How to Visit Gettysburg in Winter

Even in the winter there is plenty for visitors to do while in Gettysburg, Pennslyvania. Not only can you see the site of the famous Civil War battle fought near and through the town, but also the town itself, which has grown over the years but has retained its small town, 19th century allure. Gettysburg National Military Park is a popular tourist draw, attracting an estimated 3 million people annually. Winter thins visitor ranks and the town adds charm to the setting.

Things You'll Need
Park brochure with auto tour map
History Channel guided tour CD or cassette (optional)
Warm clothes
Binoculars
Camera

Tips For You
Winter Thins the Crowds

1. Plan ahead. Go online and gather information about the park and surrounding areas. Make reservations for at least two nights at one of the many understated, but comfortable, local motels or bed and breakfasts. You will be taking advantage of winter rates.
2. Drive to the park early (it opens at 6 a.m. year-round) and plan to stay all day. Go to the visitor center first and pick up a free park brochure with a map of the auto tour. You can also buy a History Channel guided tour CD or cassette. Two- and three-hour tour versions are available. Signs along the park's drives are in sync with the History Channel tour package and direct you to the next part of the tour. Other options are bus or shuttle tours or hiring a tour guide who will drive your car and describe the battle as you go.
3. View the movie "A New Birth of Freedom" (narrated by Morgan Freeman) while at the visitor center. It provides a good review of the battle and aftermath. Next, see the fully-restored Gettysburg Cyclorama with its dramatic depiction of Pickett's Charge, the culmination of the three-day battle.
4. Drive the tour, heading to Little Round Top, site of the stand by the Union's 20th Maine. It's popular with visitors (thanks to the movie "Gettysburg"), so see it first. Next, go to Cemetery Ridge, the Union position that was the conversion point of Pickett's Charge. From there, drive the remainder of the tour. Bundle up if weather is cold, park your car and get out to experience some of the sites.
5. Visit the town's wide variety of shops, including Civil War stores, and museums. During the holidays, an elegant Christmas tree decorates the square. The town is known as one of the 10 most haunted places in America so check out the available tours, if you are so inclined. Haunted places you will want to see include the Jennie Wade House and Gettysburg College.

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How to Cold Weather Camp in Your RV

While “snowbirds” head south to warmer climates such as Florida's as soon as fall passes, others relish the sensory deprivation that winter camping affords. Modern RVs are equipped to deal with colder temperatures, and the payoffs are lighter traffic on the roads and the pick of spots at campgrounds.

Winterizing Regime

• For short trips, many winter RVers drain and close off their water system entirely, carrying water in portable containers instead. For longer adventures, preparing the RV's water system, including pipes and tanks, is essential. Some RVs have heated water tanks, but if yours does not, add a couple of quarts of RV antifreeze to both blackwater and graywater tanks, taking care to run the antifreeze through any pipes which extend below floor level, such as the shower P-trap. If you winterize, take bottled water to drink and brush your teeth. A neat trick if you have an RV with several exposed pipes is to leave a faucet dripping, which will at least keep water running through the system and alert you if the water starts to freeze solid. It is also worth taping up any exposed pipes with heat tape before departure, although most modern RVs place pipes adjacent to heat ducts.

Site Selection

• Pick a spot that catches the sun and has a natural windbreak, such as hedges or trees, and park the RV with the front or rear facing the wind, rather than letting the longer sides catch the full brunt of the chill. If parking up for a while, placing skirting around the RV’s base will help keep the undercarriage area warm and protect the pipes. As soon as you’re set up, either connect the electrical system to the hookup to turn on the heating system, or heat water with the propane gas tanks. If the shower and bathroom facilities are open in your RV park or campground, use them rather than filling up the graywater tanks, even if it means a chilly trek to the shower block. Even if you are entering a campsite under benign conditions, don’t forget to visualize the return journey after snowfall.

Cabin Heating

• Since the RV’s forced air furnace will provide the primary source of heat, make sure your propane tanks are full before setting off, because the heaters will consume more gas than cookers or other appliances. Watch out for the furnace fan draining the batteries, too, if not hooked up to an outlet, since it draws up to 7 amps, bearing in mind that even batteries can freeze in cold temperatures when not fully charged. Cold batteries also draw more power to start up. Coating the terminals with petroleum jelly helps ignition. Make sure you have carbon monoxide monitors in the cabin when running propane heaters. If no electric hookup is available, a generator is a huge bonus. It will keep the batteries charged, but make sure the exhaust is well ventilated and be prepared to put up with a fair bit of noise.

Miscellaneous Tips

• If you don’t have thermo-pane windows, keep them covered with curtains, and seal roof vents and skylights to minimize upward heat escape. Sheets of Styrofoam also make easily removable insulators for windows and the main windshield, while strips of insulator around entry doors will also minimize the main source of drafts. Have a set of snow chains on board; they are obligatory in some states. Even if you’re not planning to head into snowy areas, you never know when you might be caught in a blizzard. RV Travel recommends investing in a portable dehumidifier to dry out the cabin before leaving, since wood cabinets in particular can accumulate moisture during summer, which will cause condensation when it's cold.

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How to Pack a Car for a Cross Country Winter Drive

When you are taking a long driving trip during the winter, it is best to be prepared for any emergency. Across different areas of the country, you may experience winter weather ranging from rain to snow and ice. Getting stranded in severe weather systems can often be prevented by checking the road conditions and weather forecast for the areas you are traveling in ahead of time, but even the phone-in road condition numbers for each area are not always accurate, You can be hit with a sudden dangerous weather front and it is a good idea to travel with supplies in case of bad weather. Plan ahead and be safe.

Things You'll Need

• First aid kit
• Personal medications
• Blankets
• Pillow
• Warm clothes
• Warm shoes
• Gloves
• Hat
• Scarf
• Jacket
• Change of clothes
• Extra socks
• Towels
• Food
• Liquids
• Bottled water
• Themos of hot drink or soup
• Flares
• Flashlights
• Matches
• Heavy leather work gloves
• Snow chains
• Coilapsible shovel
• Emergency road sign
• Cell phone
• Car cell phone charger
• Maps
• Addresses
• List of emergency numbers
• Pad of paper and pen

Tips For You

1. Make sure you have a first aid kit in your car. Also, carry any personal medications you need with you. If you get stranded somewhere and need to take daily meds, you don’t want to be stuck without them.
2. Pack blankets and a pillow. This bedding will help to keep you warm in an emergency. You may not be able to keep your car heater running, so you need to be able to stay warm. The car will protect you from the direct elements but the temperatures may drop to below zero, so you'll welcome the extra protection.
3. Wear warm clothes and shoes. Bring along gloves, a hat, scarf and a change of clothes, especially socks. If you have to be outside at all if you get stranded, you don’t want to be wearing wet clothing that will dangerously lower your body temperature. Bring towels to dry off with if you get wet.
4. Bring food and liquids with you, including bottled water. Make sure there is enough to last you at least 3 or 4 days, in case you get stuck somewhere. Pack a variety of food, such as fresh fruit, sandwiches, hard boiled eggs and dried goods like nuts, dried fruit, pretzels and so forth. Bring a couple of thermoses full of hot coffee, soup, cocoa or tea.
5. Be prepared for emergencies. Make sure you have flares, flashlights and matches and even toilet paper. Bring a pair of heavy leather work gloves with you for changing tires, putting snow chains on or digging in the snow or mud. If you are going into snowy areas, bring the correct sized chains for your car and pack a collapsible snow shovel. They don’t take up a lot of room and you can dig yourself out of the snow or free your tires from snow drifts if needed. Also, carry an emergency road sign that you can stick in your car window if you get stuck somewhere.
6. Keep your cell phone with you and make sure it is fully charged. You can buy a car charger for your cell phone and keep the phone plugged in while you drive. If you get stranded somewhere and the car won't start, use the cell phone sparingly to call for emergency help and to let people know where you are. You may hit areas where cell phone access is not an option. Be aware there many areas of the country where the cell phone won’t pick up a signal.
7. Bring along all necessary paperwork, like maps for any route you are taking, addresses and phone numbers, such as to your insurance company, family members, emergency contacts, local highway patrol and road access numbers. Let someone know where you are going and which routes you are taking before you leave. Also, keep a pad of paper and a pen handy and bring cash and credit cards.

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What to Wear in Italy in Winter

A winter trip to Italy will be one you'll always remember. Since you will be avoiding the tourist season, you will find lower airfares, cheaper rates at hotels and shorter lines at museums. That said, dressing for winter travel can be challenging, especially when you take into account that the Italians like to dress up for any occasion. Avoid being labeled as a tourist by steering clear of backpacks and torn jeans. Italians enjoy wearing black garments, so you might want to take that into consideration. Of course, your choice of clothing will also depend on your destination in Italy.

How to Dress for an Italian Ski Resort

• While skiers and snowboarders at your local American ski resort might make fun of expensive Bogner one-piece ski suits, they are quite common at Italian resorts. In fact, it's not unusual to see people using outdated gear but stylish ski outfits. Additionally, Italians tend to dress up for apres ski. Even in resorts such as Bormio, which is not considered an upscale ski area, you will see women walking through town wearing fur coats. While this is not always practical for travelers, you might want to bring along a long and more stylish coat to change into for apres ski.

Women's Styles in Winter

• Winters in the northern Italian cities can be cold but tolerable. Daytime temperatures hover around 35 to 40 degrees F. Women can stay warm and look stylish by wearing velvet pants, long low-heeled boots, wool or velvet gloves and a chic but warm hat. A shawl thrown over a long coat completes the look and adds warmth.

Men's Styles in Winter

• Men have a bit more leeway in terms of style. Jeans are acceptable for them, along with a dark turtleneck worn under a wool sweater. Italians specialize in attractive walking boots for men, so you might want to buy some while you're there.

Sleepwear

• If you are staying at an older hotel, the heating might be less than optimal. As such, bring along warm pajamas, long underwear and a pair of long socks.

Dressing for Southern Italy

• The South of Italy, such as Sicily and the Amalfi coastline, is warmer in the winter. Daytime temperatures average at 54 degrees F. Both men and women should bring comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket. Women can bring along a shawl to throw over the jacket, in case the weather gets colder. Men can bring a sweater to wear under the jacket.

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How to Visit New York City in the Winter With Children

New York City has a unique charm in the wintertime. During the Christmas season, the city is alive with holiday cheer. Winter can also bring a beautiful dusting (or blanket) of snow, giving New York a fresh, clean look. Bundle up the kids and visit the Big Apple for some fun winter excitement.

Things You'll Need

• Walking shoes Camera

Tips For You

1. Arrange transportation from the airport. There are three major airports in and around New York City. If you will be taking an international flight, you will probably fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is located in Queens; or you might fly into Newark International Airport, which is in Newark, New Jersey. Newark also handles domestic flights and is less crowded than JFK Airport, but you'll need to travel a bit further to get to New York City. LaGuardia Airport, also located in Queens, is another option.
2. Take advantage of the public transportation once you get into the city. The subway system will get you just about anywhere you need to go. You can also take the bus or a cab to get to your destination.
3. Book lodging. New York City has several hotels that cater to families traveling to the Big Apple. The Doubletree Times Square is great for its convenient location and kid-friendly amenities. Cribs and strollers are readily available, and guests can even request a child-proofed room. Rooms are equipped with Sony Playstations, and kid-friendly food items are available for room service. The Hilton Times Square is also in the heart of the New York City bustle. The rooms are high up (the lobby is on the 21st floor) and offer great views of the city. The hotel is a part of a mega-entertainment complex. Visitors might want to catch a flick at the 25-screen movie theater or visit the wax museum. Shopping and restaurants are also available.
4. Visit the museums. When the cold winter winds blow, families with children may want to experience New York--inside. A favorite attraction for young and old is the Museum of Natural History. Kids will enjoy walking among the prehistoric giants found in the dinosaur halls. If the kids get hungry, take them to the museum food court. Another museum to visit is the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which has five floors of hands-on activities, based around book or TV themes.
5. Go ice skating. Ice skating in New York City is a favorite activity for visitors, as well as the locals, during the winter months. If you happen to be visiting during the Christmas season, and don't mind the crowds, try the Rockefeller Center's ice skating rink. Decked out in holiday decorations, and shadowed by the famous Christmas tree, it's a festive place to skate. If you want the fun of ice skating without the crowds, you can go to Bryant Pond. The admission is free, but there is a charge for skate rental.
6. Go shopping. Shopping in New York City is an experience that's hard to find anywhere else. For instance, the Toys R Us in Times Square has an indoor ferris wheel, a 34-foot animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex and a life-size Candyland board game--complete with candy. Girls will want to visit the American Girls Place, which not only has the famous American Girl dolls displayed, but also a cafe and a live musical theater.
7. Experience the holiday season. New York City really does the Christmas season in a big way. If you will be traveling during Christmas time, make sure you see the window displays at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and other window fronts. Take the family to see the famous Rockettes, and the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

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Packing List for Winter Travel

Across most of the United States the winter months of December, January and February are typically the coldest; therefore, packing for a trip can be a difficult task. The Midwest and Eastern regions of the country typically experience severely cold winters, whereas the western and southern states can enjoy much more milder weather. A good idea is to follow the weather patterns of the area you plan on visiting one week before your departure date as this can give you a better idea as to the type of winter clothes you need to pack.

Parkas, Jackets and Coats

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that in the 2008 to 2009 winter season the average temperature of the United States was approximately 33 degrees Fahrenheit. When traveling in the wintertime don't forget to pack a parka, jacket or coat.

  In 2010 the average winter temperature for Midwestern states such as Colorado, was around 27 degrees Fahrenheit. If visiting areas within the Midwest, pack a heavy winter coat that can withstand arctic breezes and is waterproof. Heavy winter coats can allow you to participate in outdoor recreational activities and sightseeing opportunities while remaining comfortably warm.

  If considering visiting southern states such as Florida, keep in mind the average temperature is around 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Although a heavy coat, jacket or parka is typically not needed during the day, nighttime temperatures can fall down to the low 40s. For most western states, such as California, parkas and jackets can usually suffice during daytime hours.

Shirts

• When traveling in the winter months, pack at least one long-sleeve shirt for each day of your visit. When in states that experience arctic temperatures, long sleeve shirts can provide extra warmth and padding under sweaters and heavy coats, protecting you from the fierce low temperatures and winds.

  Long-sleeve shirts in states that experience mild winters can suffice during daytime temperatures. For warm states, such as Florida, short-sleeve shirts and T-shirts can also come in handy during the daytime when temperatures reach around 78 degrees Fahrenheit and you are relaxing on tropical beaches.

Sweaters

• For recreational enthusiasts that enjoy activities such as skiing, ice-fishing and sledding, sweaters can provide extra warmth when tackling the slopes. Packing at least two sweaters will ensure that you can stay dry if caught in the rain or snow by having a backup.

  If you are exploring the vineyards of the Napa Valley in California, a sweater can possibly suffice during daytime temperatures that average approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Shoes

• Shoes are extremely important when packing for winter travel as you will need to select ones that can withstand possible wet and slippery surfaces. For winter hikers, consider packing boots that are steel toed and provide ankle support. When hiking in the winter months you may experience slick and wet surfaces on different tracks.

  For other areas of the country that are milder, tennis shoes may suffice; however, be mindful of areas that experience more rain, such as California, Florida and Arizona. If visiting areas that experience wet climates, boots can be the most comfortable as they can keep your feet dry.

Undergarments

• Although you must pack underwear and socks for daily use, think of other undergarments that may make you more comfortable when visiting colder climates. "Long Johns," thermal underwear and tank tops can provide additional warmth when skiing or participating in other winter recreational activities.

Accessories and Sleepwear

• Purchasing accessories can make winter travel fun. Style your clothes with accessories such as scarves, gloves, hats or earmuffs. Not only can these items provide you with additional warmth when exploring outdoor areas, they can also demonstrate added style and definition to your regular clothes.

  If you are not used to sleeping in colder weather and want additional warmth while sleeping, pajama and nightgown sets can be packed.

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How to Convert My Travel Trailer to Use in the Winter

Winter camping in a travel trailer involves winterizing the vehicle so that the pipes and water supply do not freeze and insulating the trailer to stay warmer. Materials are available that help keep the trailer functional during cold or subfreezing temperatures so that you can continue to enjoy camping or vacations throughout the season.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe heat tape
• Antifreeze
• Water tank heater
• Skirting or foam core board
• Plastic or bubble wrap

Tips For You

1. Clean the trailer thoroughly, especially in the cooking area. Make sure that no food crumbs are in the cabinets or on counters since rodents find entries into trailers to eat since food resources are scarce outdoors in the winter.
2. Wrap the water pipes with heat tape that will keep the pipes from freezing in subfreezing weather. Besides the heat tape, you can also find water tank heaters that look like small heating pads you can lay on top of your fresh water tank to keep it from freezing.
3. Put nontoxic antifreeze in the black or grey holding tanks to keep the waste from freezing. When staying in an RV park, check with the office to see what kinds of antifreeze they allow. Some jurisdictions regulate the kinds of antifreeze that people can use since toxic chemicals can be a source of water pollution.
4. Cover the windows with plastic or bubble wrap. You can use masking tape to hold the tape to the windows. A surprising amount of energy transfers through windows. Bubble wrap is also an effective way to insulate the doors and windows of travel trailers, especially if you use the wrap that has one-inch bubbles. Cut the bubble wrap to fit the window and doors and dampen the surfaces with a spray bottle of water or use a wet cloth. Place the bubble wrap, bubble-side facing the glass, against the window or door, using your hands to stick the wrap to the surface.
5. Use foam board or heavy fabric to enclose the base of the travel trailer when temperatures are well below freezing or if you are going to spend days at a time using your travel trailer in the winter. Cut the foam or fabric to fit the distance from the ground and the base of the trailer. You can attach the foam or fabric to the trailer using wide masking tape. If the weather is windy, anchor the bottom of the protective cover using bricks or other heavy, dense objects. You can also use commercially available skirting for your camper.
6. Run your vehicle's engine at least once daily to keep the auxiliary batteries for the travel trailer and the towing vehicle fresh. Cold weather depletes batteries.

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