I Don’t Travel Far in Winter — But When I Do, Here’s What I Pack

I’m not a fan of long-haul flights in winter. The cold, the jet lag, the swollen ankles — no thanks. But staying put for three months straight? That’s not happening either.

What I’ve settled into over the years is something in between: short trips, quick getaways, light travel. A night up the coast. A weekend with friends. Sometimes just a solo staycation somewhere an hour away, where the beds are made and someone else does the dishes.

And after enough times leaving things behind or overpacking for a two-day trip, I’ve figured out a system that keeps it simple — and keeps me sane.

✍️ Rule One: Bring Less Than You Think You Need
Seriously. Two nights? One outfit per day, one backup, and you’re done.
If I’m not going to a wedding or being chased by paparazzi (spoiler: I’m not), I don’t need three pairs of shoes. One decent pair of sneakers and maybe slides if there’s a pool. That’s it.

It took me a while to realize no one else cares what I wear — they’re too busy stressing over their own bags.

🧳 Rule Two: Small Bag = Small Problems
I stopped carrying my “just in case” duffel three winters ago.
Now I travel with a bag that limits me — not the other way around. It’s become my boundary: if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t come.

Also, small bags don’t go in the boot. They sit with me. No “hey can you grab my charger?” because it’s already with me. Beautiful.

🛁 Rule Three: Don’t Trust Towels, or Hotel Lighting
If I’m staying in a hotel, I bring my own towel. Always.
The big white ones are fine, but they take forever to dry, and I hate putting a wet towel into a bag the next morning. Microfibre ones dry fast and pack tiny. They’re not luxury, but they don’t smell like the hotel laundry room either.

Same goes for lighting. I’ve learned to do my skincare in daylight, before dinner. Those yellow-glow bathroom mirrors make me look like I’ve had a long week in a coal mine.

☕ Rule Four: Build a Ritual
Two days in a new place is too short to get comfortable — but just long enough to have a ritual.
I always find a corner cafe. I never skip a morning walk. I bring tea bags from home.
These tiny habits turn a trip into a recharge, not just a relocation.

🚫 Rule Five: You Don’t Need to See Everything
If I’m away for the weekend, I don’t need to “make the most of it.”
I just need to be somewhere different. Sleep well. Breathe slower. Maybe finish a book.

No pressure to sightsee. No guilt for staying in.

I used to plan trips like battles. Now I let them unfold. That’s the biggest shift of all.

💬 Final Thought
I don’t travel far in winter. But when I do, I’ve learned to make it feel easy.
Light bags. Warm drinks. Familiar routines in unfamiliar places.

That’s enough. That’s plenty.