Kate dressed in a white winter coat, red scarf, knit hat, and gloves stands by a canal in a European town, framed by half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets on a crisp winter day.

My 20 Winter Travel Must-Haves (from Someone Who Hates the Cold)

Got a winter trip coming up, and don’t want to freeze your buns off? I totally understand!

There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a snowy destination while shivering your way through it. I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t pack the right winter travel essentials, even the most magical trip can feel miserable.

I travel a lot in the winter—taking ski trips and visiting Christmas markets.

And even though I absolutely hate being cold, it’s a magical time of year! That’s why I’ve spent years fine-tuning my winter packing to make sure I stay warm, cozy, and comfortable wherever I go.

In this post, I’m sharing my top 20 winter travel must-haves. The items that are always in my suitcase. These are tried-and-true pieces I recommended to friends and family.

If you want to actually enjoy your winter trip without freezing your face off, this list is for you!

A neatly laid-out winter travel wardrobe on a bed includes sweaters, scarves, gloves, thermal layers, a white winter coat, waterproof boots, toiletries, and accessories, all arranged beside festive holiday pillows.

Winter Must-Haves Quick Guide!

Great Affordable Base Layers
Best Wool Socks
Warmest Merino Wool Sweater
My Favorite Winter Boots
My Favorite Winter Coat
Best Vacuum Compression Packing Cubes

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    My Favorite Winter Base Layers

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all my cold-weather trips, it’s this: when you get your base layers right, staying warm becomes so much easier.

    So here are my favorite base layer pieces…

    Kate is dressed in a red plaid jacket, mint beanie, gloves, and winter boots holds a clear umbrella while standing in front of a festively decorated hotel entrance with Christmas garlands and lanterns.

    1. Merino Wool Base Layers

    If there’s one thing on this list you invest in, make it this merino wool base layer set.

    I love that they are thin but super warm and layer really well under everything. They don’t itch at all and are super comfortable. The best part is you can wear them multiple times without them smelling, which makes them perfect for travel.

    Merino wool can be pricey, but this affordable set I found works just as well as the expensive brands.

    2. Wool Socks

    My feet are always the first to freeze, but these Bombas wool socks have changed the game.

    They’re super soft, really warm, and honestly just make my feet very happy. Even in freezing temps, they keep the chill out. And like merino, they don’t smell after a few wears.

    I usually pack three pairs for trips that are 1 to 2 weeks long.

    3. Merino Wool Underwear

    This one’s a newer find, and I’m obsessed.

    These merino wool undies are so comfy and add just a bit more warmth right against your skin.

    I know merino is made to be worn between washes, but… I just can’t with underwear.

    So, I pack one for each day of the trip, or if I’m packing light, I bring a few laundry soap sheets and hand-wash them. Just know they take a little longer to dry than synthetic ones.

    A woman in a winter coat, red scarf, gloves, and beret smiles while leaning on a black railing over a canal, with half-timbered buildings and a festive crowd in the background.

    My Favorite Winter Mid Layers

    Mid layers help you build warmth without bulk. These are the ones I keep going back to again and again.

    4. Merino Wool Sweater

    My go-to mid-layer is always wool—especially merino. It’s way warmer than fleece or synthetic materials and way less bulky.

    This merino sweater is one of my favorite finds because it’s soft, lightweight, and layers perfectly. I’ve bought it in multiple colors because it just works with everything.

    5. Merino Wool Turtleneck

    If you like turtlenecks, you’ll love this one.

    It’s from the same brand as the sweater above, and every piece I’ve bought from them has been amazing. I have this turtleneck in red, black, and cream—and wear them every year during my Christmas market trips in Europe.

    My Favorite Winter Exterior Pieces

    The outer layers are your first defense against wind, rain, and snow. These are my ride-or-die winter outerwear pieces.

    Looking down at waterproof black duck boots on wet cobblestone, the image shows a winter travel outfit with black leggings and a red plaid coat, perfect for staying dry on rainy streets.

    6. Cute & Comfortable Waterproof Boots

    These Sorel boots are hands-down my favorite.

    I wore them every day at the Christmas markets in Europe last year and plan to bring them again this year. They’re warm, waterproof, super cute, and I can walk all day in them—even on cobblestone streets!

    They aren’t insulated, but I’ve got my eye on the insulated ones too for extra warmth. You’ll want to check out both!

    7. Wool Thermal Insoles

    If you’ll be walking outside in the cold all day, add these to your boots!

    These wool insoles add a layer of warmth that helps block the cold from seeping in through the soles. My feet can only handle the cold for so long, and these have definitely made a big difference for me.

    8. A Good Waterproof Winter Coat

    There are three things you need in a winter coat: warm! Waterproof! and a hood!

    Especially if you’re traveling to Europe in the winter, where you never know what the weather will be like. Snow one minute and rain the next. Unpredictable winter weather means a waterproof coat is a must.

    I love this Columbia coat because it has heat-reflecting tech inside and deep pockets that fit gloves, snacks, and my phone. It kept me warm and dry during a rainy winter trip to Europe’s Christmas markets—plus, it looks cute in photos too.

    A woman dressed in a white winter coat, black leggings, and beanie stands at a stone railing overlooking a river and a row of colorful European buildings on a cloudy winter day.

    My Favorite Winter Travel Bottoms

    Keeping your legs warm without bulky snow pants while still looking stylish is totally possible. These bottoms do the trick…

    9. Fleece Leggings

    These are my favorite winter travel bottoms. They’re soft, warm, and incredibly versatile.

    I wear them under dresses, pants, or skirts—or just by themselves when lounging in the hotel. Even as pajamas, sometimes to save space in my suitcase. I have several pairs in different colors and never travel without them in winter.

    10. Fleece Tights

    These fleece-lined tights are another winter favorite. I wear them under jeans, wool skirts, and sweater dresses. I’ve even layered them over my base layers when it got really cold.

    They’re soft, stretchy, warm, and best of all—don’t snag or rip. Such a smart way to stay warm without bulk!

    My Favorite Winter Travel Accessories

    Sometimes it’s the little things that really make a difference when it comes to winter travel comfort. These accessories have been a game-changer for me.

    A person wearing cozy beige slippers and red pajama pants rests their feet on a hotel bed with a red patterned throw, capturing a moment of winter travel relaxation indoors.

    11. Cozy Slippers

    I found these slipper socks last winter and instantly fell in love.

    I love how soft and comfortable they are. And they pack down small and feel amazing after a long, cold day out exploring.

    I’ve gifted them to several friends who now swear by them too!

    12. Cashmere Gloves

    My hands freeze easily, so good gloves are essential. But when I’m traveling, I don’t want to take them on and off to use my phone or camera, or anything else. I want them to stay on and my hands to stay warm. Is that to much to ask for?

    These super-soft cashmere ones are warm and not bulky, so I can still do everything without taking them off. I now have them in two colors because I wear them all the time.

    13. Cashmere Scarf

    This cashmere scarf is my favorite scarf. I now have it in red and Ivory.

    It’s so soft, warm, and doesn’t pill—even after lots of wear. I wore it every day while walking through the Christmas markets, and it helped keep me nice and toasty the whole time. It’s going with me to this year’s markets too.

    Kate in a white winter coat, red scarf, white beanie, and gloves smiles by a riverside railing, with half-timbered houses in the background on a cold day in Europe.

    My Favorite Winter Travel Gadgets

    These are the little tools that help make my winter travels way better.

    14. Collapsible Travel Mug

    This travel mug is a game-changer for Christmas markets! I pour my glühwein into it to keep it warm longer. The ceramic mugs they serve it in are adorable—but once the drink gets cold, I’m over it.

    This mug folds down smaller than a hockey puck and fits easily in my small purse. It’s also perfect for ski trips too.

    15. Sweater Defuzzer

    This tiny gadget keeps my sweaters looking brand new. It shaves off the little pills that make them look old and worn. Works great on coats, couches, blankets, and more.

    It also makes a great gift!

    16. Rechargeable Hand Warmers

    I used to pack dozens of the disposable warmers until I found these.

    These hand warmers are rechargeable, heat up fast, and last for hours. I keep one in each pocket while I’m out exploring. Total lifesaver!

    17. Thermal Phone Case

    After my phone died from the cold (twice), I broke down and got this thermal case.

    It protects your phone from freezing (or overheating), and I haven’t had battery issues since. Such a small fix that makes a huge difference!

    A beige rolling suitcase is topped with a black leather backpack and a black-and-white plaid scarf, set beside winter boots, a frosted white Christmas tree, and cozy holiday decor, capturing winter travel essentials.

    My Favorite Travel Bags for Winter

    Packing for a winter trip isn’t easy! But these items have really helped me fit everything I want and need into my suitcase.

    18. Vacuum Seal Compression Bags

    I never pack for a winter trip without these vacuum compression bags.

    They shrink down my bulky coats and sweaters to a fraction of their original size, so I can fit everything in my suitcase. I once packed two weeks of winter clothes into just a backpack using these. Game. Changer!

    A stack of winter clothes, including sweaters and thermals, is tightly packed into a clear compression bag on a bed with festive snowflake pillows in the background.
    A flatter version of the same packed compression bag filled with winter clothing, showing how space is saved after air is removed, resting on a neatly made bed.

    19. Waterproof Shoe Bags

    There’s nothing worse than shoving muddy, wet boots into your bag with clean clothes.

    These waterproof shoe bags with help keep everything clean—and not just in the winter.

    Honestly, they’re great for any season since shoes carry so many germs!

    20. Collapsible Stuff Backpack

    No matter how well I pack, I always end up needing extra space on the way home.

    This stuff sack folds down super small and gives me a backup bag when I need it. I use it for gifts, dirty laundry, or just making the suitcase close again without a wrestling match.

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      That’s A Wrap on My Favorite Winter Travel Essentials

      Well, there you have it. Those are my top 20 winter travel must-haves. I’ve purchased and repurchased many of these for myself, and even gifted them to friends and family because they’ve made such a difference.

      If you add these to your winter packing, I promise your trip will be warmer, cozier, and way more comfortable.

      And if you want to make packing even easier, don’t forget to grab my free Winter Packing List Printable to make sure you don’t forget a thing!