We will be on the Rhine River and Salzburg before starting the Adriatic tour the beginning of September. I've looked at the general temps that are included on the tour info, but I know we will be in other locations, too. At that time of year can I expect to wear dresses with bare legs and sandals during the day? I know to bring layers, but should I lean more towards dresses or pants?
Is it typical to need bug spray in any of these locations?
The temperature in September is about 78 degrees F. Not that hot; but having a cute dress or 2 with a skirt that doesn't blow up, unless you have cute undies, could be fun. Don't plan on wearing sandals while touring, your feet will start killing you; for the beach, bring some water sandals. Wear closed toe slip-on sneakers with good soles to walk on cobble and gravel. No slick soles unless you want to fall down marble steps like I did. I would actually bring mix and match tops and bottoms that you can wear on both parts of the trip with/without layering. I toured Greece and didn't notice too many bugs. Bon Voyage!
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You should pack what you are most comfortable in. If you generally wear dresses and sandals at home, that's what you should pack. There are plenty of sandals that are comfortable and safe for walking in. I was in Salzburg in mid-September and wore shorts, t-shirt and sneakers during the day with a light jacket at night. Because I don't generally wear dresses. Also, I don't care for hot weather. Leggings and a cardigan would seem a sensible addition to your bag if you're leaning towards dresses.
A tip for all travel packing - look up historical weather data for all your travel locations.
Global warming has affected temperatures in a number of regions so 'general, or average' temps are often useless.
Historical weather can be found in a variety of websites - Wunderground and Time and Date are just 2 sites. Choose one that includes precipitation. Look back for the last 5 years for the exact dates you are traveling and see what are the trends. Some times of year are more variable requiring a variety of clothing, others may be fairly stable...but seeing the actual temperatures will let you know what you will be comfortable wearing.
I am experiencing the same problem. We are leaving for Croatia on Wednesday - hot there. Then Florence - hot there. Mid September we are walking part of the Camino - different clothes, then on to Portugal end of September into October - cool.
I feel like I have to pack for 3 different trips. We usually only use carryon but not this time. Oh, and I have to bring quite a few items for relatives in Croatia. Can’t say no, they rarely ask.
I have one more day to take items out, ugh.
It's been 6 years ago, but we were in Salzburg and Vienna the first week of September, and Salzburg was very hot that year. I wore comfy walking sandals and capri because I don't wear shorts, but a cool dress would have been nice to have. I don't remember needing bug spray. And I almost never opt for sandals when traveling internationally when it involves a lot of walking, though it's practically all I wear at home in SoCal. But I remember that I felt it was too hot to wear regular walking shoes.
Thanks for the responses.
It doesn't sound like I need to bring bug spray.
I will bring several dresses (shorts underneath). If it is too cold, I have footless tights, and button up shirts I can pair with them. I plan to bring leggings and 1 pair of jeans. I will wear my Brooks, but will definitely have sandals, too.
At 23 days, this is our longest trip we have taken. We will do carry-on since most of our travel will be by bus or train
Expect heat. Bring a rain coat. And, as odd as it may sound we never travel, even in summer, without merino under layers. We go for the nice tops that can double as very light pullover sweaters. In the mountains and near the water temperatures can vary a lot.
Oh, thanks for the reminder about the rain jacket! I just ran out to the camper and grabbed the one that will pack the smallest.
My skin isn't a big fan of merino wool, but I do have one LS merino shirt I can tolerate occasionally.
For your question of bug spray, I was on the RS Adriatic tour last year. I brought the Avon Skin So Soft mosquito wipes, and I definitely needed them. There was another lady on the tour who also attracted them, and she was glad that I was sharing mine with her. I mostly noticed the mosquitoes during the second half of the tour.
I wear my favorite Rose style Keen sandals for any trips in Europe between May-to-October and at home during those months. They have a wonderful sole for cobblestones, hiking, etc., and the toe protection has saved me from a few injuries.
I always bring a few dresses but check the forecast right before you leave.
Kathleen, I love your reminder about 'cute undies' with dresses or skirts. I'd never thought of this before, but would bike shorts count under the skirt or dress? I always try to bring my cutest socks for use with my tennies=polka dots, great colors. BTW, I'm not making fun, I REALLY like your idea.
Another comment on Kathleen's post. She mentioned water sandals for the beach. I always bring my water 'socks' and wear them on the overnight flight, too. They are great for late night trips to the bathroom, no need to put your shoes on and SO comfy. To mnannie, I always bring 2 skirts with mix and match tops no matter the season and no matter the destination. In fact, that is my 'wardrobe' for practically a week and really saves on laundry, too.
Thanks for reminding me about bike shorts for under skirts. I bought some undies that are cut like bike shorts, but are made out of breathable material. Also great for a smooth look under slacks.
My bike shorts are 95% cotton. They are from Target and really comfy.
Jean, sounds like I should bring a little bottle of spray. I'm rarely bothered by bugs, but it's good to be prepared. I haven't tried on a pair of Rose Keens since 2017. That pair didn't fit right, but I should give them another chance. I know a lot of people love them.
Laurie Beth, the only summer skirt I have is a RipSkirt. I hate the way the flap tries to blow open on windy days, so I am leaving it home.
mnannie, I used to get my (washable) skirts at J Jill. Still have my favorite 2. J Jill is getting ridiculously expensive though, so I don't know what I will do when they wear out.
There are many cute options for sandals that can be worn for a day of sight seeing. Off the top of my head, Taos, Merrill, Munro, Sofft, Birkenstock (now with dressier options), Dr. Scholls, Naturalizer, Eurosole.
I love to have a few dresses. Add in some leggings and bike shorts. For bike shorts you can get "undie" type at Jockey or "real" bike shorts. I got some at Costco with a nice sized pocket.
We are hiking in Umbria for 2 weeks this September and expect the temperatures to be in the mid 70s most days. These hikes between towns are not difficult except for the last one which will be a 10 mile trek into beautiful Assisi. I love hiking in leggings but have heard that those are not appropriate in Europe. Is that just in the cities or on the hiking trails as well? Should I just take a pair of regular quick dry hiking pants instead? I'm trying to get buy with only one pair of cargo/capris and 1 hiking pant or leggings for the entire trip. I will also have a pair of dressier black pants that can be worn in the city.
mnannie, the bugs can't be worse than Minnesota mosquitos, lol!
Mardee, are you speaking of our state bird?
mnannie, the bugs can't be worse than Minnesota mosquitos, lol!
I hope not, lol! But what if they are?;)
I just spent 8 days at the edge of the BWCA and used spray once or twice. They really haven't been bad this year.
I found 2 Bugables wipes from when little Lu was a babe (she's going to kindergarten in two weeks) to put in my bag. I guess I will buy more, if needed.
