By Steve Silverman
A visit to the
Boston area is an exciting prospect, but one that can be difficult to pack for no matter what time of year you are planning your trip. There's an old saying about Boston's climate: "If you don't like the weather here, wait five minutes and it will change." That saying is largely true because the weather can be so unpredictable. It can make packing for the trip a frustrating piece of work.
Summer Packing List
It can get hot in Boston during the summer--steamy hot. The combination of sun and humidity can be debilitating to anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits are the order of the day and, of course, a Boston Red Sox baseball hat is a must-have. Boston-area residents tend to be somewhat suspicious and if you are not wearing a Red Sox hat, they may take you for a Yankee fan and suffice it to say that you will not be welcomed with open arms.
Winter Packing List
Visitors to the Boston area are taking their chances by visiting in winter. It will undoubtedly be freezing cold, with temperatures that can reach 10 degrees Fahrenheit or even lower. Paralyzing snow storms have been known to strike the area with regularity and you need to be prepared. Parkas, wool hats, winter gloves and scarves are necessities. Take advantage of the winter weather by going skiing at many of the nearby ski resorts. Skis, boots and ski gloves will give you the equipment you need in order to take advantage of the outstanding ski locales.
Fall Packing List
This is by far the most visually stimulating time to visit the Boston area. There are fall foliage tours that show off the brilliant colors that are found at this time of year. Bring plenty of casual clothes that will allow you to spend your time outside. Sweaters, jeans, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunglasses and a light jacket will make your walking tour very enjoyable. One more necessity to bring with you is rain gear. A bright, sunny fall day in Boston can easily turn into a rainstorm. You don't have to retire to your car or the hotel if you bring the right clothes and rain gear to let you stay outside even when it's pouring.
About the Author:
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.