What to Pack & Bring: Traverse City And Leelanau Peninsula

Summer & Fall Clothing

Packing in layers useful due to fluctuating temperatures, even within a single day.

Attire for Warmer Months

Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable clothing; shorts, t-shirts, sundresses. Swimwear for beaches and lakes. A Light jacket or sweater for cool evenings.
Fall (September-October): Layers recommended. Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, fleece jackets. Jeans or comfortable pants. A medium-weight, Waterproof jacket.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers for daily wear. Sandals for beaches in summer.

Winter & Spring Clothing

Prepare for colder temperatures and potential precipitation during these seasons.

Attire for Colder Months

Winter (November-March): Heavy Winter coat (waterproof/windproof). Thermal underwear, wool sweaters, fleece. Snow pants for activities. Warm hat, Gloves/mittens, and a Scarf.
Spring (April-May): Similar to fall, with emphasis on layers. A waterproof jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters.
Footwear: Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction for snow and ice. Water shoes for rocky beaches or kayaking. Hiking shoes for trails.

Activity-Specific Attire

Hiking Gear

Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing. For adjustments, layers are recommended. A small daypack for water and snacks. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots for trails.

Layering Encouraged

Water Sports Essentials

Quick-drying clothing. Swimsuit and a Quick-drying towel. A Dry bag safeguards electronics near water. A hat and sunglasses with straps also handy.

Protection for Electronics

Cultural Visit Attire

The region not specific cultural dress codes. Casual attire generally acceptable. Respectful attire, not swimwear, appropriate for churches.

Modesty Not Strict

Essential Documents

Important Documents Checklist

Having all necessary documents ready streamlines your travel experience.

Passport (international travelers) or valid U.S. Government ID.
Driver's License (International Driving Permit if driving).
Travel Insurance Policy (printed or digital copy).
Reservation Confirmations (hotel, car, tours).

Emergency Contact Information (family, local embassy/consulate).
Credit/Debit Cards (remember to notify your bank of travel plans).
Student/Senior/Press IDs (may yield potential discounts).
Vaccination Records (for personal medical history).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered calls for appropriate gear.

Power Needs

The U.S. type A/B plugs. Voltage is 120V at 60Hz. International travelers need a Universal travel adapter.
Most modern smartphones compatible with U.S. GSM and CDMA networks.
Local SIM cards from major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or eSIMs via Airalo. Prepaid plans deliver flexibility for visitors.

Cameras & Accessories

Capture the region's beauty with appropriate camera equipment.

Photography Gear

Standard camera gear for capturing the region's beauty (B&H Photo for gear).
A Waterproof action camera handy for water activities.
Portable chargers and power banks handy for long days exploring. A reliable portable charger keeps your devices powered.

Digital Preparedness

Recommended Apps

Google Maps for navigation. Yelp or TripAdvisor for dining and attraction reviews. A weather app for current conditions. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

Data Backup

Use cloud storage services like Google Photos or iCloud for backing up important data, especially photos.

Device Security

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

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit you for minor ailments and specific local conditions.

Basic Kit Contents

A basic Travel first aid kit comprising bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Carry all prescription medications in their original labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescription.
Pack over-the-counter medications for common issues like headaches, allergies, or digestive upset.

Protection from Elements

Protect yourself from sun and insects for comfortable outdoor activity.

Outdoor Protection

Insect repellent (Amazon) with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. A Permethrin spray for clothing also deters ticks.
Sun protection (Amazon): Reef-safe sunscreen if swimming in lakes, Lip balm with SPF, a Wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Personal hygiene essentials: standard toiletries. Most items readily available in local stores if forgotten.

Altitude & Motion Sickness General

Altitude Preparedness

While not high altitude, stay hydrated during active days.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat light, balanced meals.

Motion Sickness Relief

For scenic drives, if prone to motion sickness, bring remedies.
Consider over-the-counter motion sickness medication.
Ginger chews or other natural remedies can provide relief.

Activity-Specific Equipment

For Trail Explorers

Gear for comfortable and safe hiking, especially on the dunes.

A Small daypack for carrying water, snacks, and layers.
Trekking poles are an optional addition for navigating the dunes.
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
Moisture-wicking clothing.

For Water Enthusiasts

Items for enjoyable water-based activities in the clear lakes.

Quick-drying clothing and swimwear.
A dry bag protects electronics when near water.
A hat and sunglasses with straps also handy.
Water shoes for rocky beaches or when kayaking.

For Winter Sports

Gear for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in the snowy landscape.

Ski goggles and waterproof gloves.
Thermal layers for warmth.
Equipment rental widely available for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Warm hat and scarf.

Rent vs. Buy Equipment

Renting Advantages

Cost-effective for occasional activities.
No need to transport bulky gear.
Access to well-maintained equipment.
Flexibility to try different types of gear.

Buying Considerations

Higher initial investment.
Transporting gear can pose challenges.
Custom fit and personal preference.
Storage and maintenance responsibilities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Your comfort and keeping belongings secure are main.

Essentials for Comfort

A Travel pillow handy for long drives.
An Eye mask aids rest.
A Money belt (optional due to the region's low crime rate).
A small luggage lock for added bag security. Consider Pacsafe for anti-theft bags.

Reusable & Practical

Support sustainability and stay organized with these items.

Eco-Friendly Choices

A Reusable water bottle to refill throughout your trip. Consider LifeStraw for water filtration.
A Reusable shopping bag handy as some stores charge for plastic bags.
Travel utensils minimize waste.
A cooler handy for picnics, beach days, and transporting wine or beer purchases. You can purchase one locally upon arrival.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Mug

For coffee or water.

Eco-Bag

For shopping.

Travel Utensils

Minimizes waste.

Public Transit Info

Lessen carbon footprint.

Destination-Specific Items

Lake Activities

Snorkel gear for clear lake waters.
Beach towel and portable chair.
Beach toys or games.

Scenic Drives

Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Physical map for areas with limited signal.
Road trip playlist.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your luggage. Consider packing cubes for organization.

For specialized medical supplies, carry necessary documentation from your doctor.

What to Pack & Bring