For Canadians, escaping the winter is a thing.
And why not? Winter travel down south offers an opportunity to get away from the cold, endure one less week of slush, sleet and snow, and trade windchill values for humidex values. Okay, so it’s not just a thing… for many, it’s a necessity.
Of course, while jetting off to a sunny vacation in the throes of winter is the epitome of awesome, it also presents its own set of challenges that requires some planning ahead. My advice? Make a winter travel checklist!
1. Don’t ditch the warm coats. I know it can be tempting to take a ride to the airport with just a hoodie or light jacket (who wants to wear their winter parka in the Caribbean?), remember, traffic accidents, flight delays and even flight detours do happen, which means you may find yourself in an unfamiliar location without adequately protective clothing. So, if you’re parking at the airport, consider bringing a garment bag to stash your coats in the trunk. Or, if you’re cabbing it, wear several layers – some of which can be packed in carry-on luggage when you reach the airport. Be prepared to stay warm!
2. Turn down the heat. I have friends in two distinct camps: some will turn off their heat entirely in an effort to save money when away on vacation, while others don’t adjust their thermostat at all, preferring to return to a warm home. You want to be somewhere in the middle. Turning off the heat completely can be detrimental to indoor plants and natural flooring, so save a few dollars the smart way by reducing your indoor temperature by about 4-5 degrees. It will keep your abode hospitable and you won’t spend excess on heating a home that’s not in use.
3. Arrange for mail pickup and snow shoveling. Especially if you live in an urban city like I do, the last thing you want is to be slapped with a city fine for not clearing your paths and walkways while away. (Trust me, they don’t care if you’re sunning on the beach.) Ask a friendly neighbour or nearby family member to help keep things tidy in your absence, and cheerfully return the favour!
4. Anticipate flight delays and cancellations. Remember, the reason you want to leave town is because the weather sucks. And sometimes that sucky weather can delay your departure. If you’re travelling over the winter months for a special occasion, buffer one day ahead for flight delays or cancellations. And most importantly, purchase travel insurance. It will cover you for hotel stays, lost luggage or other incidentals as a result of a trip interruption.
5. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Particularly, the flu shot. The flu spreads by people infected with the flu through coughing, sneezing or even talking. In fact, sneezes can send germs flying as far as six feet – enough to cover an entire row on an airplane! And since flu germs can live on surfaces for 2-8 days, one flight can completely ruin your vacation. Why take that chance? Especially when it’s so easy to get vaccinated – just pop into a participating Shoppers Drug Mart to protect yourself and your family. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, plan to get the shot early in the season, or at least 14 days before departure.
So, leave! Get away! Go somewhere nice and warm. You’ll have a chance to rest and rejuvenate, and it will make the rest of the cold season more bearable, I promise.
All great tips! All I can do this year is dream, no warm winter escapes for us :(
I am totally in need of a winter getaway to somewhere warm! I totally agree with getting your flu shot before you go and also check into other vaccinations recommended for where you are traveling.
Great tips! I never know what to do with my heat, personally.. I tend to go a few degrees lower in case it really warms up but not enough to harm my plants!
Planning for delays is also such a needed tip – I have had to spend up to 8 hours in the airport due to delays and while I didn’t need to worry about being outside, I was going stir crazy cooped up.. Definitely pack some entertainment for that sort of event !
All great tips especially the warm coats, it even may be nice when you leave but could be in a deep freeze when you return!
Great tips, it would be amazing to go somewhere warm, but can’t really complain, we have had hardly any snow at all this winter!
I sure to hope to escape this winter, although the weather here has been incredibly warm. I think your tips are great, and I never thought about turning the heat down some, great idea.
These are great tips, ALways love your travel posts!
Great suggestions – we are definitely dreaming of a winter getaway :)
LOts of suggestions for a check list. We also have to have mail pick up, as we live on a farm.
Great suggestions! I would have never though of turning the heat down
Thanks for the awesome tips. I’m not to familiar with traveling.
Awesome tips,no warm winter escapes for us…its just snow and more snow
Great tips! I have an escape coming up, it’s not going to be a warm one though but it will be fun!
Great tips, a winter get away would be wondeful
Thanks for sharing all those great tips,its not in my budget right now but its nice to look !
Good tips especially wearing a warm coat. I’ve had to wait in lots of cold airports.
Thanks so much i shared with my daughter whos just start out,all helpful tips!
as a letter carrier please do arrange for snow shovelling as many carriers have fallen delivering your mail,myself included. one carrier broke their ankle in 5 places and the post office will sue on their behalf
Some great tips!
Great trips for vacation-goers!
Wearing a warm coat is a good tip.Some airports are chilly and so is the airport when you return.
I like to tack on a few extra days at the end too so if we are delayed getting back I am not worried about missing work
I agree with getting your flu shot before you go.Checking for other vaccinations recommended for where you are traveling is also a good idea.
It would be amazing to go somewhere warm,but i guess i may sometime if i ever get well enough again
All great tips,this photo looks so inviting!
Thanks for sharing , great tips , what a gorgeous place :) i can feel the warmth now ;)
It’s always great to have someone look after your home when your away, it’s better if it looks like someone is there, keeps the thieves away!!
I love all these tips – great ideas! Thankfully it’s warming up out now… but I’ll be travelling next fall and I’m sure these tips will come in handy then!
I am totally in need of a winter getaway to somewhere warm,3 days this week Schools were closed for bad weather.
This is a great list of tips, my favorite is turn the heat down because most people would forget to do it and then the bill is huge for no reason.
We always go to Cuba in the fall and then in February we take a cruise
You know I use to travel more when I was younger but I never got my vaccinations and now when I think about it I can’t believe it, even though I didn’t go anywhere really bad. I’d definitely get them done now !
every year is different!