A trip to the USA is exciting and full of new experiences. But when packing for this huge country, it can quickly happen that you forget something important. Whether for a road trip, a semester abroad or a holiday in one of the many cities such as New York or Florida – in this blog post we show you what things you can do on your own. Packing list for the USA You should never forget. Because it is often the small details that you could overlook that make the difference.
Why you should read this article:
Imagine this: you’re standing at the airport, your heart beats faster with excitement, and suddenly you realize: crap! The travel adapter stayed at home. Or even worse – your passport hides in the drawer. Avoid such situations with our detailed Packing list for the USA.
Table of contents
Checklist for USA travel: download PDF now
Before we go into the details: Click on the Download button and secure our free PDF packing list for the USA. So you have all important information always at hand – whether in hand luggage or on the smartphone.
Money and Finance
On your USA trip you should either Take US dollars Or on site with your Credit card cash take off. An important point on your Packing list for the USA: Two credit cards Take it if one gets lost or broken. Be sure to remember emergency numbers if you need to block your credit card.
- Foreign currency
- Cash
- Belly bag with secret compartment
- Chest bag with RFID blocker
- EC card
- Credit card
- Bank emergency telephone numbers
- Wallet
Hygiene
As with any trip, you need some Hygiene products if possible in small packages. Think of deodorant, skin and hair care – of course, everything in one transparent zip bagIf you carry it in hand luggage to North America.
- Hairbrush / comb
- Deo (Travel Size)
- Shower boulders
- Travel kit: shampoo, rinse etc.
- Hair gum
- Hand cream
- Contact lenses + accessories
- Culture bag/washroom
- Labello / Lip Balm
- Ear sticks, reusable
- Razor for the trip
- Shaving foam for the trip (note 100 ml!)
- Cosmetics
- Sunscreen (travel size)
- Hygiene articles (tampons, sanitary towels)
- Towels
- Toothbrush + toothpaste for travel
Clothing
If you are going on a city trip in the USA, in New York, Los Angeles or Washington, you should have both chic and comfortable things with you. A road trip is more casual. Fleece and Softshell are all-rounders! Pack your clothes depending on your destination and travel time.
- Bathing goods
- Belts
- Shorts
- Dress/skirt
- Long trousers
- Caps/Caps/Hats
- Sweaters/Sweatshirts
- blouses
- Rain jacket / Raincape
- Pyjamas
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts
- Underwear/BH
Medications / Pharmacy
A small travel pharmacy does not hurt even on a USA trip. Headache pills and your personal medication should not be missing.
- Anti-bubble stick
- Bladder patches
- Diarrhea tablets
- First aid kit
- Fever pills
- Herpes cream / anti-herpes stick
- Mosquito protection / Mosquito spray
- Mosquito protection for clothing
- Insect bite healers
- Personal medication
- Plasters
- Pain medication (headache)
Papers and documents
Besides your plane ticket you may need in the USA. Rental car documents, your driving license, IDs and directions as well as reservation documents for the accommodation. Don’t forget copies of your most important documents on your Packing list for the USA set – both digital and printed.
- ADAC documentation
- Vaccination passport
- Address list for postcards
- Medical insurance abroad (proof)
- City Pass for New York
- Citypass for other US cities
- Driving license (inter- / national) / if applicable. Motor vehicle note
- Hop-on hop-off bus ticket for New York (bookable at getyourguide)
- Hop-on hop-off bus ticket for other US cities
- Hotel/hostel documentation
- Case (waterproof) for travel documents
- Vaccination certificate / if applicable. Allergy passport
- Map/map
- Health insurance card
- Rental car documents
- Travel Guide USA
- Passport
- Passport envelope
- Travel diary for USA travel
- Student ID card (inter-/national)
- Tickets for Broadway in New York
- Tickets for New York museums such as MoMa without queuing
- Tickets for the Statue of Liberty without queuing
- Visa if required
- Directions
- Train ticket / Bahncard / Air ticket
Backpacks and bags
Trolleys are the most convenient for air travel to the USA. But with a backpack you are also well on the spot. Compression bags are a classic and are on the packing list for many travelers.
- Dry Bag / Packsack (waterproof)
- Handbag
- Suitcase/Trolley/Travel bag
- Packing cubes/clothes bags
- Backpack cover and rain protection
- Protective case for electronics
- Daypack
- Trekking rucksack
- Zip bags for hand luggage
Footwear
Shoes for all purposes: from going out to the city tour – here you should be prepared for everything.
- Flip flops / slippers / bath slippers
- Sneakers and sneakers
- Changing shoes
- (Trekking) sandals
- Trekking shoes
Other
The Other Category: from the umbrella to the Oropax, there are now a few other things for your USA packing list:
- Black covering cloth used as trunk theft protection
- Glasses / contact lenses + cases
- Book / Magazine
- Luggage trailers
- Mosquito connectors
- Sewing machines
- Ohropax / earplugs against snorers
- Airplane earplugs, pressure equalizing
- Umbrella
- Passenger blanket for train/bus/flight
- 1 to 2 travel towels (fast drying)
- Sleeping glasses
- Safety needles
- Padlock for locker in the hostel
- Water bottle, foldable
- Neck pillow
Technical equipment
No travel without Digicam! You also need a power adapter. Also think of all charging cables and if necessary a power bank.
- Digital camera incl. battery / tripod
- Digicam case/case (waterproof)
- eBook readers (e.g. Kindle)
- Mobile phone incl. Charging cables
- Mobile phone case, waterproof
- Prepaid data SIM card for USA
- Luggage scales
- Headphones
- Headphone adapter for 2 people
- Electronic chargers
- Powerbank
- Replacement batteries
- SD card
- Selfie stick
- Adapters for the USA
- Cloud (to back up the photos immediately)
Apps
- Google Maps (with offline maps)
- Uber or Lyft for fast movement
- Yelp for restaurant reviews
- XE Currency for currency conversions
- Airline app for flight updates
Packing List for Florida
- Light, breathable clothing
- Water shoes for beach excursions
- Mosquito spray against insects
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Poncho for Sudden Rain Showers
- Sun protection clothing (e.g. UV shirt)
- Cooling bag for hot days
- Snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world
Packing List for New York
- Comfortable sneakers or running shoes
- MetroCard for the subway
- Warm clothes in winter (New York can be icy!)
- Backpack with anti-theft protection
- Hand sanitizer for the subway
- Umbrella for unpredictable rain showers
- Small shoulder bag for day trips
- Book tickets for attractions in advance
Packing List for the USA Road Trip
- Good playlist or audiobooks
- Cooling box for snacks and drinks
- Sun protection for long car journeys
- Camping or picnic equipment
- Printed map as backup
- Multiple charging cables for the car
- Multitool or pocket knife
- First aid kit with emergency medication
- Travel cookers or campers
- Rental car
If you are traveling in the USA with the motorhome, our Packing List Motorhome: This is what you have to pack for your road tripso that you do not forget anything important!
Packing list for the USA: 3 weeks on the road
- Additional clothing for different climates
- Multiple chargers and a large power bank
- Low luggage to stay flexible
- Small portions of laundry detergent for hand washing
- Digitally stored travel documents
- Travel towel (fast-drying)
- Travel diary for memories
- Laundry bags for dirty clothes
Are you not just planning a USA trip, but maybe a longer tour of several countries? Then look at our World Travel Packing List • What you really need in your backpack! Here you will find out what really belongs in your backpack!
Packing list for the USA on the West Coast: 3 weeks on the road
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Camera with wide-angle lens
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Clothing for hot days and cold nights
- Additional water reserve for journeys through desert regions
- Tent or sleeping bag for spontaneous overnight stays in national parks
- Binoculars for animal observation
- Snacks and emergency food
If you want to go hiking in the USA, it is worth taking a look at our Packing List Hiking Holidays: Printing Checklist. There you will find everything you need for outdoor adventures!
Au Pair in the USA: Packing List
- Multiple socket adapters
- Favorite sweets or small gifts from home
- Formal clothing for events or interviews
- Diary for experiences and memories
- USB stick with important documents
- Photos of Family and Friends for Homesickness Moments
- Language guide or notebook with important sentences
- Lunchbox for everyday work
Semester abroad in the USA: Packing list
- Necessary university documents
- Laptop with suitable connections
- Linen for student residence
- Gifts for host family or roommates
- First aid kit with familiar medications
- Nightstand lamp or reading lamp
- Multiple socket with USB ports
- Stationery and College Block
- Sportswear for uni-gyms
Would you like to know in more detail what you should pack for your semester abroad? Then look at our article Packing list for semesters abroad: This should not be missing in any suitcase on!
10 Things Everyone Forgets
- Socket adapters – In the US, the connections are different.
- Offline cards If the Internet does not work.
- Copies of important documents Digital and printed.
- Rain jacket or poncho – The weather can be surprising.
- Powerbank – Nothing is more annoying than an empty smartphone.
- Headphones with noise cancelling Perfect for flights.
- Sunscreen – The sun can be more intense than you think.
- Stored emergency numbers – For banks, insurance companies, emergencies.
- Pocket knife or multitool – Practical for road trips.
- A small first aid kit – Bladder patches, painkillers, etc.
Frequently asked questions about the packing list for the USA
What do you really need in the US?
In addition to the important documents such as passport, visa and credit card, a good travel pharmacy, comfortable shoes and a working SIM card are essential. Also a power bank and a socket adapter make everyday life on the go much easier.
What documents are necessary for entry into the USA?
For entry you need a valid passport, an approved ESTA (for visa-free travel) or a visa as well as a foreign health insurance. If you drive, an international driving license may also be necessary.
What clothes should you pack for a USA trip?
For entry you need a valid passport, an approved ESTA (for visa-free travel) or a visa as well as a foreign health insurance. If you drive, an international driving license may also be necessary.
