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There’s something truly magical about traveling in the fall and winter in Europe. The landscape changes, colors become richer, and there’s that undeniable feeling of coziness. I love this time of year when I start to see the oranges, reds, and yellows in the trees, and I know that soon the holiday season, with Halloween and Christmas (my favorite time of year), is about to start.
But with the beauty of the cold seasons also come some challenges, especially when it comes to packing for unpredictable weather conditions.
In parts of Europe, the weather can vary unpredictably. This is why, in Tirol, Austria, we use the term “Zwiebelschichten” (which translates to “onion layers”) to describe the essential strategy for dressing during the fall and winter months.
I wrote this blog article to show you exactly what you need to pack for your fall/winter travels in Europe, with items I found on Amazon, so you’re prepared for every weather condition. I’ve also included travel essentials to help make your stay trouble-free.
Disclaimer: I include affiliate links, including those from Amazon, in my articles. Clicking on these links and making a purchase might earn me a commission without any additional cost to you. I value transparency—find more details in my Affiliate Disclaimer.
Das Zwiebelschichten (The Layering Technique)
Start with Base Layers
The foundation of any good fall or winter outfit is the base layer. It’s the layer that sits closest to your skin and helps keep you warm while letting your body breathe. Instead of bulky fabrics, go for something light and comfortable, like thermal tops or long-sleeve shirts.
When choosing your base layer, aim for materials like merino wool or synthetic blends, which are great at keeping moisture away.
Merino Wool
It doesn’t always have to be sporty when choosing your base layer. This super cute merino wool long sleeve sweater works great on its own, but you can also easily pair it with a t-shirt or tank top.
Synthetic Blends
These synthetic blend base layers are cute enough to wear on their own, but you can easily style them with a jacket, long sleeve blouse, or sweater.
Just make sure to check the weather to decide whether it’s better to wear a tank top, t-shirt, or long sleeve as a base layer. Personally, I usually prefer combining two base layers, like a t-shirt with the cute merino wool long sleeve sweater.
Add Mid-Layers for Warmth
Mid-layers are what really help you stay warm in colder weather, providing extra insulation without adding too much bulk. These layers go over your base layer and act as a barrier that traps body heat, making them essential for fall and winter travel. Think of items like fleece jackets, knit sweaters, or lightweight down vests.
When choosing a mid-layer, look for something that balances warmth and breathability. You want it to keep you cozy without making you overheat. Fleece is a great option, as it’s soft, lightweight, and insulating. If you prefer something more stylish, opt for a wool or cashmere sweater. These not only keep you warm but also add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
The beauty of mid-layers is their versatility. You can mix and match depending on the weather and your activities.
Fleece is typically a very warm type of clothing, though it’s not always the most stylish and is often designed for outdoor activities. However, with this cute fleece jacket, you’ll definitely draw attention. Plus, it’s super soft and cozy—perfect for Fall/Winter travel in Europe.
This sweater is perfect for airport stays or days spent enjoying outdoor activities. It’s comfortable and warm, yet still looks great.
Top it Off with Outer Layers
When it comes to layering up for Fall and Winter travel in Europe, outer layers are your best friend. They not only keep you warm but also pull together your whole look.
A raincoat is an absolute must, especially if you’re traveling through Europe. Lightweight, easy to fold up, and stylish enough to wear with just about anything, it’s perfect for those unexpected rainy days. You won’t feel like you’re carrying around a tent either, trust me.
And if the temperature really drops, nothing beats a good puffer jacket. It’ll keep you warm without making you feel like a marshmallow. The best part? You can throw it in your bag without taking up too much space.
This raincoat from Outdoor Ventures is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and fits easily into a suitcase, making it perfect for travel.
This stylish puffer jacket is also easy to pack, keeps you warm, and makes you look great.
Accessoires and Extras
Cute & Comfy Airport Outfit
When I’m traveling, I love to have comfortable, warm, and cozy clothes. I’m very sensitive to the air conditioning on airplanes, so I like to be prepared with an outfit that feels good during long flights.
I usually go for a sweats outfit, t-shirts, and comfortable socks—nothing fancy, just practical. But I recently found the perfect outfit that’s not only super comfy and warm but also looks great and can be styled in many ways
- US SIZE, Small=(US 4-6), Medium=(US 8-10), Large=(US 12-14), X-Large=(US 16-18). This woman's pajama...
- Feature: Long lantern sleeve, v neck, drop shoulder, rib knit pullover sweater top and wide leg...
- Indulge in the softness of the fabric with this two-piece set, perfect for relaxed occasions. The...
- Occasions: The women's sweater sets are suitable for casual, sleep, lounging at home, pajamas party,...
This loungewear outfit from MEROKEETY was made for flying! The quality is great, and it feels buttery soft on the skin. You’ll definitely want to buy more of these.
- Package: 3 pairs of Wool socks, perfect for women's winter wardrobe
- Thickened Warm Tube: Made with high-quality fleece, these socks provide extra warmth during autumn...
- Super Thick Stockings: These socks have a thicker design that ensures ultimate comfort and...
- High Elasticity: With their stretchy material, these socks can accommodate feet sizes ranging from...
A good, warm pair of socks makes travel by airplane, train, bus, or car more comfortable, especially during the cold season. For me, they give the feeling of being at home, cuddled up with a cup of tea. These cozy socks from Olbups are just perfect for that.
Important Accesoires
These three are must-haves for me, and they’re also easy to pack since they don’t take up much space. This tiny umbrella from Suteke fits easily into your handbag or backpack.
Planning to stay at hotels with swimming pools or spas? Or maybe you’re on a budget and staying in hostels with shared showers? Either way, these foldable flip-flops are perfect for you.
Also, this 2-pack of microfiber cloths is super practical while traveling. They dry fast, are soft, and hardly take up any space in your suitcase.
Travel Must-Haves
Anti Theft Travel Backpack
- PU Vegan Leather: Our travel backpack purse for women is made with close attention to even the...
- Anti-Theft & Spacious: This purse backpack for women boasts a secure main compartment at the back,...
- Versatile And Multi Purpose: Thanks to the waterproof design coupled with the large size, our PU...
- 3 Ways To Wear: We designed this trendy womens backpack purse with your convenience in mind. You can...
To have your mind at ease while exploring new cities, the countryside, and new cultures, you might want to check out this stylish backpack from Cheruty. It’s not only spacious and waterproof but also secures your belongings from being stolen. The best part? It’s made from vegan leather!
All Things Passport Holder
- A TRAVELER'S BEST FRIEND Don’t travel with the stress of your phone dying or scrambling to find an...
I remember the days when I had my passport, phone, and travel documents all in different places. This Phone Charging Passport Holder is genius—you can have everything organized in one place, and it even comes with a built-in ultra-slim, lightweight 5000mAh power bank hidden inside a sleeve, ready for use at any moment. I can’t go back to how things were before this.
Your Best Friend
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND LEAKPROOF: Built with Aerolight technology that ensures a lightweight bottle that is...
- QUICK & EASY REFRESHMENT: This bottle features a wide top opening, allowing you to quench your...
- KEEP YOUR DRINKS COLD: Discover the ultimate solution for keeping your drinks refreshingly cold....
- DESIGNED FOR LIFE: Elevate your active lifestyle with the Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle. Designed...
Instead of buying plastic water bottles, try taking your own. Have you ever noticed the trash cans on your way to the security check? They’re always filled with plastic bottles that people couldn’t finish before going through. This is such a waste and bad for the environment. Most airports have water stations where you can fill up your bottle. Even if they don’t, in most European cities, the water is safe to drink. And if you want to be sure about the water quality, a quick Google search will tell you.
This water bottle from Stanley is leakproof and lightweight, making it perfect for traveling.
Power Adapter
- WORLDWIDE ADAPTER & TRAVEL ESSENTIALS - Our all-in-one adapter is equipped with 4 different plug...
- 7 IN 1 WITH 35W FAST CHARGING - With a surprisingly small size (2.3" x 1.8" x 2.6"), our TA-205...
- DUAL AC OUTLET - This adapter contains not only a standard US 2-prong outlet, but also a versatile...
- ABOUT HIGH-POWER APPLIANCES OVER 2000W - Many hair dryers and irons fall into this category. Even if...
Do you remember the days when you had to buy a power adapter for each country you visited? Thankfully, those times are gone! Now, you only need one power charger that adapts to the different countries you’re traveling to.
Pro Tip: When buying a universal power adapter, keep in mind that ‘universal’ doesn’t always mean it works everywhere. Be sure to check if the adapter is compatible with your destination through a quick search. This Universal Power Charger is super versatile, with enough outputs to charge up to 6 devices simultaneously, and it covers over 150 different countries.
Secure Your Cosmetics
- 【REUSABLE TRAVEL BOTTLES SET】This is a nice assortment of travel containers in a useful zip...
- 【LEAKPROOF & TSA APPROVED】The top of these travel bottles and containers are very secure. They...
- 【SILICONE & SQUEEZABLE】Made of food grade Silicone which is BPA free and non-toxic, feel soft,...
- 【WIDE OPENING DESIGN】These bottles feature with a nice wide opening, big enough to fill lotion,...
The last travel must-have is a practical TSA-approved toiletries bag with fillable travel bottles, perfect for taking your necessary cosmetics through security.
I’m the kind of person who always packs a full bag of cosmetics in my carry-on. I used to buy tiny samples of shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and more, and pack them in a plastic zipper bag.
Now I’m more conscious of the plastic I use, and I realize it’s not necessary to buy all that stuff. Just take what you already have, fill it up in reusable containers, and use a bag that you can reuse for many trips to come.
I hope you found some useful advice in this Fall/Winter packing list. If you think I’ve missed something or if you’ve tried any of the items I recommend, please share your thoughts in the comments.
As a woman, especially if you’re traveling solo, I know we sometimes face difficult situations where our safety is at risk. If you want to feel safer during your travels, check out my blog post on 7 Must-Have Safety Gadgets for Women on the Go.
