How not to pack 2 suitcases of crap for a cold European holiday?

I vividly remember my first holiday to Europe during the month of November in 2012. It wasn’t the Colosseum or the Alpine countryside that still gives me the jitters, it was the disaster I had packed. I knew it was going to be cold ‘like 12 degrees Celsius or something’, so I casually packed my favourite sweaters, converse shoes and a more fashionable than functional jacket, and thought I was good to go. When I landed, Zurich had hit zero degree because they had a bout of unexpected snow the previous evening. I panicked. What next? Sweaty 20 degree afternoons under my many woollens, followed by wet-and- windy 5 degree evenings followed by finger numbing nights followed by shopping for more disastrous clothing at European thrift stores. 3 whole winters later I can finally tell you that the key to comfort on a cold European holiday is layering a few good items of clothing.

So here’s a quick insight into packing for Switzerland in the colder months. Zurich, like most of Europe can be divided into 4 seasons, roughly as below:

• Summer: June to Aug (20 to 35 degrees Celsius)
• Autumn (Yes, autumn not fall): Sep to Nov (6 to 24 degrees Celsius)
• Winter: Dec to Feb (-5 to 10 degrees Celsius)
• Spring: Mar to May (8 to 20 degrees Celsius)

So how does one layer up for winter or late fall or early spring? First thing to consider is that the temperature can drop drastically (and sometimes rise) in a matter of hours, so you need to be prepared to layer up or down.

• First layer: Underclothes, thermal vest, thermal underpants and thermal socks. Hot tip: Sweat absorbing thermals are better than cotton, and always wear 2 pairs of warm socks when it is really cold.
• Second layer: Shirt / blouse + jeans / pants / warm leggings. Just something comfortable. If your second layer is pretty warm you can do away with the third layer on that day.
• Third layer: Sweater / cardigan. You don’t need a big woolly jumper because your inner thermals will keep you warm. Hot tip: It needs to be easily removable because when you’re eating lunch at a restaurant with heating it will be uncomfortably warm with this additional layer.
• Final layer: Woollen trench coat / down jacket. I prefer a down jacket as it is more water resistant. You also need gloves, muffler and a warm beanie. Hot tip: ‘Touch screen’ gloves allow you to use your touch screen phones / iPads while having your gloves on. Very useful for those who are constantly looking at google maps and getting around.
• Shoes: Ankle length warm water resistant boots are your best bet. Ditch those heeled boots / canvas shoes for sure.

Sounds like a lot? Don’t let the layering stress you out. Here’s how I would pack for a 15 day trip to Europe  during winter or late fall or early spring (just clothes and shoes):

Layer up and you’ll be smiling through the worst of winter.

• 3 pairs of thermal underclothes
• 5 pairs of thermal socks
• 3 pairs of pants (Jeans, black denims (for a formal dinner) and 1 functional / track pant)
• 5 shirts / tops
• 1 or 2 dressy shirts / tops for a nice dinner
• 3 sweaters / fleece jackets / cardigan
• 1 functional water resistant down jacket
• 1 woolen jacket
• 2 mufflers
• 1 beanie
• A pair of gloves
• Ankle length functional boots like Timberland
• Warm slippers for Airbnb stays where you are not guaranteed one
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• If you are planning on doing some winter sports or a day in the spa / sauna, please pack appropriate clothing additionally.

Anything more is a luxury you can do without and make sure this can fit in one rolling suitcase and no more.

Other points to consider:

• Best if everything you carry can be paired with the rest of the clothes in terms of colours and prints to optimise usage.
• Only carry durable clothing that can be used multiple times without having to wash.
• Accessorise with various blanket scarves and beanies that you can buy along the way, to create different looks.

Was it a Norwegian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”?

Happy winter vacationing!