Texas, USA
Temperatures are pleasant, but mornings can be cool, and afternoons warm quickly. Pack lightweight Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and light sweaters or jackets. Jeans, light trousers, and shorts are suitable. A Light rain jacket or Umbrella is advisable, as spring showers are common. Choose fabrics that breathe well, like cotton or linen.
Prepare for intense heat and very high humidity. Pack very lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses are ideal. Sun hats and Sunglasses are required for comfort and Sun protection. Avoid heavy materials like denim for prolonged daytime wear.
Your most important choice. Prioritize comfort and support for extensive walking in museums, parks, and downtown areas. Athletic shoes or comfortable Sneakers are ideal.
Suitable for warm weather, but ensure they offer enough support for walking if you plan to cover significant distances. Consider comfortable Sandals.
Pack a pair of dressier shoes or sandals for evenings out or formal events. Waterproof shoes or rain boots are useful during rainy periods, especially in spring and fall.
The standard voltage in the U.S. is 120 V, frequency 60 Hz. Plug types are A (two flat parallel pins) and B (two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin). You will need a Universal travel adapter if coming from a country with different voltage or plug type. Most modern phones, laptops, and camera chargers are dual voltage and only require an adapter.
A standard Travel camera (DSLR, Mirrorless, or high-quality Smartphone) is sufficient. A Compact tripod is helpful for night photography or self-portraits. A Waterproof camera or phone case is good for water activities.
Utilize cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox to automatically back up photos and documents. This protects data in case of device loss.
For secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, consider a VPN service. Popular choices include NordVPN or ExpressVPN. B&H Photo is a good source for camera and electronics.
Keep devices password-protected. Enable "Find My Device" features. Be cautious of public charging stations and unsecured networks.
Pack a destination-specific first aid kit including: blister pads, insect bite cream, and Hydrocortisone cream. A Compact travel first aid kit provides a good base. Carry all prescription medications in original, labeled containers with a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note, especially for controlled substances.
Houston experiences a high UV index. Apply Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ regularly. Wear Sunglasses and a Wide-brimmed hat. Mosquitoes can be prevalent during warmer months. Use Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin, notably at dawn and dusk.
For museum and city exploration, a Small daypack is useful for carrying essentials like a water bottle, camera, Light jacket, and souvenirs.
If you plan to walk, run, or bike on Houston's extensive bayou trails, bring moisture-wicking athletic clothing. For water activities like kayaking on Buffalo Bayou, quick-dry clothing, Water shoes, and a Waterproof dry bag for electronics are highly recommended.
You can easily rent bicycles through Houston BCycle (bike-sharing program) or from local bike shops. Kayaks and paddleboards are readily available for rent at various boathouses along Buffalo Bayou. Renting locally is much more practical than bringing your own for most visitors.
A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs contribute to more comfortable flights or long car rides. A RFID blocking travel wallet helps protect credit card and passport information. A small cable lock helps secure luggage zippers or bags in public spaces. A Money belt is a discreet way to carry valuables.
Given Houston's summer heat, personal cooling towels or small, battery-operated mini-fans offer noticeable relief during outdoor activities. These are easily available online or at local stores upon arrival. Generally, everything you might need is available in Houston as it is a major city with extensive retail options.
Reduce waste from cafes.
Avoid single-use plastic cutlery.
For groceries and souvenirs.
Eco-friendly and travel-friendly.
Pack versatile items that mix and match to maximize outfit options while minimizing luggage. Roll clothing to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize your bag efficiently.
Consider the dimensions and weight limits of your luggage, especially for internal flights. A digital luggage scale is useful for checking bag weight before heading to the airport. For luggage and travel bags, explore options from Nordace or search on Amazon.