Cope With The Cold

Travelling to destinations with climates that differ greatly from our own can be quite a shock to the system. It is best to be prepared for this change, as you don’t want it to affect your holiday, or even worse, make you unwell so you don’t enjoy it. Are you about to depart to somewhere where it's cold? Not just a tad chilly, but nose-numbingly, achingly freezing? Some people thrive on such a type of weather, but even if you're not one of them, there are things you can do to make the trip a little easier - and warmer.

Dress The Part

Though it may seem a little obvious, make sure you're dressed for the climate. Items such as an insulated, hooded coat, parka style is a necessity, along with thick socks, hats and gloves – anywhere that heat can escape your body needs to be wrapped up. Buy something that doesn't absorb moisture. The popularity of outdoor wear and the latest technological advances mean that this can be very lightweight but still toasty.
You're also going to need strong, waterproof boots – but they don't have to be of the heavy variety, in fact, the lighter they are, the more easily you'll be able to walk. Make sure they fit well, trying them on with the socks you'll normally be wearing under them. Break them in as much as you can before your journey, as the last thing you want is the misery of blisters or painful feet as you travel.
It is worth investing in the appropriate clothes - thermal underwear, sweaters, t-shirts, heavy trousers, some good gloves and a balaclava. You might resent the expense initially, but you'll be grateful when you're out there in the bitter wind chill and quality gear means you can wear it time and time again.
Wear several layers of clothes to help trap the heat closer to your body, but remember - however many layers you put on the simple fact is that the cold will eventually reach you. Don't push yourself too far, once you start feeling the cold temperature, go back inside and warm up.

Care In The Cold

Any activity in the cold burns up calories at a rapid rate, and they need to be replaced. So don't worry if you eat larger meals than normal as they're vital for your body. But try to make sure they're well balanced, with plenty of carbohydrates and protein for energy.
Warm drinks - preferably caffeine-free and non-alcoholic - will hit the spot when you come back in, but try not to gulp them. Instead, take small sips, and keep yourself well hydrated.
Being in the cold does pose risks for exposure, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Children are especially susceptible to these, so keep a close eye on them. Frostbite usually affects the extremities, such as the fingers or nose. If you suspect someone's frostbitten bring them indoors and use warm water on the frostbite. It usually takes about 20-40 minutes for the skin to soften.
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops, and it can be extremely dangerous. If it occurs, get the person inside, strip off any wet clothing, and insulate them with blankets, making sure you also cover the head, handling them very gently.
If you are brave enough to stay in an ice hotel follow all the necessary instructions upon arrival and prepare yourself by researching your accommodation before you go. Most people, however, may prefer something a little hotter. Be careful when you come in from the cold, you don't need a room that's raging hot. Warm up gradually; it's much better for your body.
If you're staying somewhere cold, be certain your room is well insulated, so it will retain heat during the night. Dry yourself completely before going outside, and don't put on wet clothing or boots; they'll just freeze, leaving you very uncomfortable.

With some preparation, a healthy dose of common sense and some care, you can survive the bracing weather. Enjoy!