Embrace the early winter chill, cruising on a long-distance adventure bike or simply standing against the cold winds on the beach in winter. Undoubtedly, these are experiences that travel enthusiasts cannot afford to miss. Explore right away the fantastic winter travel experiences with Vietnam Travel.
Winter is here, time for a getaway. If you think long-distance journeys are reserved only for the scorching summer or the warm spring, you might have missed out on an incredibly beautiful season for exploration. In some places, winter is the perfect time to embark on a travel adventure. Discover the secrets of winter travel with Vietnam Travel to make the most of this stunning season.
Pocket these incredibly useful tips for traveling in the cold. Photo: Unsplash
Winter Travel Tips – A compilation of invaluable insights for a worthwhile journey
1. Opt for direct flights
Choosing direct flights is a crucial winter travel tip that you shouldn't overlook. Imagine traveling on freezing days, the risk of flight delays due to harsh weather is something you wouldn't want to experience! Not to mention, long layovers might leave you stranded at a third airport, forcing you to find a hotel for an overnight stay, quite a hassle.
Choose direct routes. Photo: Nick Morales
2. Avoid over-packing gifts
In winter, careful packing is essential, but when it comes to gifts, going overboard with layers is not advisable. Security personnel may require you to unwrap and inspect them. The best winter travel tip for such items is to avoid excessive wrapping unless necessary. Opt for compact and easily visible items to save you from unnecessary hassle.
Avoid overstuffing your luggage. Photo: Oleksandr Baiev
3. Not every winter season is suitable for travel
Winter in many places is an ideal time to travel, serene and still beautiful. However, not everywhere is the same. We often think that traveling to European countries during this cold time is logical because people tend to stay indoors. Ironically, it's the opposite as it's the festive season with Christmas and Thanksgiving. It's best to avoid this period. Explore coastal areas in the country like Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, or Binh Thuan instead.
Not every winter season is suitable for travel. Photo: Unsplash
4. Carry tissue, newspapers, lip balm, and more
Note when traveling in winter, you'll need more items than in summer. Simply because of the cold weather, you need to stay warm and keep your body moisturized. Don't forget to bring tissue or a few newspapers to dry your belongings or absorb moisture for your shoes. For ladies, carrying a moisturizing cream or lip balm is crucial, as no one wants chapped lips to the point of not being able to eat anything, right?
Bring along moisturizing essentials. Photo: sara scarpa
5. Consider renting specialized equipment
If you're planning a winter skiing trip, pay attention to specialized equipment for skiing. You can easily rent them at skiing locations, commonly available at affordable prices. While bringing your own specialized gear may save you some costs, it can be cumbersome and require extra effort, considering the distance you have to cover. Take note of these tips for winter travel.
Specialized equipment is crucial. Photo: Matthieu petiard
6. Boost immune system during winter travel
Whether you're traveling in winter by plane, train, or car, remember to wash your hands frequently to prevent illness. The air on planes contains more bacteria than regular air and can increase the risk of getting sick. To be prepared in case your destination lacks soap, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer. A few days before the trip, consider taking supplements like vitamin C, vitamin B, and probiotics. These are essential practices for winter travel.
Regular handwashing and increased use of saline water. Photo: Austin Kehmeier
7. Considerations when choosing your mode of transportation
Winter travel tips also highlight the choice of transportation. There are three main types commonly used: Cars, trains, and motorcycles. Among them, motorcycles are favored by many young people for their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and ease of stopping for photos along the way. However, in the harsh winter of the North with deep cold, dense fog, and even ice or snow, traveling long distances on a motorcycle poses significant risks. To ensure safety, it's advisable to choose cars and trains. If traveling close to Tet or during holidays, booking train or bus tickets in advance is recommended to secure your seat.
Motorcycles are a popular means of adventure travel, but don't forget to prioritize safety. Photo: Raph ravi kayden
8. Rest is crucial during a journey
It may sound strange, but taking breaks during travel is essential. Sometimes, we get caught up in packed itineraries and forget the importance of self-care and the main purpose of the trip, which is to rest and relax. Without clearly defining the time for exploration and rest, fatigue is inevitable. Additionally, a winter travel tip for everyone is to carry electrolyte water and supplements when engaging in physical activities.
Regardless of the type of travel, don't forget about relaxation and self-care. Photo: Yuliya pankevich
9. Choose appropriate attire for winter travel
In addition to thick winter coats, this article suggests and advises you to always bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf. These are all body parts susceptible to the cold, so be cautious. Furthermore, when traveling in winter, women should avoid wearing excessively short skirts. It's recommended to opt for dark-colored clothing and fabrics with good heat retention to avoid getting cold.
Selecting suitable attire. Photo: Zoe
10. Considerations when choosing winter foods
Winter travel experience tips for an unforgettable journey emphasize not overlooking dietary concerns. Exploring and savoring local specialties in a new region is understandable. However, you must select easily digestible dishes, avoiding raw foods to prevent poisoning or diarrhea. Prioritize hot-flavored foods. Adding a bit of chili, garlic, or pepper not only makes the food more digestible but also helps increase your body temperature.
Hot and warm food is suitable for winter trips. Photo: Peijia li
11. Don't get lost when mountain climbing in winter
If you're not quite enchanted with popular beach destinations like Da Nang, Phu Quoc, or Nha Trang, try new places like Ba Den Mountain, Fansipan, or the summit of Yen Tu. However, one thing you must remember is never to mountain climb alone. Go with small groups and take care of each other. You never know what might happen when lost in a remote area, encountering an unexpected situation. Besides, exploring mountains and forests with a small group is undoubtedly more exciting than going alone, isn't it?
Climb mountains if you're with a group. Photo: Unsplash
12. Start early and finish early
In winter, daylight hours are often shorter, meaning it gets dark faster. Therefore, tourist destinations will have limited visiting hours, and your experiences should start earlier. Utilize the limited daylight to explore and have fun during the day. Reserve the remaining evening hours for rest and gentle activities. This is definitely one of the useful winter travel tips.
Start and finish earlier for a fully immersive journey. Photo: Unsplash
13. Protect your eyes carefully in winter
If you think sunglasses are only for summer, it seems like you haven't heard. In winter, despite colder weather and no scorching sun like in summer, the UV frequency and intense glare are much higher. These factors have a negative impact on your eyes and pose a high risk of damage. Therefore, when traveling in winter, remember to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Don't forget to protect your eyes. Photo: Unsplash
14. Personal medication bags are always essential
Finally, whether traveling far or near, for an extended period or just a day, personal medication bags are indispensable. Cold medicine, digestive aids, personal bandages, etc., are simple medications that you can carry anytime. Especially in the chilly weather, saline nasal spray for ear, nose, and throat hygiene is essential. Keep these winter travel tips in mind for a smooth journey.
Personal medication bags are crucial. Photo: Unsplash
Traveling in winter is something many people want to experience. Without the heat and discomfort of summer, winter is the ideal time for travelers to fully enjoy the beauty of different regions. So, don't hesitate to plan a winter trip for yourself. And don't forget to 'pack' the winter travel tips above for a carefree exploration and enjoyment of your journey. Winter is here, let's travel!
Mai Anh
As reported by the Vietnam Sports Newspaper
Posted by: Nguyen Thai Son
Keywords: Winter is here, grab these cold-weather travel tips now