Heading to Europe this winter and wondering what you should be packing? I’m here to help!
Europe is quite a big continent and depending on where you go, you’ll get a very different climate.
While in Southern Europe we get comfortable temperatures, Northern Europe is incredibly cold.
For this reason, I highly recommend looking for destination specific packing lists since they will give you more insights into the actual climate of the place you are going to visit.
Having said that, there are quite a few things that you will need everywhere and that’s exactly what we will be talking about here.
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1. Touch Screen Gloves
These gloves are perfect to keep you warm and you can use your phone without having to take them off.
No matter what, you will need to pack a pair of gloves. Our winters can be very cold and windy and if you spend a lot of time outside (which is usually the case when we visit a new place) your hands will get cold.
It’s true that you always have the option of keeping your hands in your coat pockets but you will also be using your phone a lot for directions. For this reason, I highly recommend getting a pair of screen touch gloves.
They can be very cheap and they are a game changer since you can keep your hands warm and still use your phone.
2. A Warm Coat
I love that kind of coat for London because it's fleece lined and there is a hood (very practical when it rains or against the wind).
This is the ultimate essential when packing for a European trip in winter. No matter what, make sure you have a good and warm coat.
For most of Europe, you simply need it to be really warm and cosy but if you are planning on visiting the Scandinavian countries, you will need an extra thick one.
This can also apply if you’re planning to go skiing, you will in that case need ski gear and a ski jacket (though that can sometimes be hired).
In Southern Europe, you will need a good coat but it’s not as cold which means a wool coat is fine.
In countries such as the UK, Ireland or Belgium, I recommend taking a coat that (as well as being warm) is waterproof and wind-proof.
3. A Scarf and a beanie
This pack has literally all the accessories you'll need, even the ear warmers.
Not only are these great at keeping you warm but they are also an essential European fashion item.
Take it from a French person, we love our scarves!
I recommend taking a wool scarf so it’s extra warm and you can wrap it around your head as well if it does get a bit windy.
A beanie is also very useful and will keep you very warm since most of the body heat leaves via the head.
Also, it looks super cute on photos so it’s a win win!
4. Layers, layers, layers
This is perfect as a base layer because it will keep your waist covered at all time.
The best way to deal with European winters is to use layers and by that I mean wearing several ones.
I usually recommend the following:
- One first layer which can be a spaghetti top or a body suit (this is the one that is the closer to your skin and will actually keep you warm and cosy)
- One middle layer with a long-sleeve t-shirt
- One top layer which can be a knit sweater or a hoodie
- A final layer which is your warm coat.
If you don’t like the idea of the first layer, you can skip it but from experience (as in, a lifetime of living through European winters), that’s the one that really keeps you warm.
I particularly like bodysuits because they are tucked in your trousers or tights and that means there is no cold air going through.
5. International Adapter
This is ideal if you are planning on visiting more than one country since you get US, Europe, Australia and UK plugs.
Nothing worse than getting to a hotel and realising that you can’t charge your phone or use your hairdryer.
In Europe, we use different socket types. Most countries use Type C (like France, Spain…) but altogether, we use 6 different types which means that you might encounter the issue.
Ireland and the UK use the type G for example.
To prevent any issues, I recommend buying an international adapter so you can use it anywhere in Europe.
6. Power Bank
This power bank is fast charging and quite small which means you can keep it in your purse.
You will be using your phone a lot in Europe, especially for transport.
Though it’s quite unequal across the board, it’s still safe to say that we have amazing public transport in Europe and we love using it.
If you’re visiting any of the European capitals or big cities, there is no point in renting a car, you’re much better off using public transport.
And the easiest way to know where to go and get directions is to use Google Maps or CityMapper.
These apps, although great, will drain your battery so I highly recommend packing a power bank to make sure you never run out of juice.
You will also use apps such as Google translate or Booking.com and might need your phone to access your accommodation so it’s very important.
And of course, you’ll be taking loads of photos so you don’t want to not have access to your camera.
7. Fleece Lined Leggings
These lovely fluffy leggings keep you warm like nothing else!
Fleece lined leggings are the absolute best to fight the cold of winter in Europe. They are ‘fluffy’ inside and provide extra warmth.
From the outside, they look like normal leggings so nobody will know. If you take black leggings, you can easily pair them with anything you want.
PRO TIP: While I do love these leggings, I would probably not recommend them for cities like Paris or Rome where locals are very fashion conscious and don’t really wear leggings.
It’s very common in cities like London or Dublin though.
8. Knit sweater and turtlenecks
This type of sweater will keep you pretty warm and that's the kind of colors we wear a lot in Europe.
These are the best top layers to wear in Europe. Not only does the wool keep you warm but they are also very stylish and fit very well into the European fashion style.
We also love wearing turtlenecks in winter because they protect our neck and throat from the wind and cold (meaning we don’t get ill as much).
9. Knee high boots
These cute boots are ideal because they are flat, stylish and will go well with both winter dresses and jeans.
Another favourite in Europe! Knee high boots (as in, under the knee, not above the knee) are the perfect footwear to look stylish and walk around our old cities.
Since there are cobblestones everywhere (especially in places like Edinburgh or Rome), I recommend taking flat boots. Heels are very impractical while visiting.
You need something comfortable.
Beyond that, the fact the shoes go up on your calves will keep you warm.
Also, you can wear them with trousers or a nice knit dress with tights.
10. Warm tights
This type of tights should be warm enough in Western and Southern Europe but you can opt for thicker ones for Eastern or Northern Europe.
We love wearing winter dresses in Europe. They are usually made with wool or thick cotton and will of course be paired off with warm tights.
Make sure to take black thick tights and not thin ones. The thick ones will keep you warmer than jeans because they are right against your skin and don’t let the cold air through.
Thin tights are only for spring and autumn, they won’t do the job in winter.
11. Warm Socks
These socks are usually used for hiking but they are perfect in winter in Europe.
I recommend wearing warm socks instead of short sports socks. Remember, you will be walking a lot which means that your feet will be against the cold cobblestone all day along.
Of course you will be wearing shoes as well but the cold still goes through so it’s important to take nice and warm socks.
You could also take a pair of leg warmers that you can wear in your boots.
12. Merino Wool Tops
Merino wool is famous for keeping the heat so it's really ideal as a first layer.
Merino wool is the ultimate material for winter travel. It’s quite light which means it won’t take too much room in your luggage but keeps the body temperature meaning that you will stay warm.
I recommend getting a couple of tops made of merino wool so you can use them as layers.
And that’s it! Now you know everything there is to know about packing for Europe in Winter!
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