Heading out for an adventure is one of the greatest joys of life. Exploring the world is a wonderful thing and it doesn’t have to stop when the weather starts to get colder.
Winter travel is actually a very popular thing, and with ski trips and mountaineering trips, there are plenty of amazing places as well as magical settings to enjoy during your winter season. I can’t wait for my first real winter adventure! Europe maybe?
Today we want to talk about some of the different tips and tricks you should keep in mind when you head out for a winter adventure this year.
Choose your destination
Where you choose to go for your winter holiday will depend on the type of experience you are looking for. For a family holiday in winter, Lapland in Finland can be a great choice as you’ll get the full Christmas experience. New York is a magical city during the winter, and the alps are popular for skiing. Once you have decided on a destination it’s time to plan out your holiday properly.
Check regulations
The first thing you need to be aware of before you travel anywhere in Europe this winter is the regulations. There are some regulations regarding COVID, etias, and other things that you need to discover before you book your flights. Always do the research on your chosen destination because travel might not be possible yet and this may lead you to travel somewhere else instead.
Take the right clothes
The most important thing you need to do when you plan a winter holiday is make sure to pack enough layers. Unless you travel to the Southern Hemisphere for the holidays, you will be facing very cold weather and you will need to carry plenty of layers with you to be prepared for any weather condition. In the day when the sun is out it might be a little warmer, but as cloud covers and the sun sets it will become bitterly cold and you will need some thermal layers as well as a thick waterproof coat to ensure you stay warm.
All the lotions
It is so important in the winter that you pack plenty of moisturiser and lip balm. Cold weather can be very harsh on the skin and it will dry it out. This is why you will often notice chapped lips more in the winter than in summer. Lotion up before you leave your accommodation and also don’t forget sunscreen because the sun is lower in winter and this can cause sun damage if you don’t protect yourself properly.
Bring protective footwear
Snow, rain, mud… there are all manner of things in the environment during winter. If you have gone to a cold and wet place and you will be out in the snow a lot, you’ll need to pack waterproof shoes unless you want to be squelching your way around the place all day long. Bring thick boots with you on your trip that will protect your feet from the wet and cold, and will also give room for you to wear thick socks to keep those toes nice and warm. In the cold weather, remember that your toes are some of the most fragile parts of the body and often these will be the first to succumb to things such as frostbite. Wearing appropriate and protective gear on your feet will ensure they stay healthy.
Protective gear
It isn’t just your feet you need to protect during the winter. You will also want to pack some hats, scarves, gloves, and sunglasses for the trip. Sunglasses are important to add to your winter gear because the cold can dry out your eyes and also the sun will reflect off snow and this means a very bright environment. Hats are of course a given for this season, and scarves and gloves will ensure that the most vulnerable parts of the body are covered and kept warm. You can also consider getting earmuffs if you struggle with chilly ears during the winter period.
Bring a first aid kit
There is nothing more important on any family holiday than bringing along a first aid kit. It doesn’t matter what time of the year you go on holiday : a first aid kit is essential. This will ensure that if anyone scrapes their knees or suffers any other injuries that you have the equipment to deal with it. Also, in winter people are much more likely to catch a cold, so by having medicine on hand to give your family, you will be keeping them safe and ensuring that they can still enjoy their holiday.
Pack chargers and batteries
Your smartphones and your flashlight will both be important things to bring along with you on your trip in the winter. Your phone will be ready should you need assistance or you need to get directions, and a flashlight will be able to light the way after sunset. Make sure to bring along plenty of batteries on the trip and also phone chargers to ensure you always have access to your device.
Take along a camera
Every holiday is a chance to make some amazing memories, and winter scenery can be incredibly magical especially when the sun casts light over snow and forests. Bring a camera along with you to take photos of your family and the trip as a whole and this will save you using your phone battery but will also give you some better quality images to enjoy.
Plan activities
When you decide to travel to a winter destination with your family for a holiday, it is important for you to plan some activists ahead of time. When you have kids, having plenty of fun activities on the go is important and this is why you should spend some time researching different things to do before you go. You can book fun activities and sports or events before your trip and this will ensure your whole family has plenty of fun throughout the trip.
Pack snacks for the ride
When travelling to a winter destination with your family it is so important that you bring along some healthy and nutritious snacks for everyone to enjoy. Snacks can be anything from fruit to veggies and wraps, and here is a sandwich that’s super easy to make and will be the ideal cure for a long road trip in the cold.
Halloumi and Aubergine Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 2 slices seeded bread
- 4 slices halloumi
- 2 slices aubergine
- 2 slices beef tomato
- Handful spinach
- 2 tbsp Houmous
- Toast your bread and then spread Houmous on both sides.
- Take your slices of aubergine and add some salt. Leave for 10 minutes and pay dry.
- Add your aubergine and halloumi to a griddle plan and grill for a few minutes on each side until golden and charred.
- Assemble your sandwich with a bed of lettuce, then aubergine, halloumi, and tomato. Add the top, press down, and cut.
Write a list of places you want to visit
Following on from planning activities that people can do during the trip, you also want to ensure that you have a list of different places you may want to visit during the holiday. This could be anything from a landmark to a theme park or a small village you want to walk through. Having a list of possibilities will make it easier on the day during your trip to decide on a plan for the day and head off on your journey. This will ensure you can make the most of your holiday.
Header Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/schilthorn-mountain-station-summit-3033448/
