Let’s face it. Travelling can be extremely taxing, especially during the winter season when school is out, and everyone is headed for a holiday at the end of the year. Airports are crowded, flights are booked out, and snowy conditions can affect your schedules. While environmental conditions are out of your control, you can take steps to guarantee a smooth-sailing winter holiday for you and your travel companions.
In this article, we look at some measures you can take before you head off for your much-anticipated winter vacation. Taking the extra time and effort to do these steps can help you avoid getting into sticky situations that are sure to dampen your mood.
1. Pack outfits suitable for the weather
As you know what they say, preparation is key, and this advice cannot be more important when it comes to travelling. While you are packing your holiday clothes, make sure to check the weather forecast of the destination you are visiting. This allows you to narrow down and curate a collection of practical clothing pieces that keep you warm and comfortable during your trip. Different activities also warrant different types of winter wear. For example, for a skiing trip, you should purchase thermal wear and essential ski accessories, such as helmets and goggles.
Keep in mind that at the end of the day, comfort should always be prioritised over fashion, though you can look up geotags on social media channels to get a better idea of what people are wearing at your destination.
2. Book in advance
We cannot stress this point enough. Since many people travel during this period, most tourist attractions are sure to be packed. Popular restaurants may also be fully reserved up to the end of the year. As such, to avoid disappointment and ensure that you experience the attractions and activities you are looking forward to, do book ahead by a few weeks or even a month before your planned holiday. If you are heading to a ski resort, booking a room and any of its amenities is unquestionably a necessity, as winter is its busiest season.
3. Stay updated on your flight information
As mentioned above, flight delays, cancellations, and changes are extremely common during the winter season due to the weather. This is why it is important to stay updated on your flight information and to constantly check for any changes to better prepare for your trip. You do not want to miss your flight or even arrive at the airport too early.
4. Consider taking a train
For those who are planning to take an interstate trip, consider opting for a train rather than an internal flight to get to various cities or towns. This is because a train journey allows you to glimpse other parts of the country. Therefore, you are getting more of your time and money’s worth. Japan, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Northeast United States are known for their train services, which can take you around the country while heading to your destination.
However, we recommend checking the train’s rules and regulations, especially for baggage allowance, so that you can bring your luggage and carry-ons with you.
5. Be covered by insurance
Another vital factor that many travellers need to pay more attention to is taking out insurance. Let’s say you or your travel companion were to get into an accident or medical emergency. You want to make sure you are insured with the appropriate coverage to stay safe and healthy. You can choose from a variety of private insurance that takes care of most aspects of your trip, from accommodations and flight changes to medical costs and accident care. For those participating in winter activities, you can protect yourself with winter sports coverage.
Conclusion
Staying safe should always be your priority when heading for a winter holiday. While popular winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, are the highlight of a winter trip, such activities can be dangerous and cause injuries that will prevent you from fully enjoying your trip. Besides being insured, it is advisable to research medical evacuation services to best prepare for a possible emergency.
This is where EMA Global comes in, providing services in air ambulance in Singapore and around Asia. With an experienced team with many years of knowledge in medical transport and repatriation efforts, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.
