Mike Johnston
Winter draws ever near, and once again, people will get split into two distinct groups: those who love admiring the winter colors from the comfort of their toasty living room, and those of us who revel at the idea of going on an active outdoor holiday. If you’re a part of the latter group, then there’s no denying that this is the most exciting part of the year for you, as you’re starting to put your travel plans together and beginning to organize yourself a truly unique escapade.
But before you set sail or book your flights and mountainside cottages, you’ll have to make all of the necessary preparations to ensure you have a fun and rewarding holiday experience, while at the same time ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones at all times. With that in mind, here are the five great tips you need to follow for an active outdoor vacation this winter.
Find the best adventure spots
In the movies, people just spin a globe and decide to go wherever their finger lands on the map. Two problems with this: number one, who the heck owns a globe? And number two, there’s a disproportionately high possibility that your finger is going to land in the middle of the ocean. So that’s a bad way to plan your trip, but a good way would be to go online and start researching the destinations according to your interests and budget.
Nowadays, you can find amazing deals for all budget sizes, and you will still be able to enjoy a room with a view and the finest slopes if you’re headed skiing or boarding, for example. The same goes for any other winter activity, you just need to put the hours in and scour the web – the results will be well worth the effort!
Plan your routes and accommodation
Here’s a common problem with adventure travel during winter that people tend to gloss over or even forget about completely – the destination might be difficult to reach. Look, it’s winter, the roads are probably covered in snow, who knows what kind of dirt roads you will have to take to get to your cabin in the woods or your accommodation whatever it may be, and the last thing you want to happen is for you to get snowed in somewhere or to have to cancel your booking altogether.
Instead, you need to plan your routes carefully and choose travel packages and accommodation wisely. If you’re driving there or going on a road trip, then make sure to have more than one possible route to your destination, but ideally, you will have someone pick you up at the airport or the bus stop and take you to your accommodation. And speaking of accommodation, always remember to ask what’s included. If it’s a resort somewhere in the mountains, then bring only your clothes, tech, and other necessities. However, if it’s a secluded cottage, then you’ll have to bring food and lots of other provisions.
Bring the necessary winter gear
It should go without saying that you need special gear and equipment for an outdoor winter vacation. The weather can be harsh and the terrain can be unforgiving, but that doesn’t mean that you should let Mother Nature have her way with you. Instead, you have to know exactly what kind of gear you have to bring on your trip.
For fishing aficionados who want to go fishing on frozen lakes, it’s important that you bring a sturdy fishing rod that can withstand the elements and survive anything, and the same goes for any other type of activity you plan to enjoy in the wilderness. If you’re going snowboarding, then you know how important it is to buy protective clothing with pads and cushions to protect you from nasty falls, so be sure to list your activities and then list the necessary gear you have to bring.
Stay dry and safe at all times
Another key consideration you have to keep in mind is that you need to stay dry and that you need to stay safe. Winter in the great outdoors can be quite unforgiving, so make sure to bring adequate clothing to stay warm and dry, and bring plenty of spare undergarments to change them throughout the day. Even though you might want to save money on your trip as much as possible, be sure to invest in some survival gear as well, just in case.
Mind your hydration and nutrition
And finally, remember to stay hydrated and to fuel up your body with healthy food throughout your adventure. There’s nothing worse than having to fight dehydration or a rumbling belly when you’re exploring the great outdoors, so be sure to keep your energy levels up by eating at regular intervals – the food will also make you feel warmer inside.
Wrapping up
Wintertime can be the most exciting season of the year, but only if you know which type of traveler you are and are honest with yourself. If you want to sip on hot cocoa and watch the snowfall through the window, then don’t try to be the adventurer if you don’t feel like it. On the other hand, if you’re one of those outdoorsy types who can’t wait to hit the slopes or explore the snow-laden woods, then be sure to keep these tips in mind in order to organize yourself a winter adventure of a lifetime.
