After months of planning and saving, you finally book a vacation getaway to see your grandparents in Minnesota. While you are excited to see them and other members of the family living in the area, you know you aren’t traveling during the warmest part of the year.
Fortunately, as the saying goes, forewarned is being armed. Since you know it is going to be chilly in December in Minneapolis, you can begin taking steps now to be sure you’re ready for vacation with the right clothes and equipment.
With all of this in mind, consider these packing tips for preparing for and handling a trip to an especially cold destination:
1. Know that Thermal is your Friend
You might think of thermal underwear as something your beloved grandmother in Minnesota would wear, but this all-ages — and much-needed — type of clothing can come in useful when traveling to cold climates. Indeed, thermals offer a great way to stay warm without having to pack plenty of bulky clothes.
Of course, you can still wear your favourite long-sleeved shirt or lightweight sweater for a day trip with the family in Minnesota if you layer thermal pants underneath. You’ll also want to wear a jacket when you are outside, but you can still look fashionable when you stop by for a meal.
2. Spring for Heavy Winter Jackets
You absolutely need a reliable winter jacket that will keep you warm during every kind of winter trips. But rather than going for the biggest and bulkiest you can find, go for one that’s more breathable and one that offers some key features.
For example, if you are attempting to find a new jacket for the winter holidays, choose a puffer jacket which is made of stretchy fabric, is water-resistant, and offers lightweight insulation. If it comes with a lightweight hood, that’s even better. Of course, you can still wear your favourite beanie to keep your head warm, but a water-proof hood over your jacket will protect you even more from cold rain or snow.
Plus, a jacket made of breathable fabric will also help make sure you do not overheat when you are out and about shopping or sightseeing. Even in a puffer jacket, you can still walk into a cafe for a fast coffee or gift shop and not feel too hot after five minutes.
3. Add Cold Weather Accessories to Suitcase
If you are not used to living in a cold climate, it is understandable to forget a few extra accessories that will keep you warm on your vacation. For example, make sure to pack at least one pair of gloves, and try to find a style that enables you to use your smartphone without having to remove it first.
If your feet and/or hands tend to get cold quickly, make sure to put them away hand and leg warmers, which you can tuck into your gloves or socks as needed to keep them warm and cushty. Travel umbrellas are also an incredible investment for your trip, so find one that folds easily and does not take up much space in your suitcase.
Enjoy Your Stay with Your Grandparents
Before you know it, you will be in your grandparents’ warm home enjoying delicious vacation meals and plenty of visits. By planning ahead to pack for your cold weather getaway, you will make sure to enjoy your trip even more knowing that you will not be shivering through a shopping outing or sightseeing adventure. With multiple thermal combinations; warm and breathable jacket; and the right accessories, you can take on the toughest weather Minnesota has to offer without worry.
