When we think about paradise we tend to visualise white silicon beaches, crystal clear waters, tropical fish, umbrella fruit cocktails, flip flops and tanned healthy bodies (writes Antony Hayes). We can close our eyes and feel the waters quench the heat from our skin as we swim through liquid happiness. This article however is not about that form of paradise, and quite frankly I may have just put myself off before I’ve even started, because I would like to talk about the fresh and crisp sensation of subzero temperatures.

When you come from a mild climate you are faced with the susceptibility to feeling that temperatures below zero can be downright uncomfortable, but then again so can temperatures above 35 degrees that are commonly found in paradisal locations.  There are many advantages to having a holiday in subzero climates when compared to some of the hottest places on earth. Cold climates don’t have as many flesh-eating parasites, harmful bacteria, man-eating spiders or insects, the water is often purer (thought you may have to melt it first), and for the sun to give you cancer requires one to be at least partially naked. There are a range of suggested reasons why Scandinavians have longer life spans than any other people on the planet, which are not limited to diet.

I always said that if I couldn’t live in a hot climate then I would choose a cold climate, I don’t like the in-between. When a country is not too sure whether to be warm or cold it usually settles for rain. At least when you choose an extremity there is no mucking about, you know what you are going to get. When people think of snow they don’t realise that there can be many differences. Snow in England for example is often in short supply, which results in brown patchy sludge that really does no justice for the countryside. When snow comes in plentiful supply however, it ends up as the white crunchy stuff that adds character instead of slumber to nature, and offers many activities such as skiing, snowboarding, dog sledging and snowmobile tours.

The dangers of the cold are every bit as real as the parasites of tropical climates, so it is in your favour to be prepared. A common saying in these parts is that there isn’t bad weather, only bad clothing. It may be clear one moment, and the next a blizzard may arrive so fierce that if you take a step away from your car you will never find it again. I have witnessed storms that almost suck the wind from your lungs and have experienced temperatures as low as -25 wearing nothing more than jeans and a leather jacket (not that I will make that mistake again). Temperatures can grow a hell of a lot colder than that though, and I look forward to seeing what that is like. If you are prepared with the appropriate thermal clothing you won’t have anything to worry about.

Countries in the northernmost part of the hemisphere are often very beautiful, and have wildlife as unique and as numerous as that of Africa. Common animals found can include bears, wolves, bison, reindeer, arctic foxes, moose, and even large wild cats. Landscapes are majestic and often leave impressions - on some nights you could even be blessed by a sighting of the elusively beautiful northern lights. Like any climate there are seasons in this part of the world, and in the summer it is possible for temperatures to be as mild as 30 which can offer opportunities to swim in wild lakes or climb mountains without the fear of freezing to death.

By my reckoning, -5˚C often feels warmer than +5˚C because the air is often drier and crisper: perfect for clearing your head. So instead of sticking with the safe and familiar, why not try something new - I promise you will be pleasantly surprised. Life is about experiencing and living and so the next time you want to take a holiday to put out the flames of your day-to-day existence, perhaps you need to look further north instead of south.

About the author

Antony Hayes is a British/South African freelance journalist who currently resides in Norway with his fiancée.  He says: "I have learnt that there is no better way to find fuel for writing than travelling, and hope to get back out there soon. My definition of life is similar to that of experience, and when I experience life I like to write about it and share my perspective with the world."

www.antony-hayes.com