Okay, yes; it’s not winter yet. Heck, it’s not even autumn yet; we’ve still got a good few weeks left of summer! But the best vacations tend to be the ones that are planned out well in advance (except for the times you get really lucky with spontaneous getaways). December is one of the most popular times when it comes to getting away, so planning a winter trip well in advance is definitely advised.

As long as you’re properly prepared, winter trips can be incredible. The trip can be something as simple as taking advantage of the climate that comes with the season; something that involves ice skating or skiing, for example. You may want a vacation that brings Christmas into account, or even one that allows you to spend New Year’s Eve in a new location.

Here are a few things to consider when you’re planning an amazing winter getaway.

What kind of winter break do you want?

Winter breaks take on many different forms. Some people see a winter break as a chance to get away from the cold and stay somewhere where the sun is still changing. But others like to indulge in the winter weather and go skiing or snowboarding. Which one you go for is up to you, but it’s something you’ll need to give a lot of thought to.

One good idea for a winter break is going Christmas shopping in a big city like New York City. There’s something out there for everyone no matter what your interests and needs are. You could travel to a Caribbean island or a snow-covered winter resort, so you won’t be short of options.

The reason you should be thinking about all of this now is not just because of the amount of planning you can get done between now and the start of your winter vacation. You also need to consider costs. While costs can often be cheaper in the weeks just before a vacation starts, at least in terms of plane tickets, winter vacation package deals tend to increase in price by some margin as the season approaches. Taking this approach means you can find cheaper deals before they increase in price. You’re also giving yourself enough time to make financial arrangements that can make the purchase easier on your finances; you can visit Personal Money Store for more information in that area. After all, winter tends to be an expensive month as it is, what with all the gift shopping people have to do at the tail end of the year!

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Catering to everyone

A winter trip is only ever fun if it’s something that the whole family can take part in and enjoy. If one person isn’t enjoying themselves, it can cast a shadow over the experience of everyone else in the family. Everyone who is going on the trip should sit down and discuss it before a final decision is made.

If you’re looking for something that will be fun for both small children and adults alike, you should consider a trip to Lapland in Finland. You could take the kids to see Santa in the day and let the adults spend an evening looking at the Northern Lights.

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If you’re not travelling as a family, however, then you certainly have a lot more choice when it comes to location. At the end of the day, there are loads of places that look amazing and have an incredible vibe during the Christmas and New Year’s period; New York City is an obvious example that we’ve mentioned before, but places like London and Sydney are also great picks. (Sydney actually boasts the biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks display in the world; it’s even more impressive than the one in New York City!)

Packing carefully

Packing is the least fun bit about going on vacation during the winter. You’ll probably need to pack a lot of big bulky clothes that way down your suitcases if you’re going somewhere cold. But don’t be that person who thinks they can handle the cold wearing little more than a t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Make sure you find out exactly what you can expect of the weather before you start packing. While you may think that knowing it will be cold is enough, you may find yourself inadequately prepared for just how cold things really get. So many people every year find themselves shocked and uncomfortable when they decide to spend Christmas in New York City, for example – and that’s far from being the coldest place on Earth!

Find out what the climate and weather are like in the location you’re going to at this time of year normally. You might be able to buy some extra clothes when you get there, but it’s best not to take any risks. Warm clothing in cold climates can get pretty expensive, especially in tourist-heavy areas where the business owners know that there are loads of people who keep forgetting to bring the appropriate clothing for the trip. Thick, high-quality clothing which is both warm and durable is an absolute must; another reason you’ll want to consider your finances carefully. Buying winter clothes way ahead of time simply ends up saving you so much money!

Consider travel insurance

There are many general reasons why getting travel insurance is a good idea. It covers you in case your luggage, possessions or passports get lost. These kinds of things can ruin a vacation if they happen, so it’s good to be insured. It puts your mind at rest and means you can enjoy the vacation much more easily.

When you’re going on a winter sports trip, it’s even more important that you have travel insurance. You’re always at risk of injury wherever you go, but you’re at even greater risk if you’re taking part in sports like snowboarding and skiing. If you have insurance, your medical bills will all be covered.

Winter breaks are a great way to end the year, or even start the next one! Start thinking about yours now if you want to make sure you have the best time possible.

 

Written by Jacqueline Chambers

Jacqueline Chambers

Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.