Will the weather influence your travel plans?

A cold wave has swept many parts of the world in to disarray and dismay. London's Gatwick airport was closed yesterday to all traffic as England suffer from the most prolonged spell of cold weather since 1981. Two Emirates flights from Dubai to Gatwick were diverted to Birmingham. Emirates cancelled a flight from Dubai to Gatwick and was planning to accommodate passengers on later flights. Other services between the UAE and the UK suffered delays as airports worked to clear a backlog of flights. More disruptions are likely. Meanwhile thousands are suffering in the northern parts of India with more than 150 people dying in just two states. The Indira Gandhi airport at New Delhi was a picture of chaos under dense foggy conditions. Under such circumstances, will you continue with your travel plans when you have the chance to be forewarned?

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Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.