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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Virginia, USA

Summer & Spring/Autumn Attire

Summer (June-August): Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Include shorts, t-shirts, Swimsuits, and sundresses. Evenings can be slightly cooler; bring a Light jacket or a long-sleeved shirt. A UV protection rash guard guards against the sun for beach days.

Spring/Autumn March-May / September-October

  • Layers are useful. Pack jeans, long pants, t-shirts, and Long-sleeved shirts.
  • Bring a light sweater, a Fleece jacket, or a medium-weight jacket. A Rain jacket or Umbrella is handy for unexpected showers.
  • Virginia Beach generally has a casual atmosphere. Upscale restaurants may have varying dress codes; check details for specific venues.

Winter & Activity-Specific

Winter (November-February): Focus on warm layers. Include sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, jeans or warm pants. A heavy coat or Puffer jacket, along with hats, Gloves, and scarves, helps you stay warm.

Activity-Specific Attire

  • Beach/Swimming: Pack swimsuits, cover-ups, and beach towels.
  • Hiking/Outdoor: Wear moisture-wicking activewear, comfortable long pants or shorts, and light layers.
  • Formal Events/Upscale Dining: Business casual or semi-formal attire may be necessary at some venues.

Footwear Recommendations

General/Walking

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are a must for exploring the boardwalk and attractions. Shoes designed for walking, like Skechers Go Walk, offer good support.

Boardwalk & City Exploration

Beach & Casual

Flip-flops or water-friendly Sandals are ideal for the sand and casual strolling.

Sandy Shores & Relaxed Outings

Hiking & Evenings

Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers are useful for First Landing State Park. Bring dressier shoes if you plan upscale dining experiences.

Trails & Fine Dining

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Papers

Carefully organize your documents before you travel. Keep both physical and digital copies.

  • Passport and visa documentation: Carry your valid passport and U.S. Visa (if necessary) or ESTA approval. Make copies (digital and physical) and store them separately from the originals; this assists in case of loss or theft.
  • Travel insurance policy information: Bring your policy number and the emergency contact details for your insurer. This information aids you if you need to make a claim.
  • International driving permit (if applicable): If you plan to rent a car and your home country's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested alongside your domestic license.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: A record of routine vaccinations and any essential medical information (e.g., allergies, chronic conditions, prescription list) aids in an emergency.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations: Have copies of your flight, accommodation, car rental, and tour reservations. Digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage are useful backups.
  • Emergency contact information: Compile a list of family, friends, and your embassy or consulate. Give a copy to a trusted person at home.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Bring relevant IDs, like an ISIC card, for potential student discounts at attractions.
  • Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The U.S. uses 120V, 60Hz. Plug Types A (two flat parallel pins) and B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin) are standard. A Universal travel adapter with USB ports is strongly suggested for charging multiple devices.

Mobile Phone & VPN

  • Most modern smartphones are compatible. Consider a local prepaid SIM or eSIM from Airalo upon arrival.
  • For secure browsing, consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
  • Check your home carrier about international roaming plans; these can be expensive.

Photography & Power

A versatile camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality Smartphone) is good for capturing landscapes, beach scenes, and wildlife. Consider a Waterproof action camera for water activities. Bring extra batteries and memory cards to avoid running out.

Chargers & Data Backup

  • A High-capacity power bank is handy for charging devices on the go; this keeps your phone charged for navigation and photos.
  • Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for backing up photos and documents. This guards your memories and copies of important papers.
  • For camera equipment needs, explore B&H Photo.

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze for driving directions and public transport.

Ride-sharing & Weather

Uber, Lyft for convenient transportation. AccuWeather or The Weather Channel for forecasts.

Dining & Travel Planning

Yelp, OpenTable for finding restaurants. TripIt for organizing your itinerary.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Prepare a small kit of health and wellness items for common issues. Pack a Basic first aid kit. Include Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), allergy medication, Hydrocortisone cream, and a Small travel first aid kit.

Medications & Sun Protection

Hydration & Hygiene

Virginia Beach is at sea level, so altitude sickness remedies are not a concern. Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin is for evenings and nature excursions.

Water & Personal Care

  • Water purification options are not necessary; tap water is potable. A reusable water bottle is suggested to stay hydrated.
  • Personal hygiene essentials: Virginia Beach has readily available supermarkets and pharmacies for standard items.
  • Consider bringing a Travel-sized toiletries kit for convenience, especially for your first day.

Insect Protection

Outdoor Activities

  • Mosquitoes and ticks are present, especially in natural areas like parks and marshes.
  • Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin when outdoors, notably at dawn and dusk.
  • Protect yourself during nature excursions.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

  • Bring Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) to protect marine ecosystems.
  • Apply liberally and reapply often, especially after swimming.
  • Safeguard your skin and the environment.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Beach & Water Gear

Bring a swimsuit, Beach towel (a quick-drying Microfiber towel saves space), and a Waterproof phone pouch. Consider your own Snorkel mask.

Hiking & Outdoor

For trails, a Daypack, Comfortable hiking shoes, and a reusable water bottle are useful.

  • No specific "no-go" areas exist for safety.
  • Exercise caution on busy roads without sidewalks.
  • Always use marked crosswalks.
  • Obey traffic signals.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Don't forget items that bring comfort and security.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Items to Rent

  • Surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes are widely available for rent.
  • Renting these cuts luggage space.
  • Often found along the boardwalk and at various shops.
  • Many hotels may also provide bikes for guest use.

Items to Bring

  • Smaller items like personal snorkel masks (if preferred).
  • Reusable water bottles and sun protection.
  • A dry bag is easier to pack.
  • Most items are readily available in Virginia Beach at standard U.S. Prices.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Beyond essentials, small items can enhance your comfort and security during travel.

Comfort Essentials

Eco-Friendly & Local Items

Reduce waste and find items easily. Most goods are readily available in Virginia Beach at standard U.S. Prices, so sourcing common goods will be easy.

Reusable & Readily Available

Sustainable Travel Items

Eco-Friendly Sunscreen

Protect marine life with reef-safe options.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs.

Travel Utensil Set

Avoid single-use cutlery.

Destination-Specific Considerations

Beach Comfort

  • A collapsible beach chair provides comfort for relaxing on the sand.
  • A small cooler bag is handy for keeping drinks and snacks cool on the beach.
  • Bring a good book for leisurely beach days.

Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking trails at First Landing State Park benefit from appropriate footwear.
  • Binoculars are good for birdwatching in natural refuges.
  • A waterproof camera is handy for water activities and unexpected splashes.

Smart Packing Advice

Consider rolling your clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles in your luggage.

Make a packing list and check off items as you go to avoid forgetting anything.