My Essentials for a Winter Trip in Europe

The secret is layers!

• So first layer is obviously underwear.
• Second layer is a thermal vest, a long sleeve thermal and long johns.
• Third layer is a skivvy or jumper, and long pants or skirt that fit over the long johns.
• Fourth layer is a thigh-length top, either sleeveless or long-sleeved.
• Fifth layer is a thigh- or full-length jacket or coat. It’s advisable to wear this on the plane.
• Sixth layer is a waterproof jacket or raincoat if it’s raining or snowing.

Other essentials for winter Travel

• Lots of socks
• One dress (worn on the plane)
• One pair of lightweight swimming togs
• A hat or beanie
• Two pairs of gloves (including the beautiful black leather ones I bought in St Jean-de-Luz)
• Two scarves. I have to be ruthless here. I want to take 10!
• Compression pantyhose (worn on the plane!)
• A sarong (yes, I know it’s winter, but it has multiple uses)

Shoes:

1. Ziera Boots (worn on the plane
2. My old Jack Wolfskin Hiking Sandals
3. Mizuno Joggers
4. Ziera soft Mary Janes (which can be thrown into the washing machine when dirty)
5. And my new Havaianas, for shower use. I doubt I’m going to be wearing them much out on the street!

As you can probably tell, I have problem feet and need a variety of footwear to alleviate possible pain.

Bathroom essentials

• Other essentials I take are
• a hot water bottle,
• my Enjo toiletry bag filled with travel-size toiletries and skincare;
• a cosmetics bag for makeup, which doubles as an evening bag, and a small plastic bag with nail clippers, tweezers and nail file.
• Another plastic bag contains earbuds and cotton pads.
• I take travel-sized skincare products- must look after my skin in the wintry conditions- cleanser, toner, day and night moisturizer and eye cream, as well as lip balm and sunscreen. Instead of taking enough skincare to last me for the whole trip, which I usually do, I’m looking forward to buying something new.
• One other essential (and the one I usually forget even on a weekend away) is my shower cap. I know hotels usually supply one, but I can’t count on cheap hostels providing such luxuries. I have bought a brightly coloured floral one, mainly so I can’t accidentally leave it in a bathroom. Clear ones are so easy to lose.

Make a checklist of last-minute travel items.

• Luggage scales (for keeping my suitcase less than 20kg)
• Passport with necessary Visas
• International Drivers’ Licence
• Driving Licence (yes, it’s also necessary)
• Travel insurance document
• Credit cards (at least two) and photocopies of them (in case you lose them)
• Air, train, bus and ferry tickets. (not all companies accept the electronic version)
• Letter from your doctor listing medications
• Reading glasses
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle (I have one that claims to keep cold water cold for 24 hours and hot water hot for 12 hours.)
• Macbook air and charger (for writing blogs!)
• iPhone and charger
• Power converters for UK and Europe (hopefully Morocco uses one of them)

Have I forgotten anything?

Have you read The Ultimate Packing Checklist for the Babyboomer Traveller?