Brian and I have a quick trip to Door County planned this weekend for some much needed r&r, and am so excited I’ve already started packing! Most people like warm weather getaways this time of year. But since they can get rather pricey, we decided to head north for a romantic weekend in the quite town of Fish Creek, WI.

After packing for our honeymoon in Iceland, I’ve learned that packing for a quick cold-weather trip can be extensive and a little foreign to some. So, I wanted share my packing list for our winter weekend getaway.

Outdoor Essentials

The obvious winter gear should all make your packing list, even if you don’t think you’ll need it! It’s always great to have these things on hand in case of a sudden change in weather.

• Coat – A windproof and waterproof parka is always my go-to winter coat!
• Hat – Always a great way to stay warm, and add a pop of color to your outfit.
• Gloves – I always like to pack a pair of heavy snow gloves, along with my everyday gloves.
• Scarves – Scarves are a great way to keep warm and accessories an outfit at the same time! I like to have a least 2 handy during winter trips.
• Snow Boots – In addition to a pair of leather boots, I always like to bring waterproof snow boots when traveling in the winter. Sometimes it can be hard to know how much snow will be at your destination, so bring a pair can’t hurt.
• Sunglasses – This might sound silly, but I always forget how bright the sun can get in winter! Most of the winter can be grey, but if the sun is out, you’ll need those shades to protect your eyes from light bouncing off the snow!

Sweaters

Warm and cozy sweaters are key (obviously)! Depending on what you are doing on your getaway, be sure to have warm gear for all activities. A cute sweater for dinner, a warm quarter zip for exploring outside, and a cozy knit for lounging.

Jeans & Leggings

Depending on what your schedule calls for, I would recommend bring 2 pairs of jeans and at least one pair of leggings. We are planning on hiking and exploring, as well as visiting a distillery and snuggling up by the fire, so I am opting for 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of athletic leggings (I like to layer up if it gets really cold).

Cozy Pajamas & Warm Socks

You can’t go wrong with a pair of warm wool socks during the cold winter months, so I recommend packing a few pairs for walking around outside, and for snuggling up at night. You never know if your socks will get wet from all the snow, so bring some extra pairs to have in addition to your daily need.

Along with warm socks, having cozy pjs or lounge ware (whatever you’re into) is key to staying comfortable when traveling. There’s nothing worse than being cold when you’re trying to relax, so I like to pack a set of warm, comfortable clothes to wear around at night.

Toiletry Essentials

This is a given, but making a list of your toiletry essentials before you pack will help you not forget anything. In the winter, I always make sure to travel with lotion and chapstick, along with all of my other basics.

What are some winter packing essentials you always bring with you? Do you have any fun trips planned before Spring comes?