Are you avoiding below-zero temperatures and traveling to a warm-weather destination? Or, are you heading right into the storm and traveling somewhere cold to enjoy winter sports?
Whether you are leaving from a snowy destination or headed to one, these are the essential winter air travel tips that you need to know to make sure your vacation gets off to a good start!
Read MorePacking a carry-on for a trip involving air travel isn’t rocket science, but you would be surprised how many people forget to throw even the smallest (but often the most important) things into their bag.
The first thing to remember is that your carry-on can't be more than 10kg. Though you can often sneak through with a heavier bag (I do it all the time), there is always the risk of getting caught and having to pay to check your heavier items.
Liquids, gels, lotions, etc. in containers larger than 100ml/100g/3.4oz are NOT permitted, so assume that when I mention these items I am referring to the small version of them.
Though many people consider their carry-on to be what holds their source of entertainment or simply a vessel to throw all of the things that they could not fit in their checked luggage in, I approach it in a slightly different way.
To me, the carry-on is your survival kit in case your luggage gets lost.
It needs to contain everything that you would need to survive a full day and even a few nights at your destination.
Here’s what I suggest:
Any Prescription Drugs you might need
Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc. (cures for headaches, back spasms)
Prescription Glasses/Contact Case with solution in it (if you wear glasses/contacts)
Sunglasses
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Makeup (for the ladies, it's nice to have just a few items — powder, blush, lip gloss — to freshen up with when you get off the plane)
Bathing Suit (if headed on a beach vacation)
Change of Clothing (usually underpants and a fresh shirt will suffice)
Socks (even if you are wearing sandals, these will keep your feet warm on the plane)
Scarf/Sarong (use as a blanket on the plane and a shawl/scarf if your destination in cooler than you are dressed for)
Blue or Black Pen (for filling out landing documents, jotting down directions, etc.)
Paper Map (wireless may not be available or your smart phone might die)
Passport
Money, credit cards, debit card
Accommodation information (you will need to fill out the address of where you are staying on your landing documents, and you want to be able to access it quickly when you arrive at your destination)
Book or magazine (just in case the inflight entertainment doesn't work)
Headphones (having to buy headphones on your flight sucks)
I am constantly asked for advice on when the best time to travel is and my answer is always the same — the shoulder or off-season.
This tends to fall outside of the summer months and in between holidays, when the weather is colder, the days a bit shorter, and there are no popular festivals filling the streets. While you may have to wear a few extra layers while exploring, traveling during this time of year has A LOT of benefits.
There is nothing that screams ‘tourist’ more than runners, shorts, a brightly coloured T-shirt, and a sunburn.
Not only that, if you are from a dry country and are touring somewhere humid in the middle of summer, you are sure to be sweating as you sit in a crowded subway or walk down sunny streets. (Trust me, I’ve experienced it).
If you are travelling in the off-season, you will more likely be wearing clothing that helps you blend better with the locals and will be more comfortable in the cooler climate.
If you live anywhere that is considered a ‘tourist destination’, you know how annoying large, loud groups who don’t look where they are walking and force you to wait in line for a coffee can be.
In the off-season, having had a break from the onslaught of travellers, the waiter in the cafe will be more patient while you struggle to order a coffee in his native tongue, and shop owners are sure to be kinder.
Scam artists go where the business is, and in the off-season, the people trying to charge you $20 for a walking tour to nowhere or $30 for a plastic statue of Michelangelo’s David are nowhere to be found.
Without a crowd to hide what they are doing, pick-pockets are also sure to keep their distance.
Not only will your accommodation be almost cut in half, the price of meals, admission, taxis, souvenirs, tours — pretty much EVERYTHING — will be cheap, cheap, cheap!
I stayed at a resort on the beach in the Algarve last November for 30% of what it would cost during the peak season. It was still warm enough to suntan during the day and it was lovely to have my pick of spots on the beach!
Imagine standing in front of the Mona Lisa completely alone, taking a photo of the Colosseum without a single person in it, or walking into a temple at Angkor that not a soul is in but you.
All of these things are possible (I promise, I have the photos and experiences to prove it!) if you embrace off-season travel!
