How To Pack In A Carry On For Cold Weather – Short Trip To NYC

by | Apr 1, 2019 | How-To's | 2 comments

Packing for wintery weather in a carry-on is the most difficult packing task you could take on – hands down!

Cold weather clothes just take up way too much space!

I am typing this blog post in my office in Chicago on April 1st, which may feel like a lovely spring day in some places around the world. That said, the temperature outside my window right now is only 33 degrees Fahrenheit (around 1 degree Celsius), and the wind chill makes the weather feel below freezing! What the heck, right!?

For many travelers, visiting major cities such as Chicago, New York, Boston, Toronto, London, and beyond between October and April can mean needing several layers of clothing just to walk around town.

In today’s video, I provide a detailed review of EVERYTHING (literally everything!) that I packed for a four-day trip to NYC at the end of February when the temperatures were, let’s face it, around the same as I’m experiencing today in Chicago…over a month later. (Hah. I just looked out the window and saw a bundled-up guy walk down my street in a bright red ski cap and waterproof gloves. LOLZ.)

Whether you are visiting New York City or another cold weather destination for a quick business trip or long-weekend winter getaway, if you plan in advance, you should be able to pack everything you need to survive the chill. The video reviews exactly how I packed, but I’ve also listed each item below for you to use as a handy checklist!

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  • Please note this coupon code does not work with some brands on ebags such as Briggs & Riley, Tumi, and Eagle Creek, but it should work with several other travel products listed below

NYC Winter Carry On Packing List:

Wear On the Airplane:

  • Parka jacket with gloves in the pockets
  • Thick sweater (ideally cashmere or a soft fabric so it’s not itchy and is breathable)
  • Presentable shirt
  • Cami or undershirt
  • Comfortable, nice trousers (also a belt if needed!)
  • Walking shoes and presentable socks (for when you take off your shoes at TSA)
  • Undergarmets 🙂

Personal Bag:

My Tote Bag in the Video = Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Shopping Tote

Carry-On Rollerbag:

My Rollerbag in the Video:  http://bit.ly/TumiCarryOn

My packing cubes:  http://bit.ly/EagleCreekCompressionPackingCubes

  • Luggage lock if staying in a hotel and may need to check bag with doormen (http://bit.ly/EbagsTSALuggageLocks)
  • More winter attire if needed (earmuffs, hat, etc.)
  • Deodorant
  • Daybag or backpack (Target backpack shown)
  • Liquids Bag with liquid and gel toiletries (video/blog for how I pack my liquids bag)
  • Shower cap
  • Face wipes/makeup remover
  • Makeup brushes
  • Makeup bag (video/blog for how I pack my makeup bag)
  • Non-liquid toiletries
    • Qtips and cotton balls
    • Loofa
    • Toothbrush
    • Razor and spare razor blade
    • Bandaids
    • Floss
    • Shout Wipe stain remover
    • Hair clip, bobby pins, hair ties, etc.
    • Kleenex
    • Feminine care products
  • Medicine Bag
    • Any pills that you may need during the trip
  • Hairdryer & hot tools if needed
  • Slippers, flip flops, or hospital socks depending on your preference
  • Hairbrush(es) and/or comb
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Bras
  • Swimsuit if needed
  • Belt if not worn on the plane
  • Nice shoes (for meetings, presentations, or going out at night)
  • 1 cami or undershirt
  • 1 turtleneck shirt
  • 1 long sleeve tshirt
  • 1 long sleeve thicker shirt (chambray shown, but can also do flannel or fleece)
  • 1 polyester blouse
  • 1 crew neck sweater (should pair well with shirts and blouse)
  • 1 lightweight sweatshirt
  • 1 pair black jeans
  • 1 pair workout clothes, including any needed undergarments and socks
  • 1 pair pajamas or nightgown

Hope this list helps you all travel easier and save money by packing light. Now go bundle up and hit the pavement – there is so much to see, even when it’s cold out! Happy travels everyone!

-Eliz

2 Comments

  1. Debbie
    Debbie on April 29, 2019 at 7:29 am

    Enjoy reading your travel tips.
    Here is a subject you might consider: how to find a travel buddy. I’m getting tired of solo travel and sharing would extend my budget. All my friends have dedicated travel buddies or travel with their husbands. Organized trips are very expensive (I can go to Europe for under 2,000 all inc for 2 weeks) … and I like to plan my own itineraries. Tips??

    • Eliz
      Eliz on April 29, 2019 at 1:08 pm

      Hi Debbie – thanks so much for your great comment!
      I feel the best answer would depend on whether your goal is to have more companionship, or just to split costs. When it comes to traveling with other people, even if they are a friend or husband, it’s important to have flexibility within your itinerary to do something that caters to everyone’s interests so everyone is happy with the trip. I referenced this in point #1 in my blog post about planning a family trip for five people in London.
      With that said, if maintaining control of your itinerary is top priority, I’d recommend staying in a female-only hostel room, since many hostels have opt-in excursions at group discounts, which really help split touring costs. Just make sure to bring luggage locks and any other precautionary security devices! Another option to help with lodging costs would be to find a small airBNB that would let you rent out one room or twin bed in a multi-room unit.
      Contrary, if you are willing have a bit of flexibility with your travel itinerary, I’d recommend joining some of the online female solo-travel forums and social networks (here’s an example of one), and trying to buddy up with someone you meet (and thoroughly vet) from those groups who have similar interests. I’ve never tried this, but it sounds like a great way to find a like-minded travel buddy!

      Hope this helps, and happy travels! 🙂

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