Great Lakes, USA
For Summer (June-August), take lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and skirts are good for daytime. Evenings can be cooler, so take a Light jacket, cardigan, or sweater for comfort. For Fall (September-October), layering is important. Begin with Long-sleeved shirts, adding sweaters or fleeces. A medium-weight jacket, like a Waterproof rain jacket or a Windbreaker, protects against cooler temperatures and potential rain.
For Winter (November-March), Heavy winter gear is needed for comfort and safety. A warm, waterproof, and windproof Winter coat that reaches at least to your thighs or knees is best for protection against the extreme cold. Seek coats with good insulation. Start with Thermal base layers, add fleece mid-layers or sweaters. A warm winter Hat that covers your ears aids comfort. Take warm, insulated Gloves or mittens. A Scarf protects your neck and face from the cold wind. For Spring (April-May), layering is beneficial. A Waterproof jacket is good due to unpredictable rain.
Comfortable Walking shoes or Hiking boots are needed for exploring parks, trails, and city paths. Take shoes you have already broken in.
Waterproof boots are good for winter travel to navigate snow, slush, and icy conditions. Take Waterproof walking shoes for spring and fall wet trails.
Take both physical and digital copies of everything important. Keeping your important documents secure during your trip prevents hassle.
The U.S. Uses Type A and B sockets (120V at 60Hz). If your devices operate on a different voltage, you will need a Travel adapter for U.S. Outlets and a Voltage converter for non-dual voltage appliances. Most modern electronics are dual voltage and only need an adapter. Your mobile phone must be unlocked to use an U.S. SIM card. You can buy Prepaid SIM cards from carriers or electronics retailers. ESIM options are increasingly popular for travelers, to activate a local data plan without a physical SIM card.
For outdoor activities or action shots, a GoPro or similar Action camera is a good option. Always take extra batteries and sufficient memory cards. Use cloud storage services (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud) to back up your photos, scanned documents, and other important files. This guards your data if your device is lost or stolen.
Use cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photo and document backup. This guards your data if a device is lost or stolen.
An RFID-blocking wallet protects credit cards against electronic theft.
A Money belt or Neck wallet is a discrete way to carry important documents. A Small padlock can secure hostel lockers.
Take a Basic first aid kit with Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen), allergy medication, and any personal prescription medications. Include any specific items you might need for chronic conditions. Take all prescription medications in their original containers with pharmacy labels. Take a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note for controlled substances. Include remedies for common travel ailments like cold/flu symptoms, antacids for indigestion, and Anti-diarrhea medication.
For summer, take insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin) to protect against mosquitoes. Check for ticks after hiking in grassy or wooded areas. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are advised for warmer, sunny months. Minneapolis tap water is safe to drink. Take Travel-sized toiletries, hand sanitizer, and any specific brands you prefer that might be hard to find.
If you plan extensive biking, consider taking your own padded shorts for comfort. Helmets are often given with rentals but taking your own means a proper fit.
For cross-country skiing or ice skating, take warm, waterproof outer layers, thermal socks, and proper Winter boots. Skis and snowboards are available for rent if you plan to visit nearby resorts for downhill skiing.
Comfortable, Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are good for exploring trails in city parks and nearby nature reserves. Your own comfortable walking shoes are usually a better choice.
Beyond clothing and electronics, these miscellaneous items add to comfort, security, and convenience during your travels. A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make long flights or train rides more comfortable. A Money belt or neck wallet is a discrete way to carry important documents, cash, and credit cards. A Small padlock can secure hostel lockers or luggage.
A reusable water bottle aids staying hydrated and lessens plastic waste. Take a Reusable shopping bag, as some stores in Minneapolis charge a fee for plastic bags or do not have them. Reusable utensils are a good idea if you plan on frequent street food purchases or picnics. Given the varied climate, a high-quality Umbrella protects from rain or even strong sun. Generally, most items are found in Minneapolis through various retail outlets. However, specialized medications, specific brands of personal care products, or certain dietary staples may be easier to bring from home.
Find a wide range of products at Amazon.
Modern travel bags and accessories from Nordace.
Secure your internet with NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Camera and electronics from B&H Photo.
Consider rolling your clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.
For mobile connectivity, consider Airalo for eSIMs, a convenient option for local data plans without physical SIM cards.
