Practical Packing for a Winter Trip to Europe (November, Walking, and Train Travel)
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Why I Packed for Comfort Over Style
I’ve never been a trendsetter. My style leans classic, comfortable, and quality-focused, with a good portion of my wardrobe coming from Duluth Trading. I tend to watch for specific pieces to go on sale and buy with longevity in mind rather than chasing trends.
When we decided on a mid-November trip to Europe, I briefly worried about fitting in with the polished, high-fashion image we often associate with European travel. In reality, I saw far less of that than expected. Athleisure was common, and while there were a few beautiful wool-blend pieces in Salzburg that caught my eye, the price tags quickly brought me back to earth. They were lovely and well-made, but not practical for my everyday life.
In the end, I focused on comfort, practicality, and warmth. We spent 10 days across four cities, which meant a lot of walking, shifting weather, and frequent train travel. On most days, I averaged 5 to 7 miles on foot, and in a single week we experienced temperatures ranging from the mid-50s down into the teens.
We were on and off trains every few days, moving from city to city. I watched several older travelers struggle with oversized suitcases on stairs and platforms, and it reinforced how important packing light really was. I was grateful we kept things simple.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Europe and want to pack light without freezing or feeling unprepared, this post breaks down what actually worked across 10 days, four cities, and a lot of walking.
Hydration!
I carry a water bottle or cup almost everywhere I go, especially when traveling, and it has to fit easily into my cross-body travel purse. Between long walks and unpredictable gaps between stops, having water on hand made a real difference throughout the day.
This flask-style bottle fits comfortably in my travel purse, work bags, and backpacks, which is why it’s become my go-to for trips. It’s easy to carry, doesn’t take up much space, and actually gets used.
Walking!
We walked 5 to 7 miles most days, often with long stair climbs for views. I needed shoes that were both comfortable and warm, and these hiking boots held up without issue. My feet were never cold, even by the end of the trip when temperatures dropped into the teens.
We’re in the middle of a cold, snowy Midwest winter now, and I’ve continued wearing them regularly. I’ve even taken them on a recent trip to Reno. They’ve proven to be genuinely versatile and well-used.
Yes, I bought my son a pair for the trip as well. He is also wearing them when he is out and about this winter.
Click this link to see my video review on Amazon, click the picture to go to the product page.
Tech!
Layers!
This trip was the most efficient I’ve ever been with packing layers. I brought enough undergarments, socks, and base-layer shirts to last the full week, which meant I didn’t have to rely on doing laundry while constantly moving between cities.
Everything else was worn twice. My daily layers were fleece leggings, heavy socks, a long- or short-sleeve shirt, heavier pants, and a sweater or fleece, finished with my hiking boots. I also packed one warm, lightweight coat that rolled easily into my suitcase, plus a single hat and a pair of gloves. That was more than enough.
November!
You might be thinking, why on earth did you go in November? It was actually a great choice. Each city was busy but not as crowded as in the summer. The Christmas markets were starting, and Budapest opened its first in early November! We saw the markets in Salzburg, Dresden, and Prague being built.
If you’re packing for a November Europe trip, prioritize:
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
Lightweight but warm outerwear
Clothes that can be worn twice
A day bag that doesn’t kill your shoulders
Fewer “just in case” items
If you’re debating when to go to Europe or worried about packing for cold weather without overpacking, November is worth considering. I’ll be sharing more trip details, city highlights, and practical travel tips soon.
