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Travel Mug Podcast
Tips for Traveling in Winter - What to Pack, How to Stay Warm & Safe
Travelling to a wintry and snowy destination? We have tips for you! We share packing tips for winter weather, what to look for when renting a car, and extra things you may not consider if you're not used to cold weather!
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We are travel enthusiasts who do not claim to be professionals! Instead, we are two Halifax, NS natives with travel blogs who somehow found one another on the internet, and now, we have a podcast!!
Join us every week as we talk about our favourite destinations, travel tips, travel fails, and all things travel!
We have a big passion for travelling and talking about travel, so we hope you will listen and join the conversation.
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Disclaimer: All episodes are based on our opinions and experiences. Always do your research and make travel plans based on your budget and comfort levels.
Hey everyone and welcome back to the Travel Mug Podcast. So if you didn't know, we are Canadian, we are Canadians. So as Canadians, we feel like we're like probably experts in dealing with cold and snowy weather since we've been doing it-- and Meggan and I did the math-- for a combined 84 years. I Uh, to mention, lucky you, I take up a large majority of those 84 years, but it is true. It is true. no, and then like as soon as I did that math, I was like, all I heard was the, it's been 84 years quote from the Titanic. We're not quite that old yet, thankfully. No. Uh, so anyway, we know that not everyone is used to dealing with the cold and the snow. And I am currently planning and not packing yet.'cause, you know, I'm gonna do that the day before, day of but, or, uh, yeah, probably the day of, um, my late November adventure to Toronto. So I thought we could chat about what to pack and like how to stay warm when traveling to a cold place and some like general winter trip planning tips. So Meggan, let's start off with like, what is cold weather? What's considered cold weather? You know? All righty. Well, I'm gonna put on my meteorological hat. I don't think I said that Thank you. that's what I'm gonna do. Um, and I really, I think this episode's good timing as we move into this season, at least for the Northern Hemisphere. So I think this is really good timing. Yeah, cold weather is terrible. Like how do you, and I know like, don't get me wrong, winter itself can be beautiful. I love nothing more than a snowfall without wind. The quiet that it brings and how everything in the world like feels like it's standing still. Like winter does truly have its moments. However. Winter is different from cold weather, and cold weather can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it can also be very dangerous and you should know what cold means and ensure that you are safe and able to protect yourself from it. So let's review some terms you should be familiar with. Get out to your pens and papers if, unless you're, unless you're, uh, not old, like us and you just take out your phone, make a couple notes. So windchill, it is the combined cooling effect of wind and temperature. They are a terrible combination in my opinion. True. worst, uh, frostbite, also not great. Um, it is the freezing of the skin and the body tissue that's just below the layer of skin. So this can happen when temperatures fall below -15 Celsius and five Fahrenheit, and in a situation with windchill of minus 16.6 Fahrenheit, or minus 27 Celsius, which does happen, Hmm. frostbite can occur to exposed skin within 30 minutes. Yeah, that's fast. Yes. Now we aren't reviewing these to scare you, but instead just make you aware that cold can be serious business and you should respect it. To protect yourself, the best idea in really cold conditions is what we do. We just try to stay inside as much as possible. Do not leave the home if you don't need to, but if you do have to go out, check on the conditions. Beforehand and prepare for them and how you dress, and especially if you have to travel by vehicle. If possible. You need to ensure that your car has a safety kit, which should include blankets, more warm clothing, a window scraper, a flashlight, non-perishable food, a phone charger and a first aid kit. We understand these may not be available to you while on vacation, but take with you what you can to be prepared and safe that you do have, which I would assume could be another layer of warm clothing, um, some non-perishable food you could just get at the grocery store and a phone charger. At the very least, just do Mm-hmm. but understand these could be some of the items you need while you're out and about in really cold weather. Yeah. My least favorite topic is, uh, what clothing to pack for really any occasion. But Jenn, for really cold weather, I'd love for you to sort of walk us through and me as well, um, what might be some good ideas for packing for cold weather? Yes. Okay. So dressing for cold weather is all about the layers. You gotta layer it on. You need to be able to mix and match your clothing depending on what you're doing and the weather.'cause sometimes it's like not cold enough to need all of your layers, but then sometimes the next day it is cold enough to need all of your layers. So on the top. I would start with base layers. Honestly, like regular t-shirts are what I normally pack and wear in the winter, but if you plan to be outside a lot or you're going somewhere like really cold, you might wanna consider thermal base layers. So they're built to keep you warm and wick sweat away. Uh, then you're gonna need another layer and so many layers. Trust me. I have a fleece sweater that I really like and it has like a really high neck, so it keeps my neck really warm. Uh, I really like that. And if the temperature's not too cold, or wet. I wear this as an outer layer. Uh, like for instance, I went for a walk yesterday and it was like, I think nine degrees Celsius, and that's what I wore as my outer layer. So on the bottom, if uh, the weather isn't too chilly or wet, again, you can just wear pants like jeans. Um, but you can also find fleece lined pants, uh, waterproof or water resistant pants. Waterproof and water resistant are not the same thing, just so you know, That is so true. made that mistake before. Been down that road. Yes. and those will help keep you warm and dry, dry ish if it's just water resistant. Um, I've also worn like just regular leggings under jeans to help me stay warm. That is an option There's nothing worse I. than, okay. There's something worse. Okay, let me back up now in the cold. It is terrible when you have like numb legs because you didn't properly plan and you like reach down and like smack your own leg and it doesn't even feel like it's your own, like nobody wants that sensation. These are, these are very important things like layering on the bottom can also be key if you don't have like the, the water resistant or waterproof or whatnot, but it's really important to keep, the legs are big, so it's a big Yeah. body, so it's key. For sure. So let's go down to footwear. So you might, you might get away with wearing sneakers, but I probably wouldn't suggest it, especially if there's snow on the ground. So. You know, your feet will probably be cold and they will probably get wet if your shoes are not water resistant. So a good pair of snow boots is a decent idea since they're typically waterproof and have good grip on snow and ice. I usually wear my blunt stones. I have like dressier, like Chelsea boots. Blundstones. I don't Oh, no. stones. Blunt stones. Well, fine. I typically wear my blunt stones. All right, Meggan. Geez. Brand conscious. I know. All right. I also have like, , leather dressier, like riding style boots that I wear, uh, sometimes in the winter or I have, winter hiking boots that I wear in winter weather that I packed for my Yukon Adventure back in, uh, the spring of 2025. So you also want some warm socks, likely, uh, Marino wool. I wrote Warno wool. She's Nice job. no wait. You're gonna wear your warno wool socks with your blunt stones. I think you're Yeah, for the winter season. can't wait for you guys to see it. Um, Me too. I know. So outerwear. Very important layer. Oh, the most stressful Very, very Really? It is. So depending on, you know, if you live somewhere where you don't own a winter, like a real winter coat, you might be like iffy on whether or not you should buy one. But if you're coming somewhere in the winter where it's going to be wet and cold and probably snowy, you want a winter coat like 100%. If the. I would say like personally, if the temperature's gonna be below, like what do you think Meggan? Like seven degrees Celsius, like buy a winter coat, you're gonna thank yourself. Um, definitely look for one that is wind or water. Wind and water resistant has a thick lining. I like one that goes over my hips and like down my leg a little bit just to like help keep you a little bit more warm. I'd like to say however. That I know it's trendy, but I do feel though, unless you are like going to the northern parts of Canada, I really don't feel like Canada Goose coat is necessary a. Ouch for the geese, but B, it just seems like a little bit of overkill for me. Like I see people put those on in like minus two degrees and I like chuckle, so I think, and they're expensive, so Yeah. think you should necessarily invest in that. But there's other great brands out there, do your research. But I do think, you know, if you're thinking Canada Goose and you don't normally need a winter jacket, I don't think you should buy one. That's just my opinion No. No, and I have a Columbia winter jacket. From junior high school Oh my goodness. and I, I mean, I don't wear it as my regular winter jacket because it does stop at the hips and doesn't go lower. And I mean, being that it's from like 2004, it's not the most stylish, but I do wear it to like shovel the driveway. So she's still going. But also the fact that she can still fit into her junior high coat. That is Oh wow. brag If I It was, uh, it was big on me in junior high. Just to be clear. it's impressive. I color me impressed, regardless. So you'll also need a hat, scarf, mittens, or gloves or both. Uh, make sure you like these 'cause they're gonna be in a lot of your photos. Like, Yes. just make sure that you like the look of it with your winter coat and the hat, and the mitts, and the gloves because. You're just gonna, you're gonna see a lot of them. I personally prefer mittens. I don't know about you. They are like a bit more annoying to take on and off to like use your phone, but like, they keep your hands together, all your fingers stay together. When my digits are separated, they get so cold. Yes. Yes. do I, me at no. hats as well, which we here in Canada called touques, hats, Mm-hmm. them. I have curly hair, so I have a battle with the touque, because hair is a pain in the butt. So putting one on flattens my whole head. So I Mm-hmm. mention to other curly haired people out there that you can actually get ones with silk lining on Mm-hmm. and they. Still flatten a little bit, but it's better. So if you're worried about that, hats are super, super important. So that could be something you could, uh, check out as well. It has been a good investment for me and it wasn't that much more money. Mm-hmm. Very good point. Okay, so some other items to pack. Sunscreen because yes, you can still get sunburnt in the winter, so a little face sunscreen goes a long way. Sunglasses, snow is so reflective, you are gonna want some sunglasses. I have forgotten them before and it sucks, and I've had to go buy them while we were traveling Snow blindness and it's snow. real. For real. Yeah. Uh, lip chap, very important. Cold weather is often dry, so you're gonna want that lip chap, especially if it's windy. Uh, optional hand warmers. These are like little chemical heat packs that you like shake to activate them, and you can stick them in your mittens and they can help keep your hands warm. I haven't used these in forever, but we used to pack these going to the rink to watch hockey games. Yes. Yes. They were, they were game changer. I mean, lastly, a travel mug.'cause you know, it is the Travel Mug podcast. You know, we love a travel mug, uh, pack one that keeps drinks warm for a while, something like a Yeti that you can carry around with you and even just have like hot water and lemon just to help keep you warm and hydrated. Yes, those are very, very good tips. I do have to say having gone to Iceland a couple times and no it wasn't winter, but still it was very unpredictable weather. I think packing for colder weather is harder. Because it takes up more room. You have to be very strategic because you're gonna probably have to wear that winter coat and the winter boots on the plane to save the room from your suitcase. So don't, in my opinion, don't leave this until last minute, because A, you'll probably have to have some items you're not used to if you're not coming from a cold place already. But B, you're gonna have to be a bit more strategic with actual packing. Yeah, that's a really good point. Definitely wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Yes, exactly. All right, Meggan, let's talk about people coming to a colder climate and renting a car. What should they know? Great question. I would love to tell you, I have lived in Canada my entire life, and winter driving is terrifying to me. let me rephrase. Rephrase that. I don't mind driving if it's like the season of winter. Mm. Mm-hmm. just very scared of driving on snowy or icy roads. That is not how I get my thrills. Like to me it is one of the scariest things. I'll just stay home. I don't care what I'm missing. Um, what about you? Yeah. Yeah, yeah. No, it's not for me. It's not for me, but my, my husband is much more comfortable with it, so he will. enjoys it, which freaks me out. I Okay. Peter. slow your roll. and we don't travel much in the winter to cold places because we already live somewhere cold in the winter. but we understand that isn't the case for many folks who seek adventure and wanna get out there and experience it, which could mean renting a car. So my advice first and foremost would be if you aren't an experienced winter driver and a car isn't absolutely necessary for your trip. Don't rent one. No. be safe than sorry. If you don't really need it, you can get cabs or Ubers and you're not going out into the countryside or whatever the case might be. Just don't do it. Mm-hmm. But if, if it is needed, uh, to carry out what you want to do while on vacation, here are some things to consider when renting. First and foremost, I cannot say it enough, is winter tires, you will likely pay more to rent a vehicle with winter tires and also there will be less inventory of vehicles equipped with winter tires because of course they're in higher demand that time of year. So that said, you are gonna need to plan ahead if winter tires are a, are a must for you and they should be. Upon pickup, ensure that the vehicle has the features you reserved it for. So IE the winter tires. Et cetera and check for any damage as you normally would. So taking some pictures and a thorough inspection and ensure the vehicle has a window scraper and you have all the insurances needed. Accidents are more often to happen in snowy and icy roads, so make sure you have some type of coverage. Before you set out on your travels, make sure you are comfortable with the vehicle controls and how the features work so that you aren't panicking to figure anything out while en encountering winter weather. The emergency kit I was talking about earlier, try to ensure you have some or all of the items, even if you have to stop and pick some up in your destination.'cause obviously that would be more to travel with. Um, so just pick it up on location, if something happens, you'll never regret being prepared. Always be aware of the forecast. We live and die by the forecast, literally here in the winter., So make sure you're always watching for that on your trip as well as road condition reports. You literally can just Google it. You will find what you need. Also ensure your levels of gasoline are always up in your vehicle. Try to have the fullest tank possible. I know it's not always possible to be full, but never let it get too low. Uh, know the emergency numbers for the country that you are in, in case something does unfortunately happen. You don't wanna be wondering how do you get help and have the rental agency information handy in case you run into any other types of issues with the vehicle. And finally drive cautiously no matter how the people around you are driving, A, the world is full of idiots, but b uh, it could also be the case that the other drivers around you are more confident in winter conditions. It's something they're very used to. Their vehicle is really going to be able to handle it, et cetera. Whatever the case might be, just drive safely and arrive safely. Yes. Those are great tips and some things that people should listen to, uh, if they live here in the winter.'cause, 'cause they don't, they don't listen. So let's talk about some, uh, tips for planning a wintery trip. General tips. So be aware that it may not be tourist season where you're going and think some. actually. Uh, you know what, uh, after Canadian Thanksgiving, you're pushing your luck here. Yeah, yeah. No. Between, yeah. Canadian Thanksgiving and May long weekend. It's a, it's a crap shoot really? But many museums and parks and tours are seasonal, and they may have reduced hours or they might be closed completely. You just don't know. So do your research. Our favorite saying, ahead of time. So be prepared for weather delays and build that into your timeline, whether you're driving or you're flying. So if you're flying and you have a connecting flight, pick an itinerary with a longer layover. See, you're not rushed. I don't think I've ever left Halifax on time in the winter. have! Not once have you? yes. I don't think I ever have. Well, that's impressive. But I, I have never had the luxury of leaving Halifax on time.'cause you have to, you always have to de-ice and then you, like, you always end up in a lineup for the plane de-icing. And it takes way longer than you think it's going to, and it sucks. So just build that into your timeline so that you have a layover where you're not like. You know, less than an hour would be crazy town in the winter. Um, travel insurance. So this is important all of the time, as we always say, but even more so in the winter, there's more viruses around. That's more of a chance that you'll get sick. And the right insurance is extremely important if you plan to participate in winter sports as most insurances do not cover like adventure sports, like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or even tobogganing. So make sure I know Meggan. I'm just saying make sure. so I wouldn't even think about that. Yeah, you gotta make sure that it's covered a lot of, insurances. Uh, I know safety wing that we've talked about before has an add-on that you can be covered for all of these things. Uh, so just make sure that whatever you're doing is covered by your insurance. That's a great tip. I, I, as a Canadian had had no idea, so That's amazing. Well, you're learning things here. Yeah. Alright. Hydration. Like I said earlier, winter weather can be super dry, so make sure you're staying hydrated. I know. I, I hate drinking water all the time. Meggan and I were just talking this about this before we started recording the podcast. I. Hate drinking water, and especially in the winter, 'cause I don't want to be more cold. So, uh, warm water or herbal tea is my favorite thing to drink in the winter. I still drink all the water, but I, I get that wa water isn't everyone's favorite. I I No, no. Uh, so phone batteries die faster in colder weather, and this is how I ended up wandering around New York City in January with a dead phone, which is not ideal. Luckily, we were in a location where we knew what subway to take back to our accommodations, but it could have been not good. Mm-hmm. Uh, so pack an external phone charger so that that doesn't happen to you., Alternate indoor activities with outdoor ones. Wintery weather is a great time to check out museums and warm up for, uh, uh, breaks throughout your day instead of just wandering around outside all day., Don't forget to pack a bathing suit for the hotel pools, saunas, maybe a Nordic spa. That's my favorite way to spend some winter weather. Yes. And finally to kind of sum up all of these tips, be flexible. So whether you live in a wintery place or you're visiting one, plans will not always work out. And mother nature, she don't care what you have planned, she's just gonna do her thing. So check the weather forecast and uh, you know, be safe and understand that things change. Yep. I love that. Well, that is it for this week's episode, we Hope, and the, and the goal here was to be able to provide some tips and information that can help you plan safely to have a fun winter adventure. It isn't everyone's favorite season, but there's so much to do. and experience during winter that it can make for a wonderful vacation if you are properly prepared. So if you enjoy the show, consider leaving us a review on Apple or Spotify, or you can buy us a coffee with a link in our show notes to help support what we are doing here. You can always find us on social media at Travel Mug podcasts, and until next time, Bye.
