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1. Prepare your attire.
Many people believe that wearing multiple layers of clothing is necessary to stay warm. This is completely untrue. Wearing many layers of clothing won't make you feel warmer, but it will certainly make walking and moving more difficult because the thick layers of clothing can restrict normal movement.
In European countries, especially in Northern Europe, children are taught from a young age how to dress appropriately for winter, and this formula consists of only three layers of clothing: an inner thermal layer, usually made of merino wool or thin pure wool to ensure body warmth is retained, moisture wicking is good, and breathability is ensured. This thermal layer is very important because if the fabric is unsuitable and cannot absorb sweat, the wearer will easily catch a cold if they sweat.
The second layer is usually a pullover sweater, turtleneck, thick fleece jacket, etc., which serves as protection and is worn over the first layer. People in Northern Europe often prefer thick wool sweaters because this material is very warm, soft, and comfortable. Especially with 100% real wool (which is usually very expensive), the wool itself can clean itself of dirt, sweat, and body odor, so you can comfortably wear the same sweater for several days without any hygiene issues.
The outermost layer is a winter coat, ideally one that is waterproof (to protect against rain and melting snow) and windproof, especially if you plan to travel to natural locations or areas known for strong winds, such as Iceland. Good quality winter coats are usually padded for insulation and have a hood with (faux) fur to help block snow from getting on your face.
For pants, choose tights made of fleece or with a higher DEN (denier rating) for maximum warmth. If you plan on hunting for the Northern Lights, visiting Santa Claus in Lapland, riding a reindeer sleigh or dog sleigh, or engaging in other long-duration outdoor activities, choose tights around 200 DEN to ensure good insulation.
One rule of winter clothing among people in cold climates is to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. This principle was observed and learned by the world-renowned Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen from the Eskimos. During his expedition from Europe, around the Arctic Circle, to North America, he had the opportunity to live and interact with the native Eskimos. Observing that they often wore loose-fitting coats made of sealskin or other furs, Roald Amundsen learned that the layer of air between the layers of fabric acted as an excellent insulator. This is also why people in Northern Europe often prefer to wear wide-legged trousers in winter.
2. Prepare… mentally for flights.
Severe weather is one of the reasons why flights in winter often experience problems such as delays due to bad weather, delays because staff have to perform technical maintenance on the aircraft (pumping de-icing solution onto the wings and fuselage before takeoff, which can take hours if the weather is too cold), or even flight cancellations if bad weather persists. Another reason why air travel becomes more difficult during this time is the sudden increase in demand.
In Europe, starting around December 20th, crowds at major airports and train stations increase, and the situation worsens as Christmas approaches, with everyone eager to reunite with their families. This congestion peaks on Christmas Day, begins to ease immediately from December 24th, and then increases again as those who had previously returned to their hometowns rush back to the cities to continue their work.
Therefore, to avoid hassles when traveling during Christmas, there are two things you need to keep in mind: arrive at the airport early, about 3-4 hours before departure, to check in and have your luggage checked; and prepare yourself mentally to… wait to fly! A good book, some snacks or light meals, a fully charged phone for entertainment or communication if needed, and a strong will to wait.
Additionally, to save time, you can also check in online beforehand (if possible); only bring carry-on luggage; or weigh your luggage yourself, label your suitcase, and put it on the conveyor belt if you have checked baggage.
3. Allocate time and attractions wisely.
Winter in the Northern Hemisphere is characterized by very short days; the sun only rises and shines for a few hours, and on some days, the sun doesn't appear at all. As I type these words to you, Norway is experiencing a literally dark November, as I haven't seen the sun for four weeks. The sky is still bright, but the sunlight is obscured by thick gray clouds. But on rainy days, the situation is even more gloomy. Especially closer to the Arctic Circle, the shorter the days become, and there is virtually no sunlight.
To optimize daylight hours and work efficiency, Europe switches to winter time on the last Sunday of October each year. Winter time is set back by one hour, allowing people to make the most of daylight hours and work more effectively.
When traveling during this time, to make the most of the daylight for sightseeing, exploring, and taking photos, you should try to wake up early. It starts getting dark around 4 PM, and the closer it gets to the winter solstice, the faster it gets. Additionally, you should take advantage of opportunities to book tickets online in advance for popular attractions and remember to check the opening hours and activities at the places you want to visit, as these often change somewhat during the winter.
In addition, you should also have backup plans throughout your trip. It's possible your trip to the suburbs might be canceled or disrupted due to bad weather, buses or even trains not being able to get there; or simply, it might be too cold to go outside and stay outdoors for too long. In such situations, having an immediate alternative to avoid "downtime" is crucial.
The simplest way is that on days with really bad weather, choose to visit indoor places like museums or galleries, or splurge a little at shopping malls having crazy Christmas and New Year sales, go to a bookstore, visit a café and allow yourself to immerse in the cozy atmosphere of an unfamiliar place. Cafés in Europe are often beautifully decorated during Christmas, just as stunning as the advertisements in eye-catching magazines. Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere, making it even more convenient if you want to work there all day.
There's a Norwegian proverb that says, "There's no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." Applying this to travel, I might confidently say, "There's no bad weather, only inappropriate travel plans!" And of course, that requires appropriate clothing and accessories, too.
