10 Things You Need to Bring with You on a Winter Vacation

If it's your first time to go on a winter vacation, it is crucial that you bring with you proper winter essentials. Not only is it more convenient to have everything you need in your luggage but also cheaper because you don't need to buy it in the expensive souvenir shop of your hotel.

And to help you get ready for your coming winter escapade, here are top 10 things you must include in your winter packing list:

Proper winter jacket

When you're going to a winter vacation, keep in mind that temperature can drop to negative so you can't just bring any thick jacket. Look for proper winter jackets that are not only thick but are also wind resistant, water repellent and has thermal features. Particularly if you plan to do any snow sports, you need a good jacket to survive the day.

Brands where you can find good winter jacket:

• North Face
• Columbia
• H and M
• Uniqlo

Where to find cheap winter jackets:

• Second hand stores like Ukay Ukay
• Outlet stores
• Wait until you favorite brand is on sale

Winter gloves

Many would think winter gloves are not really necessary especially for men. But did you know that our hands and feet are the most sensitive when it comes to cold weather. And it keeping it both warm will make it easier for the body to adjust to the cold weather. If you're going to Hong Kong or Macau in winter season, a thin gloves would do. But if you're going to countries with actual snow, you might need thicker gloves.

Brands where you can find good winter gloves:

• Uniqlo
• Forever 21
• Marks and Spencer
• SM Surplus (during BER months)
• local handmade stores in Baguio city
• Columbia
• North Face
• Daiso

Thermal wear

Another winter essential that not may are aware of are the thermal wears. Its basically an inner wear that you put on followed by your top (optional). Its main purpose is to keep you slightly warm when the cold air gets in your jacket. You have the option to get a top and bottom which is highly recommended if you easily feel cold.

Brands where you can find good thermal wear:

• Uniqlo
• Marks and Spencer
• SM Surplus (during BER months)
• Daiso

Thick Socks

As mentioned earlier, the hands and feet are the most sensitive part of our body so you need to invest in good socks too. Based on our experience, it doesn't really need to be thermal socks but if you have the budget - why not. We just bought thick ankle length socks from a local brand and it worked.

Brands where you can find thermal socks:

• Uniqlo
• Marks and Spencer

Winter boots

Investing in good winter boots will greatly benefit you once you reach the snowy areas in your vacation. One thing that many of us are not aware of is that snowy areas means iced streets that can be very slippery. But if you brought good boots with you, you can feel every step is more stable so balancing is easier when it gets too slippery.

Brands where you can find good winter boots:

• Columbia
• North Face

Bonnet

Not everyone needs to keep their head warm. In our recent winter vacation, I didn't use my bonnet because it is cold but because it goes well with my OOTD. So its good to bring one just in case.

Brands where you can find good bonnet:

• Local shops in Baguio
• SM Surplus
• Daiso

Face mask or winter mask

One of the hardest part of touring a country during winter season is that it absolutely dries your lips. And the best way to prevent that from happening is to put on a face mask. This explains why many Asians where it during winter season especially Japan. You can bring the simple mask worn by sick people or the ones with design that you can buy in any convenience store.

Ear muffs

Aside from the fact hat it makes girls and boys look absolutely adorable when wearing ear muffs, it is a must wear when you get to the coldest part of your winter vacation. And the best part is you can get one for as low as 88 pesos or $1.75 in Daiso!

Hydrating lotion

As I have mentioned earlier, the dry air of winter can also dry your skin so make sure to bring hydrating lotion. Put it on every day before you leave the hotel and when you get back. Especially for us, tourist, who are not accustomed to the cold season, our skin takes a while to adjust and may start to feel rough after a few days.

Lip balm

Aside from wearing a face mask, it also helps to bring a lip balm with you. When I went to Japan with my family, my brothers' lips started to bleed because it was too dry. But just after continuously using the lip balm, it was all good.

I hope this list have helped you complete your winter packing list. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and we'll do our best to help! :)