When your body is used to a specific type of climate, it can be physically taxing when you travel to a place where the weather is significantly different from what you’re used to. That said, how can you enjoy your trip to a cold destination if you’re not used to the freezing temperatures at all?
Don’t spend the whole trip complaining about the cold. Before your much-awaited vacation, here’s how you can prepare for cold weather:
1. Pack warm clothes
This is a bit of a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how many people underestimate the temperatures in cold countries. When we say pack warm clothes, we don’t just mean packing your thickest sweaters and Spyder jacket. What we mean is packing clothes similar to the ones that the locals wear in the place you’re going. They should be thick, warm, and wind-proof.
So what do you need to pack for a trip to a cold destination? Here are clothes you should start with:
- Base layers (tank tops, camisoles, undershirts)
- Presentation layers (tunics, sweaters, cardigans)
- Jacket
- Coat
- Bottoms (jeans, leggings, pants)
2. Don’t forget the accessories
For parts of your body that your clothes can’t cover, use warm accessories to keep yourself toasty:
- Scarves
- Hats
- Gloves
- Earmuffs
- Socks
- Tights
3. Invest in great footwear
If you live in a warm country, you probably won’t have a pair of shoes made for cold weather yet. And no, those pair of gym shoes aren’t enough.
Your feet are the farthest from your heart, which means they get colder than other parts of your body. Keep your feet from becoming icicles by investing in a good pair of insulated winter boots. Since boots are generally heavy, it is wise to bring only two types: tall boots and ankle boots, both in colors that are easy to match with your other clothes.
4. Moisturize
Cold and frigid air can cause dry skin and lips, primarily if your body is not used to cold weather at all. That said, it’s a good idea to moisturize your skin before and after your flight, as well as keep a tube of lip balm handy to prevent your lips from drying out. If you are prone to dry eyes, don’t forget to buy a bottle of eye drops for the trip, too.
5. Know your limits
Before you arrive at your destination, you might think that you are entirely ready for the cold. However, weather can be unpredictable, and even if you start strong when you first arrive, you might end up feeling too cold for comfort when the temperature drops even further.
Don’t push your body to withstand extreme temperatures that it is not used to. If you start feeling too cold, go back indoors to warm up or pack on more layers onto your body.
6. Bring a heat pack
A heat pack can help keep your hands warm, reduce stiffness in your fingers, and relieve muscle pain caused by the cold. Also, it can be used to maintain the normal temperature of your gadgets and keep their batteries from draining faster, which is something that can happen in freezing temperatures.
7. Don’t overexert yourself
Lower temperatures force your heart to work harder to keep up with your body’s demands to stay warm. If you overexert yourself, you might exacerbate existing heart conditions or cause fatigue, at the very least.
If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, ask your doctor about the level of activity you should limit yourself to when traveling in a cold country. Even if you want to complete all the activities on your itinerary, remember to stay within your limits and keep your heart safe.
8. Drink plenty of water
When you don’t drink enough water, your body might feel even colder. In freezing weather, dehydration can even cause hypothermia.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated, more if you do any strenuous physical activity. At the same time, avoid drinks that can increase urination, such as caffeine and alcohol.
For someone who is used to warm climates, traveling to a cold country can be thoroughly exciting. However, bear in mind that you might experience trouble adjusting to the new environment when you first arrive. But with ample preparation, you can make the most of your trip without putting your safety, health, and comfort at risk.