Travelling during the cold weather

Travelling for vacations during the cold and rainy weather may not always sound like a great idea but you can still enjoy your trip if you take a few precautions and plan well. Some people actually thrive on this kind of weather. Here are a few tips on how you can enjoy an outing or vacation even under the harshest of conditions.

1. Dress appropriately: Start by making sure you are dressed for the climate. An insulated, hooded coat is a must. Buy something that doesn’t absorb moisture. You are also going to need strong, waterproof boots, the lighter the better so you can easily walk in them. Try them on with a good, thick pair of socks to ensure they fit well as you will most likely be wearing the shoes with them. Break the shoes before your journey — the last thing you want is the misery of blisters during the outing or vacation. Also carry thermal underwear, sweaters, t-shirts, heavy trousers and some good gloves to deal with the chilly destination.

2. Warm foods: Pack foods that will help you keep warm. Avoid cold drinks. Carry food that will help generate heat. Stews are not the best to pack as they need reheating and are messy to carry around. Any activity in the cold burns up calories at a rapid rate so carry plenty of snacks and warm drinks (preferably caffeine-free and non-alcoholic) in thermos flasks. Make sure the foods are well balanced with plenty of carbohydrates and protein for energy. Should you get dehydrated, sip (don’t gulp) the warm drinks. This will hit the spot.

3. Exercise caution: However many layers you put on, the cold may eventually get to you. Once you start feeling the cold temperature, go back inside and warm up. Be careful though. When you come in from the cold, don’t raise the temperatures of your room until they are raging hot. Warm up gradually as this is much better for the body. Ensure your room is well insulated such that it retains heat during the night. Dry yourself completely before going outside. Do not put on wet clothing or boots as your body will freeze and leave you feeling uncomfortable.

4. Always be prepared: Being in the cold does pose risks for exposure. Keep a close eye especially on children if they have accompanied you. If you notice any of them showing signs of a cold or flu, take them indoors. Always treat a cold with respect. If you take it lightly, it can turn around and bite you hard! Take some medication or see a doctor should the cold get worse. Keep warm. A healthy dose of common sense and care will ensure you survive a cold, chilly and/or rainy weather even when on vacation, and you may actually end up enjoying it!

By Njeri Wachira