So you’ve decided to visit Europe this winter! Smart decision – you should have fewer crowds, the opportunity to visit Christmas markets, winter sports options, and possibly some snow!
We all want to look reasonably stylish while also making good packing decisions. Before you get started, ask yourself some questions: “How much moving around between cities and accommodations am I doing?” “Do I need any special equipment (ski, beach, etc)?” “What sort of weather do I expect?” “Am I buying everything the Christmas markets have to offer and will need additional space on the way home to transport my haul?”
In Europe, you should expect the unexpected regarding weather, particularly if you are travelling while the seasons are changing from fall to winter or winter to spring. This packing list is here you help you find balance between comfort, having options, and not hauling around a trunk’s worth of items for a one week trip.
For more info on Europe during Winter, check out my other posts Ranking the Best Christmas Markets in Vienna and Three Days in Beautiful Budapest!
This packing list is geared toward a trip lasting approximately 7-10 days. If the specific country you are are visiting is in the far southern or northern part of Europe, you may need to add or omit some items. For instance, the cold weather and snow gear you will require in Finnish Lapland is very different than what you would need in Athens! We will go over general essential travel needs, clothing suggestions, and additional styling tips – no one wants to go to Europe and feel sloppy and unfashionable!
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Luggage
Suitcase – this should be carry-on size, which varies slightly by airline. For both American Airlines and United, it is 22x14x9, and for Delta, it is 24x14x9. If you prefer hard side, I like this one. For more of a rolling duffel style, try this one (my husband is a fan). Or, you could go full backpacker – this bag comes highly recommended!
Backpack or other personal item – This one is attractive, durable, (waterproof) and meets airline guides! I used this cute quilted backpack for my last 2 trips, and absolutely love it – it has a great hidden pocket for travel documents, is anti-theft and has held up through 5 countries and counting!
Fanny Pack or small cross body bag – this is to wear under your coat, kind of like a bonus personal item. I love these for storing essentials that I want to have handy at all times going through the airport or on the plane (passport, money, credit cards, lip balm).
Day Bag – this is for when you reach your destination; you may not want to carry your larger backpack around. I get so many compliments on this one! It’s a great size, and is anti-theft (the zipper is on the backside of the pack).
Optional: Packable duffel bag for the return trip – this is really only needed if you know you will be shopping. If you are heading overseas for some Christmas markets, I guarantee you will not be coming home empty-handed! You should also bring some bubble wrap for breakables you may purchase and a reusable shopping bag for the markets. I love bringing home wine, specialty liquors, olive or truffle oil, and other liquids (which must be checked), these Wine Angel bubble wrap bags have been invaluable!
General Essential Travel Items
PASSPORT – check, double check, and triple check you have this before you leave! Then check again on the way to the airport. I am neurotic about our passports!
Universal Travel Adapter and Voltage Converter– check the requirements of the country or countries you are visiting. This is a good option that takes care of both!
Portable Charger – the lipstick size chargers are super convenient. For more power and multiple cord options, this is a great one!
Electronics chargers – phone, smart watch, tablet, etc. Plugs are at a premium in European hotel rooms – we use this compact power strip (which includes USB plugs) to get everything charged up at once for the next day!
Phone Tether – I used this on my most recent trip to Europe, and I will never be without it moving forward! It gave me security knowing my phone would be much more difficult for would-be pickpocketers to snag. The main benefit though, was the ease of taking quick pictures or glancing at my map without just holding my phone in my hand the whole time! I used this one, but got this one for my husband!
Printed documents – of any tickets you purchased ahead, travel confirmation numbers, a copy of your passport
Hand warmers – either the disposable Hot Hands, or a rechargeable version!
Local Currency – you can get this once you arrive (use an atm associated with a real bank), but I like having at least a small amount on hand when I land. You also need at least 1 credit card with no foreign fees! If you are an Amex or Discover card user, bring a backup card just in case as well – not everyone takes those.
For the plane/train:
Travel Pillow – this one is extremely compact for travel. I’ve heard good things about this one too, and plan to try it on my next long haul trip! UPDATE: I’m so happy I purchased the Trtl brand pillow despite the price tag being higher than I wanted- I’m still not a great plane sleeper, but it helped a LOT!
Eye mask – like this one by NodPod or this one with wireless headphones built in!
Headphones – I bring both my airpods and Bose noise cancelling headphones.
Electrolyte tablets/powder – these tablets are made specifically for plane travel, but Liquid IV works well too (the tangerine flavor is my favorite!)
Clothing
This is my favorite part! It’s so much fun to plan outfits so you can feel good about yourself, be comfortable, and enjoy looking back at pictures of your wonderful memories. Layers are always essential in Europe, but especially in the cooler months. If you are planning on carry-on only (recommended, especially if you will be moving around a lot or are switching airlines/have layovers – nothing ruins a trip like lost luggage), the following should work for a 7-10 day winter trip to Europe.
Start by assessing your color palette – if you are doing a lot of mixing and matching to create new outfits, it’s easiest to stick with neutrals and one or two offsetting colors to spice things up. My most recent palette for a late fall trip was black, gray, chocolate, olive green, and burgandy. The colors all worked well together, and I could create new combinations. For Christmas markets, I go with ivory/cream, black, camel, red, and olive green. For late winter/early spring, you could go with white, navy, gray, beige/khaki, mustard yellow, and red. You get the idea!
Warm winter coat – wear this on the plane so it doesn’t have to be packed. A longer coat is recommended for extra warmth, and make sure to check the temperature rating. Also, since it will be front and center for all of your outdoor photos, make sure you like the way you look in it! This coat is warm and has a belt to add some shape. I LOVE the fit and flare shape of this one – try a fun color! This one has a nice cinch in the waist.
Lighter weight fleece coat – this can be used as a layer OR as a stand alone jacket on a day that’s a bit warmer. It gives a lot of flexibility! Most of us probably already have at least one in our closet, but if you are looking to add to your collection, the Amazon Basics version is a great budget pick.
Warm hats – bring several, to change up your look! These are a cute slouchy version and I love a beanie with a pom pom like these!
Scarves – these are another great way to change things up – bring several! I like a mix of plaids, other patterns, and solids.
Gloves – they should be warm, and bonus points if they allow you to text while wearing them, like these! I typically go with one pair that goes with everything, like black, gray, camel, or ivory.
Thermal Underwear – bring 2-3 pairs of these in basic, neutral colors. I love the Thermajane version – my daughter says they feel like a full body hug. Merino works well too, and does well not being washed as often! My last trip, these bamboo thermals were so soft and amazing when the temps were cold, but not COLD cold (think 30-45 degrees Fahrenheit). These work as an unseen base layer, or under a cardigan or fleece.
Jeans – 2 pairs should be enough – a light rinse and a dark rinse, and/or a boyfriend jean and bootcut – just make sure they don’t look exactly the same and can look different when paired with different outfits. My last trip, I went with 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of boot cut brown corduroys!
Leggings/dressy pants – One pair of each. I always wear leggings on the plane for comfort. When traveling, I choose my “dressier” leggings rather than the ones I lounge around in at home that are covered in pills and cat/dog fur! They can be both casual for the plane, and work for day or even night once I’m at the destination when paired with the appropriate top. I also bring 1 pair of dressy “fun” pants for evening – currently, that is a pair of faux leather pants lined with fleece (similar to this pair). If you are a dress person, you could sub out for a weather appropriate dress.
Sweaters and other long sleeved tops – you will need 5-7. I would stay away from chunky sweaters and stick with thin, warm options you can layer (again, merino wool is a great choice).
Underwear/bras/socks – I usually go with 2 bras and underwear/socks for each day plus one. If you will be gone for more than a week, just bring enough for that and wash as needed – it’s super easy! These laundry sheets take up no space, and you can really reduce the load you are carrying. For the socks, bring some warm, woolen options!
Pajamas – 2 pairs of warm pajamas, because those European hotel rooms can be cold in the winter!
Shoes/boots – this one is so difficult for me! I aim for 2 pairs but usually end up with 3 – black boots, brown boots, and a dressier option for dinner. The ones I linked to are the actual boots I have and use – for the day boots, I look for waterproof, durable, non slip, and comfortable. My #1 packing goal for my next trip is wear one, pack one! I just find it so helpful to be able to switch out my shoes when I’m walking a lot.
Jewelry – I love this flat travel case for transporting my jewelry and keeping necklaces untangled.
Toiletries/Personal Items
Toiletry Bag – if you don’t have a hanging toiletry bag, it’s time to get one! European bathrooms are not known for their spaciousness, after all! This small hanging bag has been invaluable for keeping me organized during travel. I love that it just hangs in the bathroom and doesn’t take up counter space. It can hold your makeup as well! If you are more of a maximalist when it comes to skincare and makeup, this one is a good choice!
TSA approved reusable bottles – These are sustainable and carry plenty for a 7-10 day trip. And I love having the same hair and face products I’m used to using at home! To further minimize my items packed, I just picked up these awesome stackable tiny jars.
Combo travel curling iron/straightener – I’ve tried several, and while a bit pricy, this is the best I’ve found!
Prescription medication – you know what you need!
OTC medication – I take Tums, Prilosec, Imodium, Pepto, Dramamine, (you will be eating a lot of unfamiliar foods), ibuprofen, and a small amount of cold medicine just in case!
Now you have the information necessary to pack for your fabulous winter trip to Europe confidently! Enjoy being well dressed and comfortable as you Sip, Savor, and See the World!
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