Travel Tips
Worried About the Winter Forecast? Keep Warm with Travel Gear
Winter is apparently arriving early this year, and a number of weather and climate experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and national weather resource center, AccuWeather, are saying that this winter season could be a brutal three months. The good news is that this year probably won’t be as bad as last year. Some parts of the U.S. can even expect higher temperatures than normal, like the Western U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. Other parts of the U.S. should expect lower than average temperatures and an occasional hit from the polar vortex, such as the south-central and southeastern regions of the U.S. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions will get a good bit of snow inland and frequent winter mix storms closer to the Atlantic Ocean.
Southeast
Accuweather expects the southeast, particularly the Tennessee Valley, to get pummeled this year with a wet winter with ice. Florida should expect the possibility of frequent thunderstorms.
Midwest
The Ohio Valley and the Midwest in general can expect cold weather per usual, but overall this area is predicted to have less than average snowfall and possibly warmer temperatures, seven to nine degrees up in areas like Duluth, Green Bay, and Minnesota.
Northern Plains
Temperatures will vary. AccuWeather has specifically said, “roller coaster temperatures,” will characterize winter 2014-2015 in this region. While the temperature may be unpredictable, AccuWeather says that one thing is for sure: snowfall will be low.
Southwest
The southwest will get a bit more precipitation than normal (although, they don’t expect it to solve the drought). Temperatures will be a bit higher than usual, but not dramatically.
Northwest
Weather for winter 2014-2015 in the northwest will be mild and dry as the drought continues.
It’s time to break out your winter gear, and we have some suggestions on how to keep warm this winter season.
Gloves
For the business traveler: Mujjo Leather Touchscreen Gloves
These Mujjo gloves are not only warm and cozy, but also professional and functional. As an added bonus, while most leather gloves are not iPhone or touchscreen friendly, these Mujjo gloves are compatible with all iPhones, iPads, Galaxy phones, HTC phones, and more. They also have colorful touchscreen compatible knit gloves in lavender, coral pink, sandstone, gray, and black. The leather gloves cost just under $100, while the knit gloves cost about $25.
For the outdoorsy: Glacier Glove Ice Bay Fishing Glove
These gloves are designed for ice fishing, which makes them great for cold, wet climates and outdoor winter adventures. The Glacier Glove Ice Bay Fishing Glove features a fleece lining underneath a layer of neoprene, the synthetic rubber known to maintain flexibility even in extreme temperatures. One pair runs for $32.99.
For something fun: Critterknits Hedgehog Mitts
Want to get crafty? Try your hand at these Hedgehog mittens. Critterknits sells a do-it-yourself set including yarn, pattern, bead eyes, and directions, so you can have a project for the cold days ahead, as well as an adorable, warm reward when you finish. You can also find mitten kits that come in the shapes of sharks, alligators, owls, frogs, and penguins, among others. One kit costs $24.80.
Scarves
For the business traveler: Solid Woven Cashmere Scarf
This warm, chic Cashmere Scarf from Nordstrom can be your one and done winter accessory. Made of 100 percent cashmere, this piece will keep you warm all winter long and comes in a variety of neutral colors—like black, tan, white, and gray—to complement any professional outfit. Pick one up for $73.50.
For the outdoorsy: Grand Sierra Bandana Face Mask
The Grand Sierra Bandana Face Mask isn’t so much of a scarf as it is a way to protect your entire neck and face region from the winter elements. This mask is made with light polyester, lined with fleece, and features vent holes for easy breathing. The Bandana Face Mask runs for $7.16.
For something fun: Etsy Crocheted Bacon & Eggs Scarf
If you can’t get enough bacon in your daily life, try the Etsy Crocheted Bacon & Eggs Scarf. This scarf is handmade from yarn and sells for $32.00.
Hats
For the business traveler: Cardigan Ivy Newsboy Cap
Made of 95 percent wool and 5 percent fleece, this Cardigan Ivy Newsboy Cap from the Village Hat Shop will keep your head warm from the winter elements. It’s also a tasteful, professional option for those who are jumping off a plane and braving the cold before heading straight to the office or a business meeting. This hat runs for $90.
For the outdoorsy: REI Crestrail Hat
The Crestrail Hat from REI is both warm and waterproof. The outside of the hat is made from a flexible and durable polyester, while the inside is lined with cozy fleece. While many hats out there may have earflaps, this one has a chinstrap as well, so the flaps don’t fly off your ears in the wind. Worried about rain or snow obstructing your vision? Don’t worry; this hat has a small brim to protect your eyes from the elements. REI lists this hat at $42.50.
For something fun: BeardHead Barbarian Hat
Want a hat that will keep your whole face warm? Check out these bearded hats from BeardHead. They have Barbarian-themed beard hats, Santa Beard hats, Duck Dynasty beard hats, and much more for those who maybe can’t grow a beard on their own or want an added layer of warmth. The hats run from $15 to $45, and if you like their Facebook page, you can get a 10 percent discount.
Want more travel gear? Check out:
- 11 Best Travel Pillows: Traveler Tested & Approved
- Waterproof Luggage to Keep Your Clothes Dry in Winter
- 15 Practical Travel Gear Must Haves
By Brittany Malooly for PeterGreenberg.com