The best part of a winter escape is leaving the coat behind. The worst part is the coat. Packing for a warm destination in the middle of a cold season means solving two problems at once: getting to the airport warm, and having nothing bulky in your way once you arrive.

The Coat Problem

Some travelers check a heavy coat into a parking-garage car or leave it with a friend dropping them off. Others travel in a lighter layer and a packable down jacket that compresses into its own pocket. A third option is to layer: a warm sweater under a trench for the trip to the airport, both of which pack small on arrival.

The Resort Wardrobe

• Two or three swimsuits, so one is always dry.
• A cover-up that works as a dress for lunch.
• Linen trousers and shorts.
• Light shirts in cotton or linen.
• One or two easy dresses for evening.
• A light knit or wrap for air-conditioned restaurants and breezy nights.

Shoes

Sandals for the day, a pair of espadrilles or a dressier sandal for evening, and whatever you wore on the plane. Resorts rarely need more.

Don’t Forget

• Reef-safe sunscreen where it is required, and a high SPF for the face.
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• A small dry bag for boats and beaches.
• Light, quick-drying fabrics that travel well.

On the Way Home

Pack your warm layer at the top of the bag, ready to pull out before you land. Arriving at a winter airport in linen is a memorable experience for the wrong reasons.

Shop the Edit

• Eres Cutout Swimsuit in Black, Net-a-Porter
• Vince Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pant, Vince
• Castañer Carina Espadrilles, Neiman Marcus
• Johnstons of Elgin Wide Cashmere Scarf in Natural, Johnstons of Elgin
• Burberry Kensington Heritage Trench, Saks Fifth Avenue