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Pack for Marthas Vineyard

Pack for Marthas Vineyard

New England, USA

Season-Specific Clothing

Martha's Vineyard experiences four distinct seasons, each needing specific clothing choices for your comfort. Layering is a good strategy for most times of the year. For general shopping, check out Amazon.

Spring April-May & Autumn Sept-Oct

Summer & Winter Attire

Martha's Vineyard has a relaxed and casual atmosphere. No strict cultural dress codes apply. Swimwear is appropriate for beaches, but wear cover-ups when in towns. For dining, casual to smart casual generally works.

Summer June-August & Winter Nov-March

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Wear

Comfortable walking shoes are needed for exploring towns and trails. Sneakers like Skechers Performance Go Walk are suitable.

Good for walking and general sightseeing.

Beach & Water

Bring Sandals/Flip-flops for beach and poolside. Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches.

Protects feet on varied beach terrains.

Hiking & Dress

For rugged trails, Light hiking shoes offer good grip. Pack one pair of dressier shoes for upscale dining, if planned.

Supportive for longer treks.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Keep these items secure, and consider having both digital and physical copies.

  • Passport & Visa: Valid government-issued photo ID (US Citizens) or passport with valid US Visa/ESTA (International Visitors).
  • Travel Insurance: Digital and printed copies of policy details (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Insubuy).
  • International Driving Permit: If an international visitor plans to rent a car, confirm if needed.
  • Medical Records: List of current medications and medical conditions.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of ferry, accommodation, rental car, and tour bookings.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family, doctor, and travel insurance company.
  • Discount IDs: Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.
  • Security: Consider a money belt or RFID-blocking wallet.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up simplifies your travels. Plan your electronics carefully.

Essentials:

Cameras & Apps

Ensure you have enough memory cards and a spare battery for your camera. Backup important data to cloud storage.

Recommendations:

Data Backup & App Suggestions

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to back up photos and digital copies of important documents. This protects your memories and information in case your device is lost or damaged.

Transit Apps

The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) website or app (if available) helps with bus schedules and routes. Google Maps also provides transit directions.

Dining & Reviews

Yelp or TripAdvisor are useful for restaurant recommendations and reviews. Uber and Lyft operate on Martha's Vineyard, mainly during the high season, but check for availability.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit addresses minor issues quickly. Customize it to your personal needs. For tick and mosquito protection, choose a Repellent with DEET or Picaridin.

Kit Contents:

Sun & Personal Hygiene

The island sun can be strong. Water purification options are not needed for drinking tap water on Martha's Vineyard, as it is safe.

Essentials:

Bug Bites & Skin Relief

Tick and Mosquito Aftercare

Poison Ivy Awareness

  • Learn to identify poison ivy ("leaves of three, let it be").
  • If contact occurs, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water quickly.
  • Calamine lotion helps relieve itching from rashes.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Biking Gear

If you plan extensive biking, consider bringing your own padded shorts. Helmets are often included with bike rentals. Bike gloves are also useful.

  • Padded shorts
  • Bike helmet (often included with rentals)
  • Bike gloves
  • Comfortable athletic wear

Beach & Swimming Gear

Pack swimwear, a quick-drying towel, and a spacious beach bag for beach visits and water activities.

Hiking & Wildlife Viewing

A small daypack for water, snacks, and layers helps. For birdwatching, binoculars enhance your experience.

Rent vs. Bring Gear

Items to Rent Recommended

  • Bicycles: Widely available for rent in all major towns. More practical than bringing your own.
  • Kayaks, Paddleboards, Surfboards: Rentals available seasonally from various outfitters.
  • Fishing Gear: Can be rented or purchased locally.
  • Bringing your own gear is generally only advisable if space and transportation allow.

Items to Bring If Preferred

  • Specific high-performance bike you prefer (only if space allows).
  • Specialized personal gear.
  • Personal safety equipment.
  • No specific specialty items are required beyond standard outdoor gear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items greatly improve your travel experience. Protect your belongings with smart choices.

Travel Comfort:

Reusable & Island Specifics

Reduce waste and find convenience by bringing these items. Some items are difficult or expensive to find locally.

Eco-Friendly & Practical:

  • Reusable shopping bag for groceries or souvenirs.
  • Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and save money.
  • Reusable utensils or travel coffee mug.
  • Region-specific: A good quality physical map of the island (for spotty cell service areas).

Difficult to Find Locally

Specific Toiletries

If you use specific brands or have particular preferences, bring your own.

Prescription Meds

Bring sufficient quantities of all prescription medications.

Preferred Snacks

Island groceries can be more expensive. Bring preferred snacks or non-perishables.

Dietary Needs

If you have dietary restrictions, bringing some trusted snack options helps.

Packing Efficiency

Space-Saving Techniques

  • Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your luggage.
  • Use Packing cubes to organize items within your bag efficiently.

General Packing Advice

  • Make a packing list to ensure you do not forget anything important.
  • Consider luggage weight limits, especially for flights.
  • Bring a refillable coffee mug for local cafes to reduce waste.

Packing Pro Tip

For a good experience, leave your car on the mainland if possible. Utilize the VTA bus system and rent bikes.

This approach helps avoid ferry reservation stress, traffic, and parking challenges on the island, contributing to a smoother trip.