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What to Pack for Finger Lakes

What to Pack for Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes New York, USA Travel Guide

Spring April-May & Fall September-October

Days can start cool, warm up, and then cool down again. Mornings can be chilly, warming to pleasant afternoons, and then cooling significantly after sunset. Dress in adaptable layers.

Packing Guidance

Summer June-August & Winter November-March

While summer days are warm, evenings can feel cooler, especially near the lakes. Winter requires warm, insulated layers to trap warmth. A wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a protective outer shell shield you from cold and wet conditions.

Packing Guidance

  • Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses. Shorts or light trousers. A light sweater for evenings.
  • Winter: Thermal base layers, thick fleece or wool mid-layer, and a heavy, Waterproof winter coat are essential.
  • Winter: A Warm hat, insulated gloves or mittens, and a Scarf.

Footwear Recommendations

General Sightseeing

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are needed for towns and attractions. You will walk more than expected.

Important for exploration

Hiking

Sturdy, broken-in Hiking boots or trail shoes with good ankle support are suggested for state parks and uneven terrain. Waterproof options are useful.

Support for trails

Seasonal Options

Summer: Sandals or Water shoes for lake activities. Winter: Warm, Waterproof boots with good traction are needed for snow and ice.

Adapt to weather

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Organize your documents before departure to ensure a smooth trip.

  • Your valid passport and either your ESTA approval (printed or digital) or your physical U.S. Visa.
  • Travel insurance policy information: policy number, insurer's emergency contact details, and a summary of your coverage. Have both digital and printed copies.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if your domestic driver's license is not in English. Carry your home country's driver's license alongside it.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: a record of your vaccinations and any significant medical conditions.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Keep copies of your flight itineraries, accommodation bookings, car rental confirmation, and any pre-booked tours.
  • Emergency Contact Information: A list of family members or friends, your doctor's contact, and your embassy or consulate details. Keep this list on your person and in your luggage.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts: Carry relevant IDs for potential discounts at attractions or museums.
  • Store digital copies of your important documents in a cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox) and email them to yourself.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The U.S. uses Type A and Type B outlets (120V at 60Hz). If coming from a country with 220-240V, you will need a Travel adapter. For high-power electronics not rated for 120V, a Voltage converter is also needed. Most modern electronics are dual voltage.

Essentials

Photography & Apps

Capture your memories and navigate with ease. A camera with a Wide-angle lens and Telephoto lens. A Portable tripod for low-light shots.

Recommended Apps

  • Navigation: Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.
  • Weather: AccuWeather, The Weather Channel.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft (in larger towns).

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents provides a secure backup.

External Drives

An external hard drive for larger media files, or consider a compact SSD for durability.

VPN Services

Use a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure Wi-Fi connections.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Pack a basic health kit to manage minor ailments and react to common regional concerns.

Contents

Prevention & Hygiene

Prevent common issues like bug bites and sunburn, and maintain personal hygiene.

Essentials

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Sickness

  • The Finger Lakes region is not at high altitude; altitude sickness is not a concern.
  • Stay hydrated, especially if engaging in physical activities.
  • Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor activities.

Motion Sickness

  • Winding roads around the lakes or boat tours may cause motion sickness for some.
  • Consider bringing over-the-counter motion sickness medication.
  • Ginger candy or ginger tea may help alleviate symptoms naturally.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For exploring the gorges and trails.

  • A daypack for water, snacks, and layers.
  • Trekking poles for uneven terrain.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching at places like Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Waterproof hiking boots.

Water Sports Gear

For enjoyment of the lakes.

  • Swimsuit and a quick-drying towel.
  • Water shoes for rocky lake beds.
  • A Dry bag to protect electronics on boats or kayaks.
  • Life vests (often provided with rentals).

Photography Gear

To capture stunning landscapes and memories.

Rent vs Buy Decision Matrix

Items to Rent

  • Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are easily rented from lakeside outfitters.
  • Bicycles can be rented in many towns, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes.
  • Consider renting specialized outdoor equipment you may only use once.

Items to Bring

  • Hiking boots and comfortable walking shoes are best brought from home for fit and comfort.
  • Personal items like specific clothing layers are comfortable when familiar.
  • Specialized medications or specific brands of toiletries may be harder to find.
  • A Wine bottle protector if you plan to buy many bottles.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items contribute to overall comfort and peace of mind during your travels.

Travel Aids

Eco-Friendly & Region-Specific

Reduce waste and tailor your packing for the Finger Lakes experience.

Sustainable Travel Items

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Useful with NY's plastic bag ban.

Support Local

Purchase goods and services from local businesses.

Mindful Consumption

Reduce your environmental footprint.

Destination-Specific Items

Wine-Related Items

  • Wine bottle protector or carrier for safe transport of purchases.
  • A Cooler bag for wine purchases, especially in warmer months.
  • Portable wine glasses or a corkscrew for picnics at vineyards.

Outdoor & Nature Items

  • Binoculars for birdwatching at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Camping gear if staying at state park campgrounds.
  • Plenty of camera memory and batteries for scenic photography.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize different categories of items. Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on travel days to lighten your luggage.

Consider bringing a small, flexible duffel bag for souvenirs or extra items purchased during your trip.