Winter can be a tricky time for travel. A simple snowstorm or ice can thwart even the best-laid travel plans. Here are some tips from packing expert and author Susan Foster (smartpacking.com) for surviving winter travel delays:

1. Pack a carry-on bag with everything that you simply cannot live without for a day. If checking luggage, carry-on the necessities of life and work including:

* All travel documents

* Computer and cell phone and chargers

* Partial change of clothing

* All medications

* Important work papers

* A light jacket, gloves and hat -- you never know what the weather will be like in the city where you are stuck along the way.

2. Carry all airline phone numbers (program them into your cell phone) and frequent flyer info. Never simply stand in a customer service line with every other passenger from your flight waiting to be rebooked when a flight is cancelled. Go to the rebooking counter line but immediately call your airline and get rebooked by phone. Not everyone will be conveniently accommodated, so act quickly. Standing in line allows you to possibly retrieve your luggage or to pick up food/hotel vouchers, and to hear verbal updates.

3. If you are stranded somewhere overnight and don't want to sleep in the airport, be prepared to find a nearby place to stay. If you are a member of hotel frequent guest programs, program their toll free phone numbers into your cell phone so that you can be one of the lucky travelers to score a hotel room before they are sold out. Carry account information with you, as frequent guests may receive priority.

4. Always check with your airline BEFORE leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is leaving on time and is actually flying.