It’s that time of the year where a few brave (or strange) souls decide to leave the heat of Saffa festive and decide to travel to the cold.
Image: Miriam Kimvangu
I was one of those and compiled a list of things you need to know before you travel from one extreme to another.
Rule one: Master the art of layering
One giant jacket will not save you. Layers will. Start with a thermal base layer that keeps moisture away from your skin. The biggest key to not freezing is making sure that no air can enter. It doesn’t mean you need to wear airtight outerwear, but at the very least, your layers need to be “air-proof”. Add a warm middle layer like fleece or lightweight down, or if you’re in the Nordic cold, wool will serve you better. Thick layers don’t immediately equal warmth. A good thin wool is the best way to survive the cold without sacrificing. Finish with a windproof and waterproof outer shell. The beauty of layering is flexibility. Museums are heated like saunas, streets feel like freezers, and public transport sits somewhere in between. Peel off and put back on as required.
Rule two: Your shoes can make or break the trip
Cold feet ruin moods faster than delayed flights. Waterproof, insulated boots with decent grip are non-negotiable. Snow and icy pavements turn regular sneakers into liability footwear. Wool socks add warmth without bulk, and packing an extra pair in your day bag is a small luxury that feels like genius by mid-afternoon. If you’re lucky enough, you may find yourself in a country where you can buy removal spikes.
Rule three: Accessories are not accessories. They are survival tools.
A beanie keeps heat from escaping your head. Gloves stop your fingers from turning into useless frozen sticks. A scarf protects your neck and traps warmth. Touchscreen gloves save you from having to expose skin every time you check directions or take photos. Find lightweight gloves with a fleece-lining for maximum comfort. You do not need thick snow gloves to go to the store. Sunglasses are also surprisingly important when sunlight reflects aggressively off snow.
Rule four: Choose accommodation like a winter strategist.
Heating matters. Hot showers matter. Thick blankets matter. Read reviews carefully and confirm heating if you are heading somewhere truly cold. Self-catering places score bonus points for letting you make hot breakfasts and late-night comfort meals without braving icy streets again.
Rule five: Plan your days around warmth breaks.
Winter daylight is short and energy disappears faster in cold air. Start earlier, schedule café stops, duck into museums and treat hot drinks as part of the itinerary rather than an indulgence. Keep drinking water even when you do not feel thirsty. Cold air dries you out quietly.
Rule six: Pack smarter, not heavier.
Thermals take up little space and can be reworn. Bulky jerseys eat suitcase space and limit flexibility. A compact backpack for extra layers, gloves and snacks makes long exploring days much more comfortable.
Final rule: Embrace the season.
Winter travel delivers a sense of novelty that summer destinations cannot replicate. Once you stop fighting the cold and start dressing for it, the experience becomes part of the adventure rather than the enemy. Additionally, don’t forget that it is actually okay to be a tourist and look like one. Unless you’re planning to stay there long-term, it doesn’t matter if you look out of place while keeping warm. You’re there to enjoy the trip. You don’t want to get sick while doing it.
You may still complain occasionally. That is allowed. Just make sure you are warm while doing it.
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