What to Pack for New Orleans. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Summer Clothing June-August

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are optimal. Think cotton or linen. Pack loose-fitting clothes like shorts, skirts, t-shirts, and tank tops. Layers are generally not needed.

Summer Essentials

A Light rain jacket or Small umbrella is useful for sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
Choose light colors as they reflect sunlight better, helping you stay cooler.
The heat and humidity are constant, so prioritize comfort in your clothing choices.

Winter Clothing December-February

Layers are important. Pack long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and fleece. A medium-weight jacket or coat is recommended. New Orleans winters can have warm spells, so pack lighter options too.

Winter Layering Tips

A Scarf and light Gloves are useful for colder evenings.
Start with a long-sleeved base, add a sweater or fleece, and top with a jacket. Adjust layers throughout the day.
Temperatures can drop unexpectedly, so be ready for varied conditions.

Footwear Recommendations

Main Footwear

Comfortable, supportive Walking shoes or sneakers are needed. Many streets, especially in the French Quarter, are cobblestone or uneven.

Prioritize comfort and support.

Secondary Footwear

Sandals or lighter shoes are suitable for very hot weather. Ensure they offer good support for walking. Avoid flimsy flip-flops for extensive walking.

Good for warm days, but still supportive.

Evening Footwear

Bring dressier shoes if you plan fine dining or upscale nightlife. Avoid high heels on cobblestones, as they pose a tripping hazard.

Stylish but practical for uneven surfaces.

Essential Documents for Travel

Documents to Carry

Keep important documents safe and accessible. Have both physical and digital copies.

Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid passport, U.S. Visa (if needed), or ESTA approval.
Travel Insurance Policy Information: Digital and printed copies, including emergency contacts.
International Driving Permit (if applicable): Needed if your home country's license is not in English.
Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Copies of medical records, especially for prescription medications.

Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flight itineraries, hotel bookings, tour confirmations, car rental agreements.
Emergency Contact Information: List of family members, friends, or embassy contacts in your wallet and phone.
Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): Any identification cards that might grant discounts.
Doctor's note for controlled substances: Explaining medical necessity.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The standard voltage in the U.S. is 120 V at 60 Hz, using Type A and B plugs. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, needing only a Plug adapter.

Power Essentials

Travelers from 220-240V countries will need a Voltage converter for non-dual voltage appliances.
A Universal Travel Adapter is a useful item for convenience.
Portable chargers and power banks (e.g., Anker PowerCore 10000) are helpful for keeping devices charged.

Mobile & Camera Gear

Most modern smartphones are compatible with U.S. cellular networks (GSM 850/1900 MHz and LTE bands). An Unlocked phone allows use of a U.S. SIM card.

Tech Essentials

Prepaid SIM cards are available from major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) or MVNOs.
eSIMs from Airalo offer digital activation before arrival, avoiding physical SIMs.
For photos, a Smartphone camera is sufficient, but a Compact mirrorless or DSLR like the Sony Alpha a6100 is also suitable.

Essential Apps & Data Backup

Recommended Apps

Download Google Maps (offline maps), Uber/Lyft, Yelp, OpenTable, Google Translate, and RTA's Le Pass app for navigation and local services.

Data Backup Solutions

Regularly back up photos and important documents using cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Small external hard drive.

VPN Services

Consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

Prepare a Personal first aid kit with standard and New Orleans-specific items.

Kit Contents

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), allergy medicine.
Blister treatment (Moleskin) for extensive walking on uneven surfaces.
Antacids for rich New Orleans cuisine. Insect bite relief and Hydrocortisone cream.

Medications & Sun Protection

Carry all prescription medications in their original, clearly labeled containers, with a doctor's note for controlled substances.

Health & Safety Items

Over-the-counter remedies for cold/flu, diarrhea (Imodium), and pain relievers.
Motion sickness remedies might be useful for airboat swamp tours.
Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+ like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer), a Wide-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses.

Insect Repellent & Water Safety

Insect Protection

Insect repellent is needed, especially during warmer months (April-October) and near water.
Products with DEET (20-30%) or Picaridin (Sawyer Products Picaridin) are effective.
Wear long sleeves and pants if outdoors in marshy areas for added protection.

Water & Hygiene

Common personal hygiene items are readily available in New Orleans.
Bring any specialized or preferred brands that might be harder to find.
Tap water in New Orleans is potable; water purification options are not needed.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Swamp Tours

Binoculars for wildlife viewing and a camera with a zoom lens are useful for capturing distant animals.

Binoculars
Camera with zoom lens
Closed-toe shoes
Insect repellent

Walking Tours

Comfortable, broken-in Walking shoes are needed. A Small daypack for water, snacks, and a camera.

Comfortable walking shoes
Small daypack
Water bottle
Camera

Renting vs. Bringing

Bicycles are easily rented locally, no need to bring your own. Formal wear can be rented locally if needed for specific events.

Local bicycle rentals
Formal wear rentals
Specialty items generally not needed
City offers charm, not gear

Attire for Various Activities

Casual & Comfortable

Walking/Sightseeing: Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are needed.
Nightlife (Frenchmen Street): Casual and comfortable clothing is suitable, focusing on the music.
Nightlife (Bourbon Street): Very casual attire is common; anything goes here.
Swamp Tours: Wear comfortable, casual clothing; long sleeves and pants deter insects.

Dining & Cultural Venues

Casual Dining: Casual dress is acceptable at most eateries.
Fine Dining: Smart casual or business casual attire is often appropriate.
For men, collared shirts may be needed; women might wear dresses or blouses.
Check restaurant websites for specific dress code recommendations.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These items contribute to comfort, security, and convenience throughout your journey.

Travel Comfort

A Travel pillow for long flights or bus rides.
An Eye mask and earplugs are useful for light sleepers.
TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags.
A Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for passports, cash, and credit cards.

Reusable & Regional Items

These items support sustainable travel and cater to New Orleans' specific climate.

Sustainable & Local

A Reusable water bottle supports hydration and reduces plastic waste.
A Foldable shopping bag is useful for souvenirs or groceries.
A small umbrella or light rain jacket for sudden downpours.
A Portable fan (battery-operated) provides relief from summer heat.

Local Availability

Most Items Available

Anything available in a standard U.S. City is available in New Orleans.

Specialty Medications

Specific prescription medications might be exceptions; bring from home.

Dining Scene

Enjoy local flavors without needing special gear.

Travel Sized Items

Travel-sized personal hygiene versions are useful for flying.

Cultural & Activity Considerations

Cultural Dress Code

New Orleans has no specific cultural dress code or modesty requirements.
For church visits, respectful dress (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated.
The city is known for its relaxed and eclectic style; express yourself.

New Orleans Specifics

Spring is festival season; plan outfits comfortable for standing and walking outdoors.
No specific specialty items are generally needed for typical New Orleans experiences.
The city's charm comes from its atmosphere, not specialized gear.

Packing Pro Tips

Download essential apps before your trip to save data and time.

Regularly back up your photos and important documents using cloud storage or an external hard drive.

What to Pack for New Orleans