Winter travel can be magical—snowy landscapes, cozy fireside evenings, and thrilling winter sports. But let’s be honest, it’s also fraught with challenges. While most travelers prepare for the obvious winter hazards, there are plenty of unusual winter travel mistakes that can derail your trip. Here’s a deep dive into those often-overlooked blunders and how to avoid them so you can enjoy a stress-free winter getaway.
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Mistake 1: Overlooking Tire Traction in Rental Cars
When renting a car for winter travel, most people focus on size and comfort but neglect to consider tire traction. Rental agencies often provide standard all-season tires, which may not be sufficient for icy or snowy roads. Many travelers don’t realize they can request vehicles with winter tires or add snow chains to their rental agreement.
How to Avoid It: Before booking a rental car, check if the agency offers winter-ready options. If you’re heading to an area prone to heavy snow, ensure the car is equipped with proper tires or bring your own portable snow chains. Also, familiarize yourself with how to install them—you don’t want to learn during a blizzard!
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Adjust GPS Settings for Seasonal Closures
Relying on GPS can lead you down the wrong path in winter. Many mountain passes, scenic roads, and shortcuts are closed during the snowy months. Standard GPS settings don’t account for seasonal closures, which can result in unexpected detours or dangerous routes.
How to Avoid It: Update your GPS app or device before hitting the road and enable winter driving modes if available. Research your route beforehand and cross-check it with local travel advisories to confirm road closures. Always, and I mean “ALWAYS” carry a physical map as a backup in case your device fails in remote areas.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Impact of Altitude on Car Performance
If you’re heading to a snowy destination in the mountains, altitude can take a toll on your car’s performance, especially if it’s older or not well-maintained. Reduced oxygen levels can affect engine efficiency, and cold weather exacerbates the problem.
How to Avoid It: Before your trip, have your car inspected for any potential issues. If you’re driving a rental, request a vehicle with a turbocharged engine, which handles high altitudes better. Keep an eye on your tire pressure—it can drop significantly in colder, higher elevations.
Mistake 4: Underestimating the Importance of Layering for Feet
Most people know to dress in layers for winter, but layering your feet is often overlooked. Cold, wet feet can ruin your trip and even lead to frostbite in extreme conditions. A single pair of socks, even wool ones, may not be enough in sub-zero temperatures.
How to Avoid It: Wear a thin moisture-wicking liner sock under a thicker, insulated sock. Opt for waterproof boots with good traction to keep your feet warm and dry. Pack an extra pair of socks in your day bag in case your feet get wet.
Mistake 5: Failing to Protect Electronics from Extreme Cold
Batteries in phones, cameras, and other electronics drain faster in cold weather, often leaving travelers stranded without essential devices. Many people don’t think to protect their gadgets from freezing temperatures.
How to Avoid It: Keep your electronics close to your body in inner pockets to use your body heat as insulation. Invest in insulated pouches designed for electronics and carry a power bank to recharge on the go. Turn off devices you’re not actively using to conserve battery life.
Mistake 6: Overpacking Heavy Winter Gear
It’s tempting to bring every warm item in your closet, but overpacking bulky gear can leave you with an unwieldy suitcase and extra baggage fees. Plus, lugging heavy bags through icy conditions is no fun.
How to Avoid It: Invest in lightweight, packable winter gear like down jackets and thermal layers. Look for versatile items that can be worn multiple ways. Use compression bags to save space, and don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs!
Mistake 7: Not Testing Winter Gear Before Traveling
New boots, gloves, or snow pants may look perfect, but they could fail you when it matters most. Unworn boots might pinch, gloves could lack dexterity, and snow pants may not be as waterproof as advertised. This is one of those unusual winter travel mistakes that can catch even seasoned travelers off guard.
How to Avoid It: Test all your winter gear before your trip. Wear boots on a local hike, try gloves while shoveling snow, and test your waterproof clothing by pouring water on it. This ensures everything fits well and performs as expected.
Mistake 8: Neglecting to Hydrate
In cold weather, the body’s thirst response diminishes, making it easy to forget to drink water. Dehydration is more common in winter travel than many realize and can lead to fatigue and headaches.
How to Avoid It: Carry an insulated water bottle to keep drinks from freezing. Set reminders to drink water throughout the day and consider adding a hydration multiplier for an electrolyte boost. Herbal teas are also a great way to stay hydrated and warm.
Mistake 9: Skipping Travel Insurance for Weather-Related Delays
Many travelers skip travel insurance, thinking it’s unnecessary. But in winter, weather-related delays and cancellations are far more common and can wreak havoc on your plans.
How to Avoid It: Opt for travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions. Check the policy details to ensure it includes flight delays, cancellations, and extra accommodation costs. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Mistake 10: Forgetting to Check the UV Index
Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, increasing your risk of sunburn, even in freezing temperatures. Overlooking this is one of those unusual winter travel mistakes that can leave you uncomfortably red-faced and peeling.
How to Avoid It: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin, especially your face, even on overcast days. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips and wear UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes from glare.
Mistake 11: Leaving Essentials in the Car Overnight
Leaving essentials like water bottles, snacks, or electronics in the car overnight in freezing temperatures can render them useless. Water freezes, snacks harden, and electronics can get damaged.
How to Avoid It: Bring all essentials indoors when you park for the night. If that’s not possible, store items in insulated bags to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Mistake 12: Overlooking Local Safety Precautions
Each winter destination has unique safety protocols, from avalanche warnings to ice thickness guidelines. Many travelers focus on general tips but fail to research local advice.
How to Avoid It: Research your destination thoroughly before arriving. Check local weather reports, follow social media pages for real-time updates, and speak with locals or park rangers for insider tips. This ensures you’re prepared for any location-specific hazards.
Mistake 13: Forgetting About Air Quality Indoors
Winter travel often means spending more time indoors, where air quality can suffer due to heating systems, lack of ventilation, or even fireplaces. Poor air quality can trigger allergies or respiratory issues.
How to Avoid It: Pack a portable air purifier for your accommodations or ask if your hotel uses one. Open a window occasionally to let in fresh air, even in cold weather. If you’re staying in a cabin or home with a fireplace, ensure the flue is properly vented.
Additionally, be mindful of potential mold in accommodations, which can exacerbate respiratory issues. For more information, check out my post on How to Avoid Mold Symptoms While Traveling.
Mistake 14: Assuming All Winter Activities Are Safe for Beginners
Many travelers underestimate the skill level required for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or even snowshoeing. Jumping in unprepared can lead to injuries or frustration.
How to Avoid It: Start with beginner-friendly activities and consider taking a lesson before hitting the slopes. Read reviews about difficulty levels for trails or activities and don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice.
Winter travel comes with its own set of unique challenges, but avoiding these unusual winter travel mistakes can make your trip safer, smoother, and much more enjoyable. With a little extra preparation and attention to detail, you can fully embrace the magic of winter travel without unnecessary stress. So, pack smart, plan ahead, and don’t forget to enjoy the snowy adventure! Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!
