Planning a winter weather trip for the family? Wherever the destination for your cold weather travel, you’ll want all the winter travel essentials for those cold days out and about with the kids. With our winter travel packing list, you’ll be able to create a tailored checklist for your family to help you pack light without sacrificing warmth.
Forget the whole, “we’re freezing!” whine fest. You’ll find everything you need to keep the kids (and adults) warm and cozy, even on those super cold snowy days. So, get ready for an easy breezy winter vacation as we dive into our winter packing list for families.
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Winter Travel Essentials List
Whether you’re traveling by land or by air, you’ll find some must-have winter travel essentials in our list:
Stroller Bunting Bag
It’s like a cozy warm sleeping bag but for your stroller! The soft fleece and waterproof exterior will keep your little one warm and cozy and you’ll feel good about its OEKO TEX rating for safe materials.
Insulated Bottle
Keep your baby’s milk warm for up to 6 hours on the go with this insulated stainless steel bottle with an interchangeable silicone cover. It includes the Kiki Natural Vent nipple and also works with any of their lids, so it can transition from a bottle to a straw cup to a sports bottle for big kids. There’s no plastic on this at all, so you’re making an eco-friendly purchase with this bottle.
Insulated Thermos
I’ve tried several insulated food containers and nothing keeps my food as hot as this one. You can fill it with hot soup or cocoa, and it will still be steaming 6+ hours later. The 24 oz large capacity makes it great for sharing with another person on those cold days you’re out and about. Use the lid as a bowl or bring along some paper cups or bowls for easy disposal.
Baby Carrier Winter Cover
This polar fleece cover drapes over you and your baby to add extra warmth while babywearing when it’s cold. It’s super soft all over and includes a detachable hood for baby. Unlike other baby carrier covers, this one will work with any carrier to keep baby nice and warm.
Car seat poncho
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics has found that bulky winter coats under seat belts are not safe? If you’re traveling with little kids, you’ll want one of these car seat ponchos instead. It fits over the child and the seat belt, keeping them warm, cozy, and safe on your winter road trip. If you’re traveling with babies or little kids, add this to the top of your list of winter travel essentials. It t almost makes a great travel gift!
Waterproof Boots
Essential for snow/slush protection. Keep those toes warm and dry with these boots that are made to last! These Bear Paw sheepskin boots have Never Wet Superhydrophobic technology guaranteeing your feet will stay dry while looking uber cute.
Packable puffer coat
Unlike most lightweight packable puffer coats, this one will actually keep you warm in the very cold temps. The Thermolite insulation is both lightweight and super insulating, keeping you warm without the added bulk. I also love the added length that keeps the cold out. And while the online description doesn’t say “packable”, it’s very easy to compress in your luggage and comes out still looking great!
Not Your Grandpa’s Long Johns
These Thermajohn thermals are extra soft and cozy with their soft fleece material that’s thin enough for layering under winter outfits. You’ll find sizes for the whole family.
Packable snow pants
We all know winter clothing is bulky, but you can pack light with these compressible water-resistant ski pants that include their own travel bag. These will work for men or women and are just what you need to keep you dry during a day playing in the snow.
Ski bibs
Instead of ski pants, you might opt for these ski bibs that provide full body protection. You won’t have any snow sliding down the back of your pants in these overall-style bibs. The shoulder straps are adjustable to your height, so they even work for tall girls like me.
Fleece leggings
I don’t travel anywhere without a pair of leggings and these fleece leggings are at the top of my packing list for cold weather! That inner fleece layer keeps my legs extra warm in chilly temps and make a great base layer for under ski bibs. This pair has over 23k 5-star ratings for a reason! I’d suggest having at least 2 pairs of these for your winter wardrobe.
Heated vests
If you’ll be spending extended amounts of time outdoors in the cold, you might consider a heated vest. It includes an advanced battery pack for fast charging. It has 3 heating levels and covers 8 heating areas in the abdomen, neck, waist, and back. It’s ideal for winter camping, hunting, cycling, etc. If you are extra sensitive to the cold like me, this is a lifesaver!
Leg gaiters
These leg gaiters are a space-saving winter gear dream if you need to travel light. If you don’t have room for a big pair of snow pants but want to spend some time out in the snow, these leg gaiters slip around your legs and pair of boots and strap under the sole of your shoes to keep the snow out of your shoes and keep your calves extra warm. I love them for over my fleece leggings!
Merino wool socks
There’s warm socks and then there’s merino wool socks. These 70% merino wool socks are moisture-wicking and provide incredible warmth to keep your feet toasty and dry. Plus they’re uber cute and available in several colors and and prints.
Sheepskin fleece insoles
If you don’t want to spring for a new pair of winter boots, add warmth to existing boots with these sheepskin fleece insoles. They’ll keep your feet warm and cozy, no matter what shoe you’re wearing.
Knit polar fleece beanie
This stylish beanie is knit on the outside and polar fleece on the inside, keeping your head extra warm. Its unisex design is perfect for anyone. And it’s machine washable, making it easy to care for.
Ear warmers headbands
These knitted/fleece ear warmer headbands are a great alternative to a beanie if you prefer to wear your hair in a ponytail or bun. The wool/acrylic blend is soft, warm and stretchy. And they’re really cute! bring a pair of these for the perfect winter accessory.
Kids’ snow mittens
These waterproof snow mittens are warmer than gloves and will keep your kiddos’ hands nice and toasty while skiing, sledding, or snowman building. The extended cuff link keeps their wrists dry and the adjustable velcro strap keeps them from sliding off. And your kids will love the cute colors and patterns available!
Waterproof touch-screen gloves
These fleece-lined waterproof gloves bring warmth without the extra bulk of some ski ski gloves. The sensitive touch screen material means you don’t have to freeze your fingers to use your devices. Every winter trip needs warm, cozy gloves; these are ust-have winter travel essentials.
Neck gaiters
These warm, fleece neck gaiters provide an extra layer of protection against the cold by keeping your face and neck warm. It makes a huge difference for the snow and cold weather.
Kids’ balaclava
Instead of packing a beanie, scarf, and mask for your kiddos, knock them all out with this winter balaclava. Its soft fleece material will keep their head, face, and neck warm and dry from the elements. The drawstring helps keep it in place and keeps the cold from getting in. It’s available in 2 different sizes for both big and little kids. You’ll want one for yourself after you see it!
Polarized sunglasses
These polarized sporty sunglasses are perfect for outdoor sports in the winter. They reduce snow glare and prevent snow blindness when you’re sledding, skiing, or snowmobiling. And they come in some really fun colors. Whether you choose this pair or another, make sure polarized sunglasses are on your list of winter travel essentials.
Boot dryer
These portable boot dryers use incredible technology that requires no heat or electricity. The silica oxide beads absorb moisture, drying your pair of winter boots in 8-10 hours. Simply reactivate the beads by leaving in the sun, in a warm oven, or on top of a radiator. If you’ve ever had wet boots in the winter, you’ll know how much of a lifesaver these boot dryers would be!
Travel Humidifier
If dry air aggravates your sinuses, then this is the winter travel essential for you. Combat dry winter air that affects sleep/breathing with this easy-to-pack and use travel humidifier. You can find all of my top travel humidifier picks here.
Sunscreen
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you want to get caught out in the sun without skin protection. You can get sunburned even in winter. (Ask me how I know.)Those sun rays reflected off the snow will make you red before you know it! Protect your face with this lightweight sunscreen that works perfectly as a makeup primer. It’s a winter travel essential that you’ll make part of your every day routine.
Winter skin protector
Wind-chapped skin can ruin cold-weather travel. Cracked bleeding lips or painful chapped cheeks are miserable. This winter skin protector is a lifesaver and has to be on your winter travel checklist. It also includes an SPF, so you’re protecting your skin against sunburn, windburn, and chapping, and is sweat and water-resistant. If you’re looking for one product that can do it all in the cold winds, this is it!
Lip ointment
If you prefer a protectant that is specific for lips and easy to apply, this is my all-time favorite. I have several tubes around my house and always keep one in my purse. It’s taken my daughter’s cracked and bleeding lips and healed them in a couple of days. It really is the best ointment for healing chapped lips and the winter travel essentials I absolutely can’t do without!
Static guard
Prevent those clingy winter clothes with a little bottle of static spray. You’ll be smelling fresh, too.
Moisturizing hand sanitizer
A germ killer that doesn’t suck all the moisture out of your hands? This is the one. The shea butter in this antibacterial gel will nourish your dry hands while killing 99.99% of germs. And with this 6-pack of travel-size bottles, there’s plenty for the whole family.
Emergen-C
Keep that immune system boosted with these Emergen-C packets. The Immune+ formula includes extra vitamins that they claim will boost your immune system.
Hydration mix
Staying hydrated in the cold weather is a must, especially if you’re headed to high altitudes. These fast hydration packets are packed full of electrolytes, giving you a burst of hydration in a pinch.
Oxygen canisters
If you’re headed to a higher elevation this winter, don’t be unprepared for the change in oxygen! Packing a few of these oxygen canisters can prevent an emergency in high altitudes. If you’re flying to your destination or have a history of breathing issues, you’ll want to make sure these oxygen canisters are on your winter travel essentials list.
Hand/foot warmers
Keep those fingers and toes extra warm with these HotHands warmers. These air-activated little heat packs will keep heat for up to 18 hours. Just shake to activate and toss at the end of the day. Never travel without these on a cold-weather vacation with lots of outdoor time.
Packable blankets
This is one of my favorite winter travel accessories. These 4 layer-packable blankets will keep you dry and warm and are perfect for outdoor winter activities for that extra layer of warmth.
Emergency thermal blankets
If you find yourself in a winter emergency situation, having a mylar thermal blanket will help retain 90% of your body heat. Keep some in your car in case of travel during blizzard conditions, as well as a set in your house in case you find yourself without power for an extended time period.
Thermal phone case
Help protect your phone battery for days out in the elements. These thermal pouches keep your phone warm and help extend the life of your battery. They’re also snowproof and water-resistant.
Portable charger
Did you know that cold weather will drain your phone battery more rapidly? It’s true! Don’t get caught out with the dead phone. These are my favorite battery chargers: this fast charger can charge your phone 4-5 times before it needs to be recharged.
Compression packing cubes
Winter gear is much bulkier than summer gear. To pack light for winter travel, you have to use compression packing cubes to make the most of your luggage space. This set will give you a 60% reduction when compressed! They’re a dream for stowing away those puffy vests, scarves, and sweaters.
Waterproof bags
Waterproof bags aren’t just for summer travel. Keep your wet gloves, socks, and outwear from getting the rest of your luggage wet with these handy little waterproof bags. You can roll them up and toss them in a backpack or purse. If you have messy kids, they’re a must-have!
Quick-dry towels
These quick-dry microfiber travel towels are great for wiping down wet winter sports gear or cleaning up spills on the go.
Collapsible shovel
If you’ll be doing some winter driving during your travels, a collapsible shovel is a lifesaver if you find yourself needing to dig your car out of the snow. It collapses small enough to stow in the trunk of your car, making a it must-have winter addition to your emergency road trip kit.
Ice scraper/snow brush
I live in Texas, so it’s not often I need an ice scraper, but every time I do, mine is nowhere to be found. I’ve tried scraping my windshield with Tupperware lids, old CDs, and whatever other random things I could find in my car. Don’t be like me. Keep one of these combination ice scraper/snow brushes in your car on your winter vacation.
Roadside emergency kit
Don’t get caught unprepared. Driving in wintery weather can be treacherous at times, so make sure your emergency kit has everything you need for any roadside mishaps. This one has it all including a roadside tool kit, first aid kit, jumper cables, tow straps, lights, and more.
Snow chains
A road trip in the snow might require snow chains so you’re not slipping and sliding all over the road. These easy-to-install cable chains come in a travel bag for easy toting.
Inflatable snow tubes
Bring the fun with you by packing one of these inflatable snow tubes. It packs down into a small box, making it easy to transport in your car. It also has a heavy-duty double bottom and canvas cover, unlike other cheaper snow tubes. This is definitely the most fun item on your winter travel essentials list!
Winter Travel Tips
Here’s our top tips for your winter travel:
- Check the weather and road conditions
Monitor forecasts and travel alerts before and during your trip to anticipate conditions and adjust plans accordingly. - Pack layered winter clothing
Pack things like thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear, plus warm boots, gloves, and hats for adaptable comfort. You can still get overheated if you’re active in cold weather, so layering pieces of clothing is key to creating a winter travel essentials wardrobe. - Prepare your vehicle
Service your car’s battery, tires, antifreeze, wipers, and heating system. Consider installing winter tires or chains for snowy regions. - Build in extra time
Allow buffer time in your schedule for weather-related delays and slowdowns, whether traveling by car, plane, or other transportation. - Carry an emergency kit
Keep winter travel essentials like blankets, flashlights, snacks, water, a phone charger, an ice scraper, and a small shovel in your vehicle for unexpected situations. - Book refundable arrangements
Choose flexible booking options when possible and carefully review cancellation policies, as winter weather can force last-minute changes. - Maintain good health
Stay hydrated, pack hand sanitizer, and bring necessary medications, as cold weather and travel stress can impact your immune system. - Plan indoor alternatives
Research indoor activities and attractions at your destination in case severe weather disrupts your outdoor plans. - Share your itinerary
Keep family or friends informed of your travel plans and progress, especially during road trips, for added safety and peace of mind.
Wrapping Up: Winter Travel Essentials
Packing for a winter family adventure doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With these winter travel essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. From keeping tiny toes warm to ensuring everyone stays cozy during outdoor activities, this comprehensive list has your family covered from head to toe.
Remember, the key to happy winter travel is staying warm, dry, and comfortable. While you might not need every item on this list for your specific destination, having the right gear can transform a potentially chilly experience into magical winter memories that your family will cherish for years to come. Happy travels!
