Exploring Europe during the winter is the best. You can expect Christmas markets, mulled wine, and picturesque winter wonderlands. It’s often more difficult to pack light on a winter trip because winter clothes are bulky. I tend to weigh the cons of checking a bag with the pros of weather preparedness. As someone who’s always cold, I’m more than happy to check the big bag. Take the worry out of the packing and focus on planning that perfect itinerary. This list assumes moderate weather (fall or spring), but you can adjust (I’d recommend layers) for colder or warmer climates depending on your destination.
Clothing
- Outerwear:
- Lightweight Jacket or Blazer (suitable for layering, especially for cooler evenings)
- Rain Jacket or Trench Coat (compact and functional for unexpected showers)
- Cardigan or Light Sweater (for layering in cooler temperatures)
- Tops:
- 2-3 T-shirts or Blouses (for casual days or layering)
- 1-2 Dressy Shirts (for dinners or nicer outings)
- 1-2 Sweaters (comfortable for cooler days or evenings)
- 1-2 Long-Sleeve Shirts (depending on the season)
- Bottoms:
- 1-2 Pairs of Jeans or Trousers (comfortable for walking and sightseeing)
- 1 Pair of Nicer Pants or Skirt (for dining out or more formal occasions)
- 1 Pair of Leggings or Casual Pants (comfortable for travel days or lounging)
- Dresses:
- 1 Casual Dress (optional, but great for warmer weather or evening dinners)
- 1 Evening Dress (optional, if you plan to visit upscale restaurants or events)
- Shoes:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes (sneakers or flats that are good for long days of sightseeing)
- Dressy Shoes (flats, loafers, or low heels for nicer occasions)
- Flip-flops or Slippers (very case-by-case: for hotel use or if visiting spas)
- Accessories:
- Scarves (one of my most versatile travel recommendations. Perfect for a wrap in slightly chilly weather or full-blown wind protection on a cold winter day)
- Hats/Beanie (for cooler weather or sun protection)
- Sunglasses
- Belt (if needed for styling)
- Light Gloves (optional, in case of cooler weather)
- Sleepwear:
- Comfortable Pajamas (if you’re a sweatpants person, these can double-up with your pants from above, but make sure they’re not the same ones you wore on the plane. You deserve a break)
- Slippers (optional)
- Undergarments:
- 7-8 Pairs of Underwear
- 1-2 Bras (consider one for travel and one for daily use)
- Socks (pack according to the weather, e.g., thin or thicker socks for cooler days)
Toiletries & Personal Care
- Skincare:
- Moisturizer (with SPF if you expect sunny days)
- Facial Cleanser
- Lip Balm (especially if you’re traveling to a drier climate)
- Sunscreen
- Hair Care:
- Shampoo & Conditioner (travel-sized bottles)
- Hairbrush/Comb
- Dry Shampoo (optional, for refreshing your hair between washes)
- Hair Ties (seriously I somehow always forget these. Don’t be like me.)
- Other Toiletries:
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razor (if needed)
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover or Face Wipes
- Hand Cream (for dry hands)
- Health:
- Personal Medications (in their original containers, if needed)
- Pain Relievers (like ibuprofen or aspirin – you can only buy these at pharmacies in Europe, which are closed on Sundays. If you’re prone to aches and pains, be sure to bring some with you!)
- Vitamins/Supplements
- Eye Drops (if you wear contact lenses)
- Hand Sanitizer (small bottle)
Tech & Electronics
- Chargers:
- Phone Charger
- Portable Power Bank (great for sightseeing or long days out)
- Laptop/Tablet Charger (if needed for work or entertainment)
- Adapter/Converter (European plug adapter—be sure it’s the right one for your destination)
- Electronics:
- Phone (with maps, apps, and all your travel info)
- Headphones (wireless or regular, great for downtime or flights)
- Camera (if you want higher-quality photos than your phone can take)
- E-Reader or Book (for train journeys or downtime)
Travel Essentials
- Documents:
- Passport/ID
- Travel Insurance Information
- Flight Details/Tickets (Digital)
- Hotel/Accommodation Confirmation (Digital)
- Train or Bus Tickets (if traveling between cities)
- Credit Cards/Cash (in local currency or Euros)
- Travel Guide or Map (digital or paper)
- Money:
- Euros or Local Currency (if not using credit cards)
- Backup Credit Card (or a prepaid travel card)
- Money Belt or Hidden Pouch (for safety)
- Health and Safety:
- Face Masks (if required in certain areas)
- First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
- Copies of Important Documents (in case of loss or theft. I highly recommend keeping a copy of your passport on your phone. I found several places asked for it, in Spain in particular.)
Miscellaneous
- Daypack/Bag:
- Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag (for daily sightseeing and carrying essentials)
- Reusable Water Bottle (to stay hydrated while walking around)
- Entertainment:
- Journal or Notebook (if you like to keep track of your experiences)
- Travel Games or Deck of Cards (for downtime)
- Travel Pillow (if you’re taking long flights or train rides)
- Optional Extras:
- Small Umbrella (compact, for unexpected rain)
- Travel Laundry Detergent (for washing clothes in a sink or laundromat)
- Gifts/Souvenirs (keep some space in your bag when you’re packing so you’ll have room to bring presents back for loved ones!)
Special Considerations
- Weather: If you’re traveling to a city with colder or more unpredictable weather (e.g., Northern Europe), make sure to pack warmer layers and a heavier coat.
- Activities: If you plan on doing anything special (like dining at upscale restaurants or going to museums), pack accordingly with dressier clothing.
- Local Culture: Some European cities may have more conservative dress codes (e.g., religious sites may require covering shoulders or knees), so check for cultural norms.
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