips for Packing Light When you Travel

Tips for Packing Light When you Travel

Packing light is not a travel tip that only budget travellers and backpackers swear by – seasoned travellers also see the benefits of going light on packing. A lighter suitcase will enable you to travel with greater ease and comfort, not to mention save you from excess baggage costs with airlines. Your shoulders and back will also be spared from the strain of heavyweight bags. On a side note, shopaholic-travellers will have enough space in their baggage to fit their purchases during their travels when they pack light! 

Carry less weight the next time you travel with these tips!

1. Do not pack your entire wardrobe 

Clothes take up a substantial amount of space in every traveller's suitcase. While a daily change of undergarments is non-negotiable for hygiene purposes, you do not need a completely different outfit for each day. In fact, you can have just enough clothing to last you through the duration of the trip and still look fashionable. Mix and match different pieces of clothing – neutral-coloured clothes are easiest to pair with other items. If you are concerned about clothes smelling bad, consider bringing a small amount of detergent to do some washing but be mindful that this will work best if you are staying in the same accommodation throughout your travels. 

Before you begin packing, do check the weather conditions of the destination you are headed to have an idea of what sort of clothing you will need. Fashion-conscious travellers may also want to think about their daily attire before deciding on which clothes to bring along. 

2. Check amenities offered at your accommodation

Depending on the accommodation that you stay in, amenities such as hairdryers, kettle, toiletries, shower cap or sewing kits may be provided. Should the amenities that you need to use be provided, you will not have to pack them into your suitcase. Your suitcase will be lighter and you will have more space to fit other essentials.

3. Toiletries

If you have to bring toiletries along, pack them into travel-sized containers and bottles. Simply buy some travel-sized empty bottles and load your existing shampoo, shower gel and cleanser into them. Use a toiletry bag to organise your toiletries and ensure that your bottles and containers are tightly sealed to prevent spills – you may place them in a plastic bag for extra security. If you use makeup, bring only the basics and bring travel-sized ones if possible. You really do not need your entire collection of makeup. 

Bear in mind that you may not have the time for an extensive routine during your holiday so only bring the toiletries that you will use. Do not worry about running out of toiletries – if you stay in a hotel, it is highly likely that the basics such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided. 

4. Shoes

Where possible, make do with a pair of comfortable shoes in tip-top condition and you will not have to bring additional footwear along. If you intend to bring a second pair of shoes, wear the one that is heavier and bulkier on the day you travel around to save space and weight in your suitcase. You should also place the shoe in a dustbag or shower cap to prevent clothes and other items in your suitcase from getting stained and dirty.

5. Electronic gadgets

Many of us are inseparable from our electronic gadgets and it comes as no surprise that they accompany us on our travels. But they can be a hindrance to packing light so you should only bring the devices you need. Apart from your mobile phone, consider bringing only one other gadget, such as your compact tablet. Remember that you will also need to bring chargers along, which will occupy space and weight in your suitcase. Fewer chargers will mean more space and weight! 

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