Bundle up for Eastern European Travel

The outlook on travel to Eastern Europe has really changed in recent years. Many travelers are finding that this side of Europe has great travel bargains and off-the-beaten-path treasures. Some of you hearty souls that enjoy a cool breeze and don't mind the snow even opt to travel to this part of the world during the winter. Even if you are used to cold weather, it never hurts to be reminded that winter travel is not like summer travel. Your suitcase may be a bit bulkier because you’ll need heavier clothes, but you’ll have a great time seeing the sites if you pack so you can stay warm.

Pile on the layers

Just as in the United States, it may be cold outside, but rather warm inside. If you bring only sweaters and long underwear, you may find yourself melting when you are indoors. Wearing layers of clothing means you can be prepared for all temperatures.

Get boots that are made for walkin'

If you are not from a cold climate in the U.S., you may not have the kind of sturdy boots you need to make it in Eastern Europe. Galoshes or rain boots simply won’t do, You'll need sturdy, waterproof boots that go above the ankle.

The all-important Coat

You'll need a good coat, but you'll also need room in your suitcase for your other things. What do you do? Pack your coat in a sealable bag, of course. When you press all of the air out of the bag and seal it, you’ll find that your coat is not as bulky as it seems to be.

Top it all off with a hat

Yes, you've seen pictures of people in Easter Europe wearing big, furry hats, and soon you will be on of those people. Actually, you don’t have to get a huge hat like that, but you do need a hat that can protect your head and ears. It is likely that the hat you buy will not be the most fashionable, but your ears will thank you for it later.

Eastern Europe is a Winter Wonderland

When I say Eastern Europe-what do you think? If the image in your mind is dreary and filled with snow, then you are only half right. There definitely is snow (a lot of it) in Eastern Europe during the winter, but as for the dreary part, you've got it all wrong!

The prices you can pay to travel to Eastern Europe during the winter months pale in comparison to the prices for the western part of the continent. The winter is not peak travel season, so you can get great rates on everything from your airfare to the trinkets you buy to give to friends back home.

Eastern Europeans do not hide or hibernate during the winter. They have great festivals, wonderful shows, fantastic operas, and beautiful ballet productions all year long. In fact, because it is an area used to the cold climate, there are some festivals and productions that can only be seen during the winter. This is a testament to a region that embraces and celebrates the weather during all seasons. You won’t have to fight to get tickets, either.

Because it has been somewhat isolated, a lot of Eastern Europe's charming architecture, has not been heralded as much as other parts of the world. There are gorgeous cathedrals and stately castles awaiting you there. If you are into photography, you'll jump at the opportunity to photograph some of these great buildings with a backdrop of pristine snow.

Winter is a time to connect with the local people in Eastern Europe, since many other travelers choose to stay away at this time of year. Shopkeepers and restauranteurs are probably less harried during the winter and may be more amenable to conversation since things are quieter.
If you like to vacation, but dread the hustle and bustle of trying to get through jam-packed streets or do not have the patience to wait in long lines to get into a museum, then off-peak winter travel may be for you. And if you want to go somewhere that everyone hasn't already been, check out Eastern Europe.