I will be travelling from South Africa, where it is mid-summer to Vienna & Munchen where it is mid-winter. What should I wear? What clothes to pack? Our coldest temperatures here are just above 0 degrees, so I do not know what to expect regarding the weather as I have never experienced European winter temperatures. Help please, I do not want to freeze to death!

Hello Riekie, <BR> <BR>When travelling to Central Europe (Vienna, Munchen, ...) do pack lots of warm clothes. I've just checked temperatures and day temp is abt. 2°C, night temp abt. -5°C. Some snow is expected for the weekend. <BR>To keep warm it is better to wear various clothes one above the other (it is better to wear 2 or 3 thin sweaters than 1 thick). Wool (or cotton) will do better than synthetic material. <BR>Also think about your feet and legs: warm socks (kneehigh) are a must as well as warm boots. If you have them, bring some long underpants. If you don't, no worry, these are surely for sale in Vienna or Munich. <BR>And obviously you will need a (winter) jacket or coat. <BR>E-mail me if you want more information. <BR>Have a nice trip. <BR>

Hi, Riekie. <BR>I was in Vienna last weekend, and the weather was cold, from 3š to -5š. Donīt forget a warm hat, specially at nights, and warm gloves. Try not to wear jeans. They get really cold and hard, no matter which kind of long underpants (very important to wear them) you have on. Also layered clothing is important. The heating in the cafes and restaurants is very good, and you donīt want to feel very warm and then go into the cold. <BR> <BR>E-mail me if you need more info. <BR> <BR>Regards, Covadonga

My standby for the cold and wet is Goretex layered over Polarfleece. <BR>LL Bean has some good stuff (I am not advertising, just telling you what I wear.) I use a Goretex top (and pants) over 300 grade Polarfleece, with hat, gloves, heavy socks with a heavy sweater in reserve. <BR> <BR>But if you are having to dress up, then there may be a problem. You will need a well insulated trench coat, gloves, hat, and good shoes. <BR>

Remember that keeping your extremities warm is the most important part of the battle... hands, feet and head! For feet, try two pairs of socks. Get some light weight liners (acrylic, silk, cotton are all good) and some heavy wool socks. One nice thing is you don't need to wash the outer socks so often, and the liners dry fast so you end up packing less and get better insulation too. Good gloves, hat and scarf are also key.

Thanks all for your replies & suggestions, I will certainly follow your advice!