Going to southern Florida in March, you’d expect sunshine and good weather, but even with “global warming,” this has been one heck of a cold winter! My son and a friend went to Florida last week to catch some of the spring training baseball games. Too bad he didn’t check the weather before he left, because he didn’t pack anything but shorts and got chilled to the bone. He’s been home for three days and still hasn’t warmed up!
My husband and I took a short trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama during the same time. The weather there was cold, too. I don’t believe the thermometer ever topped 65 degrees. We spent one day at the beach but instead of wearing a swimsuit, I was wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, a windbreaker, and still had a beach towel wrapped around me in an effort to block the chill in the air. I’m sure I looked absolutely ridiculous to the more serious sun worshippers! I’m beyond caring what anyone thinks about how I look if I am comfortable, so I was very glad I checked the weather report before we left!
I remember taking my teenage daughter to Chicago for her birthday one June. In most of the Midwest the weather is warm by that time, so we packed nothing but summer clothes. About all I remember, 20 years later, is how cold I was. I still recall the two of us running down Michigan Avenue, hovering near the buildings to avoid the rain. We didn’t have jackets or umbrellas, and since we were only there a couple of days, we just did without. We were hopeful enough that the sun would come out and we wouldn’t really need them. Looking back, I know we would have had a better time if we hadn’t been so darn cold.
Maybe that trip to Chicago helped me do more planning for future trips. I’ve learned that if you’re cold, or even if you’re hot, you’re just not going to enjoy the activities you’ve planned.
Here are a few clothing items I always carry when I travel:
1. Windbreaker. The one I leave in my suitcase has a hood with a drawstring. Even in the summer, evenings may be cool. Movie theatres and restaurants usually keep their temperatures down. Windbreakers are so lightweight you can easily roll one up and carry it with you. They’re great for just keeping the wind (or the vent) from blowing right on your skin.
2. Sweater or sweatshirt. It doesn’t have to be thick or heavy. A lightweight fleece jacket is great. You just need something to retain your body heat. I’ve traveled to cold climates with nothing more than a long shirt, sweatshirt, and windbreaker. That way you can peel off the layers, or add more if necessary.
3. At least one long sleeved shirt. Sometimes that’s all you need to avoid being chilled. You may even want it to protect you from the sun.
4. Travel umbrella. This stays in my suitcase along with the windbreaker.
5. Poncho. Not stylish, but if you have to be out in the rain, you won’t care! I probably didn’t pay more than $2 for mine, but if it gets wet, I can throw it away and not have to worry about drying it out before I pack to go home.
6. Comfortable shoes. Don’t buy shoes for a trip. Wear something you already know you can walk in and be comfortable.
Of course, any time you travel, take the time to do some research on the area. Check out the local attractions and know what’s available. It’ll make a big difference in how you pack your bag.
Joyce Moseley Pierce
Visit http://www.preparedineveryway.com for other preparedness ideas, including an article on international travel.
