Virginia, USA
Spring (March-May): Pack Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, a light sweater or fleece. A lightweight, Waterproof jacket is advisable. Consider a collapsible Umbrella.
Fall (September-November): Medium-weight layers work well. Pack sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and comfortable pants. A warmer jacket is good for evenings, especially in late fall.
Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are essential. You will likely spend a lot of time on foot.
Trail shoes or Hiking boots are useful for the James River Park System, which features rocky and uneven trails. Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes are a popular choice.
Bring dressier shoes if you plan to enjoy upscale dining or nightlife.
Have both physical and digital copies of all important documents.
The U.S. uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets (two flat parallel pins, Type B adds a grounding pin). Standard voltage is 120 V at 60 Hz. International travelers will need a Universal travel adapter. Most modern chargers are dual voltage (100-240V).
A versatile Travel camera, like a mirrorless or DSLR, can capture high-quality images. A Smartphone camera is sufficient for casual photos. For stable shots, consider a Compact travel tripod.
Use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and digital copies of important documents.
This safeguards your data if your phone or camera is lost or damaged.
Download offline maps on your navigation apps for areas you plan to visit, specifically for spots with limited connectivity.
A Basic first aid kit is useful. Include pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and blister treatment (Moleskin).
Insect repellent is especially important during warmer months (late spring through early fall) for outdoor activities. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII is effective.
A Small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, a light layer, and personal items on trails or for city exploration.
If you plan long rides on the Virginia Capital Trail, consider bringing padded cycling shorts for comfort. A Helmet is always important; rentals usually include one.
For white water rafting or kayaking, wear quick-drying clothing, a swimsuit, and old Sneakers or Water shoes that can get wet.
A Travel neck pillow and an Eye mask can improve comfort during long flights or journeys. A Money belt or an RFID-blocking wallet offers peace of mind.
Pack a Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and minimize plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag helps reduce plastic bag use.
Stay hydrated, reduce plastic waste.
For purchases, less plastic.
For street food and takeaways.
Essential for city exploration.
Layering is an effective strategy for Richmond's varied climate. Be prepared for temperature changes throughout the day, especially during spring and fall.
Consider packing a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched to reduce luggage bulk.
