Packing tips for winter travel

Wed., Dec. 14, 2005

NewsUSA

Traveling this winter?By planning ahead — and remembering to pack a few essentials — you can stay snug and warm in the even harshest weather conditions.

• Skin: Always have lip balm and a heavy-duty hand cream in your purse or pocket. Cold weather chaps skin as well as lips.

• Body: Layering is the key to keeping warm, so pack accordingly. Start with a long-sleeved silk undershirt next to your skin. Over that, wear a cotton knit top, maybe a turtleneck. A wool sweater goes over the two underlayers. Now, you are set for traveling from the raw outdoors to the roasting indoors.

•Teeth: We tend to neglect oral care when we travel. Stick with your brushing routine by packing a high-quality toothbrush — as opposed to a tiny travel-size one.

•Head: Did you know that we lose 40 percent of our body heat out of the tops of our heads? Be sure to have a cap, a hat or a wool scarf handy. A looser fit is better because you want to buffer your scalp from the cold with a layer of warm air trapped between your head and the fabric.

•Feet: Choose a wool blend sock for maximum warmth and moisture absorption. Cramped feet get cold because the blood is not circulating properly. Even with heavy socks on, be sure there’s a thumb’s width of clearance between the top of your big toe and the shoe or boot itself.

•Hands: Sightseeing won’t be enjoyable without mittens or gloves to keep the hands warm. Remember to pack a pair — or two if you’re prone to losing them.

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