Freezing New York in February 2014

I love the cold season but not the freezing one where the temperature dips to negative. We were in New York from Feb. 7 to 10 for a short winter break. I checked the temperature and knew it was below 0 for all the days that we would be there. I didn't know how cold a -4 to -8 Celsius is until we were there.

We've been to NYC countless of times already but mostly during spring and autumn. This winter was the first time we visited the freezing and cold NYC. I could feel the bitter cold piercing through my down jacket even with my thermal sweater as an additional layer of clothing. I wore my thermal leggings as well underneath my jeans and yet, I could have sworn, at one point, I couldn't feel my buttom already.

One thing I liked though, my daughter and I enjoyed watching the falling snow. It was a first time for us because it wasn't snowing when we visited Niagara. It was just flurries but this time, it was snow and I could touch it for a fleeting second. Too bad, we couldn't make snow angels because it's not possible. But, seeing all these wonders of nature is a dream come true.

Freezing New York is the least of my favorite time to visit it. I still prefer going around on low 5 - 10 Celsius because that kind of cold will be bearable for us. So, are we visiting NYC again during winter time? Maybe but I will bring thicker jacket next time!

What To Pack For Your Winter Getaway

Photo credit: energiaesociedade.org

The onset of winter is one of my favorite time to travel. The weather is not yet unforgiving and there is still a remnant of the last season's foliage that can be viewed and enjoyed. However, not all places have the same kind of pre-winter. And if you are considering a winter getaway, you have to make sure that you've done your research, you've checked the local weather in that place and other weather forecast to ensure you pack the right stuff.

Important things to pack for your winter getaway are listed below to help you bring the essential ones and not leave you bitter and cold.

Boots with warm lining
This can be a snow boots or an all terrain boots with rubber sole for anti-slip and warm lining to prevent cool draft biting your skin.

Thermal shirts and sweaters
Some places may be ultra cold so be prepared to wear thermal clothing that you can layer because most establishments and public places will have the heater on and you may need to shed of some layers of clothing for that.

A long scarf or shawl
These are good bet for warming your neck and face area. It's a nice addition to insulate you from the cold.

Ear muffs
This can be optional in some places because it may not be as cold as what you imagine. However, there is no harm in packing your ear muffs just in case it gets too cold.

Hat, beanie, umbrella
Yes, anything to cover you head and protect it from the cold. The umbrella will be very useful for some days with rain.

Parka/wind-breaker/Insulated jacket
You can bring any of the above winter garment as long as it will keep you warm and dry.

Medications for cough and cold
Winter is the season of coughs and colds and just be prepared and pack your meds if in case you acquire the sniffles.

Thermal leggings
Carry some lightweight thermal leggings you can wear underneath your jeans or pants for extra warmth and protection from the cold weather.

So, don't be caught unaware. Keep your winter essentials ready for your getaway!

Spring, Come Soon

Okay. I'm not yet in panic mode right now but soon I will if this snowy weather disturbance in the East Coast in the US does not clear.

My family and I will be travelling to New York this end of March for our annual Spring Break vacation. My daughter is very excited to be there during spring as she missed last year's vacation. She hasn't seen the Cherry Blossoms in bloom yet so we are all hoping the weather gets better very soon or else it will be one very cold (and snowy?!?) spring vacation for all of us. It will be cold as well in Niagara if the snow storm does not stop next week. I'm not keen on packing heavy winter clothing.

I don't mind seeing real snow. In fact, my daughter and I are excited to see it but not in that kind of stormy scene. I am still reliving the memories of Hurricane Sandy the last time we were there. So this time, we are hoping and praying for a nice and beautiful weather to enjoy spring.

So please winter storm, clear up now and bring forth the beauty of Spring!

Autumn Getaway in NYC

Yes! It's autumn and my family and I will spend 5 days in lovely New York City again this coming 25-31 October. Too bad, we won't be there to experience Halloween but we can purchase some nice goodies to bring home.

I just love cool weather and where else to spend the short holiday break than in my favorite Big Apple! I'll see lovely fall foliage again. It's nice to walk around the park with the cool breeze blowing on your face and the crisp autumn leaves on your foot step.

Ah, fall! We can't wait to feel you again! And hello NYC!

New York - My Favorite Fall Destination

The slight drop in temperature and the cool breeze blowing to my face is a pleasant respite from the extreme summer months of the UAE. We normally don't go anywhere aside from the Philippines during summer because of our work and the request of relatives back home to visit them. So, our family annual trip' destination usually falls on the beautiful, cool weather of autumn.

We have spent autumn in Munich, Istanbul and New York. I would say, New York tops my autumn go to place. The weather can be chilly and balmy at night but I love the cold weather. Autumn in Europe is fine too but I just don't feel that certain autumn charm that New York has.

Here are the reasons why I love New York in autumn:

1. The trees in Central Park are bright and colorful with different hues of orange, red, yellow and brownish/burnt sienna tones of leaves.

2. The sky is clear and sunny and the air is crisp.

3. Nice time to have picnic at the park.

4. People watching while enjoying a hot cup of joe.

5. I don't get tired walking around in boots!

6. The city is bustling again because summer campers are back.

Don't you just love NY in autumn? I think I am biased. I just love the place no matter what season of the year.