weather

Keys to Staying Warm in Winter Weather

Whether you're traveling in it or just trying to live your daily life in it, cold winter weather can be miserable and even downright dangerous if you don't dress appropriately. Staying warm is more complicated than simply throwing on a coat and scarf, here are some tips for keeping toasty from your head to your toes.

Layer layer layer!
Not only does layering help prevent drafts and help wick moisture away from the body, but you can remove them one at a time if you start feeling too warm. It's much easier to remove layers than it is to add them. See some good info here about the difference between the wicking layer, warmth layer, and wind layer.

Wear a hat and cover your ears
While not to the degree that some myths claim, body heat is lost through the head so wearing a hat is important. Ears shouldn't be ignored either, cover them as they're especially susceptible to frost bite.

Go waterproof, and bring backups
Waterproof socks, gloves, and even wind or ski pants can make a huge difference in comfort level. Have extra pairs on hand so you can change in case something does get wet.

Get boots that fit
Boots need to be snug enough not to flop around and trip you up but not at all too tight. Make sure when you're buying boots that you wear several pairs of thick socks so you can ensure there's enough room. Tight boots equal cold feet, and cold feet equal no fun.

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Tags: journeys, travel, weather, winter, winter travel, winter weather, winter-travel-pedia, WinterTravel, wintertravel-pedia, WinterWeather

Barbados Issues "Perfect Weather" Guarantee

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

You plan a vacation to Barbados to loll around the beach, sipping a rum punch, two activities that just don't lend themselves to gray, miserable weather. But this eastern-most Caribbean island really doesn't have much terrible weather -- even hurricane strikes are rare -- so much so that the island's tourism authority is willing to guarantee it. Should the average daily temperature fall below 78 degrees, and should rain accumulate at more than a quarter of an inch, travelers that sign up in advance through the Perfect Weather Guarantee program will receive a $100 per crappy day rebate.

There's no cost to enroll in the program, but you have to book it at least ten days before you travel, and you must do so before June 7th, 2009, for travel between May 28th and December 18th, 2009.

Your chances of getting a payout aren't great. According to Weather.com, the average high in Barbados is 85-86 degrees F, and the low is 78-79 degrees F, making it highly unlikely that the average would fall below 78 degrees. There's a better chance of rain during these months, the average monthly rain fall reaches a high of 6.7 inches in October -- but this still averages out to less than a quarter inch a day. Which means you may just have to enjoy a sunny Bajan vacation after all -- perhaps on the pinkish sand beach at The Crane, pictured above.

Gallery: Summer Rates In Barbados

Tags: barbados, caribbean, rum, weather

Yin Yang Signature Collection Patio Furniture

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

From Dedon comes the Yin Yang Signature Collection outdoor lounge set. The chairs can be positioned separately or nested together to create a classic vision of the symbol for which they are named, fitting to form a perfect circle with contrasting cushions creating the "eyes" on each side -- the arrangement of the seats encouraging communication without being too intimate. Made of a weather resistant fiber material in a balance of platinum and bronze shades, I think they bring a somewhat indoor quality to typical outdoor patio furniture. But I've said it before and I'll say it again...how comfortable are they? They look a little stiff.

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Tags: chair, chairs, dedon, furniture, lounge, outdoors, outside, patio, weather, yang, yard, yin, yin yang, ying, YinYang

Official Tourist Hoodies

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

These detached, reversible hoods are not the meant to be worn by the real tourists in San Francisco. They are the creation of SF-based designer Official Tourists. The hood is basically a combination hood and neck-warmer in one, with snaps that secure the wide collar in place. There are a lot of different designs to choose from and, assuming they make it beyond the foggy borders of the Bay Area, these seem like something that will be a hit on the ski slope of Northern California, if not further abroad. Price: $56.

[via Cool Hunting]

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Tags: apparel, cold, Hoodies, hoods, Official Tourist Hoodies, OfficialTouristHoodies, snow, weather, winter

Rain Dot Umbrella

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

April showers bring... the need for a new umbrella. How can you worry about May flowers when your hair is getting wet? Umbrellas are a useful tool that we don't give much thought to until caught in a down-pour and I have never had good luck from the $10 variety peddled by street vendors, no matter that they promise it's a real (insert designer name here). This time, I'm planning in advance. I love this Brick Rain Dot Umbrella from the Seattle company Pare Umbrella. It is 3-feet in diameter when opened and has a gorgeous natural rattan hooked handle. Price: $56.

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Tags: accessories, accessory, april, brick, fashion, pare, rain, rain dot, red, seattle, umbrella, umbrellas, weather