As someone born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, traveling to much colder places around the state and even farther can feel unfamiliar, daunting, and even improbable. However, there are only a few key things to remember to make your visit to the snow a great success.
While dressing appropriately for the weather seems like an obvious necessity, there are a few life hacks to make your travels much warmer – and much more pleasant.
An outer jacket, such as a puffer or another insulated coat, is great for battling cold temperatures, and sizing up when coat shopping is perfect for layering underneath any thermal jacket with a long sleeve or a hoodie. The same goes for pants – Wearing a thinner layer underneath will keep you comfortable outside for much longer.
Even with a warm jacket, people often forget about keeping their extremities warm with cold-fighting accessories. Gloves or earmuffs can keep ears warm and protect from any snow, and gloves are great for keeping fingers from stiffening up with the cold. Scarves can be a game changer for keeping the wind chill from sneaking into your jacket, and thick or fuzzy socks play a huge role in protecting your feet from any snow falling into your shoes.
A huge thing to consider when planning your chilly vacation is how different driving in an icy climate can be, especially compared to the mild weather of coastal California. Slow down: This is the most crucial part of driving in snow or ice, and winter tires should be taken into consideration for better traction. Drivers must always be aware of black ice, which is nearly invisible on roads and may cause brakes and steering may not work correctly. And, before you even start your drive, make sure to remove all snow and ice from your car’s windows and roof.
All of this information may seem like a lot of work for a supposed relaxing vacation, but visiting colder climates offers some incredibly unique experiences that everyone should try. Traditional snowman-making and snowball fights are always fun, especially for younger kids. Snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, are awesome ways to see beautiful views and make memories with friends and family.
With everything said, if properly prepared and researched, visiting the snow can be an amazing trip for everybody.
