How to layer up for a winter vacation

My sister and I were prepared for a lot of fun on our New York tour-bus ride. What we forgot to prepare for were the freezing January winds. Fun is a rather distant issue when you are worried about losing your toes, as we found out the hard way. So while most people remember seeing New York landmarks from the bus, I remember getting off the bus midway and running into an H&M store to massage my feet back to life in the changing room. 

Packing for a winter vacation is the opposite of packing for a summer trip in more ways than one. The amount of layers you have on can make or break your day out there in the blistering cold. For most of us used to the sheltered winters of Dhaka, figuring out winter clothes when visiting colder places can be tricky.

Here is a mini 101 course on how to go about it: 

THE FIRST LAYER

Wearing something thin, warm and body-hugging will seal in your body heat, which is what we want. You could either invest in some thermal wear, or wear thick stockings under your trousers. 

The second layer (and third and so forth)

These layers, which go over the first, constitute of the actual clothes, such as T-shirt and jeans, followed by sweaters. The colder it is, the more layers you will need.

THE FINAL LAYER

Depending on the weather, you could go with a woolen overcoat, leather jacket, windcheater, winter coat, etc.

THE EXTRAS

This is where we get crafty. It is always fun to spot colourful woolen hats and gloves. An added accessory I always carry with me is a pair of earmuffs. The first pair I had happened to be a present from my father. They were huge and furry and super functional. The one I am currently using is more mature and discreet. Either ways, earmuffs are a great way to stay warm outdoors.

I recommend researching the weather conditions of your destination, as well as checking weather forecasts daily to figure out how many layers you will need each day. And remember, if all else fails, a steaming cup of hot chocolate should do the trick!