Travelling in Europe in winter can be a bit difficult to get used to. It rains, it snows, the temperature drops and the days are shorter. Let us offer a few useful tips to prepare your packing list for winter in Europe!
Packing for a Winter trip to Europe is a bit of a challenge. With the baggage allowance shrinking, you must learn to pack light, unless you want to spend a large chunk of your budget just to buy additional luggage allowance.
Because we love to explore Europe in Winter, we’ve had to learn how to outsmart the system.
I couldn’t believe it but bringing a suitcase on our flight to Krakow in January was going to cost us as much as an additional ticket!
And because we were planning to visit Prague in Winter, we had to learn fast how to pack for a winter trip.
Here’s our travel list for Europe in winter, with lots of outfit ideas and how to make sure you’re not overpacking!
Snow is not something me and Aldo are used to.
We live in Naples, in the warm Southern Italy, and we don’t get to see it often.
Our first winter trip to Europe was definitely challenging!
After all, winter in Italy is never too cold, even if it might snow in the Northern regions.
Let me just say that a few Amalfi Coast hotels have heated outdoor pools. Because you can enjoy them even in December or January without freezing to death!
Campania region is that warm.
Winter clothes are bulky and to be honest, Europe winter fashion is something I’m quite interested in.
I wanted to look nice, without overpacking.
When we visited Poland, we tried a new restaurant every night to find the best pierogi in Krakow.
I was still forced to rely on cabin baggage only. And my winter packing list was way too long.
I didn’t want to wear the same clothes over and over again (ugh, gross!). But I also didn’t want to pay extra to bring a larger suitcase.
Packing a suitcase for Europe in winter seemed super difficult. Until I discovered the importance of thermal underclothes!
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Pack the Best Thermal Wear for Winter
Because packing for Europe in Winter can be difficult, you have to make sure to optimize your packing list.
This doesn’t mean that you have to freeze!
Our secret to light packing is to use thermal underwear.
It’s perfect to keep you warm even during the coldest winter city breaks, and I know something about it!
We have been walking for hours, exploring the neighbourhoods in Prague in winter, but I didn’t feel cold at all.
Yet there are so many options for thermal underclothes out there, that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
What model should you choose? What about the fabric? There are so many options!
Some swear by wool, especially Merino wool, because it’s very warm and great for thermal insulation.
But it’s also pretty expensive!
In our case, we’ve found out that synthetic materials make some of the best thermal wear for winter… on a budget!
Of course it all depends on the kind of winter trip you are planning.
If you are going to live for a few months in a cold European region, you might want something more expensive.
Yet let me tell you that if you buy good synthetic thermal underwear, it will last for quite a long time.
Just read the wash care label to make sure you won’t ruin it when you wash it!
Fleece-lined leggings are also always on my winter travel packing list.
They are the perfect choice for those who are looking for a budget pick for a cold vacation.
Because they’re a spandex-polyester blend, they are very comfortable and stretch nicely, so you will be able to wear them all day long!
You can pair them with a Odlo Women’s BlackComb Evolution Warm Crew Neck Top.
Again it’s stretch fabric and tight fit, warm and breathable.
I love it because I can wear it under every shirt or sweater when I’m visiting Europe in Winter.
Being a tight fit it won’t make me feel trapped under a lot of clothes, and the V neck allows me to wear a low-necked sweater.
Wearing thermal underclothes will allow you to pack lighter shirts and jumpers.
By reducing the volume, you’ll get to bring more clothes also in a small carry-on.
Winter City Breaks vs. Ski Trips
Your packing list for Europe in winter has to take into account the kind of vacation you’re going for.
There are quite a few European cities where you will find lots of snow (and amazing Christmas markets).
Consider those as fun winter city breaks.
Yet your travel list for Europe will look different if you’re going for a ski trip.
Or if you’re interested in hiking in the snow.
Winter city breaks in Europe mean that you will want to be comfortable while exploring.
Pick a pair of warm boots that you already know won’t hurt your feet even if you walk a lot.
The most important thing? A large bag.
While planning a weekend in London you might be tempted to bring that gorgeous, tiny handbag.
Too bad that it only fits a lipstick and your phone: it would be pretty but useless!
I don’t know about you, but I definitely haul around a lot of stuff.
Camera, phone, lipstick, a foldable umbrella because you never know, hat, sunglasses… I don’t do tiny bags!
If you’re like me, go for something practical and chic, like a hobo bag (my absolute favorite!).
Or a tote bag. It won’t be frown upon, even if you’re going to explore Milan, the Italian capital of fashion!
When I’m planning to carry my mirrorless camera with me I usually bring a backpack.
It doesn’t have to be huge, but make sure it’s soft enough that you can fold it and pack it into your carry on!
Assuming you’ll want to go out at night, you’ll have to pack a few basics that will always save the day.
I never go anywhere without a black pair of skinny jeans.
I can wear them throughout the day, and they become perfect at night if I pair them with a nice sweater.
Let me just add that a nice, rich and dark (or red) lipstick will always vamp up your outfit. And it fits in every handbag!
Make sure you add it to your European packing list, for every season!
Winter City Break Essentials – Packing list
- Comfortable Warm Boots
- Large bag or a foldable backpack
- Black skinny jeans
- Lipstick
- Warm Jumper
- Thermal underclothes
- Light shirts for layering
- Waterproof jacket
- Wool Infinity Scarf
Packing for a ski trip will be of course a bit different. Yet your winter evening outfits might be the same, more or less. Especially because you should bring a good set of thermal wear.
For this kind of winter trip it’s more important than ever!
Since you will need snow boots, a smart idea might be to wear them during your flight.
They are in fact quite bulky and might take too much space in your luggage!
I always wear a fleece neck warmer for a ski trip and a soft, wool infinity scarf for our winter city breaks.
While on a ski trip you’ll want to add a few more layers, or a ski jumpsuit.
That takes the hassle out of layering on the top of your thermal wear. Its stretch fabric allows you to move freely and you will feel warm even for the extra-long days on the slopes.
Attention: A ski jumpsuit is also sadly pretty bulky. Some resorts in Europe rent them: check out with your hotel first. Renting is the best option to avoid using too much space in your suitcase!
Another good option for packing bulky stuff is to get yourself some good compression packing cubes.
It’s the perfect solution to reduce the volume in your luggage.
Packing and unpacking is easy with packing cubes, because you already know where everything is.
Getting the compression ones means being able to pack more stuff into less space. Smart, right?
Ski Trip in Europe – Essentials Packing List
- Snow boots
- Thermal wear
- Fleece neck warmer
- Ski Jumpsuit (unless you’re renting it)
- Compression packing cubes
- Wool Hat
- Touchscreen Gloves
- Waterproof & warm jacket
Winter in Europe: Backpack or Suitcase?
Even before you start preparing your packing list for Europe in winter, there’s something you should do.
Try to make up your mind: are you a suitcase or a backpack traveller?
When we explore Europe in winter, we usually prefer to use our backpacks, for two main reasons.
The first one is that we often find pretty cheap flight tickets that only include cabin luggage.
And then we usually re-use at least one of our backpacks to go hiking.
It was pretty handy to have a sturdy one also while exploring the best photography spots in London, because we could easily carry our lenses and mirrorless cameras. Without having to bring an extra bag just for that.
For our winter city breaks in Europe we have two main backpacks.
One is a Eastpack casual daypack. I love it because it fits so much stuff and has a lot of pockets.
The other one is a 32L travel backpack that is flight approved and waterproof.
It fits a lot and is also expandable.
Both can be great choices for travelling in Europe in winter for up to one week.
If you decide to travel with a backpack, using compression packing cubes is almost mandatory!
In case you prefer to travel using a carry-on, by all means, check out this beautiful Kenneth Cole spinner.
The quality is great and their products will last you for years.
While this spinner looks tiny, with your compression packing cubes you will be able to fit in a lot of Europe winter clothing for your next trip!
Packing for Winter Means Choosing The Right Coat
Picking a smart coat when planning a winter city break in Europe means that you will need a versatile one so you can combine it for different looks.
If you can put your hands on a neutral color and a classic shape, that would be the very best option.
An understated coat won’t be the focus of several looks, while still complimenting all of them.
Instead it will let the light shine on the accessories or on a fabulous hat.
For the lesser cold cities in Europe, you might still do all right even with a smaller jacket.
Like a 100% wool blazer.
Of course, if you can, bringing a longer coat would be the best of options.
Europe in winter can be cold and you don’t want to hole up in your hotel room at night!
Quite often, women’s travel clothes for winter are pretty bulky. Maybe even plain boring.
That is why you should add thermal underclothes to your winter vacation packing list.
With those on, you can choose any (winter) outfit you want. It doesn’t have to be bulky because they won’t let you be cold!
If you’re planning a ski trip to Europe, you will need a warm and waterproof coat.
Like this one, which is heavy but doesn’t make you feel trapped.
Getting it in black is a smart option. It’s also perfect to go out at night so you won’t need to bring a second one.
In places like the Italian Dolomites, it’s absolutely the norm to go to a classy restaurant wearing a puffy jacket.
Winter can be terribly cold!
On the contrary, you’ll probably find lots of people only using a nice, classic coat on the while enjoying a city break in Rome or on the Amalfi Coast.
They never really get “cold“.
More than about my jacket, I’d worry about etiquette.
Do you know how to tip in Italy?
Make Sure You Keep Your Feet Warm in Winter
Footwear is another very important thing you should think about when planning your packing list for Europe in winter.
It should support your foot and be comfortable. Even if you walk for hours.
There are people who don’t mind to walk around in high heels also for the whole day.
But that’s not me.
I honestly could never pull that off!
Of course you’re free to bring a pair of high heels in your carry-on – especially if you’re planning to go out clubbing. Yet consider adding a pair of black winter boots to your checklist for traveling to Europe.
They’d be confy and you can use them for most of your evening outfits!
In the lesser cold European regions – those where you can plan your winter city breaks without having to bring your ski overall – you might have to walk a lot.
If you need a second pair of shoes, get smart.
Wear the bulky ones on your flight and keep the other pair in your carry-on.
Another great tip for packing light for Europe in winter is to stuff your packed shoes with socks or small objects!
Since you’ll probably be asked to remove your boots at the airport, choose a pair that is easy to take off.
Lots of tying and untying will only stress you out!
Sunglasses: Add Them to Your Winter Packing List
Did you know that the sun can be as dangerous in winter as it is in summer time?
Protecting your eyes should be a priority. Also for your winter city breaks.
Cold, dry air and bright sunlight (especially when it reflects on the snow) can damage your eyes and affect your eyesight.
It’s very important to wear UV-A or UV-B protecting sunglasses.
Also keep eye drops at hand. If you’re only traveling with a carry-on, choose single use vials, so you won’t have to bring the whole box with you!
I could neer travel without eye drops. The air conditioning on planes tends to dry my eyes. They get red and puffy: a nightmare!
Sojos sells lots of sunglasses for less, even the trendy ones.
There’s a shape for every face… or every outfit.
Because they’re so cheap, you can buy one for every winter outfit you own!
Always Pack a Power Bank
Low temperatures affect battery life.
Which is why you should add a reliable power bank to your packing list for Europe in winter.
You will need a pocket size USB power bank that operates in low temperatures.
If you’re carrying extras batteries, remember to keep them in your pockets.
If they stay warm they might last longer. Of course, make sure they’re not too close to hand-warmers or the likes!
Another thing you might want to bring with you is a ziplock plastic bag.
The one you’d normally use for vegetables at home.
Hotels and restaurants are usually pretty warm, while outside the temperatures will be quite low.
This might result in condensation, that will ruin your camera and electric equipment.
The trick is to seal everything in a ziplock plastic bag before you head inside. It’ll warm up gradually, surrounded by the dry air.
In a Nutshell – Ultimate Packing List For Europe
- Warm Winter Boots
- Thermal underwear
- Winter Puffy Jacket
- Black Denim
- Light Jumpers for layering
- Wool Hat
- Scarf
- Touchscreen Gloves
- Large Bag
- Fleece lined leggings
- Power Bank
- Lipstick or Chapstick
- Ziplock Plastic Bag
I hope this guide to what to pack for a trip to Europe in winter was useful!
Let me know in the comments if you have more tips and where you’re planning to go!
You might also like:
Insider tips for visiting Italy in winter
Why Prague in winter is absolutely amazing
Winter Packing List for Europe
Italian Christmas food you never knew existed
How to visit Vienna Christmas markets
The best of Bratislava Christmas market
15 awesome trip ideas to visit Europe in winter
Where to find the most amazing Christmas markets in Europe
Incredible travel gift ideas for women – have a smart Christmas!
20 awesome Christmas markets in Italy
Christmas in London – Everything you need to know
Why you should travel with your partner
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carol colborn says
We usually stay home, in Arizona, for winter!
Christine Maguire says
Nice packing guide! I usually travel somewhere cold in January and it's a challenge to fit enough clothes in your hand luggage! I really like the ziplock bag tip, I never really thought of how going from cold to warm could affect your camera, so thanks!
Melody Pittman says
Great packing list. Hopefully one I will never need since I try to avoid cold destinations at all costs. Of course if I get an invite to go to the Montreal Winter Carnival, I may change my mind. 😉
Nancy Pitman says
We live in a cold climate area and your tips are right on. Love the battery charger, didn't realize cold weather could affect the life of your battery. We also love our Omni-Heat jackets. They are so warm and lightweight. Perfect for travelers going to colder destinations.
Stacey Veikalas says
We were just in Norway and could have really used this list! I think it is really hard to pack for colder climates and everything is just so big in your suitcase. Good list thank you for sharing.
Elisa says
I don't like cold weather so usually I don't travel in winter time, it's time to hibernate for me! But if it happens to travel to cold countries I won't miss to follow your tips, thanks!
Kerri McConnel says
I really have to think about packing for colder climates as I don't get much practice at home. Rarely do we get below 15 degrees Celsius and even then it's not for very long. Great tips here. I especially liked the ziplock bag one. I had a similar issue in high humidity recently, and then going into aircon, so this would have been great to know about then !!
Brianna says
Isn't it crazy how the cold can affect our technology? I've had my phone straight up power off because it was too cold! I've found that using down coats keep you super warm, and they tend to pack a lot easier too. I'd also add some wool socks to your list, as they tend to help keep your feet warm.
Dang Travelers says
The battery charger is a FABULOUS tip! We sometimes bring extra batteries or charger and sometimes we forget. Thanks for the tips… now I want to go on a winter hike!
Gokul says
I carry most of the accessories mentioned above. Would be a disaster without them.
anna says
Definitely a good pair of boots! I always try to remember bringing a power bank but always forget to charge it! Hahaha