In anticipation of my trip to Norway next week, I have started preparing for the cold arctic weather in the forecast! Any traveler, vegan or non-vegan is well aware that certain precautions must be made! Vegetarian and vegan travelers can easily find items to pack in their luggage that will guarantee an easier transition into the frigid climate of the arctic circle!! My tour begins approximately 200 miles above the Arctic Circle. There are some special items that you most definitely will need for a journey into the Arctic!

First of all, warm, waterproof, and windproof winter coats and boots are necessary. Wind, snow, and hail are much too commonplace in the far Northern Hemisphere. Fortunately for vegans these days, many vegan-friendly clothing companies can be found online. For example, “Vaute Couture”(Vegan Coats) sells vegan-friendly coats. Several online, as well as retail stores sell vegan shoes and boots(Vegan Shoes and Boots). The coats and footwear are not made of any animal products(glue, down, etc) and have not been tested on animals in any way.

Furthermore, travelers can find other veggie-friendly clothing items. I recently purchased base layer top and pants that are made of synthetic fibers, not animal products. Although the items are not made of fleece or down, they are extremely warm and comfortable and provide wicking. these are worn under your shirt and pants to provide a warm base against your skin. It is important to layer in cold climates.

The next product I purchased was a “faux fur” arctic hat. This hat has long floppy ears that completely cover my ears, with the faux fur under the ears and above the top rim. There are ties underneath, so that it stays on securely for warmth and coverage.

Since the cold wintery air can dry your skin and lips, I also purchased some vegan lip balm from Crazy Rumors(vegan lip balm). They come in many interesting flavors such as candy cane, citrus, and ice cream. I purchased the orange. This will be perfect for the arctic!

Finally, I purchased some vegan hot cocoa! The email from my Norwegian tour guide mentioned that they will provide hot chocolate for the 8 hour “Northern Lights” tour in the arctic evening landscape. The hot chocolate, however, contains dried milk powder. My natural instinct was to immediately go online and perform a google search for “vegan hot chocolate”. My search led me to the online Etsy shop(Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix) where I found and purchased a large packet of vegan hot cocoa mix containing powdered soymilk, dark chocolate, vegan sugar, and vanilla! Now all I need is to take that along on my tour and ask my guide for some hot water!

And so my preparation for a trip to the Arctic is complete and successful!

Remember, vegan travelers, to take similar precautions and pre-planning and you too will have a comfortable and happy trip to the Arctic!