Travelling in cold countries is different from visiting warmer places in many ways.
Many people dream about sun, sea and sand when they think about their travels, but actually traveling to cold countries can be a great adventure too. The chilly air, snowy landscapes and unique experiences make it different from visiting warm places and really add to your experiences as someone that likes to travel. Here’s what you need to know.
Packing for cold weather
When you’re packing for a trip to a cold country, wearing layers is key. Start with a good base layer like thermal shirts and leggings, which keeps you warm by trapping heat close to your body. Next, add an insulating layer like fleece or wool as these materials are excellent at holding warmth. Finally, wear a waterproof and windproof jacket to protect yourself from the cold wind and snow. It’s also important to have warm hats, gloves, and scarves to keep your head and neck cozy since we naturally lose a lot of heat from these areas. Thick, warm socks made of wool or synthetic materials help keep moisture away and heated foot warmers wont go amiss either. Wearing the right footwear makes a big difference in your comfort while exploring too. For these reasons, it can be harder to ‘travel light’ when you’re going somewhere cold since all of your clothing and items are much bigger. It might mean that you cant get away with just cabin bags and have to pay to travel with a checked suitcase too.
The benefits of cold weather travel
Travelling in cold countries offers a whole load of benefits. The beauty of snow covered landscapes really is breathtaking and offers a different kind of peace to wha you might find at the beach. You can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, which aren’t available in warmer climates. Many cold destinations have cozy cabins, hot springs, and charming towns that are perfect for relaxation and exploration as well. Cold weather also often means fewer crowds at popular tourist spots, this can make for a more enjoyable experience as you can take your time to explore without feeling rushed. Plus, many winter festivals and events happen during the colder months, offering unique cultural experiences that you might miss in other seasons. The people, the culture and the overall vibe of the place is much different to what you’d find in typical places people travel to when they’re sun seeking!
How cold travel differs from typical travel
Travelling in cold countries is different from visiting warmer places in many ways. The pace of life can feel slower, which can really allow you to appreciate your surroundings more. While summer trips often focus on outdoor activities and sightseeing, cold weather travel might encourage you to enjoy indoor attractions like museums, galleries and local cuisine. Food experiences also change in cold weather with many traditional dishes being hearty and warming, perfect for the chilly climate. You may find yourself trying rich stews, warm pastries, and hot drinks that comfort you after a long day outdoors.
Travel is an opportunity to discover more of the world, and when you only travel to hot places you get a skewed and one sided view. Even if you dont think you like cold weather, travel to a place that’s not your typical beach destination and chances are you’ll love it!