Winter Travel Tips: How to Travel Like a Pro When It’s Snowing Sideways

Winter travel is a magical experience—twinkling lights, cozy coats, and snow-covered landscapes. But let’s be honest: it also comes with frozen fingers, delayed flights, and the struggle of packing boots without exceeding your luggage weight limit. But with our winter travel tips, you’re ready for anything.
While we can’t help you pack, we can help you navigate winter travel with the precision of a seasoned pro. Whether flying to a ski resort or embarking on a holiday road trip, these tips will keep your journey as smooth as freshly fallen snow.
Winter Travel Tip 1: Leave Early, Fashionably Early
If you’re flying, aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones. Flight issues can always impact your plans. We also recommend factoring in extra time for winter-specific delays, such as slower traffic due to icy roads or long lines at security from people lugging extra coats.
Winter Travel Tip 2: Stay Ready, So You Don’t Have to Get Ready
Winter travel is unpredictable because of weather. Booking flights, accommodations, and activities well in advance, especially during the peak holiday season, can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty of winter travel.
Planning can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, leaving you more time to focus on the fun aspects of your winter adventure.
Here are a few tips about booking flights:
- Early Bird Avoids the Storm: When possible, opt for morning flights. Snowstorm-related delays often worsen as the day passes, so being an early bird could save you hours at the airport.
- Book Nonstop Flights: If you’re flying to a winter wonderland, consider booking a nonstop flight. Connecting flights increases your chances of getting stranded in an airport with overpriced coffee and zero outlets.
Winter Travel Tip 3: Buy Travel Insurance, Like, Yesterday
Travel insurance is your winter MVP. It’s not just a safety net for snowstorms, blizzards, and icy conditions; it’s a shield of peace of mind for the unexpected. When Mother Nature calls, the delays, cancellations, and road closures are too familiar, and having the right policy can make all the difference, ensuring you’re covered in many situations.
Policies can cover trip cancellations and delays due to weather, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. However, many policies don’t cover forecasted events, so buy your policy soon after booking your trip.
When exploring policy options, consider your vacation and the excursions, activities, and adventures that await you. This can help you determine how much travel insurance coverage you will need and what to look for.
Winter Travel Tip 4: Packing Smart Saving Space and Saving Money
Packing for winter travel requires strategy. Bulky sweaters and boots can quickly fill a suitcase faster than you can say, “Where’s my scarf?”
Here’s what we recommend for quick access, easy packing, and staying prepared:
- Layer Like an Onion: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking layers you can mix and match. Start with thermals, add sweaters, and top it off with a packable down jacket. This way, you’ll stay warm without sacrificing half your luggage space.
- Strategic Selections: Choose versatile items like a scarf that doubles as a blanket or boots that can be worn for hiking and a casual dinner. These double-duty items save space and prepare you for various winter activities.
- Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space and prevents wrinkles. Plus, you’ll feel like a packing ninja.
- Pack the Essentials: Waterproof boots, a packable down jacket, and touchscreen-friendly gloves. If you’re driving, ensure you can quickly move your feet and grip the steering wheel with your gloves.
- Stay Healthy, Stay Happy: Winter travel can be hard on your immune system. So, pack hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and a small stash of vitamins. Stay hydrated and take breaks to stretch, especially during long journeys.
- Snack Like a Scout: Winter delays are common, so pack snacks to keep hunger at bay. Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and sandwiches are great options for long waits or unexpected delays. Also, don’t forget to hydrate like a champ. Winter air (and airplane cabins) can be incredibly drying. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up after passing through security.
Winter Travel Tip 5: Don’t Mess Around With Your Tech
Winter travel without tech is like sledding without snow—possible but unnecessarily tricky. Ensure your devices are charged and your backup battery packs are ready.
- Pro Packing Tip: Keep your phone and charger in your carry-on or within easy reach. Airports and rest stops are notorious for limited charging stations, and you don’t want to be the one hovering near a stranger’s plugged-in phone.
- Apps are our Friends. Winter weather can change faster than your playlist shuffle, so stay informed. Download a reliable weather app to track forecasts for your departure and destination points. Also, remember to check conditions for connecting cities or road trip stops.
- Let Alerts Be Your Guide: Set up alerts for flight changes, storm warnings, and road closures. Knowledge is power, especially when you need to reroute your travel plans on the fly.
Bottom Line
Finally, remember to enjoy the unique beauty of winter travel. Sure, it’s cold, and the logistics can be tricky, but something is enchanting about snowy landscapes, warm drinks by the fire, and holiday cheer. So, capture the moments—snowy selfies, cozy family photos, and that epic shot of your frost-covered windshield. These memories are worth the hassle.
Winter travel doesn’t have to be a disaster waiting to happen. With some planning, clever packing, and a dash of humor, you can navigate icy roads, snowy airports, and unpredictable weather like a true pro. And when all else fails? Just blame it on the snow and grab another hot cocoa. Safe travels!