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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Vermont, USA

Spring Clothing April-May

Pack light to medium-weight base layers, like long-sleeved shirts and leggings. These wick moisture and warm. A fleece jacket or warm sweater provides insulation. A waterproof and windproof outer shell is useful; spring often brings rain.

Layers

  • Waterproof & windproof outer shell.
  • Fleece jacket or warm sweater mid-layer.
  • Quick-dry long pants for hiking.

Summer Clothing June-August

Focus on lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton, linen, or synthetic blends. Pack shorts, t-shirts, and light long-sleeved shirts (also for sun/insect cover). A light sweater or fleece is good for cool evenings, especially near the lake. A light rain jacket prepares you for summer thunderstorms.

Layers

  • Lightweight, breathable daily wear.
  • Light long-sleeved shirts for sun and insects.
  • Light rain jacket for thunderstorms.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Burlington downtown, Church Street, and general sightseeing.

Urban exploration

Hiking Boots

Waterproof hiking boots or shoes for trails, especially in spring and fall (wet conditions).

Trail readiness

Winter Boots

Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip for winter conditions (warmth and traction).

Snow & Ice comfort

Essential Documents

Documentation Checklist

Carry photocopies or digital images of these documents on your phone or in cloud storage.

  • Valid Passport (international travelers).
  • U.S. Visa or ESTA approval (international travelers).
  • Driver's License or State ID (U.S. Citizens, Real ID if flying).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information (digital/print).
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable).
  • Vaccination Records/Health Documentation (prescription list).
  • Printed/Digital Reservations (accommodation, transport, tours).
  • Emergency Contact Information (family, embassy).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The United States uses 120V at 60Hz. Plug types are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin). A universal travel adapter with U.S. Compatibility is necessary if you visit from a country with different voltage or plug types.

Power Adapters

  • U.S. Voltage: 120V at 60Hz; Plug Types A & B.
  • Universal travel adapter needed for different origins.
  • Voltage converter for non-dual-voltage electronics.

Mobile & Camera Gear

Most modern smartphones are "global phones" and support U.S. Frequencies. Consider a prepaid SIM card from major U.S. Carriers upon arrival, or e-SIM options. Bring a digital camera or rely on your smartphone for photography. Pack extra batteries or charging cables. Bring ample memory cards for scenic photos, especially during fall foliage season.

Mobile & Camera Gear

  • Smartphone compatibility check & SIM/e-SIM options.
  • Digital camera or smartphone for photography.
  • Extra batteries, charging cables, memory cards.

Digital Tools

Navigation Apps

Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze for real-time traffic updates. AllTrails or Gaia GPS for detailed hiking trail information.

Utility Apps

A local weather app (e.g., AccuWeather). Uber and Lyft if you plan to use these services. Green Mountain Transit (GMT) app for bus schedules.

Data Backup

Cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox) for automatic photo and document backups. An external hard drive for physical backup of photos.

Health & Wellness Items

Your Health Kit

A well-stocked health and wellness kit addresses minor issues quickly. Carry all necessary prescription medications in their original labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter for controlled substances.

First Aid Contents

  • Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape.
  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), allergy medication.
  • Tick removal tool, hydrocortisone cream, blister treatment.

Medications & Prevention

Pack remedies for cold and flu symptoms, antacids for indigestion, and motion sickness remedies. Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin is useful for summer and fall. High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are good year-round.

Personal Medications

  • All prescription medications in original labeled containers.
  • Over-the-counter remedies for common issues.
  • Insect repellent and sun protection.

Special Remedies

Altitude & Motion Sickness

  • Altitude sickness not a concern (low elevation).
  • Motion sickness a factor for lake cruises or winding mountain roads.
  • Pack appropriate remedies if sensitive.

Water & Hygiene

  • Tap water in Champlain Valley safe to drink.
  • Portable water filter for extensive backcountry hiking (optional).
  • Most personal hygiene items readily available locally.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

A comfortable daypack for water, snacks, and extra layers. A reusable water bottle. Trekking poles are optional but useful for longer or steeper hikes. Always pack rain gear.

  • Daypack
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Rain Gear
  • Trekking Poles (optional)

Cycling Gear

If bringing your own bike, remember a helmet (required for rentals), a bike lock, and a basic repair kit. Bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented in Burlington and other towns.

  • Helmet (required)
  • Bike Lock
  • Basic Repair Kit
  • Cycling-appropriate clothing

Lake Activities

A swimsuit and a quick-dry towel. Water shoes are useful for rocky lake bottoms. Ski/snowboard equipment is readily available for rent at ski resorts or local shops near the mountains.

  • Swimsuit
  • Quick-dry Towel
  • Water Shoes
  • Sunscreen & Hat

Gear Decisions

Rent These Items

  • Ski/Snowboard Equipment (at resorts).
  • Kayaks, Paddleboards, Bicycles (in Burlington).
  • Allows saving luggage space.
  • Access to well-maintained, current gear.

Bring These Items

  • Personal Hiking Boots (for comfort and fit).
  • Appropriate Clothing Layers (easy to pack).
  • Small Daypack (for daily excursions).
  • Prescription Medications (always from home).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your travels. A neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs make flights or long drives more comfortable.

Travel Comforts

  • Neck pillow for comfortable travel.
  • Eye mask for light blocking.
  • Earplugs for peace and quiet.
  • Luggage locks, money belt, RFID blocking wallet.

Reusable & Region Specific

A reusable water bottle helps decrease plastic waste. A reusable shopping bag is useful for groceries. Reusable utensils are helpful for take-out or picnics. A Vermont map or guidebook aids navigation where cell service is spotty.

Sustainable Travel

  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Reusable shopping bag.
  • Reusable utensils for meals.
  • Vermont map/guidebook for rural areas.

Sustainable Choices

Water Bottle

Reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated.

Reusable Bag

For groceries and souvenir purchases.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Consider solid shampoos and soaps.

Digital Guides

Paperless maps and guidebooks.

Destination-Specific Items

Lake & Scenery

  • Swimsuit & water shoes for Lake Champlain.
  • Good quality camera for stunning views.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching or distant lake views.

Winter & Fall

  • Insulated winter boots for snow and ice.
  • Extra memory cards for fall foliage photography.
  • Warm hat, insulated gloves/mittens, and scarf for cold days.

Packing Reminders

Pack a small, lightweight daypack for daily excursions. This holds your water bottle, snacks, camera, and extra layers, keeping your hands free for exploring.

Specialty outdoor gear (e.g., specific hiking boot brands, high-performance layering) can be expensive if purchased last minute. Prescription medications should always be brought from home.