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20 Winter Travel Tips

January 7, 2025

Are you itching to go somewhere with sweeping snowy landscapes, cozy chalets, and winter adventure?

Traveling during the frosty season can be wondrous, but it requires a bit of special planning to ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable experience.

Check out these 20 winter travel tips so you can make the most of your trip!

Planning & Traveling 

  1. Plan ahead and make reservations early because popular winter destinations tend to book up fast. Be sure to let someone back home know your itinerary.
  1. Photocopy or digitally scan important travel documents for everyone in your party.
  1. Fly early in the day and nonstop, if possible, to help avoid weather delays. If necessary, choose connection airports carefully.

Related: 6 Airline Travel Tips for Seniors

  1. Check weather conditions and be prepared for potential delays due to the weather. Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover delays, cancellations or other weather-related issues.
  1. Prepare your car if you’re driving. Make sure your tires, brakes and windshield wipers are in good working order. Consider if you need snow tires, chains or cold-weather-rated windshield wiper fluid. Stock your car with necessities like an ice scraper and snow brush, gloves & winter clothing, jumper cables, a physical map, a first aid kit, a shovel, a phone charger, blankets, a flashlight, bottled water, and cat litter (for tire traction).
  1. Allow extra time for travel, no matter if you’re flying, driving or using another mode of transportation.

Packing & Dressing 

  1. Wear your heaviest clothes during travel if you’re flying so you’re less likely to exceed airline weight restrictions. Keep your essentials—including medications, toiletries and a change of clothes—in your carry-on.
  1. Pack lightly so you aren’t stuck hauling heavy luggage through cold temps and slush.
  1. Pack and dress in layers, including a base layer that will keep you warm and dry, a middle layer of insulation, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget hats, gloves and thermal socks.

Related: 5 Surprising Reasons to Take Your Vacation Days and 3 Low-Cost Ways to Do It

Staying Safe 

  1. Remember that cold weather can quickly zap your phone battery. Charge your phone to 100% before you head out and bring a power bank in case you need it.
  2. Bring a water bottle and drink frequently. It’s easy to become dehydrated in winter due to dry air, decreased thirst and sweat evaporating faster.
  1. Protect your skin with sunscreen, lotion and lip balm as cold weather can be harsh on your skin and the winter sun is just as damaging as summer.
  1. Check the forecast each day of your trip so you’re always prepared for the conditions.
  1. Take extra care when walking on snow and ice. Keep your hands free in case you fall.
  1. Drive cautiously, know your route and allow yourself extra time, especially if you’re not used to winter driving conditions. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  1. Know the symptoms of frostbite, including abnormal skin color, firm or waxy feeling skin, and numbness. Get medical attention immediately if you believe you have frostbite.

Having Fun 

  1. Do research on your destination by checking out travel blogs and city guides.
  1. Remember to make dinner reservations at tough-to-get spots well in advance.
  1. Make the most of seasonal activities such as northern lights, ice skating, tubing and winter markets.
  1. Plan some cozy indoor activities for your downtown like board games, movie nights or a good book.

Ready for or more travel reads? Check out our blogs:

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