Winter travel for our team ranges from powder days to sun-soaked beaches—long flights home, short restorative breaks, surf sessions, and ski laps. Below, Condé Nast Traveler editors share where they’re heading and the pieces they’re bringing along.
Park City, Utah — Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
I’m headed to Park City to check out Deer Valley Ski Resort’s new expansion, splitting nights between places like Grand Hyatt Deer Valley and Sundance Mountain Resort. I’ll bring a checked bag to share with my partner and a small duffel (my Carra Portobello) for extras. On the hill: Halfdays merino base layers, a soft Madeline Swan crew, a red one-piece suit, and Smith Squad goggles. Après plans call for an Alp N Rock Edelweiss henley, Vallon Glacier sunglasses, and a cozy henley for evenings.
Lima and Mancora, Peru — Megan Spurrell, associate articles director
I go to Peru every December or January to see family and soak up summer. This trip I’ll split time between Lima’s restaurants and Mancora’s surf breaks. My packing is light and practical: Melissa rubber fisherman sandals that double as water shoes, M. Gemi leather flats for travel days, a compact capsule wardrobe to leave room for market finds, a Gil Rodriguez cotton button-down tank, and beat-up Stan Ray shorts I scored at Goodwill. I’m leaning toward renting a beach house in Mancora for relaxed days.
Toronto for the holidays — Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
Heading 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 for warmth, plus Roots sweatpants for lounging. For going out, I’ll wear a Rachel Antonoff espresso martini mockneck and brown Magnanni Audrey boots for dinners with hometown friends.
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica — Lale Arikoglu, articles director
I’m flying south for surf lessons, fresh papaya, and sunny days at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Packing is almost all 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 hair after long sun sessions.
Banff National Park, Alberta — Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Finally checking Banff off my list and staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. I’ll divide time between the new Basin spa and hiking trails. Cold-weather kit includes Alo’s Gold Rush puffer over fleece or cashmere, Set Active Luxform leggings, Hoka Clifton 10s for traction on icy sidewalks, and a thick fleece headband to keep my ears warm.
Florida visits — Madison Flager, associate commerce director
Spending the holidays with family and friends on Florida’s west coast and the panhandle. I’ll pack Havaianas flip-flops, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, and Hoka Clifton 10 walking shoes. For travel day comfort I’ll wear wide-leg Athleta pants with a zipper pocket and bring breezy pieces for beach walks and socializing.
Bentonville, Arkansas — Emily Newhouse, contributor, research
Traveling to Bentonville in early December for a family Bar Mitzvah. I don’t leave without my Tumi Madeline cosmetic bag and jewelry case. I’ll pack a knit Uniqlo wool midi skirt that moves well from day to night, and I’ll bring my Solly Baby Stormy Houndstooth nursing cover since I’m still nursing. My maroon MZ Wallace Crosby Traveler will be my personal item, my Kånken will double as a diaper bag, and patent ruby-red Tieks are my go-to shoes for the celebration.
What we’re prioritizing
Across these trips the themes are the same: versatility, comfort, and items that match the destination. Lightweight, insulating layers for cold places; reliable footwear for travel days and trails; sun protection and rash guards for tropical surf; and soft cashmere and sweatpants for home visits. Practical extras—large totes for beach days, checked luggage for ski gear, compact cosmetics and skincare (SPF, restorative creams, hair kits), and small warm accessories—make packing easier and travel more comfortable.
Whether carving groomers, searching for waves, indulging in hometown comforts, or celebrating with family, a compact set of reliable pieces makes winter travel smoother and more enjoyable. The simplest rule: pack what you’ll actually wear.