Now the days are getting darker, and the nights are getting colder, and the memories of summer holidays start to drift into the past it is time to start looking forward to the magic of winter. Winter holidays are completely different to those in summer and pose different kinds of travel issues and complications. Having done many ski trips, myself and spent a year in Norway enjoying all sorts of different winter activities that were on offer as well as visiting some of the harshest places for winter weather in the world! While planning all these different trips it has been important to make sure that my travel insurance policy is up to date and that I am covered for whatever extreme activity I decide to do!
When preparing and planning for winter travel holidays it is extremely important to check what you are covered for on your current travel insurance policy especially when venturing into the world of ‘extreme sports’ such as skiing and snowboarding which are considered high risk activities under most travel insurance advisors. A quick check can save you thousands of pounds if you have an accident on the slopes and aren’t covered! The same goes for any outdoor activities that you may be wanting to throw yourselves into when travelling abroad; “sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies.” (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance). Whilst studying in Norway last year I was on a multiple day hiking trip with a few of my friends when on the second day in the middle of nowhere one of my friends fell and broke his leg. Luckily, he had made sure he had the correct travel insurance policy separate from his normal one with his university and he was able to be air lifted off the mountain which was covered by his extra insurance policy.
It is important that before you jet off to whichever winter destination is on your bucket list that you make sure to check the travel advice for the country you are heading to. Especially in the winter there can be extreme weather warnings in place for certain regions which could impact your trip. When I travelled to Svalbard in February, I made sure to check the FCDO website and saw that their information on how to protect yourself from polar bear attacks, the risks of glaciers, avalanches, and other dangers outside the main town of Longyearbyen. (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/regional-risks) For instance you are not allowed to leave the towns perimeter if you are a tourist without a local guide with a gun due to polar bears in the area. I would never have known this if I hadn’t checked the different information before I went. As well as keeping safe while in country it is also crucial to check travel advice to make sure you are prepared in what you need to take. Making sure that you have the correct equipment when going away is essential to having an enjoyable and safe trip. There is nothing worse than going somewhere and not having enough layers (believe me I’ve learnt the hard way!) By checking the FCDO website and weather apps etc you can plan for what kit you might need and pack the correct clothing.
There are so many amazing places that you can visit this winter all around the world and each place offers its own unique experience and opportunities. From the popular party ski slopes of the Alps to the bustling Christmas markets of Prague or the incredible natural phenomenon of the Northern lights in Lapland the list is endless. It can be hard to decide on a destination when all sound as equally appealing as each other but as a student there are obviously a few small hurdles in the way (MONEY!!!) Having spent hours searching for the cheapest ski resorts in Europe or the best winter breaks in Europe it can be tough to narrow down where you want to go so here are a few personal favourites of mine!
To many of us Prague may seem like another cheap European city break for the summer with cheap drinks and good nightlife. However, the Prague Christmas markets should be at the top of all of our winter bucket lists. Right in the heart of Prague the market offers all sorts of wintery delights from homemade authentic Czech food, to mulled wine, hot chocolate, and music. With the fairytale backdrop, of the superb Prague Castle and iconic Charles Bridge covered in snow it really is a must see. And with flights from all over the UK for as cheap as £30 it makes it the perfect student Christmas getaway.
When skiing is mentioned or brought up everyone immediately thinks of the Alps and the popular tourist ski resorts like Courchevel, Val D’Isere and Chamonix. While these may be the most well-known, they can often be extortionately expensive and overrun with tourists.
However, there are plenty of undiscovered gems with cheaper options right on our doorstep that allow you to explore all that Europe has to offer. For students on a tighter budget but wanting to enjoy the slopes and make the most of the snow locations such as Vogel in Slovenia, Poiana Brasov in Romania, and Bansko in Bulgaria have top tier slopes, amazing mountain views, and an array of affordable winter activities. These resorts offer cheap accommodation, a variety of testing slopes at a fraction of the price of their more expensive counterparts in the Alps. Shorter lift lines due to the smaller crowds give you more time to take in the stunning scenery and enjoy yourself. A group of my friends at university recently went to Bansko and said they “had the best time ever, and that branching their alternatives to somewhere slightly further afield but for a cheaper cost was definitely the right decision.”. It is definitely worth taking into consideration these options for your next group ski holiday if you're looking for a skiing experience without the premium price tag and enjoy taking the less-travelled path.
Travelling in the winter is such a unique experience and enjoying the season is key but making sure to travel safely throughout the winter is equally as important. By following the travel advice set for countries and making sure you are covered with the correct insurance you can have the piece of mind while exploring and enjoying all winter has to offer. So, no matter what you are planning to get up to this winter whether it be the excitement of winter sports, exploring winter wonderlands or simply enjoying the beauty of winter make sure to make the most of it.
Advice for going abroad (UK government travel aware)
UK government foreign travel advice
