Winter travel often looks like two things: battling the cold or surrendering to the sun. At Condé Nast Traveler, it’s a mix—surf and ski, long flights home and short restorative escapes. From Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo to Park City, Utah, we’re packing the gear that carries us from wave to slope and the cozy pieces we plan to live in at home. Here’s where we’re going and what we’re bringing this winter.
Hitting the slopes in Park City, Utah
I’m headed to Park City to check out Deer Valley Ski Resort’s new expansion. Lodging contenders include Grand Hyatt Deer Valley and Sundance Mountain Resort. I’ll bring checked luggage to share with my partner and a light duffel (my Carra Portobello). Essentials: a soft Madeline Swan crew, Smith Squad goggles, Halfdays merino base layers, a red one-piece suit, and Smith goggles. For après, an Alp N Rock Edelweiss henley, Vallon Glacier shades, and a favorite henley for evenings. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
Hiking and eating our way through Lima and Mancora, Peru
I head to Peru each December or January to see family and chase summer. This year I’ll split time between Lima’s food scene and the slower surfing and lounging around Mancora. I pack Melissa rubber fisherman sandals that double as swim shoes, classic leather M. Gemi flats for travel, a capsule wardrobe to save room for purchases, a Gil Rodriguez cotton button-down tank, and well-worn Stan Ray shorts I found at Goodwill. I’m still deciding where to stay but a beach house in Mancora looks perfect. —Megan Spurrell, associate articles director
Returning home, Hallmark-movie-style, to Toronto
I’m going home to Ontario mid-December for family time and (hopefully) a white Christmas. I’ll live in comfortwear: Mersea Parma travel pants and a Lugano cashmere sweater, plus Roots sweatpants for lounging. For outings I’ve got Rachel Antonoff’s espresso martini mockneck and my brown Magnanni Audrey boots for dinners with hometown friends. —Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
Surfing along Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo
I’m flying to Costa Rica for sunshine, surf lessons, and papaya. I’ll stay at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo and pack mainly beachwear: a Hunza G one-piece, tortoiseshell sunglasses, an L.L.Bean canvas tote stuffed with books and SPF, a lightweight rash guard for surfing, and a Ceremonia Guava Rescue & Repair kit for post-sun hair care. —Lale Arikoglu, articles director
Experiencing the sublime at Banff National Park
I’m finally taking a bucket-list trip to Banff and staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. I’ll split time between the brand-new Basin spa and the trails. Cold-weather packing means warm, lightweight layers: Alo’s Gold Rush puffer over a fleece or cashmere, Set Active Luxform leggings, Hoka Clifton 10 sneakers for traction on icy sidewalks, and a thick fleece headband for ears. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Visiting friends and family in the Sunshine State
Over the holidays I’ll visit family and friends in Florida’s west coast and panhandle. I’ll pack flip-flops (Havaianas), SPF (I love Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen), and walking shoes: Hoka Clifton 10s. I’ll travel in wide-leg Athleta pants with a zipper pocket for convenience and bring comfortable pieces for beach days and walks. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director
A momentous occasion in Bentonville, Arkansas
I’m traveling to Bentonville in early December for a special family Bar Mitzvah. I don’t go on trips without my Tumi Madeline cosmetic bag and jewelry case, and I’ll pack a knit wool Uniqlo midi skirt that transitions well from day to night. I’m nursing after 14 months, so I’ll bring my Solly Baby Stormy Houndstooth nursing cover. My maroon MZ Wallace Crosby Traveler will be my personal item, and my Kanken will double as a diaper bag. For shoes, my patent ruby-red Tieks are a must. —Emily Newhouse, contributor, research
What we’re prioritizing
Across trips, editors emphasize versatility, comfort, and local function: lightweight layers for cold destinations, reliable footwear for travel days, swim and surf protection for tropical escapes, and cozy cashmere and sweatpants for home visits. Practical travel essentials—tote bags, checked luggage for gear, compact cosmetics and skincare (from SPF to restorative creams and hair kits), and compact warm accessories—make packing simpler and trips more enjoyable.
Whether carving groomers, searching for waves, indulging in hometown comforts, or celebrating with family, the right pieces make winter travel manageable and fun. Safe travels—and pack what you’ll actually wear.
