The days are getting darker and colder, and there’s no denying it any longer: winter is coming. Quickly. One might get a little nostalgic about those long summer nights but if we’re honest for a minute, winter has its charms as well. Especially now that Christmas lights are popping up all over town, turning those dark nights into colorful feasts for the eye. And once you’re inside, there’s no better season to get cozy and snuggle up under a blanket, in front of a roaring fire if you’re lucky – even though a good Netflix series equally does the trick.
However, winter’s also an ideal season to go and explore the world under a different light, quite literally. Sure, you won’t be able to find many guingettes and other outdoors activities in the cities, with the exception of course of the many Christmas markets popping up all over town. But instead, with a little luck, you’ll find snowy landscapes and richly decorated buildings. And when it’s cold and rainy, there’s no reason to feel guilty when you spend most of your time exploring indoors, in museums, restaurants or shops.
Yet, even if you decide most of your trip-time will be spent indoors, there’s no way around it: you’ll have to brave the cold every now and then. Even if it’s just to get from your hotel to the restaurant and back. Especially now that prices are rising all over, only a lucky few will be able to take a taxi everywhere they go. Moreover, even during wintertime, taking a stroll through the city might be one of the best ways to get a taste of local life, to really feel a place’s vibe.
If you’re as afraid of the cold as we are, you’ll want to stay warm throughout that whole process though. And, as it turns out, there are plenty of cozy accessories to help you with that. We made a little wish list that’s bound to keep you warm, perfect if you don’t know what you want for Christmas (or your birthday) just yet.
1. Stoov Big Hug
Let’s start off with something a little over the top, making it the perfect gift if you ask us. This inventive little blanket slash cushion can be charged at home before you take it with you to the park, a café or outdoors event. Once you’re there, you push the button and it starts warming you all over. Fancy but really great if you’re always cold!
2. Wolvis Refurbished 2 Scarf
Looking for a new scarf but you want something eco-conscious and local? Look no further, we’ve got what you want. Belgian knitwear label Wolvis offers great quality and their stuff is made in Belgium, 100% local. This scarf goes with everything, so you just need one.
3. Patagonia Better Sweater Gloves
If you’re a bit of an outdoorsy person, you’ll know how important a good pair of gloves is when you’re hiking, biking or doing anything else in the open air. These mittens fit as a glove and are suitable for men and women alike.
4. Voited sleeping bag and poncho
If you, just like me, are someone who tends to get cold pretty quickly, then I’ve found the solution for you. This throw doubles as a poncho and a sleeping bag thanks to its cleverly-located snap buttons, making it the perfect companion during a cold night in the garden or anywhere really. Just put it in your luggage and you won’t regret it.
5. & Other Stories blanket scarf
Everyone has already used their scarf as a blanket at least once in their lives, right? However, some scarves lend themselves better to this than others. This wool piece by & Other Stories is the perfect, oversized, classy scarf you didn’t know you needed in your life.
6. Rivalin wool slippers
Something we easily tend to forget when travelling is a pair of comfortable slippers to put on in our hotel room or holiday rental. And yet, it makes all the difference when you want to feel at home. These comfortable and classy ones by Rivalin are entirely made within Europe and will undoubtedly keep your feet warm and snuggly.
7. Thunders Love wool and silk socks
Socks, we put them on almost every day and yet, we don’t pay much attention to them. Want to change that and stay cozily warm? These wool and silk ones aren’t just toasty, they’re also pretty darn cute to look at.
