TRAVELING TO WARM DESTINATIONS IN WINTER

The winter months certainly have fun to offer, with skiing, ice skating, and other cold weather activities to enjoy. However, whether you love all the activities available during the winter months or prefer warm weather and water activities, you may be looking to escape the cold for a bit.

If you’re planning a warm winter getaway, discover how to choose the best tropical places to visit in the winter and be prepared with the best travel accessories and the best luggage for international travel below.

Choosing Your Warm Winter Destination

Warm beach weather, tropical island adventures, and sunny cities can lure even the most avid winter fans away from the cold weather for a long or short trip. But how do you choose which place to visit?

When looking for warm places to visit in winter to soak up the sun, follow these tips:

  • Figure out how much time you have to work with

If you only have a weekend, it makes more sense to keep your travel time as short as possible to avoid wasting time at the airport or adjusting to a new time zone. If you have a few weeks, on the other hand, traveling internationally becomes more practical.

  • What is your budget?

Determine your budget and then narrow down your potential options from there. Remember to include travel costs, lodging, dining, shopping, and activities in your budget – don’t leave anything out so that you have the most accurate number to work with.

  • How much privacy do you want?

This will largely depend on who you’re traveling with. For example, if you’re traveling with a lot of family members or a large group of friends, you won’t be looking for the same level of privacy as a newlywed couple would.

This may help: If you’re seeking cultural immersion, staying in a bustling city will be a great option. Desiring some peace and alone time? Then, a private island resort or an overwater bungalow may be the perfect choice.

  • What type of activities do you want to do?

Are you looking to explore a lively city or relax on a deserted beach? Do you enjoy upscale shopping, or would you rather spend your days on outdoor adventures? Do you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, a beach villa, or a bed and breakfast? Figure out what you want to do and then choose a location that has those types of activities and accommodations.

Packing Light and Smart

When packing for your warm weather getaway, you’ll thank yourself later by packing light, as it will give you more freedom when you travel. With less to lug around, you’ll easily maneuver through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, and spend less time hunting down your gear.

When packing hot weather essentials like swimwear, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing, optimize luggage space by:

  • Making sure each item does double duty - Pick your clothes carefully. Given two choices, pack the item that serves more than one purpose and weighs less or takes up less space.
  • Layering your clothes - Pack versatile layers that you can put on or take off as weather and temperature conditions change. If you need to pack a suit or special occasion dress for an upscale event, use a garment sleeve to keep it in good condition.
  • Leaving most toiletries at home – If you can get toiletries at your destination, leave them at home. When you book your hotel or other accommodations, ask if they supply items such as shampoo, lotion, or razors. Also, pack your toiletries in a convenient case or travel pouch to keep them organized and in one place. 

Luggage Essentials for Warm Winter Travel

For trips to warm destinations, make your trip more convenient by bringing proper luggage. If you’re taking a short getaway, lighten your load so you’ll be able to get around easily with a carry-on bag or a weekender bag. For longer vacations or trips abroad, opt for checked luggage and a travel backpack.

Regardless of where you’re headed, it’s most important to select luggage that suits the specific needs of your trip and matches your travel style and personality.

Organizing Your Warm-Weather Wardrobe

Once you have the right luggage for your destination and type of trip, organize your warm weather clothing and other items with these tips:

  • Pack breathable fabrics – These fabrics will keep moisture away from your body, dry more quickly, and wrinkle less.
  • Use packing cubes or organizers for efficient packing – Packing cubes help you organize your items by type (for example, you can pack bottoms in one cube, tops in another, and bathing suits and underwear in another) and keep them organized during your trip. You can get packing cubes for carry-on and checked luggage.
  • Quick-drying clothing is a super convenient option for beach destinations – If you’re on a budget, invest in choice items like quick-drying socks or underwear and add other items to your travel wardrobe over time.

Packing Travel Accessories

In addition to your clothes, be sure to include these items on your warm weather packing list:

  • Sun protection items like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
  • Beach towels and swim gear
  • Reusable water bottles and hydration solutions

Having these accessories on hand will enhance your vacation experience by keeping you safe and adding convenience to your stay. When you need one of these items, you’ll be glad you brought them so you can avoid the hassle of wasting time trying to acquire them.

Staying Safe and Healthy

To keep your vacation as enjoyable as possible, follow these tips for staying safe and healthy during warm winter travel:

Sun safety

  • Use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. Reapply every 2 hours while in the sun.
  • Lips are very sensitive, so use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher.
  • Wear sunglasses. UV-blocking sunglasses provide the most effective protection.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing.

Hydration and nutrition

  • Drink plenty of water before your trip so you’re well hydrated before you travel.  
  • Take advantage of in-flight beverage services. Flavored seltzer, herbal tea and milk are all excellent alternatives to plain water if you’re looking for something other than water.
  • Eat your fruits and vegetables. Try to have one or the other at every meal.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle so you always have water with you and stay hydrated throughout your trip.

Preventing heat-related illnesses

  • Bring enough water to drink with you for the duration of your trip so you can stay hydrated.
  • Pack salty snacks to replace the electrolytes you lose through sweat during activity or during extended periods in the sun.
  • Pack sun protection.
  • Pack lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to keep you cool.

Gear Up for Your Warm Weather Travels

Ready to embark on your warm winter adventure? Explore our range of travel bags and accessories to find the perfect luggage for your sunny getaway. Don't miss out on the excitement—start packing for your dream vacation today!

We’d love to hear about your warm winter travel plans and experiences, so share them with us in the comments section below!