With winter travel, you never know what conditions you might encounter. Cold weather, snow and ice can sometimes make it challenging to prepare for your trip. But nothing beats winter travel, whether you’re heading to the west coast or the east coast to ski with friends and family or other snowy gems across Canada.
With a bit of preparation, you can keep yourself warm and safe while enjoying your wintery adventures. Here are 5 tips to help you get ready for your winter getaway:
1. Layer up!
Bundle up and prepare for the cold while staying comfortable and stylish. That’s where layers come in; they’re essential when packing for a winter trip, especially if you’re going somewhere extremely cold.
There are usually three layers to think about for winter clothing:
- Base layer: This layer acts as your “second skin.” Think more about wearing insulating clothing, like long-sleeve t-shirts, thermal pants, etc., to make you feel warm consistently throughout the day.
- Mid-layer: This layer is usually used for added warmth, like a cardigan or a thinner or lighter down-insulated jacket. Down is a great material for winter wear because it traps warm air and retains heat, keeping you toasty even in freezing temperatures. The good thing about these is that they’ll only take up little space in your suitcase, unlike sweaters and sweatshirts.
- Outer Layer: sometimes called the “shell” layer, this is to protect you from rain or snow. It’s recommended that this layer be waterproof or at least water-resistant, so you don’t get wet. Also, consider a jacket with armpit zips as well because it allows excess heat to escape if you get too hot.
2. Consider waterproof shoes
We all love a snowy winter, but no one wants to slip on ice. So, bringing a pair of sturdy boots and comfortable walking shoes is essential. You’ll want something that will keep your feet warm while protecting them from wet conditions and slippery surfaces like snow or ice. If possible, bring two pairs of shoes so one can dry out after getting wet during the day (or just bring one pair of waterproof boots).
Pro-tip: Don’t forget about your hats, scarves, and gloves. Not only are they great for keeping you warm, but they are also awesome for friends and family to notice or pick you out in a crowd if you all get separated.
Are you packing for a ski trip? Now that’s a whole different challenge; we got some additional tips that can help.
3. Check the weather before you go!
It seems obvious, but it’s probably the first thing to forget… When travelling in the winter, checking the weather forecast will help you know if there may be delays or interruptions. Not all mountains or ski hills will have the same conditions, even if they’re close to one another. So, make sure you know what kind of cold you’re headed into! Also, the weather and temperature will be significant factors in your clothes and activities.
4. Have a winter emergency kit in your car
This goes well with the previous advice about the weather. But if we know anything about the weather, it’s unpredictable and can change road conditions instantly! Having a winter emergency kit may seem like too much to add to your packing list, but it can help you to feel ready for whatever happens throughout your travels.
Some basic winter travel emergency kit essentials include:
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Necessary medications
- Portable phone charger
- Emergency phone numbers handy (towing, family members, etc.) in case your phone dies
- Basic tools (i.e., screwdriver, pliers, wrench)
Here’s a helpful video to show how to pack one of these emergency kits for winter travel:
5. Don’t forget travel insurance
Whether you’re planning to ski, snowboard or snowmobile, having a comprehensive travel insurance can help you avoid the winter blues of flight cancellation or missed connections. Winter travel sometimes can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re planning on doing sports and activities during your winter adventures or visiting Christmas markets, ensuring you have the best coverage for you, your friends, and your family is key to staying safe.
We hope these tips help you plan and prepare for a fantastic winter travel experience. Have any additional advice to share? Comment below!
Safe travels,
Monique
