I’ve messed up with the holiday I’ve booked

[SoEasyToFallInLove]

I had a week of annual leave to use before April. I did some research and booked a week to be split between Oslo and Copenhagen at the end of February/beginning of March. Everything I had found said that temperatures at this time were around -5° to 2°C. I figured I could cope with that.

I’ve now found a lot of discussion online that says that last year it was regularly -30° in Oslo in February. It’s a bit luck of the draw but apparently it can stay below freezing until the end of March.

What do I do? I’ve paid for everything and it’s non refundable but if it’s that cold I’ll literally just be sat in a hotel room all day. Do I go and hope for the best or just cancel and use my leave another way?

Been to Lapland in January it was fine the whole country is set up for being that cold. Just lots of layers. I wore walking boots and two pairs of themaL socks M&S it was fine.

When my son & his gf went last November they bought thermals from sports direct, reasonable prices and were very effective.

We were in Finnish Lapland last February which is considerably more northern than Oslo and it was between -5 and +3. There is lots to do in Copenhagen indoors so I think you’ll be fine (and tivoli is rubbish anyway).

Oslo and Copenhagen are beautiful cities. Just get yourself some decent outdoor clothing from a quality brand, (not fashion wear), and a pair of goretex walking shoes to wear with warm socks. You will have a great time! Don’t miss a walk around the Vineland Sculpture Park in Oslo.

Perfect time of year for Korketrekkeren! Definitely wear thermals and get a very decent coat / layers. And waterproof trousers if you do go for tobogganing. We went to Oslo in Jan for this and exploring and had a lovely weekend ❤️

I've been to Norway in Feb. Started off in Oslo but went up to Lillehammer. The snows was waist deep at times. Also been to Iceland in Feb again very cold. Decent clothes and you'll be fine. Norway was stunning in the winter (I've been at Easter too still lovely but the snow was special).
Ski jacket, ski trousers, ski boots, thermals, good socks and a good hat and you'll be right as rain. There's no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes

I spent six months in Montreal many years ago - I took a Primark parka and wore layers and it was absolutely fine.

I will say it's a much dryer cold than here, and I've got no idea about Oslo and Copenhagen - but honestly, I think you'll be fine. Take some nice warm socks and some thermals, and make some plans for what you want to do.

Sorry what I didn't say there was that as Montreal is a city with regular snow, as I imagine both Oslo and Copenhagen are, I suspect unless you're looking to venture out of the city you'll probably be fine with what you can get here.

I'm going to Tromso in Norway in February to stay with family. I just came back from a lovely autumn break and obviously it will be much colder. I have enjoyed buying things from Trespass and Mountain Warehouse online as both have sales, plus extra reductions at the moment.

I bought merino wool thermal underwear in Norway and have just bought ski trousers, base layers, waterproof hiking boots, walking poles and a down coat! I think that I can make use of everything except the ski trousers in the UK and if I enjoy it, I will return next year too.

I took DH to Copenhagen for Valentine's. As the plane landed, the snow was falling and he announced he hadn't brought a coat 😂.

He was actually fine. We had some lovely sunny days and in the sun felt warm as it does in the UK in March. I just wore a regular coat with gloves and a scarf. The museums etc were warm and inviting. And we loved visiting the Carlesburg brewery. We also visited the Cemetery.

I think you're panicking a bit about extreme cold. Where I live in the UK can regularly get below freezing but it usually starts warming up by March.

I don't understand why you've came onto MN to absolutely disregard any helpful advice you've been given. Perhaps you have booked the wrong holiday if your funds are so tight. You should have spent more time looking for a holiday that fitted your budget instead of shooting everyone down. You do you and be cold and miserable, but don't post here looking for sympathy!!

For the same money you could have rented an amazing air b n b in this country and maybe split your time between a city and the countryside. At least we don't get that cold!

You dress appropriately then get a new wardrobe for the holiday and some snow boots

I took the mountain warehouse Isla 2 jacket to Norway (and other cold counter) over the winter months and with a thermal base layer I was toasty! It’s usually £100ish pounds (I’ve bought 2 in the past as lost weight) but often on offer for £80ish. I also wear these on cold uk days as they’re not bulky just very warm.

As long as you prepare with suitable clothing you’ll be fine. I’ve skied in Canada in -26 degrees. When the temperature rose to -5 it felt warm enough to wear a t shirt!

I’ve been to Copenhagen in March and the sea around the Little Mermaid was very frozen.

it’s just a week. You’ll have a good time. Pick up some super warm clothes from Vinted.

Oh I’ll take a look for this. Ideally I want something I can wear through winter here. That’s why I’m looking at the Uniqlo Parker’s

You are being totally ridiculous and clearly have not looked at Mountain Warehouse. They have suitable jackets on sale currently for around 50 pound. You could sell that on Vinted after coming back, making the coat as expensive as 3 cups of coffee on your holiday. You are refusing to look at any constructive options. People have given loads of constructive advice but you’re not even looking into it. You’re just complaining. Cancel the holiday as you clearly have zero interest in making it work.

if you hold out for a vinted bargain you might sell for a profit

Hi from Canada. Winter is fun, you can do this. Prepare for the cold with warm boots, socks, mittens (not gloves, MITTENS) and warm hat. Plan your days with both nice indoor activities for your warm breaks and outdoor activities. Winter cities are lots of fun, you got this!

If it's non refundable,I'd go anyway, sometimes just a change of scenery is of great benefit.

Go ahead, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time !

You only really need great thermals and good gloves, socks and shoes and you will be toasy happy in almost any clothing. Its worth doing at least once surely? You never know what might have drawn you to book there at that time in the first place. I hope you have a great time either way.

Went to Toronto and it was record breaking cold for march -20+

Still had a nice time!

Maybe take clothes you can layer if it’s very cold and peel off if the weather is warmer. I have spent time in Sweden in February and although there was some snow, it wasn’t bitterly cold.