Europe Packing List Winter - Life of a Passion

In need of a packing list when traveling Europe in the Winter? Always forgetting something when packing? Well, here is my list!

Making a list is the first thing I do when packing for a holiday. I don’t want to forget anything important on my travels. But my list also brings me in the holiday vibe already because I know that I’ll be leaving soon. So why not share it with you?

Tip: Make sure to print them out twice! One before you leave for your vacation and one leaving for home, in order to not forget anything!

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Passport, Visa, Vaccinations and Travel Insurance

The following things must be on the top of your packing list!

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must obtain one blank page.
Visa: Check if you have to buy a visa upfront or not.
- Not needed for EU citizens
Vaccinations: Check your vaccinations, this is very important!
Travel insurance: To be fully covered for having an accident or disease while traveling, make sure to have insurance. It might come in handy!
Attention: Beware of pickpockets. They are everywhere in Europe trying to scam you. You have it in Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, London, …
- Examples: Don’t try to exchange money with someone from the street, you don’t have to buy a bracelet in order to enter a church, watch out for performers (make sure no-one can rob you when watching) …

Backpack or Luggage

Your backpack is also an important item on your packing list. Do you want a backpack or luggage?

Backpack: Invest in a good backpack. I have an Osprey backpack of 40L. This one is perfect for a two-week trip, but it was just a bit small for a 3-week trip (I managed by rolling my clothes). So maybe buy the 50L backpack if you plan on going away for more than 2 weeks. Also, bring along a day backpack. It comes in handy for your camera equipment, a bottle of water, and other stuff.
Luggage: If you prefer luggage that’s fine but we aware that most European cities have cobblestone roads.
Packing cubes: Bring packing cubes! This has been so easy for me! I have the compression packing cubes from Osprey. They are so easy to use and I can put in 14 pieces of clothing per bag (how? roll them!).

Medicine and toiletries

Okay so this one is actually the most important thing on my packing list now since I had Salmonella in Thailand.

First aid kit: Bandages will most definitely come in handy!
Diarrhea tablets: Just in case
Hand Sanitizer: I used this every time I used a public bathroom or right before dinner, comes in handy.
Quick-drying towel: Invention of the year! Put your wet towel on a chair and it’s dry within an hour. It’s also not that thick as a normal towel, so it’s easy to pack.
Wet wipes: I always bring my wet wipes on my holidays. If you’re in a public toilet that’s dirty or where there is no toilet paper, wet wipes are a blessing.
Small bottles: I always pack small, reusable bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. You save space and weight!
Lip balm: During the flight and cold days, my lips become very dry. I always pack my Butter cream lip balm and my lips are soft in no time!

Clothes

I don’t think anyone would forget to put these items on their packing list.

Clothes: This is my winter packing list so pack warm clothes! Long pants and warm sweaters. Also bring along your good winter coat, gloves, and scarf.
Shoes: Good walking shoes as it might be snowing and freezing. Make sure they are also waterproof and warm!
Travel pillow: I have a neck pillow that comes in handy for those long flights.

Electronics

Camera and GoPro: Pack those babies for having HD photos and videos.
Chargers: Check if you need a plug adapter!
- The most common outlets in Europe are Type C, E, F, and G.
Europe SIM card: You can buy a SIM card for having wifi during the day but this is not per see necessary as most hotels have good wifi.
- Not needed when you’re a citizen of the European Union. Us Belgians can have wifi all day long without having to pay higher costs.
Powerbank: Bring along a power bank!