What to Pack & Bring: Georgetown

Spring & Summer Attire

Spring (March-May): Layers are good. Pack a Light jacket or blazer, sweaters, and Long-sleeved shirts. Include Comfortable walking shoes. A raincoat or compact Travel umbrella is good for spring showers.

Summer June-August

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Light sweater or Shawl for air-conditioned spaces.
Sun hat and Sunglasses for Sun protection.

Autumn & Winter Wear

Autumn (September-November): Similar to spring, layering remains important. Pack sweaters, light to medium jackets, and long-sleeved shirts. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Winter December-February

Warm Winter coat, Gloves, a Scarf, and a hat.
Layer with sweaters and long-sleeved shirts; thermal layers are good if sensitive to cold.
Waterproof boots for snow or slush.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking & Sightseeing

Comfortable, supportive Walking shoes or sneakers are good for extensive walking on city streets and the C&O Canal Towpath.

Daily essential.

Dining & Evenings

Pack a pair of dressier shoes or flats for evening outings. Check restaurant websites for specific dress code suggestions.

Optional for dressier occasions.

Winter Conditions

Waterproof boots are good if snow or slush is expected. Good traction is a plus.

Seasonal specific.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Passport and visa documentation (originals and copies).
Travel insurance policy information (physical and digital).
International driving permit (if applicable).
Vaccination records and health documentation.

Printed and digital copies of reservations.
Emergency contact information (family, embassy).
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable).
Store digital copies on phone and cloud.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The U.S. Uses 120V, 60Hz electricity, with Type A and B plugs.

Essentials

International travelers need a Travel adapter for US outlets.
Most modern electronics are dual voltage; check "Input: 100-240V."
For older or single-voltage devices, a Voltage converter might be needed.

Mobile & Charging

U.S. Mobile networks mainly use GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon). Most modern unlocked smartphones are compatible.

Options

Purchase a prepaid SIM card upon arrival for an Unlocked phone.
Portable chargers and power banks are good for long sightseeing days.
A Portable power bank with at least 10,000mAh.

Digital Preparedness

Camera Gear

A versatile Mirrorless camera or DSLR with a general-purpose lens is good for capturing Georgetown. Pack extra batteries and memory cards.

Recommended Apps

Google Maps, Apple Maps, Citymapper (transit), WMATA (Metro/bus), Uber/Lyft, Yelp, OpenTable, Google Translate, local weather app.

Data Backup

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for backing up photos and important data.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Pack a personalized health kit to address common travel ailments and personal needs.

First Aid Basics

Basic first aid kit: pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), bandages.
Antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, Hydrocortisone cream, blister treatment.
Prescription medications in original containers with documentation.

Common Ailments & Prevention

Over-the-counter medications for cold/flu, allergy, antacids, and Anti-diarrhea medication are good.

Protection

Insect repellent (DEET-based) for warmer months near green spaces.
High SPF Sunscreen (30+), Wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Tap water in D.C. Is safe to drink; purification is not needed.

Personal Care & Local Availability

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Not relevant for Georgetown or D.C., as the area is low elevation and flat.
Motion sickness remedies generally not needed for local travel.
Focus on other health preparedness.

Hygiene Essentials

Most common toiletries are available at local pharmacies and supermarkets.
Bring specific brands if you have sensitivities or preferences not found elsewhere.
This makes certain you have what you need without searching or paying a premium.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking/Walking Gear

Consider packing specific gear for any planned activities to make your experiences more enjoyable.

Comfortable, broken-in Walking shoes or light hiking boots.
Good for extended walks on the C&O Canal Towpath or in Rock Creek Park.
Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
Small backpack for day essentials.

Cycling Equipment

If renting a bike through Capital Bikeshare or a local shop, helmets are typically provided.

Bicycles are easily rented locally (Capital Bikeshare or local shops).
Casual cycling attire is good.
Water bottle for hydration.
Bike lock if you plan to leave the bike unattended.

Water Activities

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Potomac River. Rental places hold all necessary gear.

Swimwear and quick-dry clothing.
Waterproof bag for electronics.
Sunscreen and hat.
Personal items like comfortable walking shoes and camera gear are best brought from home.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Good to Rent Locally

Bicycles (Capital Bikeshare or local shops).
Kayaks and paddleboards.
Tour-specific equipment often included with guided tours.
Heavy or bulky items for single use.

Good to Bring from Home

Personal items like comfortable walking shoes.
Camera gear and accessories.
Prescription medications and specific toiletries.
Any personal comfort items.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond clothing and documents, a few extra items can add to your trip comfort and security.

Travel Comfort

A Neck pillow, an Eye mask, and Earplugs for restful travel.
A Money belt or hidden pouch for cash and passport.
An RFID-blocking wallet for credit card protection.
A Small padlock for luggage security.

Reusable Items

Being mindful of waste and convenience.

Sustainable & Practical

A Reusable water bottle saves money on Bottled water.
A Reusable shopping bag for purchases.
A Travel utensils set for takeout or picnics.
Generally, everything is available in Georgetown, but specific brands might be pricey.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Refill and hydrate responsibly.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Reduce plastic waste.

Travel Utensils Set

For eco-friendly eating.

Universal Adapter

For global compatibility.

Destination-Specific Items

Urban Exploration

Physical map or offline maps on phone.
Guidebook for local history and sights.
Portable charger for electronics.

Comfort & Experience

Small thermos for hot drinks in winter.
Good camera for photography enthusiasts.
Binoculars for distant views (e.g., from monuments).

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Pack a small daypack for daily excursions to carry water, snacks, and essentials.

What to Pack & Bring