Traveling in the winter isn’t the easiest thing to do – you have to pack way more clothing than you do in the summer and are often at the mercy of the weather – but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you are or planning your winter vacation, you’ll have to venture out into the cold. These winter travel tips should prepare you to face winter weather.

Pick the right clothes to keep you warm

Layers are ‘Key’ to staying warm in cold climates. Choose a base layer and wear the top and bottom under your sweater and jeans or waterproof pants. Wool socks are best, they wick away moisture and also have antibacterial properties. Bonus, wool socks  can be worn a few times without washing because of their antibacterial properties (I know, it sounds gross, but trust me…they don’t even smell).Top off your outfit with a down jacket, a scarf, hat that covers your ears and gloves and you’ll be set. Scarves are a critical component – don’t leave this out. Depending upon what you plan to do in the wintery climate, your shoe choice will vary, but if you have wool socks, your feet will stay warm.

Wear layers and warm accessories in cold weather

You really need to be careful, especially if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors. The secret is in layers. If in doubt, take another layer. Severe winter is the time when fashion becomes less important than function of the clothes: to keep you warm. So make sure you pack enough layers that will keep you warm but let your skin breathe, and opt for natural materials.

Other things you want to include in your bag: a good lip balm, and a hand cream. Lips are especially sensitive during winter, and applying a lip balm whenever you remember can prevent dry lips and painful cracks. Keep a hand cream in your purse, because even if you are wearing gloves, you’ll probably take them off all the time.

Find the right bag

Winter puts your luggage to the test. A well-made bag should be able to fit a last-minute pair of socks when it’s already full to the brim, while an old, cheap model will be stretching at the seams long before that. You might have a really awesome bag that’s self-weighing and it’s got a charger in it, but if it doesn’t hold up to the rigors of travel, you should leave it at home.

Remember: Less is more

Stuffing in that one extra sweater can be the undoing of many winter travelers. Instead of focusing on bulky outerwear, prefer to pack light base layers that will keep you toasty without pushing your luggage past the weight limit. Try to bring things that are inherently warm and lightweight like a very warm down jacket. If you have base layers packed for every day of your trip, there’s no reason to bring more than one or two sweaters. No one will fault you for wearing the same outfit twice.

Keep your feet warm in the winter

Hypothermia most often starts in the hands and feet, so keeping your extremities warm is crucial to keeping the rest of your body warm—in fact, feet play an important role in how our bodies regulate temperature. Before leaving home invest in a pair of waterproof snow boots and some thick socks made from merino wool. Merino wool is perfect for cold temperatures; it wicks away moisture like water or sweat from your skin, which keeps your feet drier and warmer.

The boots are made from leather and rubber, which are a dynamic duo when it comes to keeping snow, ice, and rain away from your feet. Whether standing in the snow or in an ankle-deep puddle, the feet never feels cold or wet. When it comes to preparing and packing, don’t neglect your feet—your whole body will thank you!

Drive safely in winter conditions

If you are planning on going on a road trip during winter in a cold place, you need to be prepared to drive in snow and on icy roads. A road trip through a snow filled landscape is amazing. You get to see scenery up close and you can stop whenever and wherever you want to take beautiful pictures. However it can be a challenge, especially if you are not used to driving in these conditions.

The most important precaution to take is winter tires. Whether you are renting a car or driving your own, you must have winter tires for driving in sub-freezing temperatures. If you do not have prior knowledge about winter tires, talk to a local mechanic or your car rental agency to make sure you are taking the right precautionary steps.

Most importantly enjoy your ride and just drive sensibly.

Use food to stay warm in the winter

When packing for a winter destination the focus is probably mostly on the right clothes, but don’t forget about food. There is one food in particular that should never go amiss in your bag and that is chocolate. Well, if not chocolate, let it be a little snack, possibly sweet.

When staying out in the cold for many hours, your body is burning a lot of energy in order to keep warm. Having a treat is not only a reward, but a necessity. Plus, in such climatic conditions you’ll be burning it off fast! This is a tip I learned when spending a winter in Norway: when you go out on a cross country skiing adventure, always have some chocolate with you. I’ve been following this rule ever since.

(Compiled)