You get one choice, so make it count. Otherwise you may end up lugging around a jacket you can't really use on its own vacation from the closet. A few things to consider in advance:
- Destination. Whether you're expecting to spend the bulk of your time on snow, sand, or sidewalks, wherever you're going will give you a good idea about what to bring.
- Weather. Check the extended forecast at your destination starting from the day of your departure. This will provide an educated guess about what to expect on the ground.
- Activity. Going skiing, hiking, or general sight-seeing? What you plan to do on your vacation will dictate the jacket you do it in.
- Weight. The general rule of travel is the lighter the better. Easier if you're headed to a warmer locale, more challenging if you're preparing for a colder environment. The plus side is that your jacket doesn't count as carry-on if you bring it with you in transit.