A snow-covered winter has its perks along with its downsides. The constant cold temperatures and the hazards of winter can be daunting. That’s why some people opt for a winter getaway. A getaway can be a few miles or a plane trip away; the choice is yours.
- Escape to a Warmer Climate
If you are going out of town, why not just go to a place with more sun. A warmer climate can offer you the respite you need. You won’t need to lug around in winter clothes; you can wear clothes that breathe and possibly work on your tan.
You can participate in fun summer activities like swimming, boat riding, camping, hiking, or a simple picnic. A warmer climate will be something that the kids can enjoy since they will get the best of both worlds in a short space of time; winter and summer games.
- R&R
The winter weather can be harsh on your skin. As part of your getaway, you can focus on giving your body the love and care it craves. You don’t have to go far for this; you can use a spa or another relaxation-oriented retreat.
Stress is a necessary survival tactic. When you are under stress, your body and state of mind heighten so that you can solve the issue in front of you. Once you solve the issue before you, the stress goes away, and you are better for it. But if you are in a constant state of stress, that can damage your state of mind and your body’s health.
When you are under stress, your body produces cortisol, which affects the brain; too much can cause worrying, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, and uncontrollable thoughts. Too much stress can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, tension in the neck and shoulders, fatigue, and poor sleep. You may also start to feel irritable, overwhelmed, anxious, have low self-esteem and depression.
The ailments can result in a change of behavior such as aggressive or defensive behavior, mood disorders, poor communication, avoiding situations, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking.
Relaxing is essential; it increases the blood flow in your body to give it more energy. Relaxing reduces your heart rate, along with your blood pressure, and relieves tension. It also helps calm you down and have a clearer mind, enabling you to concentrate and improving your memory and decision-making.
Additionally, relaxation improves your digestive system, which is essential for absorbing nutrients that give you energy and help increase your immunity from disease and infection.
- Urban
If you need an escape, you can go into the city. Book a hotel room and treat yourself to some room service. You can also paint the town red if you like. There are clubs, plays, or live events that you can enjoy.
The best thing about an urban vacation is that everything is a short distance away. You can enjoy a fast-paced day watching elite sports leagues and parties or slow down and enjoy the parks and restaurants; the choice is yours.
- Winter Festival
It might be cold, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors. Winters come with their festivals full of activities that can go for days. You can experience carnivals, shows, and outdoor celebrations of winter. It can be a fun family event or a chance to create memories with friends.
You can participate or enjoy ice hockey, ice carving, dog sledding, skating, skiing, and snow carving. Considering the number of activities, you can schedule them for the whole experience. You can choose what to do or watch according to the vibe of the day.
- Lodge
A cozy option is to spend the weekend getaway in a lodge or cabin. It’s an opportunity to be a part of nature and enjoy clear night skies. The lodge will provide shelter from the cold and respite after long snow walks. You can go fishing at a nearby lake or enjoy the wildlife around you.
If you want something more active, you can go skating or skiing down some slopes. The vast virgin snow planes can provide incredible scenery as you ski or sleigh down the slopes. You don’t have to own a lodge to enjoy one; you can book a stay much like a hotel or rent one from private individuals.
- Camping
Winter can be intimidating and miserable to some people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can enjoy the winter air and quiet solitude of virgin snow surroundings if you do it right. Camping during the summer has its allure, mainly when surrounded by so much life. But winter has a unique experience to offer as well. For one, you won’t be as crowded, and you will have the space all to yourself.
Your surroundings will have soft, round, white shapes to them, especially the hills. The trees will bow at the weight of the snow creating new scenic trails for you to explore. The camping site won’t be empty; you will find life in the serenity. You will notice animal tracks on the snow and hear every bird flap its wings in the quiet.
The desolation and silence will heighten your sense of your surroundings. Most of the camping gear you have will work for winter camping too. You will need to add a few items for the cold, like a winter tent, to keep you safe. Summer tents are usually three-season tents, which you can reinforce for the winter. You can opt for a four-season tent, which is bulkier and heavier than summer tents.
Winter tents can withstand harsh conditions, high-velocity winds, and heavy snow loads. Winter tents have sturdier material and less mash than summer tents. Winter tents have a dome shape and steep sides so that snow doesn’t build up on the tent. Setting up a tent quickly is critical in the winter, so you may need to practice setting it up so that you won’t be in the harsh weather for too long.
To help you set up quicker the winter tent design lets you handle it easily with heavy mittens. To keep warm during winter camping, keep the following in mind;
- An insulated or winterized three seasons tent can work in some instances but not all. Avoid flat tops if you use those two, and choose one with steep walls.
- If you don’t have snow stakes, bury the standard tent stakes horizontally under tightly packed snow and use guy lines overnight to give your pitch a tautness to avoid sagging or the tent collapsing.
- If the snow is deep, you can dig a tent site into it; the walls of the snow hole will insulate your tent from the elements. Leave enough space around the tent walls to prevent excess condensation for ventilation.
- Snacks like energy bars, peanut butter, and gels can quickly freeze into inedible bricks unless you store them close to your body to keep them warm. Chocolate is a good snack you can pack.
- You will likely use the snow for drinking and cooking water. Make sure you bring enough fuel (wood or gas) for the extra usage.
Have a Nice Winter
Winter is a beautiful season that can bring so much joy and memories to your life. You can embrace it and enjoy the unique activities it offers. You can jet off to a warmer climate and take a break from the cold if you like.
