How to prepare to travel to a cold country?

How to prepare to travel to a cold country?

How to prepare to travel to a cold country? Countries bathed in year-round sunshine are not the only interesting holiday destinations. Countries such as Lapland, Greenland, the Canadian Far North, Patagonia or Siberia offer unusual circuits where grandiose landscapes combine with original activities to offer lasting memories to travellers. However, you have to take certain precautions and be well equipped before traveling to such cold countries.

 

Get well equipped

 

Even if you don't want to spend your holidays in Yakutsk, the coldest city in the world, with temperatures around -50°C in winter, you can still be tempted by a stay in a cold country. To make the most of this journey, it is important to spare your body both against fatigue and the vagaries of travel and against the aggression of the cold.

 

The extremities of the body

 

In very cold weather, you must cover the extremities of your body because they can let up to 60% of your body heat escape. For the head, opt for a silk balaclava placed under the woolen cap or the chapka. To keep the heat of the hands, ski gloves superimposed on silk or Merino wool gloves are recommended. For the feet, you can do the same by pairing a pair of silk socks with another woolen pair.

 

The first layer

 

Layering is recommended if you are going out in the cold and snow. This way you can remove the top layers if you get hot during your physical activities.

 

Undergarments which come into direct contact with the skin must be able to evacuate, towards the outside, the perspiration generated by the heat. Silk and synthetic fabrics such as polyester meet these requirements perfectly, unlike cotton which tends to absorb sweat and dry too slowly. For this first layer, you can also opt for wool.

 

The middle layer

 

On top, wear a fleece layer that provides good thermal insulation and has water-repellent properties. These garments must transfer moisture from your body to the outside, so that you are always dry, even if you are skiing, snowmobiling or climbing.

 

An outer layer

This last layer will protect you from bad weather, especially rain or snow. Depending on the weather, you can choose a breathable raincoat, a lined coat or a waterproof windbreaker.

 

technical clothing

 

Advances in technology and textile research now allow different manufacturers to offer specific clothing for activities practiced in extreme cold. If you are going to Canada or the United States, you can buy ski pants and jackets from various brands on site that combine comfort and elegance while offering excellent resistance to the cold.

 

In Japan, major clothing chains use self-heating technology in their winter collections that keep the wearer warm in all circumstances. These technical garments have the advantage of being flexible, which guarantees complete freedom of movement.

 

Gadgets and other equipment

 

To fight against the cold while traveling, you can carry various gadgets to provide you with some warmth. The heated insoles reveal all their usefulness by providing diffused heat to the feet. Some explorers prefer toe warmers that only warm this part of their anatomy.

 

Don't forget the sunglasses to protect your eyes from reflections on the snow. Similarly, sunscreen and lip balm are essential for optimal protection when you are outdoors.

 

Adapt well

 

The thermometer display varies by country and season. While the minimum temperature is around -35°C in some parts of Canada in winter, northern Japan is -9°C in January. Even in hot countries like Kenya or Tanzania, you can encounter temperatures of -12°C and -7.1°C at the top of Mounts Kenya and Kilimanjaro. You must therefore prepare your body for these low temperatures. To do this, carefully follow the weather forecast for the regions you are going to visit in order to bring the essential clothing and accessories.

 

Your diet is also important, be sure to consume enough vitamins E and C, not to mention iron, essential to restore vitality to your body. Take hot drinks such as tea, herbal teas or hot chocolate regularly. However, avoid drinking too much coffee, which reduces the feeling of cold. In Japan for example, there are vending machines called “konbini” where you can buy heated cans as well as heat patches.

 

After a day spent outside on sleds or fishing under the ice, it is very pleasant to find yourself inside your accommodation to enjoy the gentle warmth. Be sure to insulate it well by using aluminum strips to caulk your doors and windows. You can also take the opportunity to take hot baths such as "sento" or "onsen" in Japan, saunas in Finland or Norwegian baths.

 

To pay attention

 

Faced with the polar temperatures of certain regions of the globe, the body is subjected to attacks that put its resistance to the test. It is therefore not recommended for infants and pregnant women to participate in expeditions in extreme temperatures, it is the same for children and fragile people.

 

You must therefore be particularly attentive to the slightest signs of weakness in your body. Hyperthermia is your main enemy when you go out in very cold weather. In some cases, it can even lead to death if you do not receive immediate treatment. Frostbite on the feet, frostbite on the hands and fingers, toes, ears or the tip of the nose, as well as Raynaud's disease await you when you are too exposed to the cold without sufficient protection.

 

As prevention is the mother of wisdom, it is prudent to take out travel insurance before you leave. In this way, if you fall ill or have an accident during your stay, you can benefit from adequate care at no additional cost. If your condition requires it, it will be possible to repatriate you to France or to a quality hospital establishment near your holiday destination.

 

To find out more about traveling to cold countries, you can also take a look at the Team Givrés website , a collective of bloggers on the theme of traveling to polar regions.

 

Traveling in cold countries is not lacking in interest. It's a great experience to live. However, to take full advantage of it and stay healthy, you must protect yourself properly from the cold and snow. Discover on ACS the practical advice to make your stay a perfect success, whatever your destination.