7 Tips for Planning the Perfect Warm Winter Trip

The cold season ranks pretty high as far as vacation vibes go. The pale snow dusts familiar locales with a soft glow. Frosted windows and snowed-in yards. Layers upon layers of warm clothing that make everyone look like a plush toy.  Many childhood memories of Christmas and New Year’s Eve are reminisced through the frosty lens of winter nostalgia. That makes winter the perfect vacation season for a lot of folks.

In theory, anyway. While “Winter Wonderland” is quite the catchy catchphrase,  it’s not exactly wondrous once the temperatures fall to freezing. After a fun snow day, people will still have to go inside and start wondering what to do. It’s hard to improvise activities or ways to spend time in the cold.

That’s why a warm winter trip needs a proper plan. Haphazard vacations may be memorable, but they aren’t going to be comfortable. If you plan, you can save yourself and whoever you’re coming with many headaches. Not to mention, planning out vacations can be fun in its own right. From what to wear to where you’re going, these tips and tricks will benefit the perfect winter vacation.

Tips and Tricks for a Warm Winter Trip

The winter cold has its beauty, but staying warm is simply too cozy (and safe) to ignore. Planning a trip from top to bottom means giving every detail some focus. The following tips and tricks are fundamental to an enjoyable winter vacation that beats the cold.

Wear Warm (and Practical) Clothes

Naturally, warm winter clothes are a must for any vacation trip. It’s not like people will be spending all their time indoors, after all. The biting cold winds won’t be so kind to exposed shins and fingers.  That said, it’s not just about warmth.  Anybody can wear enough layers to make themselves warm in summer, but that may impact mobility.

You can look stylish while staying warm when you wear layered jackets, waterproof boots, thick pants, and nifty scarves. Mix and match to your liking, and take it out for a test walk. If you can spend more than 15 minutes without freezing or moving around without falling over, it’s the perfect outfit.

Another thing to consider is the material of clothing. You could wear layers upon layers of cotton, and all you’ll achieve is looking like the world’s coldest snowman. Flannel and wool are generally considered the best materials for fighting off the cold, so keep those checkered sweaters and polos on hand.

Check the Weather Forecast Regularly

Weather is a tricky thing to predict, but it’s good to keep an eye on it anyway. These days, especially with how advanced weather systems have become, forecasts are more than likely accurate. These allow you ample time to plan without having to worry so much about a backup plan.

Knowing the weather ahead of time will help you prepare better. For example, if heavy snowfall is expected that day but the location’s booked, start packing shovels and extra food just in case. Bring some indoor board games or plan activities that can be enjoyed by the hearth.

Knowledge of weather forecasts also means you can cancel easily if there’s intense weather incoming. Yes, it will feel terrible to cancel plans. However, it’s better to feel sad from the safety of home than stranded in a blizzard far away.  Remember, winter may be beautiful, but it can get quite scary in extreme weather.

Stay Somewhere with Heating

Whatever the weather, the place you’re staying at must have proper heating. Check with the establishment and ask them about their heating situation. More remote locations such as rental log cabins may require a bit more labor to keep warm, especially if they have to find firewood for the hearth.

Some hotels may look cozy, but check those reviews. Even the nicest rooms will feel like the snow queen’s castle if the heating isn’t working.  If it’s a rental home, check all the accommodations, such as kitchens, running warm water, and even the flooring. Cold floors can make even houses with heating much colder than they should be.

Fighting the cold isn’t just about comfort. Prolonged exposure to cold may make some people sick, so this is arguably one of the most important qualities to consider. Don’t cheap out on heating. If an aesthetically nicer place has objectively worse heating than a more modest locale, the modest one wins, every time. Safety should be a priority when planning vacations.

Save Up

Warm winter trips are exciting, but they can get expensive rather quickly. Heating alone can rack up the bill, and preparing those Christmas feasts is costly.  When planning a vacation. It’s always good to have a reliable pool of funds for the trip. Set a realistic budget for each aspect of the trip. For example, transportation can easily be mitigated with proper planning.

Instead of spending gas with multiple cars, just rent a big van or camper. Not only does it give families and friends a chance to bond, but it’s also eco-friendly. Instead of ordering food at the location, bring ingredients and a portable stove. You can control portions and source your ingredients for maximum savings.

In addition to these plans, visualize what you want to happen during the trip. While it’s easy to prepare for obvious needs like food and transportation, there may be other hidden costs you’re not considering. Check if snow-based activities such as sledding or camping require extra funds upon arrival. These preparations can go a long way in ensuring the trip goes smoothly.

Get Moving

Nothing heats the body like some good old-fashioned exercise. Plan physical activities to enjoy at your location, and make sure it fits the vibe. For those staying near a forest clearing, snow-based activities such as snowball fights and snowman building are a must.

If indoors is the preference, then games like charades or a scavenger hunt might be more the party’s speed. For those somewhere particularly fancy, perhaps laps around a warm pool will cure those winter blues. Whatever the case, the important part is to keep moving.

That said, “moving” doesn’t mean tiring yourself out. It’s just as dangerous to overexert yourself in the winter season. Cold sweats could put people at risk of hypothermia. Always ask people if they’re comfortable, and listen to what your body is telling you. If it says take a break, get that warm mug of cocoa and breathe for a bit.

Cook Hot Cuisine

Perhaps more than any season, winter needs a specifically warm series of meals to fully enjoy. The name of the game here is warm, and that means hearty soups, calorie-dense appetizers, and piping hot pastries.  Research the meals your friends and family enjoy, and prepare the needed ingredients.

Here’s a list of quick winter meals that are sure to warm up your core:

• Beef and Vegetable Stew
• Stuffed Baked Potato
• Roast Squash
• Corn Chowder
• Chili con Carne
• Osso Bucco
• Chicken Dumplings
• Cornbread
• Eggnog
• Fruit Pie

In addition to the food, hydration is a must in the cold weather. Hot cocoa and coffee are staples but don’t knock a good cup of tea either. For people who just want pure hydration, make sure the water they drink is warm or at least room temperature. Don’t go too extreme on the temperature, as it may shock your body unnecessarily.

Just Go Somewhere Warm

Alternatively, if you don’t want to worry about the above, just go somewhere warm. The country is vast enough that there are locations that never experience the cold. A warm-weather getaway lets you enjoy the winter season without chilly temperatures getting in the way of your plans.

Some people may think going somewhere warm is “missing the point,” but everybody’s contexts are different. For example, winter vacation may not be the most exciting locale for people living in places where there’s snow all year round. It’s a great way to try out new places while also not having to worry about the cold.

Florida is a state that’s warm all year round, and for people sensitive to temperatures, it’s certainly a location to consider.  South Florida is particularly warm, with temperatures still capable of reaching the average summer warmth. Regardless of where people spend their time, the important thing is they all feel comfortable and safe.

Final Thoughts

Warm winter trips can be some of the most treasured memories you can have. With the right plan, those memories won’t need any asterisks. The right clothes, location, food, and of course, people can make your vacation unforgettable. That said, even the best-laid plans will have some stumbles.

But at the end of the day, you planned as best as you could, and nobody can fault you for that. Vacation is a time for relaxation, and preparation merely minimizes the number of things you ultimately have to worry about. Warm winter vacations are some of the coziest experiences ever, so just keep a close eye on the vibes and things will go smoothly.