Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking

Hiking is quite an adventurous activity but at the same time it is also quite strenuous and thus requires to be done properly especially in extreme conditions like winter and summer. So, it’s important to prepare for your hikes in preparation because it might come in handy whenever and wherever you are.

Studying a few winter hiking guidelines can help you get ready for any hike you plan to go on while staying warm and safe. Whether you’re walking through the snow outside or simply admiring the scenery, this winter hiking advice will surely make your experience enjoyable. All of the factors that contribute to a trek in the great outdoors being secure can be met with the right equipment, tips, clothing, and attitude for winter hiking.

“Cold weather might be a problem on any hiking trip at any time of year, not just in the dead of winter. Depending on your location and the area you’re hiking in, you may come across chilly weather at any time of year, which might make your journey uncomfortable or, worst yet, result in a significant injury or disease,” says Gayatri Mohanty.

Check the weather and trail conditions in advance

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking. Knowing the weather conditions also makes it easier to avoid hiking when there are strong winds, chances of heavy snowfall or poor visibility. It is therefore advisable to be aware of the anticipated temperatures and wind speed ahead. You can always hike safely in the snow if you follow our advice.

Maintain constant hydration

When trekking in the cold, always make sure you have an insulated bottle and a bottle sleeve with you. If you do this while hiking in bitterly cold weather, the water won’t freeze. If you forget to bring an insulated bottle on your trek or don’t have one, you can also use a spare sock or wrap the water bottle in a towel to keep it warm and insulated.

Carry the proper winter hiking equipment

If your upcoming trip includes hiking paths, you must pack the appropriate winter hiking equipment. When hiking, wearing the appropriate shoes, bag, jacket, and even jeans can make a big impact. The most important thing to remember when trekking in the snow is to keep yourself warm. You can begin by donning a base layer, followed by a fleece jacket that serves as your intermediate layer, and finally a jacket or down jacket that will aid in insulation and safeguard your body from the cold. Softshell trousers are typically advised when trekking in the winter because they are great at maintaining body heat at all times and shielding you from severe winds and snow.

Pack extra equipment

A fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, and a waterproof backpack are a few other items you can bring with you on your trek. Bringing an extra kit on your hike will always come in handy and be beneficial for surviving in adverse weather. When you are trekking in snow, all of these things will make a huge impact. Since trekking in snow can be slick and slushy when the snow is melting, they also give you protection and a better grip on the snow.

For your winter hike, bring snacks

During your hikes, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated and energised at all times. Your body often needs twice as many calories to stay warm and hydrated while trekking in the winter as it does at other times of the year. In order to keep energised at all times, be sure to pack yourself some meals that are both very nutritional and protein-rich. Organic pumpkin seeds, granola bars, protein bars, and even your own homemade trail mix are all suitable for carrying as cold-weather snacks.

Consistently keep your feet warm

While snowshoeing, it’s crucial to keep your feet warm. Make sure you include several pairs of wool-based hiking socks that will keep moisture off of your damp skin. In the event that it gets wet while you’re hiking, it dries rapidly and also aids in heat insulation. When trekking, snow is kept off of your feet at all times by donning hiking boots that go up to the ankle. A pair of gaiters, which save your feet from getting buried in the snow, is another item you can get. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in your boots during your winter excursions, it’s ideal to wear comfy ones.

Hike during the daytime

When we hike on our trails in the summer, we often try to stay out of the sun. In contrast, hiking in the winter is completely different. To feel the warmth of the sun in the chilly months, we would basically do anything. You’ll be able to stay warm and have a better time hiking if you plan your hikes for when the sun is out and blazing brightly in the sky. Due to the drop in temperature in the evening, it is also recommended that you schedule your hikes so that you begin early and finish before the sun sets.

Diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Here are a few vital tips that heart patients should follow while travelling

Summer vacations have begun but are you one of them who has recently been diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Then, you will have to take utmost care of your heart while travelling.

Worry not as we got an expert on board to sort your health and travelling woes with a few vital tips that heart patients need to follow to stay heart healthy! Summer vacations mean relaxation and travelling to get rid of stress but heart patients who are planning to travel should be extra cautious.

Dr Sameer Pagad, Senior Consultant- Cardiologist at Global Hospitals in Parel, suggested some of the measures recommended for the heart patients:

• When patients with heart disease travel, they tend to forget their medicines. Post angioplasty and any other heart procedure, it is imperative for them to take the medication on time as suggested by the doctor. If one is traveling then he/she should stock medications as sometimes the medicines may not be readily available at the place you are going to visit. Skipping medicine can be disastrous for the patient if he/she has undergone any cardiac procedure. One should not face any problem as long as he/she is taking medication recommended by the treating doctor.

• If one is planning any adventure sports or hiking or climbing mountains at a higher altitude then it is recommended to take an opinion of a cardiologist and get evaluated.

• One should stay physically active and keep moving especially in long flights.. Try to do light exercises such as walking or spot yoga while traveling.

• It is necessary for heart patients to pay attention to their diet. Try to eat a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of oily food, canned and processed food.

• Visit the doctor to get cardiac tests, ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests before traveling. So, travel only when you are declared fit to do so.

• Get jabbed for Covid-19 if not get done.

• In flight wear comfortable footwear, drink enough water to stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings, if needed, take short walks to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs.

• Do not neglect symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems, or even undue tiredness, and immediately consult the local doctor if need be.

A trip to Europe can be one of the more memorable voyages of your life. But the last thing you want to do is sour your voyage by finding yourself unable to pay for dinner or train fare while you’re there.

While it’s okay to put most expenses on your card, it’s wise to also carry some cash for emergencies. Being over-prepared can help you avoid a lot of trouble—and perhaps some missed sightseeing opportunities—while you’re traveling.

Don’t Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash

There’s a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don’t expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you’re a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency. The same is true if you hire a guide to help you navigate your new surroundings.

Don’t bother to load up on cash before your flight. You can simply visit an ATM once you arrive and withdraw euros—the currency of 20 European countries—or other local currencies. With a conversion fee between 1% and 3%, and sometimes a nominal transaction charge, ATMs can be one of the least expensive and most convenient ways to get cash overseas—though you might want to check out local currency exchange bureaus, just to compare rates.

If you have more than one bank account, you may want to compare the different international ATM fees beforehand and of course, go with the one that’s more economical.

Tips for Using a Credit Card Abroad

Many businesses, particularly those that cater to travelers or are in cities, accept credit cards. Carrying plastic also cuts down on how much cash you have to carry, which eliminates some of the pain if your wallet is lost or stolen. Pickpockets are not uncommon in most European cities, and they know how to identify tourists.

If you’re planning to bring a credit card, there are a couple of things to remember. First, bear in mind that some cards are more widely accepted than others. MasterCard and Visa are among the most commonly used payment networks in Great Britain and the Continent. American Express, Discover, and Diners Club are less widespread, though some merchants will take them. Some cards also offer travel perks or cash rewards, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best credit cards for your needs.

You can use your credit card to get cash at an ATM, of course (and you may have to, if your bank card doesn’t participate in an overseas network). However, this should be a last resort: a credit card withdrawal will be considered a cash advance, which normally comes with higher interest rates than ordinary purchases. In addition, check with the card issuer (or dig out your terms and conditions paperwork, if you can find it) to see if there’s a transaction fee for foreign purchases or a currency conversion fee. They add up.

Some merchants now give you the option to pay with your card in either the local currency or in your own home currency (dollars or whatever). Paying in your own currency is a way to get around that foreign transaction fee. If your card doesn’t charge one, you might as well pay in the local currency.

Ensure Your Card Will Work

It’s also important to realize that Europe’s credit card technology is far more advanced, often using chip-and-PIN software. This means their cards have an embedded chip that helps validate the card’s physical presence and legitimacy. Rather than signing a receipt, cardholders often enter their four-digit PIN code to complete the transaction. American banks have rapidly rolled out cards that have the chip due to changes in fraud liability laws, but the PIN portion is often still not the norm.

You may still get away with a standard American card, as long it has a chip. If it doesn’t, the merchant will likely ask for your PIN. If you don’t know it—after all, PINs are rarely used for U.S. credit card transactions—it’s a good idea to get the four-digit number from your bank before embarking, or re-set it via telephone or computer to something easy to remember.

Also, remember to notify your bank that you will be traveling overseas. Many banks have enhanced their fraud detection protocols, and if they notice suspicious activity, such as an ATM withdrawal in Venice when you’ve never been there before, they could deactivate your card out of an abundance of caution.

Forget About Traveler’s Checks

If you’re worried about carrying a lot of cash, another option is to purchase traveler’s checks. The nice thing about these checks is that, as long as you record the number on each one and store it in a secure location, the issuer can usually replace them for free if they’re stolen.

However, traveler’s checks are a dying breed; many places don’t take them anymore. Even if a merchant accepts traveler’s checks, it’s often with a poor exchange rate. And they’re costly: Banks may charge a fee worth 1% to 2% of the face value to purchase the checks.

One alternative is to carry a modest amount of emergency cash with you in a location pickpockets can’t easily get to—in other words, not in backpacks or an unsealed pocket. Few retailers or hotels accept personal checks, so you may as well leave those at home.

Going Digital

Increasingly, merchants throughout Europe accept Apple Pay and other digital “contactless” payment systems. Apple Pay is accepted in over 70 countries as of March 2023. Doing it all with a tap of your phone can alleviate security concerns about having pockets picked and wallets stolen.

If you use Apple Pay to pay with a card overseas, that card’s same overseas charges, as discussed above, will apply. If you’re using the Apple Pay Cash card to pay (it’s accepted wherever Discover cards are), there’s a 3% across-the-board fee for international transactions.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe?

Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It’s also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

What Is the Most Common Credit Card in Europe?

Visa, Mastercard, and EuroCard are widely accepted throughout Europe, and American Express is usually accepted in tourist destinations.

Will My Bank Card Work in Europe?

Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure. You should also let your bank or card issuer know about your travel plans in advance, or else they might flag some of your overseas transactions as potential fraud.

The Bottom Line

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” These days, that means carrying a chip-enabled credit card and a little cash, just in case. Also, pack your bank debit card for ATMs to keep yourself supplied with additional coin, as needed.

Preparing for a vacation can stir up a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to stress and panic. Taking a trip can be particularly daunting for anxious passengers who hate flying.

Whether you’re an anxious passenger bracing for your next flight or a first-time traveller accompanying someone grappling with travel jitters, the very thought of air travel can unleash a surge of nerves.

Between the seemingly endless airport waits, occasional turbulence-induced heart palpitations, and the less-than-luxurious plane seats, it’s hardly surprising that even the most seasoned travellers can feel intimidated.

To help you avoid an airport meltdown or an on-board breakdown, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite must-know travel tips for anxious passengers. From soothing techniques to carry-on essentials, this advice comes from former flight attendants, seasoned travellers and even nervous passengers themselves.

So, before you fasten your seatbelt, tuck away your carry-on, and check out the in-flight menu, get clued up on these essential travel tips for anxious passengers. With the help of a couple of deep breaths, distraction techniques and all of your favourite comfort items, you’ll be ready to navigate the skies with all the confidence and composure of even the most relaxed flyer.

Arrive at the airport early

If you’re somebody who feels uncomfortable or anxious in the airport, spending any longer than necessary there can seem counterproductive. However, arriving early can actually make the experience feel less stressful, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time.

Rushing can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, so aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time for domestic flights and three hours in advance of international flights.

Although it sounds like a lot of time, this buffer will enable you to navigate through security and settle into your pre-flight routine without the additional pressure of rushing or feeling like you’re going to be late.

Spend any leftover time at the airport doing things you enjoy – grabbing a hot drink, browsing for a new book or indulging in something delicious. You could also try an airport lounge if you really want to escape the traditional airport experience.

Be organized and prepared

One of the primary triggers of travel anxiety is the fear of the unknown. To help combat this worry, take the time to familiarize yourself with the entire travel process before your trip.

Do some research to understand what to expect during security checks, immigration, and customs. Knowledge is a powerful ally in reducing anxiety, and the more you know about the airport experience, the aircraft, and the journey, the more at ease you’re likely to feel.

Some anxious passengers find it helpful to create a step-by-step schedule, breaking down the journey into manageable increments. Others prefer having a comprehensive travel itinerary, allowing them to stay focused on the final destination.

It also may help to have hard copies of all your important documents to alleviate concerns about misplacing anything. Additionally, ensure all your electronic devices are fully charged to avoid any unexpected disruptions.

When it comes to attire, opt for loose, comfortable clothing with multiple layers to adapt to various temperatures throughout your journey. Clothing with spacious pockets can be particularly handy if you’re worried about losing items between the airport and the plane.

Many seasoned travellers recommend carrying essential items such as a portable charging bank, wet wipes, face masks, and hand sanitizer, providing peace of mind in handling unexpected situations.

Don’t forget to pack a few snacks as well, as hunger can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Healthy options like granola bars, nuts, or fruit will help maintain your energy levels and keep your stomach content. And remember to stay hydrated, as dehydration can intensify nervousness.

Choose the right seat

When it comes to coping with turbulence-induced anxiety, choosing the right seat can make all the difference.

If you’re someone who’s uneasy during bumpy flights, consider opting for a seat at the front of the plane or over the wings, as flight attendants say these seats are generally less affected by the rocking and swaying motions caused by turbulence.

You could also consider a window seat, as having a view outside can help you gauge the severity of any turbulence and reassure you that everything is under control.

Keep in mind that individual preferences and aircraft configurations may vary, so it’s a good idea to check seat maps when booking your flight.

Plan your distractions

One of the best things about flying, particularly long haul, is having several hours of uninterrupted “you time” that you may not usually get to enjoy on a day-to-day basis.

Bring along a selection of your favourite distractions, like books, podcasts, pre-downloaded movies and TV shows, and consider choosing options or genres that make you feel calm and safe.

You could also compile playlists to will help you to focus on something other than your anxious thoughts, featuring reassuring sounds like your old favourites, familiar artists or meditative music.

Noise-cancelling headphones can also be a game-changer for reducing anxiety in noisy environments, whether you’re in a bustling airport terminal or on a crowded flight.

Try not to overthink

Overthinking is a common companion to anxiety, especially for those who find themselves feeling uneasy when travelling.

When you’re about to take off, it can be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of “what-ifs” and hypothetical scenarios. However, it’s essential to remember that overthinking rarely leads positive outcomes. In fact, it often amplifies anxiety and makes the situation feel more scary than it actually is.

To combat overthinking, try to stay present in the moment. Focus on the steps you need to take right now, like checking your passport, making sure you have your essentials or by doing gentle exercises during the flight.

Other nervous passengers recommend focusing on facts. For example, fatalities caused by turbulence are exceedingly uncommon, and remember that planes want to fly.

Learn about turbulence

For many travellers, in-flight turbulence can really induce panic and anxiety, and it’s not hard to understand why. It can be scary! However, try to remember that it is a completely natural occurrence during flights.

It’s important to understand that turbulence is not an indication that something is going wrong; rather, it’s an ordinary aspect of air travel caused by factors like atmospheric conditions and air currents.

Travel blogger Helene Sula likened turbulence to being in Jell-O; even when an object moves within it, it remains stable in the Jell-O.

Another helpful comparison is to picture turbulence as a ship peacefully resting on a body of water; it moves up and down as the water’s surface fluctuates.

Trust the professionals

One of the most effective ways to alleviate anxiety while flying is to remember that you’re not alone on that aircraft — in fact, there’s an entire team of skilled professionals looking after your safety. This includes the pilot, co-pilot, and the cabin crew, who are all trained to handle a wide range of situations, including turbulence.

When you start to feel anxious during a bumpy patch of turbulence, try to remind yourself that it’s their job to worry about the plane, not yours. Pilots undergo rigorous training, and they’re well-versed in navigating through turbulence safely. They have access to things like weather reports, radar systems, and constant communication with air traffic control, all of which help them make informed decisions to ensure a smooth flight.

Likewise, the cabin crew are experienced in dealing with nervous passengers. They know how to provide reassurance and support when needed. If you ever feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Take deep breaths

Anxiety often leads to shallow breathing, which will only fuel feelings of panic or unease.

Practice deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to stay calm during your journey. Some travellers suggest inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four. Repeat as needed.

Lean on the people around you

If you’re feeling anxious while travelling, remember that you’re not alone. Whether you reach for your travel companion, a fellow passenger, or a flight attendant, leaning on the people around you can make the journey feel easier.

Chatting with fellow passengers can provide distraction, while a travel companion can offer emotional support and practical help. Also, don’t hesitate to ask airline staff for assistance; they’re there to make your flight comfortable after all.

Remember, when anxiety creeps in, know that you have a support network right there with you to ease your worries.