10 Packing Tips when travelling to Germany for Women – The clothes and accessories you ought to bring!!
I can probably name a 100 reasons why you should visit Germany – starting from fairytale castles to alpine seas and ofcourse the fooood (and beer :p)!!
So in the case that you actually decided to make this visit (one moment pause *slow clapping*) and you don’t know what you need to bring, here’s the one guide you will need.
Backpack or Suitcase?
Well, there is no right answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors like:
- Your style of travel : Are you a backpack or suitcase kinda person?
- Your mode of travel : If you are mostly going to be using public transportation, I would recommend a backpack since you don’t want to be hurling heavy suitcases up and down the railway station stairs or those cobbled stone streets (as romantic as these streets are, they are not made for luggage trollies )!!
- The places you intend to visit : If you are mainly visiting the big cities, a suitcase should do fine. However if hiking or the likes are in your agenda, opt for a backpack!
In case you’re taking a suitcase, here’s how you can fit in everything you need like a PRO!
Tank tops, Shirts or Blouses???
Okay!! So if I were to break this down, I would do it this way:
If you are travelling in Summer :
German summers can get really hot (upto 38 C), so you will want to carry your skimpiest tank top and shorts! That said, the weather in Germany is EXTREMELY UNPREDICTABLE – something I have come to learn the hard way!! That means even when you have two crazy hot sunny days, you might have a following week with heavy rains and strong winds!!
So make sure that you pack a light jacket, a top with sleeves (1 or more, depending on the duration of your stay) a warm stole and a good pair of jeans for such days. Leather jackets are great for layering on such days (faux ofcourse!)
It’s also a great idea to pack a dress or a really dressy top if you are going to be visiting the beautiful monuments including those gorgeous Disney castles, for the most dreamy photos ever!!! Just throw over a jacket or cardigan if the temperatures drop a little.
If you are travelling in Winter :
LAYERING IS KEY
Pack a really bright Jacket to stand out in those beautiful snow laced photos. However in the less colder months of Winter, pullovers and light sweaters (with or without a lighter jacket) are going to be your staples.
Do I sound crazy if I confess that I research the places I plan to visit and pick out my sweater colours to match?? My husband would agree if you said yes :p
You can check out some of my favourite sweaters here.
Having trouble packing in that space-gobbling jacket? Try some compression packing cubes here that will solve all your space (or lack of it) issues.
Also pack a dressy tank top – okay before you conclude I am actually crazy, let me explain why. Chances are you will be going to some restaurants or even end up meeting that special someone (who knows? Love strikes when it’s most unexpected, something I can confirm myself :p) – so you will need something to look extra pretty in. Pack one that goes with the cardigan you plan to pack and you are good to go!!!
Bring good pairs of jeans and a pair of thermals (if there need be). A woollen cap and gloves can also prove helpful in the colder months.
Winter doesn’t necessarily mean you need to miss out on being able to dress like a princess for that castle visit. Pair your favourite dress with a pair of thermal stockings and you’re Instagram ready!!
Or even better, pack a sweater dress. They are pretty, sophisticated and great for autumn-winters.
Jeans, pants or shorts?
I sorta answered that question under the previous point. Bring shorts for spring summer (I personally never wore shorts even in spring, since it was still a little too cold for me) and pants/jeans for autumn winter. Don’t bring too tight ones though, because there’s a good chance that you will be layering with some thermals underneath.
However I want to stress on the fact that a pair of jeans need to brought along even in the summers, since it can get all rainy and cold!!
Light, dressy pants are also great for spring summers.
It’s also a great idea to pack a pair of two of black leggings/tights stockings – They work with everything from your bright tunic to that floral dress that let your legs freeze a little during winter. THAT’S RIGHT;THESE WORK GREAT FOR SUMMER AND WINTER!
Heels, sneakers or Sandals
From what I have seen, the Germans are all about comfort and their ‘all around the year’ footwear option is : a pair of sneakers!!
I mean think about it,
1. They are great for winters without much snow (if there is much snow, you will feally need those winter boots)
2. They are great for the cobble stone streets (yeah! Pointy heels do get stuck in between the stones and may even break)
3. They are great for summer hikes
4. They are great for the summer days when the rain gods decide to dance.
5. They are great for the spring, when it’s a little too cool for sandals and for autumn, when it’s still too warm for insulated shoes.
See, so overall it’s really an awesome footwear option!!! (How come I never thought of this until I moved here?)
So basically, just throw on a pair of sneakers and you might even be able to pass for a local 😉
In the summers, even sandals are a great option. Here is my absolute favourite pair that I wear everywhere.
Skincare
Pack a really creamy moisturizer( for face and body) if you’re visiting the Christmas markets in Germany, as the winters are really dry. Also bring a hand cream and some lip balm.
Bring sunscreen (SPF 30+), no matter what time of the year you are visiting. Even winter doesn’t stop those UVA/B from damaging your skin!
I swear by this Vit E range during harsh winters. By the range here.
Accessories
Sunglasses, a hat and hair ties are a must for every summer, in addition to a nice swimsuit or bikini.
In the winter, do bring a wollen cap and gloves!!
It’s also a great idea to bring a raincoat and/or umbrella for both summers and winters.
Here’s a pretty yet sturdy umbrella you should definitely check out.
In case you forget any of the skin care or accessories/ you don’t want to travel with so much stuff; Drugstore chains like DM and Rossman have most make up and skin care brands. They also have cool accessories you can check out!
Handbag/ Sling bag/ Neck wallet
In case you are visiting the more crowded big cities of Berlin, Hamburg etc, it’s a good idea to have all your valuables as close to your body as possible. So a neck wallet is a great idea. I personally always bring a fanny pack, that I can also wear around my shoulder and have the bag infront of my body, where I can see it (it’s unlikley that someone will try to steal something from your boob right?)
You can buy my favourite fanny pack here.
A Universal Adapter
In Germany like in most other European Countries, they have three pin ports. So it’s a great idea to bring an adapter, in case you are travelling from outside the continent. So it’s better to buy one that’s universal, so you will never again have to worry about adapters, no matter where you travel next.
Prescription Medicines
In Germany, you cannot buy your prescription medicines over the counter. So make sure to pack them. You can buy antacids and antihistamines though.
Don’t forget to pack essentials like your passport, wallet, phone etc in addition to this list!
I hope you find this packing guide helpful for your trip in Germany!