Winter Holiday Tips for Mature Travellers

Winter holiday tips Perhaps you’re off on a winter holiday or cruise to Scandinavia or Europe, here are some tips that may make your holiday more comfortable and safe. Even if you’re out and about driving to family and friends in the UK, it’s always worth taking some extra care.

On the plane, wear your sturdiest winter shoes/boots, so that if your luggage gets lost you do at least have some suitable footwear when you arrive. Also put on several layers for travelling, with a hat and gloves in your hand luggage, then you’ll be warm once you leave the airport.

If you’re driving in snowy or icy conditions, do ensure you’ve got winter tyres on the car or snow chains. And ensure you’re confident the roads are passable, at least before you set off. Take a shovel in the boot, as well as winter clothing, water and a blanket or two. Also handy are an ice scraper, a tow rope and jump leads, sand or cat litter to aid with traction, matches and emergency candles, a first aid kit and any medication you need. Wherever possible, park in a covered area or in a garage, it will make setting off on your journey much easier!

Although it may seem surprising, with bright sun, even in the winter, you do need sunscreen, especially on your face and nose. Lips really benefit from Vaseline or a lip salve. If it’s windy, you’ll need to moisturise your skin daily to prevent it from drying out and itching.

Layers really are the way to go, lots of thinner clothes trap layers of air between them which keep you very warm. Thermal clothing is good too. Make sure the outer layer is totally waterproof in case you experience sleet or snow. Remember most heat is lost from your head, so a hat is essential with proper covering for your ears, which can really suffer otherwise.

Again, surprisingly, sunglasses can be vital, snow reflection can really increase the level of brightness.
 
If you do venture off for a walk alone in the snow, just let someone know when you expect to return, so that if you take a tumble on ice, you will be missed.
  
Remember to leave the heating on at home, it just needs to be on once a day, quite low, to prevent the pipes freezing up. Do try to insulate before leaving the building and consider how to minimise openings to the outside, like fireplaces, cat flaps and kitchen ventilators, which should be closed.

Keep hydrated, although it seems counter-intuitive, it is easy to dry out in the cold, you need to drink plenty of water. Be aware of your fluid intake.

110 people found this helpful
17587

Share Article:

Silver Travel Advisor

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.