Preparing for Your First Trip to a Cold Place

Written by Menswear Style
in
Travel

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13th December 2024

Your first trip to a cold place can be surprising. Most people underestimate just how cold certain places on the planet can get, and this results in injuries and even mental health problems. However, you can prepare for what’s ahead so you enjoy your trip instead of hating it.

Use Resources from Your Operator 

When you go venturing into the icy depths of a cold country, you should never really do it alone. As a vacation, you will probably use a tour operator or guide. If you are inexperienced, this is definitely the best thing to do. Companies like Exodus Adventure Travel offer Iceland trips with advice on the website about the culture, walking in Iceland, and information about Icelandic winters. So read up and use any resources available that will help you prepare for the cold.

Trip to a Cold Place Skin Care 

When in an extremely cold place, snow and ice can reflect around 80% of the Sun’s UV rays back onto your face. This can cause issues, so prepare your skin while on a blizzardy trip: 

– Keep your skin moisturized to avoid the effects of dry and cold air. 

– Pack plenty of lip balm to prevent the string UV rays from causing damage. 

– Take face protection to prevent damage to your skin from the wind. 

Basic self-care like this can make a big difference. Just a few lip balms, moisture cream, and a face covering will ensure the worst of the wind, snow, and ice doesn’t ruin your experience. 

Get Yourself Physically Fit 

You might be surprised at how physically demanding a trip to a cold climate really is. With strong winds, extreme snow, and increased temperature regulation, your body can be put through its paces. You will also burn far more calories than usual, even just by walking. Getting yourself physically fit for the trip will make a massive difference. A trip to the Arctic, Iceland, or Russia won’t be as enjoyable if you are physically fighting the weather all the time you are there. 

Mentally Prepare for a Challenge 

Alongside getting physically fit, it is also ideal to mentally prepare. Being in an extreme environment is challenging if you aren’t used to it or have no experience. Even seasoned climbers and hikers can have a hard time in a colder climate if they haven’t prepared themselves. It can be a good idea to read about what to expect and ask experienced people what you can expect. Knowing what can happen and how to deal with it could save your life.

Car Preparation on a Trip to a Cold Place 

You may not be walking everywhere on your trip. Heading north or south for a cold place trip in the car is appealing to some people. However, in the UK alone, a pretty temperate country, there are over 1,200 road accidents related to snow and ice per year. So pack the car! 

Supplies for the vehicle 

Basic winter car supplies can help you out of a bad situation. These include an ice scraper and de-icer, jump start cables, and tire grips for reducing friction when traversing ice and snow. 

Electronic supplies 

Getting caught in a snowstorm or breaking down in a cold place can be a nightmare. Make sure you pack a torch and batteries, an in-car smartphone charger, and a spare smartphone. 

Other essentials you may need 

There are, of course, other supplies that can save your soul. A high-viz jacket and reflectors can help rescue teams spot you. A shovel always comes in handy, and don’t forget food and water.
Taking the car means you have more room for supplies. However, it helps to choose wisely. Packing what you need over what you want is the better way to go, such as emergency stuff. 

Get Yourself Used to the Cold 

Acclimating yourself to the cold is another critical way to prepare for your trip. You don’t have to expose yourself to anything extreme, but it helps get your body used to feeling cold. Cold showers are an ideal way to do this, and they also have health benefits. It will also help you learn how to use any equipment you have and how to handle items while wearing your gear, such as padded gloves. You don’t want to be dropping emergency supplies during a whiteout!

Learn to Use a DSLR Camera 

So, why are you going on the trip in the first place? Colder environments typically have sights you can’t see anywhere else. For example, colder waters are home to whales. You will also get to see the aurora if you are lucky. And woodland creatures like wolves and deer might rear their heads. Do you want to miss that? Buy a starter DSLR such as the Canon Rebel and a 70-300mm lens. And, of course, learn how to take good photos using a DSLR camera. 

Buy Clothing for a Trip to a Cold Place 

You will need the right clothing for your trip as temperatures in cold places like Moscow have been known to reach -42°C! Some of the clothing you might need are as follows:

– Pack clothing you can layer, such as thermals, t-shirts, and sweaters. 

– Buy a high-quality down jacket and enhance it with scarves and gloves. 

– Don’t forget to pack thermal socks and underwear to protect your extremities. 

Thermal insulation is your best friend when venturing into a cold place. This is tight, and traps heat. But looser, thin, and thick layers also help trap more heat as it tries to escape. 

Book a Physical with Your Doctor 

It isn’t easy to go sightseeing in a harsh climate you aren’t used to, whether cold or hot. If you aren’t experienced with this kind of travel, it can shock your body and mind. Therefore, it always helps to book a physical with your doctor for a checkup just to be safe. They may also offer advice for traveling safely and any necessary jabs you might need. Of course, fill any prescriptions you need while you are there, and don’t forget to pack your medication.

Summary 

Using the resources offered by tour operators will help prepare you for a trip to a cold place. If you take your car, then you must also pack the necessary supplies. But before you leave, it can be a good idea to see a doctor for a checkup, get any jabs, and fill any medication prescriptions.