The summer holidays may be over but that isn’t to say that there aren’t plenty of opportunities left to explore a new city this winter. European city breaks are some of my favourites types of trips. Often only for a day or two, perfect for a weekend if you’re restricted with annual leave, these trips allow you to explore somewhere new, take a break from every day life and experience a new culture. If you’re UK based then you can get to most European cities within a few hours, some even less, and the smaller, lesser travelled cities are often even more affordable than you’d imagine. A winter city break is so much fun particularly as the Christmas markets begin and are the perfect way to make the most of your weekends. I love a weekend city break and as a result I have a pretty solid set list of everything that I take. The essentials that I can’t be without and the things that make the trip much more enjoyable, particularly when the temperatures plument.

Even if you don’t have a break aboard coming up there are plenty of places you can visit within the UK this wintertime. I’m desperate to head down to Bristol & I’d love to go back to Edinburgh given how cosy it was last Autumn. Or maybe you’re just heading home for the Christmas period (there you go, I said it) and you know you’ll need to stay warm but cant pack every item of clothing you own. Whatever your situation I have shared below the things that I can’t be without whenever I plan a winter trip. 

Thermals

Thermals are my number one essential when you’re planning a winter city break. You want to ensure that you’re warm all day and that the city winds don’t leaven you just wanting to take shelter in your hotel the whole time. Invest in a few thermals (Primark and Uniqlo are my favourites) that you can layer under your outfits so you stay warm but without feeling like you’re wearing too many layers. Both of these options are very thin and come in both dark and light colours so you can wear them underneath your jumpers regardless of their colour. Slip a long sleeve thermal under your jumper, a pair of thermal leggings under your trousers and if in doubt slip on a pair of bed socks over your regular ones to keep cosy when exploring.

Take 1 pair of shoes

Chances are you’ll only be taking hand luggage if it’s for a weekend break (I generally don’t take a checked suitcase unless a trip is over a week) so saving on room is essential. If you can then I always recommend taking a pair of shoes that will go with every outfit, that are comfortable but that can also be dressed up if you’re going somewhere nicer for dinner. My pick is a heeled Chelsea boot with an approximately 2 inch heel. This means that any jumpers and jeans look more dressed up for dinners but my feet are warm, I’m comfortable and I can slip them off easily when I go through airport security. 

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream 

This is my number 1 beauty essential whenever I travel. It helps to soothe and prevent chapped lips, it great for any time of sun or wind burn and is under 100ml so it’s hand-luggage friendly and doesn’t take up too much room. I never leave home without it.

A long coat 

A good coat that is going to keep you warm on long days out is an essential, but I always find a longer coat does this so much better than any other. If your coat cuts you off at your hip then you’re going to be feeling the draft all day long, but opt for something slightly longer (ideally past your bum and towards your knees) and it will help to keep you that bit warmer. 

Download offline google maps

Mobile providers have advanced in recent years and now most will give you full service across Europe, but there are some exceptions. Before you head off make sure you check whether you’re destination is covered and download the offline maps on Google maps. This allows you to still have an easy way to get around the city when you’re away but wont have you relying on wifi hotspots and using all your data. Pin your favourite locations (like all of the places you want to see and your hotel) and you can set directions to get between them. You’ll be wandering around like a local in no time. 

The thought of going somewhere even colder than home in the winter can seem a little off-putting at first but when you realise how gorgeous these cities are at this time of year (and how much more adapted to the cold then are than the UK!) you can suddenly feel spoilt for choice. Keeping your packing concise and knowing what you need to make the cold weather more manageable makes all the difference. I went on countless trips with just blouses, jeans and a leather jacket and spent most of the trip dreading walking outside. As I’ve learnt to dress more appropriately for the weather I have enjoyed the trips much more and don’t feel like I’m going on an artic expedition every time I leave the house. I now enjoy these trips so much more and as a result they’re some of my favourites to take. Where are you heading this winter?