Whether you are going skiing, traveling for holidays or planning a winter camping trip, safety is the priority when planning for winter travel. Low temperatures and adverse weather can cause all sorts of issues from canceled flights to ill health. 

Here are some tips on how to stay safe and warm on your winter travels. 

1. Pick A Destination That’s a Bit Less Wintry 

Try to find a destination where winter is a bit less harsh. States like Arizona, Florida, California, Hawaii and other typically warm states tend to have milder winters. You can actually go outside without freezing your fingers off.

If you are going to Europe, several countries including Portugal, Italy, Monaco and France are not terribly cold. You can also completely escape the cold and pick a place that’s warm and sunny like a Safari in East Africa or a beach holiday in the Caribbeans. 

That said, sometimes it’s more fun to go to a place that gets some serious winters. Popular winter destinations like Alaska and Iceland are stunning in winter and well worth the cold. 

2. Pack Smart: This is No Time for Minimalist Packing 

Packing for a summer trip is easy. Heck, I could fit everything I need for a 3-day trip in a backpack. Winter is a bit more challenging. Here at HercTalk, we are big fans of minimalist packing. But this can be tough for winter trips. 

We are not saying you carry around bulky luggage, but don't underpack either. You’ll need to do a lot of layering, so that means lots of different clothing including thermal underwear, t-shirts, sweaters and bulky coats. That’s not to forget accessories like scarves, gloves and hats. 

You can still manage to pack just a carry-on, but don't feel bad if you have to pack checked luggage. Your safety and comfort are the priorities. 

Here are some additional packing tips for winter traveling. 

• You can wear the same couple of t-shirts throughout your trip since they are protected by your outerwear and won’t get that dirty. If you are worried about sweaty stink, get one of our antibacterial no-smell t-shirts. There’s the HercShirt long sleeved shirt, a short-sleeved t-shirt and even underwear you can safely wear multiple times without washing.  
• Wear your bulkiest clothing, like your coat and boots, while traveling. This will save space in your luggage. 
• If you are planning an outdoor winter trip such as camping or backpacking, you’ll need specialized winter wear to keep you safe. 

3. Check The Weather and Know When to Cancel

Winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. Check the weather forecast for your destination before you leave. This can help you prepare better for the trip. For instance, if the temperature is forecasted to be really low, you can pack extra warm clothes. 

In some cases, though, it’s best to cancel your trip or find another destination. If the forecast says there will be a snow storm, extreme cold, or freezing wind you are better off not going. Not only will you likely not have fun, it can actually be hazardous. In any case, transport services might shut down and places you are planning to explore may not open. 

4. Be Prepared for Unexpected Changes

Talking of canceling your trip, a lot can happen when it comes to winter traveling — and it happens without much notice: flights getting canceled, roads closed, boat tour canceled and so on. 

As you plan your itinerary, be prepared for these inconveniences. Have a backup plan for every activity. This includes being ready to cancel your entire trip or spend an entire day in your hotel room. 

5. Stay Moisturized and Hydrated   

Many people tend to drink less water when it’s cold. What makes it worse is that winter brings with it dry air that sucks moisture from your body. So you can easily get dehydrated. 

Even if you don't feel like it, drink plenty of water while on your trip. And don’t forget to moisturize your skin as well. The low humidity causes it to dry out and can even trigger a breakout. 

Final Thoughts

It may take a few trips to perfect your winter traveling. But it’s worth the trial and error. You get to escape the summer crowds, some destinations are cheaper because it's the off-peak season and winter has its own beauty and wonder that’s very different from summer.