The drop in temperature shouldn’t stop you from exploring a new, exciting city. We have our subscribers flying out across Europe over the next few winter months and we want them (and everyone) to be winter-ready. Whether you choose to go alone or bring a plus one, either way, it’s a great way to experience somewhere new in 48 hours.

But first, here are 10 things you should definitely consider taking with you while traveling this winter.

SPF Sunscreen

Of course, sunscreen should be used throughout the year (yes, even when it’s grey and raining outside), but it is just as important to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the colder months. With sunscreen readily available in many different formulas and sizes, find what works best for you and will make reapplying easy.

Thermos Flask

These are absolutely essential for your travels! Not only will it keep your cold drinks cold or warm drinks warm (some models for as long as 24 hours) but you can also use them to store certain types of food. They are the perfect accessories for a long day of exploring. Be sure to read instructions or reviews on how to store food before purchasing. Don’t forget, many restaurants and cafes will let you refill your flask free of charge; so don’t be scared to ask!

Touch-screen gloves

This is one of the best inventions for those who want to capture every moment of their trip – whether tweeting or posting to Snapchat or Instagram, do it all with warm fingers. You can find these handy gloves for as low as £3.99 online!

Moisturizers

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin and that’s the last thing you need on your trip, so be sure to invest in a hydrating moisturizer for your face, body, hands, and lips. Tip: Even if you use a moisturizer with SPF in it, you still need to wear sunscreen for sufficient protection.

Microfiber Towels

The best thing about microfiber towels is that they are fast drying compared to regular towels. Not only that but they come in a range of sizes. Some other things to check for before making a purchase is the durability, how compact they are, and absorbency.

Travel Adapter

This one is a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how often people forget these, relying on their hotel or accommodation to have them available or free of charge. They don’t always do, so it’s best to be prepared and bring one anyway.

Waterproofs

A few waterproof pieces in your luggage always come in handy when traveling during colder months especially. If you plan to do a lot of walking around and staying outdoors during your travels, then you should definitely invest in waterproof outerwear, footwear, and even bags. But it doesn’t have to be all boring and practical, you can still make it fun and functional by pairing with fashionable accessories such as hats and scarves.

Merino wool Clothing

Merino wool is highly recommended for travel because it’s lightweight and keeps you extra warm. Clothing made with this type of wool fabric specifically, are meant to be re-worn without the need to wash them often. This makes them ideal for traveling with lighter luggage and helping the environment! Some items you should definitely bring are socks, leggings, scarves, and shirts.

Polarized Sunglasses

These types of sunglasses work best if you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors. The lenses in these glasses have a specific type of filter that blocks intense reflected light and reduces glare. In places where there is snow, these are perfect for shielding you from the sun’s light reflecting off the snow. If you are bringing a DSLR you should consider getting a similar lens filter for that as well.

Packing Cubes/Compression Bags

Make packing easier and less congested by getting yourself some of these. You can usually buy them as 5-piece, 4-piece or 3-piece sets in varying sizes for organizing all your essentials, and hopefully some of the things included on this list! Packing cubes tend to be more durable compared to Compression bags, which are usually the cheaper option. Make sure to research which item is best for your travel needs.

Where is your favourite weekend break destination? And if you don’t have one, where would you like to visit? Tweet us @TravelBRB