COAT
Depending on temperatures and wind conditions, be wise on the selection of overcoats. Generally coats with down serves best for negative temperatures; the longer the better. Knee-length coats with wool/cashmere contents are comfortable from zero to 8°C. A woolen pea-coat or zip suede jacket is smart looking from 8°C to 12°C. Polycotton trench coats are stylish for temperature above 12°C but the classic windbreaker is most practical.
SWEATERS
Whether to pack heavy or light sweaters depends on temperature and the overcoat that the sweaters will be co-ordinated. In tours itinery which covers lowland and highlands weather conditions, it is wise to pack a variety to mix and match as you acclimatize. Wool fabrication is generally warmer than acrylic/cotton mix.
A classic turtleneck pullover is always fashionable, comfortable and keeps the neck warm. Cardigans and vests are great for layering.
Pants and Skirts
Woolen pants and skirts are most apt for urban wear. For the more freezing countryside or mountains, you will be thankful for the fleece-lined waterproof/windproof pants.
Thermal underwear
As the name suggest, this additional layer of underwear will certainly help to keep the body warmer. Although the wool thermal are by far the warmest but unless you stay outdoors for long spell, many opt for cotton mix material to stay comfortable especially when you travel often in bus coaches or subway trains when temperature may be turn up to 20 C!
Mufflers
This is not just a fashion item! You will believe when you have one to wrap around your neck as the wind blows brutally against you. For those that can never feel comfortable with turtleneck pullovers, the muffler will serve well with any crewneck.
Gloves or mittens
Mittens are actually the warmest as the fingers work together to build up warmth but yet gloves are more popular. Unless you expect to be in much contact with snow, waterproof gloves are not an absolute must. Especially for urban wears,
the woolen gloves are more suitable. The semi mittens cum gloves are recommended for the photographer.
Tights and leg-warmers
Unlike the traditional thermal pants, tights can be partially exposed and team well with wool/leather skirts and high boots. Alternatively they are better matched when you choose to use more fitting jeans. Leg-warmers are fun, cute and warm when the young choose to play with colour match. However for the more elderly, the woolen leg/knee warmers can save the painful joints from the freezing cold.
Caps and earmuffs
A cap or hat is essential to keeping your body heat from escaping apart from adding colours to your photos! For those whose ears get cold, earmuffs or earbands are the answer.
Socks
Woolen socks are most suitable to fight the cold. For those who are allergic to these, the acrylic pile socks do a great job too; provided your shoes size is slightly bigger. Wear socks to bed at night helps to keep you warm till the morning.
Heat packs
Mini heat packs are now available to help keep both your hands and feet warm
if you expect to stay outdoors for long spell. They normally last from 8 – 12 hours.
Bags for convenience and security
In this age of saving the environment and the encouragement to use re-cycle bags, many convenient stores and supermarkets are not providing free bags for your purchases. Hence it is handy to have a neat foldable bags with your wherever you go! A flat underneath the clothing sling bag or waist pouch is the safest place to keep excess cash and passport.
TSA recognized baggage locks
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While technology enables the bags to be screened electronically, there are times when the authorities need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. The use of these locks has been implemented for travelers into the United States.
