Packing advice for Austria: getting down to the wire

L'Abeille

Leaving on Thursday morning so I need to finalize my plans ASAP. Details in prevous post, but will be 4+ days in Vienna, then 3 days skiing in Kitsbuehel.

Luggage space is even smaller than first anticipated, as we are leaving the skis at home (too much hassle) and renting there, which means both pairs of ski boots will take up most of one of our 2 suitcases.

Weather updates suggest that Vienna is going to be mild (5-12'C or so) with rain on some days, particularly the days we will be walking a lot! Also, we won't rent a car for the city (parking is tricky) so will be walking or using transit, which means any layers have to be carried around all day.

I have several questions so I may try to do separate posts for each. Chiefly: which/how many coats/ boots/ accessories.

10 years ago

General

5 replies

Latest reply was from Gaylene

Staysfit

Veteran

How nice to be going on vacation! It sounds like it will be a wonderful experience!

10 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Hmmm I've never been to Austria, but I would say, for the city part, four tops in your fave neutal(s), a pair of jeans, a pair of neutral pants (in case you are going somewhere non-jean appropriate), a decently warm trench, flat boots or booties in a dark neutral, a scarf, a blingy necklace or something to dress up a dark neutral outfit if needed, a pair of heels if you absolutely think you'll need them. Obviously your ski gear, a couple of leggings and a warm sweater to wear under. Perhaps a few t-shirts to wear under the sweater so you can repeat it a few times without worrying about sweat!
And another sweater/tunic you can pair with the leggings for dinner out during the ski part. Winter boots if the city boots are too light. What do you think? Have a great trip!!!

10 years ago

L'Abeille

Veteran

Thank you! My current plan is as follows:
corduroy jeans for the plane (I don't feel fab or warm in denim)
plus a pair of ponte skinny pants
cable knit tube skirt
(all in black)
trying to decide if I'll need my LBD as well, probably not.
leggings for skiing

tops: fitted turtlenecks for skiing and city
a couple of blouses, a shirt on the plane and a dressier blouse
a couple of vests for layering
I wish I had a tunic that was both long and fab enough to be worth the suitcase space it would take, but I can't think of one.
still trying to decide if a big sweater (jumper) or cardigan has a role to play, or my mixed-media leather jacket which is mostly a thick knit, but could be disqualified for having no pockets!

colour via a plaid blanket scarf and a red paisley pashmina.

10 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Sounds like you are in great shape! Cardigan is always handy, even as an extra layer at night or as a robe of sorts ... Jackets are heavy and awkward to pack so I would only bring the extra one if you feel it will earn its spot OR you really love it and have the room

10 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, skiwear for two people can fill up a good chunk of that second suitcase, especially if you're packing jackets, pants, gloves, and hats, which means you'd need to fit "regular" wear in the leftover nooks and crannies.

Here's what I did on a similar overseas ski vacation a few years ago. I packed all our ski wear first, filling the boots with toiletries, ski underwear and ski socks. I waterproofed a pair of low-heeled leather boots with good treads and wore them on the plane, for city walking, and apres ski dinners.

In a medium -sized packing cube, I packed one pair of "nice" pants, three thin sweaters (one pullover, one turtle neck, and one cardigan), a "good" blouse, my Pjs, a couple of camis, light-weight wool socks, and two sets of undies. I resigned myself to washing out undies and socks every night.

On the plane, I wore my dark jeans, a cami, a sweater jacket, and my trench. I used a nylon cross-body bag, with a LePilage tote for my handbags. I stuffed a pair of light gloves, an umbrella, a knitted hat, a pair of light ballerina shoes (used as slippers and indoor shoes) and a scarf into the Le Pilage along with my electronics and a small make-up kit.

My wardrobe was limited, but it worked well enough. If space had permitted, I would have liked to have a second pair of outdoor shoes/boots, but my single pair of boots was adequate.

10 years ago

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