Every year, millions of tourists and locals visit the magical Christmas Markets across Europe during the holiday season.
This December, I joined the award-winning women-only tour group Sisterhood Travels for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the markets in Germany and Prague. Here are the five items that keep me warm and dry during rainy days and cold winter nights.
Image Credit: Monica Fish.
Land’s End Max 600 Down Long Maxi Coat
I’ve owned this Land’s End coat for two years to battle Northeast winters, and it was key to keeping me comfortable during the trip. The long length kept my legs warm without irritating bulkiness. Its water-resistant fabric and hood kept me bone dry on a drizzly morning tour when I didn’t have an umbrella.
Price: Currently $173.97 at Land’s End
Baretraps Adele Cold Weather Tall Boot
I’ve owned these Baretraps boots for so long that I’m on my second identical pair. For seven years, they’ve been my everyday winter shoes at home and the only shoes I brought, aside from flip-flops for walking around the room. This water-resistant flat boot has a soft lining for warmth and comfort and a treaded, slip-resistant sole perfect for Europe’s cobblestone streets, even when wet.
Not only are they comfortable, but the chic details carry you to dinner with a sweater dress, leggings, or dress pants.
Price: Currently on sale for $99 at DSW
Fleece-lined pants are a must-do for extended periods outside in winter weather. I prefer thick leggings with smooth waistbands, and these Yeokou bottoms kept me warm, especially on those night visits to the markets with dropping temperatures. I wish I brought more than one pair on my trip, as I ended up wearing these pants most days.
Price: Currently $28.89 at Amazon
32 Degrees Heat Layering Tee
Layering is key to keeping warm in cold weather, but a “just right” top is hard to find. This buttery, soft, ultra-thin one feels like a second skin, making layering easy and comfortable. The 32-degree two-pack from Costco is affordable and easy to wash and dry in your bathroom sink for repeated wear.
Price: $15.99 at Costco, with an additional 5% charge online for non-members.
Ocoopa Hand Warmer and Phone Charger
This two-in-one phone charger and hand warmer is a must-have for any day out. Phones are now our cameras, maps, audio guides, research tools, and the way we stay connected with our group, which means there’s a constant strain on the battery. With this lightweight power bank, you won’t be left with cold hands or a dead cell phone.
Price: Currently $15.99 on Ocoopa
And The Bag That Helped Fit It All
The challenge with packing warm, yet bulky, clothing is getting it all to fit into a carry-on. Whether you want to prevent a lost or delayed bag or those ever-increasing checked bag fees, traveling without a large suitcase is possible with smart strategies. For example, I wore my boots, coat, and bulkiest sweater on the plane, saving precious room in my carry-on suitcase.
However, what really helped me fit everything in was my personal item, the Airback backpack. Its built-in vacuum system reduced the volume of my thick sweaters and fleece-lined leggings, allowing my laptop, toiletries, and noise-canceling headphones to fit in as well.
Price: Currently $95 on Amazon
Don’t Let Winter Weather Prevent You from Exploring
In “A Coast to Coast Walk,” Alfred Wainwright said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Whether you’re in your hometown or want to go to a winter wonderland on the other side of the world, stock up on some of my favorite cold-weather gear and get out there to enjoy the beauty of the season.
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