Washington, USA
Pack lightweight pants or shorts, t-shirts, and light Long-sleeved shirts. Cotton and breathable synthetic fabrics work well. Evenings turn cooler, so include a light sweater, a Fleece jacket, or a light insulated vest. A lightweight and Packable rain jacket suits unexpected showers. Pack Comfortable walking sandals for warm days, but always bring closed-toe shoes.
Long-sleeved shirts, wool or fleece sweaters, and fleece jackets form your core layers, allowing easy adjustment. A Waterproof and windproof jacket works for frequent rain and cooler winds, such as a Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket. Jeans or comfortable travel pants work well. Quick-drying fabrics are beneficial for outdoor activities in damp conditions. Thermal base layers suit cooler spring or late fall, especially for early morning or late evening activities.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Olympia is walkable, especially downtown. Water-resistant options are good for unexpected light rain.
Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes support and grip, especially for nearby parks like Priest Point Park or the Olympic Mountains for day trips.
Waterproof shoes or boots, like Blundstone boots, offer high practicality and comfort during the wet season, which can occur outside of peak summer.
Carry both physical and digital copies where possible. Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and credit cards separate from the originals. Store digital copies in a secure cloud service.
The U.S. uses Type A/B sockets (120V at 60Hz). If traveling from outside North America, a Universal travel adapter is needed. A Voltage converter may apply for sensitive electronics. Most modern phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage. U.S. mobile networks use GSM and CDMA. Most modern smartphones are compatible. Consider a local SIM card from T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon, or use eSIM for a U.S. data plan (Airalo is an option). Check your phone's international roaming plan with your home provider.
A versatile camera captures Olympia's landscapes and cityscapes. A DSLR, Mirrorless camera, or a high-quality Smartphone camera work well. A Wide-angle lens works for scenic views. B&H Photo has options. Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) offer photo and document backup. A small Portable SSD offers physical backup for larger media.
Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud: Simple photo and document backup.
A small Portable SSD: Secure physical backup for larger media files.
Check your phone's international roaming plan. A travel pass can be more economical than local SIM/eSIM.
A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments. Include a basic First aid kit with Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, allergy medicine, Anti-diarrhea medication, and Hydrocortisone cream. Carry all prescription medications in original containers with clear labels. A doctor's note for controlled substances works. Pack enough medication for your trip duration plus extra days. Pack remedies for cold and flu symptoms, antacids, and motion sickness tablets if sensitive to travel.
Olympia is at low elevation, so altitude sickness is not typical. For day trips to higher elevations like Mount Rainier National Park, motion sickness remedies may work for winding mountain roads. For summer months, especially near water or in wooded areas, a DEET-based insect repellent works against mosquitoes. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher applies year-round. Tap water in Olympia is safe to drink; water purification is not needed for city tap. If you plan wilderness hiking, a Portable water filter or purification tablets could work. Bring personal hygiene essentials difficult to find locally, or for sensitive skin.
A comfortable Daypack for water, snacks, and extra layers. Hiking poles (optional, for stability). A Headlamp for early morning or late evening hikes. A small, portable first aid kit specific to outdoor use.
A Dry bag for electronics, wallets, and other items. Quick-dry clothing makes for a comfortable experience. Wetsuits are often rented with equipment from outfitters if needed for colder water temperatures.
If camping in nearby state parks, bring your tent, Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and cooking gear. Check park regulations for fire restrictions. Consider your specific preferences or fit, personal hiking boots, specialized Camping gear, or a compact Travel towel for water activities. This ensures comfort and familiarity.
A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs contribute to comfort on long flights or drives. A Small padlock for hostel lockers works. A Money belt offers optional security for international travel, though less critical in Olympia. An RFID-blocking wallet protects credit card information.
Bring a Reusable water bottle; Olympia's tap water is safe, and this reduces plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag works for Farmers Market or local shops. Consider Travel utensils to cut reliance on single-use plastics. A Compact umbrella or a reliable rain jacket is a year-round must-have for Olympia. Pack a small, foldable tote bag or daypack for daily excursions or souvenirs.
Refillable, reduces plastic waste.
For local markets and purchases.
An eco-friendly alternative.
Avoid single-use plastics.
Layering applies for variable Pacific Northwest weather. A reliable waterproof outer layer is highly recommended year-round. Comfortable, waterproof footwear is essential.
Consider packing a foldable daypack for excursions and a reusable water bottle for daily use. Digital and physical copies of all important documents provide backup.
