Winter vacations can be a little tricky. While many travelers aim to jet off during the summer months, there are others who wish to chase the sun when chilly temperatures and snow begin to appear at home. This sounds like a good idea to many, but it won’t be as easy as it sounds.
If you have the right knowledge, then things can go much smoother. Fortunately, research can help with this. However, what should you research when you begin making preparations. In this post, you will learn three of the key points to research when planning your winter vacation.
Where’s the Snow (or Sun)? Picking the Perfect Destination
A proactive approach is needed when planning any vacation, even more so when the trip takes place during the winter months. Researching your ideal destination is one key factor. This step allows you to identify the destinations that match your interests, pack appropriately for the weather, and plan for possible issues, such as reduced daylight or weather-related road closures.
During winter, there can be more logistical and safety problems that must be considered. Some countries, like Iceland, for example, will experience very little daylight and extreme blizzards. This can cause travel disruptions, with hazardous driving conditions and frequently cancelled tours. Many people will head to this country with the idea of seeing the Northern Lights, but cloudy conditions are common in winter, meaning worse visibility.
Of course, if you want to avoid expensive and time-consuming journeys, the distance from your home should also be contemplated. No one wants to spend a full day of their vacation flying from one country to the next, especially not when daylight dwindles so quickly. With this in mind, limit the distance you are willing to travel when selecting the perfect destination.
Fortunately, there are numerous online resources for researching destinations. Use forums, social media, and travel blogs to find inspiration, while expert advice can be sought after from official tourism sites. It is advised to define your interests and preferences during this stage to ensure the destination will offer something you enjoy.
Budget, Gear, and Hot Cocoa: Planning the Details That Matter
To ensure your winter vacation is a success, advance planning is essential. Typically, this should begin four to six months before departure, especially if you want to secure the best deal. You might need to start preparations even earlier if traveling during the busy holiday season. The chosen destination, as previously discussed, can also influence this step.
Deciding on your destination and dates early allows you to set a budget. An overall spending limit will help ensure you have enough cash for all potential costs, from accommodations and flights to activities and food. When booking flights and accommodations, it’s a good idea to use price-tracking tools on sites like Google Flights and Kayak. You should also watch for package deals from Jet2Holidays and other providers, as these are often cheaper than booking separately.
Two to three months before your trip takes place is the best time to sort activities and excursions. There will be free activities, local events, and seasonal attractions. You must book any must-do tours in advance; the most popular are likely to fill up quickly. For many winter travelers, Christmas markets are a well-liked bucket list item.
But you should purchase travel insurance at this stage, too. As you will have a better idea of what common problems arise, such as weather delays, and activities you will participate in, you can look for a policy that covers your specific needs. There are other reasons to consider travel insurance, but these will be covered in the next point.
What If Your Flight Gets Cancelled? Preparing for Winter Travel Curveballs
Flights are at a higher risk of cancellation during winter, and this means you absolutely must be prepared. Whether it’s harsh weather, operational issues like aircraft shortages, or increased travel volume, disruptions are not uncommon. However, it might be a surprise to know that snow and ice isn’t the most frequent weather hazard for air travel; thunderstorms take that crown, according to CNN Weather.
Developing plan for this possibility can save you from being stranded and help you recover expenses. A good idea is to choose accommodations and car rentals with free cancellation policies when possible. This minimizes the financial risk if your travel plans are disrupted. Similarly, you should pack an emergency kit in your carry-on that has all of your overnight essentials, like medications, toiletries, and extra clothing.
Although some elements will be refundable if a flight is cancelled, protecting the non-refundable costs is a critical part of your backup plan. This is when travel insurance becomes a must-have. The best travel insurance plans will often cover various aspects of travel, such as emergency medical expenses, interruption, lost baggage, travel delays, and trip cancellation.
To conclude, a winter vacation will differ from trips taken at other times during the year. There is a lot more to consider in terms of safety and logistics, but this post should assist you in making the correct preparations.
