7 Tips to Survive a Winter Trip to Chicago
I love calling Chicago home, but I'll level with you - Chicago during the winter can be rough.
First, everything - from the sideways, to the buildings, to the sky, to the trains - is gray. And, boy, can it get cold! Oh, and then there's the snow and slush. That being said, there is plenty to see and do in Chicago even in winter, and with a bit of preparation, even Chicago’s notorious wind won’t be able to hold you down! So, regardless of whether you find yourself in Chicago on business or if you are planning a personal getaway to the Windy City, these tips will help you survive your winter trip to Chicago!
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01
LAYER
When you arrive in Chicago during the winter months, you’ll see a lot of down coats, blanket scarves, and snow boots. Seriously, it’ll look like people are preparing for an arctic expedition. Is that really necessary? If you live here for three-weeks in February, you will find that, yes, it is very necessary. You won’t want to break the bank on an all-new winter get-up if you are just coming to Chicago for a short time, but if you are visiting during the winter, you definitely need to come prepared. Bare minimum?
A coat that can withstand the windchill.
Gloves to keep your fingers warm, preferably with touchscreen compatibility or flip-tops for easy use of mobile map features.
A thick hat that covers your ears - extra points for a pom! A coat with a hood would also cover you.
Good walking shoes (with tread) and socks thick enough to keep your toes warm! Be sure to keep an eye on the forecast and bring boots if needed - wear them on the plane to save room in your suitcase!
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02
Invest in a travel mug.
When the windchill reaches negative degrees Fahrenheit (it can happen, see here or here), that paper cup the coffee shop gives you just isn’t going to cut it. You’ll either need to chug it, or your coffee is going to be cold by the time you reach your secondary destination. However, if you bring a travel mug with you, it will protect your morning pick-me-up from the elements! Plus, it’s better for the environment, so you’ll be doing your part to help prevent another polar vortex! Opt for a lightweight one with a tight-sealing lid that will fit comfortably in your bag when you are finished.
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03
Hydrate.
Chicago is not only cold during the winter - it is also dry. You will be amazed how dry, in fact. For example, one minute you might be talking, and the next minute you’ll be coughing because there is literally not enough moisture in the air for you to form words. Be sure to keep a bottle of water, hand lotion, and lip balm in your bag to prevent chapped skin, lips, and hands.
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04
Find the Pedway.
The Pedway is a pedestrian system of tunnels, bridges, and passageways in the Loop that can save you from the wind, snow, slush, and rain while exploring downtown, but only if you know how to access it. Just look for the compass signs indicating an entrance. A map provided by the city can be found here.
05
Prepare for hat hair.
Winter days in Chicago are not ones to be vain (seriously, you’ll be really uncomfortable), but there are a few tricks that can help you prepare for the inevitable, like hat hair. Find a leave-in conditioner that works for your hair type and can help fight the frizz and static. I have thin hair and love Nexxus Hydra-Light Leave-In Foam Conditioner because it doesn’t weigh my hair down. To help with the flatness caused by my hat, I also carry a travel-size hairspray. I love the lift I get from Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish.
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06
Download the Uber app.
If you haven't gotten hip to Uber yet, Chicagoans are all about it. (And I'm pretty sure I just sounded like Dr. Evil trying to convince his son that he was still "cool.") In all seriousness, if you download the Uber app, it will allow you to wait inside for your ride rather than having to go outside to hail a cab! Plus, it's usually less expensive than a cab, assuming it's not in surge pricing. Just be sure not to call your Uber until you are ready to go - they only wait two minutes. Also, be very specific with the pick-up addresses you enter - Chicago has layers of streets (Uppers and Lowers) and the tall buildings can sometimes affect GPS signals.
It's available for both iOS and Android users.
07
Use a white wine vinegar solution to get rid of salt stains.
To keep pedestrians and motor vehicle operators from sliding every which way on the ice that forms on the streets and sidewalks, the city street department sprinkles rock salt everywhere! Unfortunately, having all that rock salt everywhere means that it is 1) unavoidable during the winter months and 2) going to create gross white salt stains on all your shoes. If I didn’t know this trick, I would have ruined countless pairs of leather boots.
Instead, dilute about 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar into a cup of water, stirring until mixed. Then, take a non-abrasive cotton towel (like a washcloth or paper towel) and gently apply the mixture to the stain until it disappears. Make sure to let the stain dry naturally! If in doubt, it’s probably best to leave your favorite shoes at home or make sure they are protected with a leather shoe protector.
EXTRA CREDIT
Use the heat on the CTA train platforms!
For those of you who like to explore a city by transit, the Chicago Elevated Train System (or the “L”) is mostly outdoors. There is a small portion that is subway, but mostly it’s an outdoor train system, which means that you will be waiting in the elements for the next train to arrive. Do you see all of those people, and maybe a few burrowing pigeons, standing in that faint orange glow? That orange glow is actually heat provided by the Chicago Transit Authority from November through April, free with your train fare - so if there is room, snuggle on in!
