Europe is gorgeous in the winter and is a great time of the year to visit. While you won’t experience blistering cold everywhere in Europe, there are places where you’ll have to deal with subzero temperatures all throughout winter. In either case, you have to come prepared for the cold season if you want to enjoy your time there and prevent the chances for complications. Here are a few tips on how to pack properly for a winter trip to Europe.

Bring a Nice Pair of Thermal Leggings

If you want to still travel in style and rock those skinny jeans while you’re there, there’s one little trick you can use if you don’t want to deal with a serious case of the chills. Thermal leggings underneath will keep you nice and warm and will be virtually invisible under any pair of jeans. You can also throw in a thermal top for good measure. Long thermal leggings can also be worn under PJs; this tip could come in handy if you’re going to a country where the nighttime temperatures can dip as low as 10 degrees, such as Russia or Ukraine.

Try Packing Light

Winter clothes like sweaters can take up a lot of valuable space in your bags. So, if you were thinking of bringing your whole sweater collection with you, it would be better to downsize to only a couple. Or you could bring one bulky sweater that will be your go to throughout the trip and add a few warm tops that you’ll be able to wear over a thermal vest.

Pack the Right Pair of Boots

Europe offers many great hiking opportunities, but if you are planning on visiting in the winter, a pair of shoes or sandals will not cut it. Instead, you will need to invest in a sturdy pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots are made for any kind of terrain and provide plenty of protection if you have to deal with harsh weather conditions. They’re also much more slip resistant and versatile. If you want to know which pair to buy for your next trip, the Adventure Junkies have made things easy. You can visit their website to check their reviews and see which ones would be the best for you.

Take Care of Your Skin

Unfortunately, with cold weather comes dry skin, so make sure you pack plenty of moisturizing lotion for your face and hands, and chapsticks for your lips. Also, remember that snowy weather does not mean you are safe from the risk of sunburn. Always apply plenty of sunscreen as the winter sun will simply reflect off the snow.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

A good pair of socks can be a lifesaver in cold climates. While many boots will protect you from the cold, they won’t be able to help you by themselves if you have to deal with subarctic temperatures. But you don’t have to buy huge bulky socks to get the protection you need, as Smartwool socks are extra thin and will do the job just fine.

If you’re planning to take a holiday of a lifetime, you’re not alone: 45% of travelers have a travel bucket list in their minds, according to the 2019 Travel Trend Report. So, if exploring Europe is something you yearn for, touring by car is one of the best ways to enjoy unique cultures and a fun way of seeing all the sights. While there are plenty of road travel tips for driving in Europe, it can be relatively stress free and it’s easy to explore multiple countries on your road trip.

London to the Lake District

Whether you decide to hire a car or are investing in a purchase, ensure you pick the right vehicle for a comfortable and reliable journey to avoid any mishaps along the way. Once you’ve driven out of London, head to Oxford, the world’s oldest university or travel north to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. While driving in Britain, it’s not difficult to stop off in country pubs and restaurants for a well deserved rest and a pint or two. The north of the UK offers ample opportunities for hiking in the Dales, around lakes and indulging in breathtaking landscapes around the Lake District. If you have the time, extend your road trip to Scotland.

To the Basque and beyond

You can begin in San Sebastian or Bilbao, both of which offer options for fantastic local food and an insight into Basque culture. Driving along the Atlantic, there are plenty of beaches to stop at when you feel like surfing or doing other watersports along this rugged coastline. Continue onto Galithia, part of the Iberian Peninsula, where you can escape the usual Spanish commercialism to explore the pine and eucalyptus forests alongside the rich Celtic culture. From here, head south into Portugal to the cities of Porto and Lisbon.

Go East

From Brasov, a stunning, Romanian medieval city you can drive through the Carpathian mountains to Transylvania, and arrive at Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. Traveling onwards to Bucharest, a booming, modern city where the streets, nightlife, and attractions are bursting with friendly energy. However, be alert to the lack of signage so having a good sat nav would be wise. Continue driving into Bulgaria, through the Danube plains and arrive at the old city of Veliko Tarnovo. Decide from here to explore Bulgaria further or continue your road trip to Greece or Turkey.

Wherever you decide to drive on your European road trip, plan ahead and make sure you choose the right type of vehicle so that you have the least amount of hassle and maximum amount of fun.

In 2018, more than 15 million tourists visited Romania. Though not usually a destination to visit while in Europe, since its inclusion in the European Union, Romania has become more popular with tourists. Cheap flights from Western Europe have opened the door for tourists wanting to visit the Carpathian garden and the land of Vampires. Romania is a different kind of European experience since it does not have all the glitz and glam of the West, but offers a unique experience to visit regions like Transylvania and experience Dracula’s castle. It can be a tougher environment for tourism but that comes with the benefit of seeing a less traveled country.

Bucharest – The Paris of the East

Bucharest, Romania’s biggest city is the main port of entry for tourists coming into the country. A multiple entry Schengen visa is valid for entering Romania though you will have to pass through immigration when arriving from the rest of Europe. The city offers sites such as the Palace of the Parliament, the 3rd largest building in the world as well as plenty of museums in the downtown area. The city is more known for its nightlife with the trendy Old Town offering a fantastic bar and restaurant scene. Bucharest also houses the country’s biggest railway station, making it a great starting point for visiting the other cities or natural wonders of the country.

Romania Outside of the Capital

Europe’s second longest river, the Danube, flows through Romania before ending in the Black Sea on the eastern coast of the country. In summer, river cruises are popular along the river and resorts are open on the Black Sea for an affordable summer holiday. For those who prefer the countryside, the Carpathian Mountains run through Romania’s center. They are the 3rd largest mountain range in Europe and 50% of the mountain chain is in Romania proper.

Staying Safe

Traveling in Romania is known to be a cost-effective alternative to Western Europe, but because it is in the East, caution should be taken. Leaving items left out on the beach is not recommended for Black Sea visitors and pick pocketing like in the rest of Europe is common in public spaces. Romania is up and coming as a European destination and as more visitors come to the country, the quality of services will continue to improve. For the moment, however, it is an untouched European gem.

In 2018, Italy produced over 48,500 hectolitres of wine, more than any other country this year. This is a trend that Italians celebrate, and wine is an essential part of everyday Italian life. Wine is so celebrated in Italy that across the country there are wine festivals set up to indulge in and consume this much-loved Italian drink. Tuscany is of course known worldwide for its wine production, but wine is actually produced all across Italy, and a stop off from one of Italy’s major cities provides an excellent opportunity to drink wine like the Italians.

Tuscan Wine Festivals

Most wine festivals take place in September and October each year, around the time of the harvest. If you’re visiting Florence, the main festivals to check out include Capoliveri, Greve in Chianti, Pitigliano, and Manciano. These festivals are all within two hours of the city, making them excellent day trips if visiting the City of Lilies. The best in the region, however, is the Montecarlo Wine Festival, taking place over two weeks in early September. Montecarlo is the quintessential Tuscan wine experience due to its location on top of a hill overlooking the vineyards and its position halfway between Pisa and Florence. This romantic destination will inspire a trip to Tuscany in no time.

Roman Wine Festivals

The most popular wine festival near Rome takes place in Marino about 20 kilometers south of Rome during the first weekend of each October. For almost 100 years, the Sagra dell’Uva has inspired this event, which culminates when wine is released from the fountain in the main square. A religious event, but also a lively one, the Romans gather together and celebrate the harvest of another year of grapes. This event is not limited to wine, but also includes markets, exhibitions, food, music, and dancing.

Wine Events in the Rest of Italy

Central and Southern Italy may be more known for their wine, but the rest of Italy has plenty of events as well. Milan hosted the first annual Milan Wine Week, and Sicily is known for the Menfi Wine Festival, which takes place during the summer. Whether looking for an authentic Italian wine party or a classy festival, wine is never far away when you’re in Italy. Wine forms an essential backbone to the Italian way of life, and if travelling to Italy, it is a must to really experience the Italian culture.

Where are you going for your next European exploration? Jungfraujoch (located in Switzerland) has been a classic tourist destination throughout the 20th century receiving a constant stream of visitors every year.

Book a guided tour of Jungfraujoch with our trusted tour partner Viator

The Jungfraujoch is the saddle between two of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps, the lowest point on the mountain ridge between the Mönch and the Jungfrau. There, at 3,471 metres, the air is thin and the temperature is below freezing even in the summer-time. Residents include the Sphinx Observatory, Europe’s highest radio relay station (the Richtfunkstation Jungfraujoch) and a research station for the Global Atmosphere Watch.

While not many will actually want to take up residence in these freezing heights, making a day trip is a very popular and enjoyable experience. The Jungfrau Railway Network (the only way to reach Jungfraujoch) was a sensation from the moment it was finished in 1912 and the trip remained a classic tourist activity throughout the 20th century. The Jungfraubahn still pulls in crowds every year and a big number of tourists arrive at Interlaken just to travel its tracks.

Why you should visit Jungfraujoch

Hopping onto the Jungfraubahn (the railway that extends from Interlaken to its final destination at Jungfraujoch) is expensive and not exactly glamorous: the trains are sturdy and elegant but not particularly regal nor are they an example of the latest train technology known to man. The environment certainly picks up most of the weight here. Showcasing some breathtaking outdoor scenery, the tracks twist through mountain pastures before venturing deep into the Eiger for a 7km trip through the heart of the rock before emerging at the Jungfraujoch.

It is not a long trip, only 50 minutes going up and 35 coming down, but it illustrates the man-made miracle of reaching the extreme heights of the Alps. As the cogs turn and push the train carts upwards and onwards, the temperature plummets and the air gets thinner. It is a barren and desolate postcard, a place of a dangerous beauty that makes for a unique experience you can’t reproduce anywhere else.

It is because of this unique quality that we recommend that, if at all possible, you step onto that railway and visit the “Top of Europe.” You should go to Jungfraujoch because it doesn’t want you there. You should go because the mere fact that you can go is the result of extreme human accomplishment. It is also beautiful beyond belief, which is definitely a bonus.

Save your time and book a recommended guided tour or day trip to Jungfraujoch with our trusted tour partner Viator

• Day trip from Zurich to Jungfraujoch
• Day trip from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch
• Day trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch
• Swiss Alps day trip to Jungfraujoch and Bernese Oberland from Lucerne
• Swiss Alps day trip to Bernese Oberland and Junffraujoch from Zurich
• Two day tour of Jungfraujoch
• Private guided tour of Jungfraujoch and Wengen from Interlaken
• Three to six day Jungfraujoch travel pass

View all guided tours in Switzerland