How to Stay Warm on a Winter Vacation

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All recommendations are my own.

I have to admit, I really struggle to cope with a cold winter. There’s a reason I spent over 10 years living in a sub-tropical climate. But alas, my husbands work has brought us to Europe, so I spent my first few winters working out the best way to stay warm and now I think I’ve finally nailed it. Dressing warm can be expensive, so if you are only on vacation for a short time, I’ve tried to include some cheaper options. If you are planning on going skiing, then see my post on What to Pack for a Beginners Ski Holiday.

Warm Clothing

I’m going to start with the first layer and then build up from there. What you are aiming for is multiple warm layers. That way you can easily accommodate varying temperature and going in and outdoors.

Thermals

Warm thermal tops and leggings are essential. My favourite wool thermals are from Ice Breaker – see me in my Ice Breakers thermals in the picture below. Full disclosure – they are a New Zealand brand so as a Kiwi I admit that I may be biased, but I think New Zealand merino wool is the best quality! They come in various weights for different levels of warmth, and unlike the polyester thermals, merino is both breathable and naturally anti-bacterial, it cleverly neutralises odour so you can get away with wearing them over many days without them getting stinky. The merino wool fibres are very fine, so they are softer and more flexible than standard wool, so don’t cause skin to itch. Ice Breaker also sell wool underwear, wool t-shirts (great when the weather is changeable), and outer layers like wool jumpers and hoodies. However, if you can’t wear wool, then skip down to my non-wool alternatives.

Thermal Tops & Singlets

I recommend you buy at least one long sleeve wool thermal like this one. If you really feel the cold like me, then wear a wool singlet underneath it too. A wool singlet won’t create further bulk around the arms (when you wear too many layers it can be hard to bend your arms!), but will add warmth to your core.

Thermal Leggings

Thermal leggings are essential for keeping your legs warm, especially if you don’t have very thick trousers on. Go for a fine wool version so you can still get your trousers over them. Here are some mid-weight wool thermal leggings, but if you really feel the cold, you might want to buy the heavyweight wool thermal leggings instead. If you are on a tight budget, then you could consider purchasing some cheaper 400 denier thick tights. I was once caught out by an unexpected snow storm in Warsaw, Poland (it was supposed to be a warm spring day). I didn’t have my wool thermal leggings with me so I just went to H&M and purchased myself some thick pantyhose, then changed into them in the store changing rooms. They were a life saver.

Non-Wool Thermal Alternatives

I don’t recommend cotton thermals, as they have a tendency to retain perspiration which can make you feel cold. If you cannot wear wool then try the Thermasilk range made of 100% silk. Although I haven’t tried them myself, they come highly recommended. They have a wide range of thermals including leggings, tops, socks and gloves. If you don’t wear animal products, then go for a good quality synthetic like this thermal set.

Woolly Jumpers

Go for a chunky jumper. I like a longer one that goes over my bottom and I also love turtlenecks because I have a giraffe neck that gets cold easily. My husband hates them because he says he feels like he’s being strangled! I love this Irish wool chunky sweater. Check out these other Irish wool sweaters, cardigans and capes here. For those who don’t wear wool, here is a lovely chunky synthetic sweater.

Trousers

When choosing which of your trousers to pack, try to choose ones with thicker, heavier material. Wearing thermal leggings underneath can make them a bit tight, so pack some with a bit of stretch or room in them so they will be comfortable. Try them on with your thermal leggings before deciding which ones to pack.

If you are going to be out playing in snow, your trousers will get wet and it will make you incredibly cold. Consider getting some windproof waterproof ski pants. As well as keeping you dry, they will also keep you warm if you holidaying somewhere extremely cold and going to be outside for an extended time.

• Wear a pair of thermal leggings under your ski pants to keep you toasty and warm.

Warm Hat

I love a headband like this warm knitted headband because it’s stylish and perfect for keeping your ears toasty warm and hair out of your face on windy days. They are great for covering up messy hair as well. However, for really cold days I love a warm wool hat like this one which has additional fleece lining for extra warmth and for comfort as it prevents my head getting itchy from the wool.

Gloves

When buying gloves, of course you want a pair that keeps you warm. But these days an essential feature is the ability to use your phone without taking off your gloves! I love a pair of warm leather gloves lined with wool. These leather gloves are lined with cashmere. For a synthetic version, try these thermal gloves with a durable outer layer that is wind and abrasion resistant. The inner layer is lined with a super soft fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin. They can also be used on a touchscreen.

Pocket Warmers

I actually received these Hothands Hand Warmers from friends as a farewell gift when I left the hot sub-tropical Australia to live in Ireland. I put one in each of my coat pockets to keep my hands toasty and warm. They are air activated, so you just open the package and they start heating up. I love to use these if I’m going to be out sightseeing all day. My husband was really jealous so we had to get some for him too.

I recently discovered this battery pocket warmer, so you can be charging your phone and warming your hands at the same time! This is definitely on my wish list this year.

Pashmina Scarf/Shawl

I always travel with a pashmina because they are just so versatile. Consequently, I have heaps of them in a range of colours. I use them as a scarf, as a shoulder wrap to keep me warm, or when I’m sitting up in bed, and as a blanket, especially when I’m travelling on the plane, bus or train or waiting in the departure lounge. I prefer a wool and cashmere pashmina like this one, but for those you that can’t wear wool, then try this synthetic pashmina.

I also use mine in a rather odd way – I use it to cover my head when I’m trying to sleep on the plane. Yes, it looks a tad weird, but I prefer it to sleep masks. It makes me feel like I’m in my own little private room/space, and it doesn’t matter how weird my sleeping facial expressions become, or how much I drool, because no one can see me. When I first did this, my husband pretended not to know me, but 15 hours into our flight he was getting really tired and succumbed to my strange ways and ended up with the other end of the pashmina over his head. Needless to say, he’s now a convert.

Warm Coat

It’s important that your coat is insulated and long, at least down to your mid thigh. I also strongly recommend a coat with a hood. When it’s really cold I ‘double hood’ which is when I have my woolly hat on and then put my coat hood over the top. This keeps me super warm. A big fluffy faux fur brim around the hood does keep you warmer as it keeps the cold wind out. My husband has one on his coat and I’m jealous. I also like it when the hood has a cinch around it so I can tighten it around my face when there is a cold wind blowing.

The warmest coat is a long goose down coat with faux fur trim hood like this Helly Hansen Womens Aden Puffy Parka Jacket. For those that want a synthetic insulated coat, then try this insulated Helly Hansen Belfast Coat.

For men, I recommend this Helly Hansen Waterproof Parka Jacket that features Primaloft insulation and detachable faux fur hood.

Warm Footwear

Thermal Socks

Aim for longer socks, at least mid-calf. I go for hiking socks, they might not look attractive, but they will keep me warm. I have several pairs of these Icebreaker Merino wool hiking socks and I love them. They are very warm and long lasting. The ones I’m wearing in the photo below are over 4 years old!

If you don’t wear wool, then there are plenty of synthetic versions available that will keep your feet warm. Try these Hot Feet Heavy Thermal socks.

Boots

Keeping your feet warm and dry is essential. You need to wear boots that cover your ankles. Why the ankles you ask? I never knew how sensitive my ankles were to the cold weather until I wore shoes in cold weather. Even with warm socks, the cold wind seems to get a hold of your ankles.

If you already own a good pair of leather boots and you only have a city stay planned, then just wear them (unless you want to buy some expensive boots). If you can, then wear boots that are lined. However, if you don’t have any lined boots, then see my suggestion below about adding wool insoles.

If you are planning to walk through snow, then I recommend buying some warm, waterproof, Sorel winter boots. Or, if you prefer, some waterproof hiking boots like Merrells Moab goretex hiking boots.

Waterproofing Spray

Help keep your feet dry by spraying your (clean) boots with a waterproofing shoe spray. I spray my footwear twice to ensure good coverage. Make sure you follow the directions for the best result. Alternatively, for leather boots, treat them with a good quality waterproofing leather wax before heading off on your holiday.

Wool Insoles

If you are on a budget and can’t afford to buy new lined boots, then you could add some wool insoles to your existing boots to make them a bit warmer. I swear by these and have them in all of my shoes and boots for winter. I also use them to extend the life of my woolly ugg boots. They last all winter long.

Shoe Warmers

If you love the pocket warmers that I suggested above, then good news, they also come as insole foot warmers! To activate them, remove the outer packaging and it begins heating up in about 15-30 minutes. I wear these if I’m going to be out sightseeing all day.

Slippers

Don’t forget to pack your warm slippers. Hotels are usually reasonably well heated in Europe, but sometimes the rooms have cold tiled floors. I also have poor circulation, so I can’t live without my slippers. Slippers do tend to take up a lot of room in your luggage, especially if you are travelling with hand luggage only, so try these warm, fleece lined, travel slippers that squash up small.

Clothes Washing

If you don’t have much money to spend on warm clothing, then you will likely need to do a bit of washing to get you through your holiday without getting too smelly. Some hotels and hostels have washing machines available for you to do some laundry. These travel laundry detergent packs make it easy to do a load of washing during your holiday. They take up very little room in your bag.

This portable, pegless clothes line will come in handy if you need to do some washing during your trip and to dry your wet clothes. The fun part is figuring out where to attach it in your room!

More Travel Tips

Check out my other travel tip posts:

• If you are aiming to travel light, especially if you are travelling with hand luggage only or are backpacking, then check out my post on How to Pack an Extra Light Toiletry Bag.
• If you are flying on a long haul flight, then read my post about What I Pack in My Hand Luggage for a Comfortable Long Haul Flight.
• Whether you are trying to sleep on the plane, bus, train or an uncomfortable hotel room, read my Secrets to Sleeping Well Whilst Travelling.
• Here are my top tips for How to Deal with Laundry While on Holiday.
• If you have IBS, then read about My Tips for Travelling with IBS.