Have you been bit by the travel bug? Maybe you are here in search of the best travel tips and tricks in 2021. In that case, maybe you should consider a lowkey trip to Scandinavia. Or maybe you have your trip to Scandinavia already booked and you’re looking to pack for a fashion-filled adventure? Even better! You have come to the right place.
Scandinavia is a peninsula made up of Sweden and Norway extending from the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Both Finland and Iceland are also included in the Scandinavian discussion because of the close cultural region. The Scandinavian peninsula is made up of beautiful mountainous ranges, and fjords. You’ll want to keep this in mind when packing your bag to visit the rolling hills of Scandinavia!
Scandinavia boasts incredible scenery and rich culture. You might have invested in some Scandinavian furniture as their designs have skyrocketed in popularity around the world, toted for its minimalist, mid-century aesthetic and design. Their fashion sense is similar—minimal, high-quality and neutral. Here are a few things to keep in mind while preparing for your Scandinavian vacation!
The Type of Weather
When packing for a trip to Norway, you want to prepare to experience all four seasons! Even in the summer, the weather is unstable and everchanging. You’ll want to keep this in the back of your mind always while choosing garments.
You might experience heavy rainfall in Sweden depending on the season, leaving you shivering and cold if you do not prepare accordingly. One Swedish native claimed that you could expect to be damp all day, with temperatures cold enough to see your breath. Then, a few hours later, the sun breaks the rainfall leaving everything bathed in its warmth.
On the Scandinavian peninsula, the weather is incredibly chilly when the clouds and rain have rolled in, but the sun can seriously warm you up. Depending on the time of year in Scandinavia when you will be visiting, you want to make sure your wardrobe has various options to choose from.
Also, layers are your best friend.
The layer closest to your skin should be something that will keep you warm from the chill but will protect you against the sun—like wool. Over this, you will want to wear an insulated garment that can be compact and removed easily. A fleece jacket, or a down jacket, might be your best option in Norway or Sweden—especially during the cold winters. Your last layer should be an outdoor jacket, a weatherproof garment that protects you from the rain and wind. However, it should also be breathable.
Depending on your itinerary, you might also want to invest in waterproof pants if you plan to spend time hiking or participating in outdoor activities.
If you keep these layers in mind and pack accordingly, you should fare well in the Scandinavian weather regardless of the season (remember: pack for all four seasons!). Layering allows you to remove and throw on clothing depending on which way the wind is blowing, ensuring that you are never left boiling or shivering.
Luggage Done Right
You’ll want to bring durable luggage that can sustain the Scandinavian climate and cobblestone streets. A suitcase might be cumbersome if you plan on moving from location to location or travelling via train or bus. Some travellers suggest using a heavy-duty backpack that you can pack all of your belongings into.
On the Scandinavian peninsula, you will likely be doing something active and outdoorsy! You’ll need the right bag for all of your adventures and to carry all of your necessities.
There are many special carry-ons, or hiking, backpacks made for compact, hands-free travelling on the market nowadays. However, if you plan on using a suitcase, or a messenger bag, try to be conscientious of travel time and convenience while abroad.
Understanding Scandinavian Fashion
Like its furniture, Scandinavia is known for its high-end trends in fashion. You will often see Scandinavian women decked in simple, quality clothes fashioned together in an elegant display. Never underestimate a well-placed scarf, a beautiful sweater or a cute knit hat!
A popular color scheme in Scandinavian countries is black, white, gray, and navy. Rumor has it that Scandinavian people also love their denim! If you are worried about standing out with your fashion style, here are some tips to consider when travelling abroad in Scandinavia.
Wool is Life
Think back to the layers—wool is an essential part of Scandinavian fashion. Wool is beloved in Norway for its high functionality and top quality touchfeel; wool will keep you warm, or it can protect you from overheating.
If you are unused to Scandinavia’s dropping temperatures, then warmth will be your top priority while packing comfortable clothes.
Many garments are made from wool-like sweaters, thermal long sleeves and t-shirts. It shouldn’t be challenging to work this fabric into your wardrobe before you get on a plane, and you will want to make sure you have backup clothes at the ready. You never know when the rain might hit and soak you through!
Wool tops make for an ideal base layer to any outfit, because it can be dressed up or dressed down. You can find wool garments that trap necessary heat, wick away sweat, or act as a thin layered top to pair extra clothes with.
You will want to include sweaters, coats and your favorite outerwear in your luggage when visiting Scandinavia. If you have a stylish oversized sweater or a classy blouse that you like to dress up for evenings, don’t be afraid to bring them with!
However, you might want to leave your tank tops and crop tops at home if you run cold.
Bottoms
The name of the game is denim—a couple of pairs of handy jeans can get you through just about anything. Because bottoms tend to take up more room in the luggage than tops, you will want to be selective about what you include in your wardrobe. Maybe you have two beloved pairs of jeans that you love to wear; you can include them and match them with any of the tops or sweaters you have brought along.
Although the fashion sense is stylish in Scandinavia, you will not be ostracised for erring on the casual side of the spectrum.
If you prefer thinner bottoms, you might want to look into fleece-lined leggings or tights to keep you warm. They are less heavy and bulky than denim jeans, and they can be either dressed down with a comfy sweater or dressed up with a fashionable top. These bottoms will help you fit in with the neutral aesthetic of Scandinavian fashion!
Shoes
If you do not have a pair of comfortable shoes lying around—you will want to invest in a pair before you trek to Scandinavia! Often, travellers exploring the beautiful scenery of Norway or Sweden will be on their feet for miles each day.
You can’t go wrong with a sleek, lightweight pair of Nikes. Or, if you prefer Adidas, you can look for a pair of sneakers that can match any outfit you have prepared.
If you are going the backpack route, you will want to be careful about how many pairs of shoes you pack. A good rule of thumb will be to have a pair of running shoes, a warm pair of waterproof and durable boots (maybe a cute pair of hiking boots), and a pair of comfortable heels if you plan on indulging in the finer elements of Scandinavian culture.
With a comfortable pair of wool socks, any of your shoes can be made versatile with the chilly winds.
Just listen to these tips and tricks to ensure a fun and prepared trip to Scandinavia, regardless of the weather! The more you plan, the better you’ll feel when you arrive with little fuss and stress. With any trip abroad, more forethought is the best course of action when travelling!
Leave a Reply