The prospect of traveling throughout the winter months and their generally inevitable adverse weather conditions can be nerve-wracking for even the most frequent of travelers. However, navigating winter weather travel is simply about adequate planning and preparations.
Whether you’re traveling home for the holidays, or setting off abroad in search of some winter sun— if you find yourself facing snow, ice or freezing rain of any kind, we’ve put together a few useful tips to help you ensure you get to your destination safe and sound.
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Check the weather forecast before you travel
This point is an obvious one, but an important one to mention nonetheless. Don’t leave adjusting your travel plans until the moment an unforgiving winter storm hits— take all measures to ensure you have a good idea of what is to cometraveling and to stay well ahead of any adverse weather that is predicted to hit. Have a back-up plan in place— if you suspect your flight may be affected, you can then try to modify your flights accordingly. It is worth noting that this point shouldn’t just be reserved for winter travel, either. Weather can unpredictable, even at the best of times, so always check the forecast before traveling.
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Fly non-stop
Flying in unpredictable winter weather poses many potential problems, but this is especially the case for those traveling with connecting flights, as it runs the hugely daunting risk of being stranded at a connecting airport with no place to go and no other option but to wait out the storm. With that in mind, throughout winter, try to fly non-stop where possible. Flying nonstop eliminates the worry of getting stuck midway to your destination with nowhere to go. However, understandably, there will be some instances when flying non-stop is not possible, or could substantially increase the overall cost of your trip.
Therefore, if a connecting flight cannot be avoided for whatever reason, don’t panic, as all hope is certainly not lost. First and foremost, keep an eye on the layover times, as any delays due to adverse weather could risk you missing your connecting flight, and it may be difficult to find an alternative seat on another flight. Secondly, plan ahead by booking a night at a hotel close to your connecting airport. That way, if bad winter weather strikes, you’ll have a place to stay already secured. As this is simply a precautionary measure, be sure to book a hotel that can be canceled.
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Pack wisely
Whether you’re jetting off for winter sun, or driving home for Christmas, it’s always a good idea to pack warm clothing and any emergency items you think you might need if your flight is delayed or your car breaks down. A good weather-resistant coat, gloves, and a warm blanket could go a long way in any situation, especially if it’s particularly stormy outside. If you’re driving a long distance in harsh weather, you should consider packing emergency back-ups such as jumper cables, a flashlight, and extra batteries. Hopefully, you won’t need to use them, but you’d rather be safe than sorry. If you’re flying, it’s a good idea to keep any essentials in your carry-on, in case there are delays in getting your checked bags back. Items such as toothbrushes, medications and any electronics you may need in the case of a long delay. Keeping important items with you will always make a delay more comfortable.
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Purchase travel insurance
When it comes to traveling in winter weather, especially when travelling abroad— purchasing travel insurance can really be a saving grace in the face of many weather-related problems. Although many of us do purchase travel insurance prior to travelling anywhere, it’s especially beneficial to do so if you suspect that you could be caught up in a bout of bad winter weather. Many travel insurance providers can provide coverage for travel delays, which can help you to secure a hotel for the night and even pay for food. Some also provide coverage for missed connections caused by adverse weather as, generally speaking, airlines do not have the responsibility to help in that kind of situation. Therefore, it is worth your time.
About the Author:
Written by Katy Mairs, blog editor at UniBaggage.com a luggage delivery service based in the UK that helps travelers around the world make their trip that bit easier
All opinions and facts are that of a third-party writer, not an official Feenta.com author. It’s an article written by a guest author. If you’d like to submit an article, go to our Write for Us page.
