My trip is less than 6 weeks away (!!!). So, yes, of course, I’ve started to think about what I’m going to pack for a trip to Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna in mid-March. I’m both excited and nervous (nervous only because it means I’ll have to leave my two cats for 9 days! Don’t worry – they’ll have company the entire time). As well as how to absolutely pack the smallest amount possible and NOT have to go clothes shopping while I’m over there (this is a flaw of mine as I consistently underestimate the weather when I travel).
Because it’ll be March and around 45*F in all the cities I’m going to, I’m definitely bringing my peacoat with me. I brought a jean jacket with me to Scandinavia and I made the mistake of bringing ONLY that jean jacket with me to Poland a year later. Luckily in Warsaw, I stumbled upon a TJ Maxx after visiting the Palace of Culture and Science and I picked up an orange lightweight peacoat. I was warm and toasty in the gloomy October weather for the rest of my time in Poland and I was so, so happy. I love this coat and where it regularly now when the whether permits in New York City so I’m wearing it on the plane with me. That plus a black beret and a leopard patterned fleece scarf (acquired in Krakow!) and I should be plenty warm.
Me in Warsaw before I bought the peacoat. I was wearing at least three shirts under that jean jacket.
Whenever I go backpacking, I always bring an assortment of tank tops and t-shirts for layer purposes. But since I know I’m going to be in a cold climate 100% of the time, I think I’ll leave those at home. I’ll bring a single tank top (because habits are hard to break) and a thermal clothes to sleep in, but no t-shirts. I don’t think you really need layers for Budapest in March. We’re not talking London in June here.
So, what else am I packing? Probably a few of lightweight turtleneck sweaters, my favorite long-sleeve black shirt, a pair of jeans, a couple of pairs of leggings, a pair of flat boots, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of those pleather “fancy” looking leggings (if I can find a moderately priced pair to buy). Oh, and lots of socks and underwear, a pair of gloves, a purple pashmina (again, for trying to look fancy most likely in Vienna and probably failing), and a bathing suit for those thermal baths. I wrote “dress” on my list, but I’m not sure that will actually make it into my suitcase.
I love making packing lists probably a bit too much, but I can’t be the only one, right? Let me know below if you also love to plan your packing lists (way too) far ahead! #TypeA
Main photo is from this site.
…I not only make lists, but I draw empty squares next to the items so they have an ‘area’ for checking-off!