What to Pack & Bring: Santa Fe

Seasonal Clothing Tips

Prepare for temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Layering is a good idea. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer (fleece or light sweater), and top with a protective outer layer (Windbreaker or Rain jacket).

Summer June-August

Day: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, sun-protective clothing (Long sleeves, UPF rated) make for comfort.
Evening/Morning: Always pack a light jacket or sweater; evenings cool down significantly after sunset.
Monsoon season: A Compact rain jacket or Umbrella is good.

Winter Season Nov-March

Expect cold days. A heavy winter coat, warm hat, gloves, and a scarf are needed.

Winter Layering

Day: Wear warm sweaters and thermal layers.
Evening/Morning: A heavy Winter coat, Warm hat, Gloves, and a Scarf are needed.
Layering: Thermal base layers give warmth. Add a fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof and insulated outer shell, especially if you plan to visit ski resorts.

Footwear Recommendations

General Walking

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are needed. Streets can be uneven, so good support helps.

Walkable Districts

Hiking

Sturdy Hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support and traction are needed if you plan to hit the trails.

Trails in Mountains

Winter

Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip are for winter visits or snow activities. The ground can be icy even in the city.

Icy Conditions

Essential Documents

Important Papers

Keep your important documents organized and accessible for your trip.

Original passport: Valid for 6 months beyond your planned stay.
U.S. Visa (if applicable) or ESTA approval printout.
Copies (digital and physical): Stored separately from the originals.
International Driving Permit (IDP) (if applicable): With your national license if it's not in English.

Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Doctor's note for prescription medications.
Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, accommodation, rental car, tours.
Emergency Contact Information: Family, friends, U.S. Embassy/consulate details.
Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right gear for your trip.

Essentials

Power Adapter & Voltage: U.S. Voltage is 120V at 60Hz. Sockets are Type A/B. A Universal travel adapter is good if devices use different plugs.
Mobile Phone & SIM Card: Check if your phone supports U.S. cellular bands. Prepaid SIM cards are available. Consider an ESIM from a global provider.
Portable Chargers & Power Banks: Good for keeping devices charged while out exploring.

Apps & Camera

Capture moments and find your way with these tech recommendations.

Smart Tools

Camera Equipment: Bring a versatile camera for landscapes, architecture, and low-light. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. A Tripod is good for low-light shots.
Recommended Apps: Google Maps, Uber/Lyft, Yelp/OpenTable, Google Translate, AccuWeather, Booking.com/Airbnb.
Backup Solutions: Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and document copies. Consider an External hard drive or USB stick.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and copies of documents.

Physical Backup

Consider an external hard drive or USB stick for redundant backups of important files.

Luggage Photos

Take photos of your luggage and its contents before you leave. This aids with insurance claims if bags are lost or damaged.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Meds

Stay well during your travels with these health-related items.

Kit Contents

Assemble a Basic first aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), allergy medication, antacids, Anti-diarrhea medication.
Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with pharmacy labels. Bring a doctor's note for controlled substances.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Cold/flu remedies, throat lozenges, and any other specific remedies you use regularly.

Sun & Insect Protection

The high desert climate needs specific protection from sun and insects.

Protection Essentials

Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat offer needed sun protection.
Insect Repellent: (DEET or Picaridin) is good for outdoor activities, especially during warmer months or near water sources.
Water Purification Options: Not needed for tap water in Santa Fe. For backcountry, a Water filter bottle or Purification tablets might be useful.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Remedies

Altitude sickness medication (if prescribed by your doctor).
Electrolyte powders or tablets aid with hydration.
A Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Motion sickness pills (e.g., Dramamine) if you are prone to car sickness.
Good for winding mountain roads, especially on day trips.
Small plastic bags for emergencies.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Bring or rent gear based on your planned outdoor adventures.

A Daypack for water and snacks.
Appropriate Hiking shoes or boots.
Trekking poles (optional but good for stability).
Layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Decide whether to bring your own gear or rent locally for winter sports.

Skis or snowboard, boots, Helmet, goggles.
Appropriate winter clothing.
Rent locally unless you are a frequent winter sports enthusiast.
Renting saves on airline baggage fees and hassle.

Bicycles

Bicycles are easily rented in Santa Fe for city rides or mountain biking.

Several independent bike rental shops.
Offer mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes.
Rent by the hour or day.
Shops can also advise on suitable trails.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

When to Rent

Ski/Snowboard Gear: Generally rent locally unless you have your own specialized gear.
Bicycles: Easily rented for city or mountain biking, saving transport hassle.
Heavy or bulky items that are expensive to fly.
Items you will only use once or twice.

When to Bring

Personal hiking boots: Broken-in boots are better than new rentals.
Favorite small tech gear: Cameras, portable chargers.
Specialized clothing: High-quality waterproof jackets, thermal layers.
Anything that might be difficult or expensive to purchase locally (e.g., specific medications).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not overlook these items for a more comfortable and secure trip.

Travel Aids

Comfort Items: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make long flights or bus rides more comfortable.
Security Items: TSA-approved luggage locks for checked bags. A Money belt or hidden pouch for discreet cash and passport storage. An RFID-blocking wallet.
Items Difficult or Expensive to Purchase Locally: Most common items are readily available. Specialized outdoor gear might be more expensive.
A small, collapsible daypack is for carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and souvenirs.

Reusable Items & Local Guides

Contribute to sustainable travel and gain local insights.

Sustainable Travel

Reusable Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated in the dry climate and lowers plastic waste.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Handy for groceries or shopping at local markets and galleries.
Reusable Utensils: Can lower reliance on single-use plastics.
Region-Specific Essentials: A Good quality guidebook focusing on Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico can make your trip experience better.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and galleries.

Reusable Utensils

Lower single-use plastic use.

Local Guidebook

Gain local insights.

Region-Specific Essentials

General Travel Comfort

Neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs for comfortable travel.
TSA-approved luggage locks, money belt, RFID-blocking wallet for security.
Pack a small, collapsible daypack for daily excursions.

Specialty Considerations

A quality guidebook on Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.
Specific dietary needs or preferred brands not common in the U.S.
Specialized outdoor gear if you plan extensive activities.

Packing Pro Tips

Even in summer, Santa Fe evenings can become quite cool. Always carry a light jacket or sweater, especially if you plan to be out after sunset.

Consider a Travel wallet or document organizer to keep all your important papers together and easily accessible, especially at airports and border crossings.

What to Pack & Bring