How to survive winter in a cold country?

How to survive winter in a cold country?

Winter cold countryLiving in a cold country is an experience that is out of the ordinary, but you still have to know how to adapt to this generally very harsh climate. Here are some tips that will help you better enjoy this adventure. Also find in this article the tips and tricks of travel bloggers.

Get dressed

The choice of clothes is very important when traveling to a cold country. Know the three-layer rule for maximum comfort. The first layer, that is to say the underwear, must be made of warm fabrics, but which do not retain moisture in case of perspiration. For the second layer, choose fleece clothing that retains heat while wicking moisture to the outside. A waterproof but breathable suit is essential for the third layer to protect you from the elements.

snow glovesAccessories such as gloves and hats are important for fighting the cold. Indeed, you should know that the heat is evacuated by the extremities of the body. The hat is essential because it is through the head that 70% of body heat escapes. For the hands, the multi-layer system is also the most appropriate, prefer mittens placed on a pair of thin gloves, this will protect you more than a simple pair of gloves. To keep your feet warm, leather boots are essential. These shoes protect you against the cold and are often non-slip. Choose them with a half size more to let the feet breathe. Also consider the coat. A three-quarter length waterproof on the outside and warming on the inside with zipper will keep you warm. Always think of the practical side before the aesthetic aspect in the choice of your clothes if you plan to live in a cold country.

Obviously, equipping yourself for such a stay requires a certain budget, which varies according to the brand and the technical qualities of the clothes. As an indication, the price of underwear for the first layer is between 15 € and 50 €. For the second layer, a fleece will be perfect. It will cost you between €20 and €80. The price of the parka that will form the third layer starts around 250 € and can go up to 800 €. To complete these technical garments, you will need pants that protect your legs from the cold. Plan a budget of around €80 to €150 for this type of clothing. As for the accessories like the hat, the scarf, the gloves… a budget of 40 € to 100 € per person could be enough. Don't overlook the snow boots either, which will set you back at least €75.

As part of a short stay or a tourist trip, it is not necessary to buy all this equipment, you can rent it to save money. If you decide to buy, wait for the sales or take a trip to the flea markets to find good deals. It is also possible to resell your winter clothes at the end of your stay.

Matthew Lam ***

Clothing advice from Mathieu Lam, founder of the PVTistes.net website

Depending on the perceived temperature (see below) announced on the thermometer, it is up to you to dress accordingly: if the perceived temperature drops below – 20°C and you have to spend more than 20 minutes outside, I advise you:

– to wear underwear;

– put on two pairs of socks or one pair of very thick socks;

– to wear a hat to cover your ears and gloves (mittens in Quebec) as soon as you go out;

– to opt for a good coat that covers you down to the bottom of the face and to wear a scarf, if necessary;

– to go out with a good pair of waterproof shoes;

– and finally, to practice the onion skin method, that is to say to pile up several layers of clothing, which you will remove once inside so as not to suffocate at work, in cafes or shopping centers that are well heated!

Do not overlook the importance of all these clothes. Well protected (head, feet, hands, neck and body), you will enjoy the Canadian winter in the best possible conditions!

If you have warm clothes before leaving for Canada, bring them. On the other hand, if you don't have any, it may be worth waiting to be there to find clothes that are very well suited to the local winter.

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Clo Evasions GourmandesTips from Clo, from the Evasions Gourmandes travel blog

To tell the truth, I've never been to a cold country in winter except for the mountains in France, but I intend to catch up in the near future: Lapland, Iceland, Norway... I dream of these large cold spaces!

 

 That said, I have had freezing temperatures on a few of my trips, including Bolivia, or a few days ago on the South Island of New Zealand. I admit it, I am also very chilly.

To survive the cold, you have to accumulate layers. In addition, it is often because of the wind that we are cold. I recommend wearing a close-fitting long-sleeved undershirt, a thin Merino wool undershirt, a fleece, a Gore-Tex jacket, gloves, something to cover your ears, fleece leggings and cut pants. -wind and above all…good socks!

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Advice from Marion, from the Tourdumonde.fr websiteMarion Tourdumonde.fr

I had the chance to test twice the harsh winters of the American Northeast and its -26 degrees. Only one solution to survive it, thermolactyl! You don't necessarily need to pile up layers and layers of clothes, you just need to cover yourself well with the right materials (thermolactyl, merino wool, etc.). And if that's really not enough, we adopt tights under the jeans and the double pair of socks.

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Violaine MaliéAdvice from Violaine, from the Vio’Vadrouille blog, expat in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the winters are wet, it rains really a lot! If it does not rain all day, you can be sure that it will still rain a little every day! All the more reason to appreciate the few rays of sunshine when they appear!

If I had to give some advice to someone who is about to come to Northern Ireland this winter, I would tell them to take warm clothes yes, but above all waterproof. There is nothing worse than being wet and cold. A good waterproof jacket with hood, very warm rain boots, not to mention gloves, hat and scarf! These are the essentials. Forget the umbrella, around here it's very windy, it won't last 5 minutes!

The daily cold

Traveling in cold countries is often difficult. Means of transport are sometimes blocked by snowfall, fog or ice. However, there are countries that are well organized like Canada.

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Advice from Mathieu Lam, expatriate in Toronto

Remember that in many Canadian cities (including Montreal), part of the city is underground. This is a good way to not stay outside too long when the temperatures are extreme. Finally, take care of yourself, especially in the event of a drunken evening: alcohol gives the feeling of being warmed up, but the cold remains very real, do not linger outside on your way home...

montreal-hiverCanada is known for its magnificent colorful landscapes during the fall, but after a few weeks of mild weather, another season is to be feared… winter and its temperatures which can be around – 40°C in temperature felt in some provinces , particularly in Quebec and Ontario.

Proper equipment is therefore necessary if you want to “survive” the winter months! When you check the weather in Canada, you may notice that two temperatures are indicated:

– The actual temperature.

– The perceived temperature, which is obtained by taking into account the wind factor.

The actual temperature may be -10°C but if it is very windy, the temperature may feel like -20°C. The perceived temperature is the one that is most useful to consult since by definition, it allows you to know if you are going to be cold or really very cold!

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Some additional tips for managing the cold on a daily basis:

For your comfort, remember to bring extra socks and shoes when you go to work during the winter. Indeed, your feet may be wet and the soles of your shoes filled with snow or mud.

If you must drive, it is necessary to properly prepare your car by checking its condition and installing winter tires. Do not neglect certain precautionary measures such as the first aid kit and a telephone at hand in case of need. Compliance with the rules of conduct is essential. Put on your seat belt and drive slowly and carefully. Allow extra time for travel if the roads are icy. Favor the main axes where the roads are clearer rather than the small streets.

Preparing yourself psychologically for the cold makes it easier to face winter. Tell yourself that the cold has its benefits. Indeed, it helps to lose weight and eliminate cellulite. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Athletes have long exploited these powers of cold. A little physical exercise is also essential to keep in shape in winter.

cold and health

Taking care of your body is even more important in winter. To avoid having dry skin, the first rule to follow is hydration. Applying moisturizer is the best protection for the face, lips and skin in general. To stay healthy, a healthy diet and quality sleep are essential. Also try to avoid stress as much as possible and take advantage of the sun's rays as much as possible. Finally, be sure to stock up on vitamin D and update your flu shot.

However, living in a cold country exposes you to various illnesses such as colds, pneumonia, frostbite or hypothermia as well as increased risks of falls caused by snow and ice. In the event of an accident or illness, never hesitate to consult a doctor to prevent any possible complications. Taking out travel insurance or expatriate insurance saves you financial hassle since these insurances cover the costs related to medical care and transfers, not to mention repatriation and, in some cases, your civil liability.

Living in a cold country for holidays or on the occasion of an expatriation is a unique and enriching experience. To take full advantage of it, you should be well prepared for this adventure. On the ACS blog, discover all the advice for this type of stay and choose the insurance that best suits your profile.