Although travel and holidays are more commonly referred to as being summer activities, why shouldn’t you have the freedom to get out, see the sights and explore the world whenever you like?
Of course, this doesn’t just mean going on grand road trips and jetting off to exotic destinations. Sometimes, just a walk around a local park or a trip to the city can make for just as exciting ways to travel, as well as being both kid-friendly and budget-friendly, too.
However, travelling in winter does bring a whole new range of things to consider and different eventualities to prepare for. Pack the swimming costumes, sunglasses and sun lotion away for any year and instead, dig out your warmest clothes and sturdiest shoes. Exploring in winter is a whole different experience, but if you are fully prepared, it can provide just as much fun and excitement as your annual family summer holiday.
If you are planning on a winter getaway or just a day out, here are some top tips to help you stay happy, safe and comfortable wherever you decide to go!
Planning
Get prepared and ready for your getaway by making sure to do plenty of research and planning before you travel. Of course, this is much more important for holidays and stays, but it is always advisable to do some research even if you’re just heading off for a day out. Make sure that you know your route and how to get there (though bringing a map or sat-nav is also a good idea in case of any issues) and that you are aware of local places to stay, places to eat and any attractions you want to visit during your stay. Don’t forget to check opening and closing times, too, as these tend to be much shorter than during the peak season in summer. It’s best to avoid peak times to prevent road accidents.
Highway safety is a major concern on family road trips, especially in winter when snow and ice can make driving conditions especially treacherous. With the arrival of the winter holidays comes sometimes treacherous — rainy, icy, snowy — driving conditions. Driving slowly and maintaining plenty of room between you and the next car is the easiest way to avoid accidents and a visit to a semi truck repair shop. We all want to get to our destination faster but that extra 30 minutes could save your life. In bad weather, allow for three-to-12 times more stopping distance depending on the size of your vehicle. Also, be vigilante of sledders while in neighborhoods. Children often lose control and slide right into the street.
Attire
Wrap up warm and don’t forget to bring plenty of spare clothing for the little ones in case of accidents or weather-related incidents! Plenty of jumpers, waterproofs and sensible shoes are a must, though gloves and a hat and scarf are also sensible. Shop for incredibly warm ladies handknit Aran sweaters in a range of modern styles. In addition, if you’re planning to visit indoor attractions, lots of layers are good as you can then take a few off while you’re inside to avoid overheating.
Doing Good
Granted, this one isn’t an essential per se, but isn’t it nice to do something kind for someone else? With eco-friendliness and green travel consistently on the rise, now is the perfect time to try and make sure that you do some good while you’re out exploring the world. From reducing your carbon footprint by taking public transport to donating to a local charity or good cause in the area you’re travelling to, there are plenty of ways in which you can contribute. If you are travelling abroad, why not provide a real heartfelt gesture and sponsor an orphan overseas?
Kids
Travelling with the kids needn’t be a nightmare – if you make sure that everything you need is packed and you’re ready to stave off the endless questions and complaints, it can be a perfect way to spend some time together as a family and let the little ones run off some steam. If the journey is a particularly long one, make sure to come up with some in-car entertainment ideas to keep them busy. Similarly, it’s always better to come over prepared than under prepared when it comes to the kids, so don’t be wary of bringing something that you might just need later on.
Wherever you decide to go this winter, make sure that you are fully prepared and free of worries. By following these top tips, your seasonal getaway, weekend break or simple day out is sure to go smoothly and run without a hitch!
[…] If it’s an international flight, make sure to dress in comfortable clothes because planes have minimal space in their storage compartments. It would help if you also considered the destination’s season. Of course, you will have to dress warmly if it is during winter. […]