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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

New Jersey, USA

Summer Clothing June-August

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are ideal for daytime wear.

Summer Essentials

  • Bring Swimsuits and cover-ups for beach and pool activities.
  • A Light jacket or sweater offers utility for cooler evenings or outdoor dining.
  • Swimwear is for beach or pool areas only; cover up when walking in town.

Spring & Fall April-May, Sep-Oct

Layers are useful for these seasons. Days might be warm, but evenings and mornings can be cool.

Layering Essentials

Footwear Recommendations

General Walking

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are ideal for exploring the historic district and promenade.

Much walking exploration

Beach & Rain

Sandals or flip-flops are necessary for the sand. Waterproof shoes provide dry feet during unexpected showers.

Versatility for weather

Winter Footwear

Warm, Waterproof boots are appropriate for cold, potentially wet, or snowy conditions.

Protection from cold

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Documents

Organized and secure documents prevent travel hassles. Prepare both physical and digital copies.

  • For international visitors, ensure your passport maintains validity for at least six months beyond your departure.
  • Carry copies of your passport and visa/ESTA approval, keeping them separate from originals.
  • Bring a copy of your travel insurance policy, including policy number and emergency contacts.
  • If driving with a foreign license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary alongside your original.
  • A copy of vaccination records and specific medical records (e.g., for chronic conditions) proves helpful.
  • Keep both printed and digital copies of accommodation bookings, tour reservations, and transportation tickets.
  • Create a list of emergency contacts, including family and local embassy/consulate information.
  • Carry any relevant ID cards (student, senior, press) for potential discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The United States uses Type A and Type B plugs. The standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz.

Adapter & Phone Considerations

  • International travelers will require a Power adapter or Universal travel adapter.
  • Confirm your devices are compatible with 120V; a Voltage converter might also be necessary.
  • Most modern smartphones are compatible with U.S. Cellular networks. Consider a pre-paid SIM card or eSIM.

Gadgets & Apps

A versatile camera captures memories. Nordace bags transport your gear.

Essential Devices & Software

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and other important data.

Portable Hard Drive

A small Portable hard drive offers additional storage for large media collections.

VPN Services

For secure browsing, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Airalo offers eSIM data plans.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A prepared health and wellness kit helps manage minor issues and maintains comfort.

Essential Medical Supplies

Sun Protection & Hygiene

Protection from the sun and good hygiene are important for a comfortable visit.

Personal Care Items

  • Sunscreen, After-sun lotion, and Lip balm with SPF protect against sun exposure.
  • Insect repellent offers utility for evenings, especially near marshes or wooded areas.
  • Pack your standard toiletries. Travel-sized versions prove convenient for arrival.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Remedies

  • Motion sickness can occur on boat tours.
  • Pack remedies if you are prone to it.
  • Consult your doctor for suitable options.

Water & Hydration

  • Water purification options are not necessary for Cape May tap water.
  • A reusable water bottle is recommended for hydration.
  • Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Beach Gear

Enhance your beach experience with comfortable and protective items.

  • A Beach towel and Beach bag.
  • Swimsuit, sunglasses, and a Wide-brimmed hat.
  • A lightweight beach chair (if driving and space allows).
  • Beach chairs and umbrellas are often available for rent on the beach.

Birdwatching Essentials

Cape May is a premier birdwatching destination. Specialized gear makes the activity more rewarding.

  • Binoculars are necessary for clear viewing.
  • A field guide to birds of Eastern North America or New Jersey.
  • A notebook and pen for logging sightings.
  • A compact binocular is useful for wildlife viewing.

Walking & Cycling Needs

Comfortable gear supports active exploration of the town's charming streets and paths.

  • Comfortable shoes or sneakers.
  • A light Backpack for day trips.
  • A reusable water bottle to maintain hydration.
  • Bicycles are widely available for rent from local shops.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Rent Convenience

  • Bicycles: Widely available from local shops, saving luggage space.
  • Beach chairs: Often available for rent directly on the beach or from nearby stores.
  • Umbrellas: Easily rented on-site, reducing packing burden.
  • Surfboards/Paddleboards: Rental options are common for water sports.

Items to Bring Personal Preference

  • Personal binoculars: If you have a preferred pair for birdwatching.
  • Walking poles: If they aid your comfort during extended walks.
  • Specific swimwear: Your favorite swimsuit that fits you well.
  • Specialty items: Any niche gear for specific hobbies you wish to pursue.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items contribute significantly to comfort and security throughout your journey.

Travel Comfort Aids

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Essentials

Destination-Specific Items

High-Quality Birdwatching Gear

For serious bird enthusiasts, specialized optics enhance the experience.

Local Walking Maps

Acquire maps from visitor centers for self-guided historical tours.

Field Guide for Birds

A specialized guide aids identification of local avian species.

Camera with Zoom

Ideal for capturing detailed photos of Victorian architecture and wildlife.

Packing Considerations

General Utility Items

  • Items beyond those covered in climate and activity sections fall under general utility.
  • No items are notably unique to Cape May in terms of general packing.
  • You can purchase most forgotten items locally in Cape May.

Specialty Items

  • Specialty medications might be harder to find locally.
  • Very specific outdoor gear may also have limited local availability.
  • Bring these items if you require them for medical or activity purposes.

Packing Pro Tips

Layering is a smart strategy for variable weather, common in coastal regions.

Consider packing cubes to organize clothing and maximize luggage space.