What to bring on your New York City tour

A trip to New York City is something that many people dream of. If you make that dream a reality, you should also know how to make it an enjoyable trip. Packing wisely according to your tour helps you make the most of it. Read on to learn about what to bring on your New York City tour. Along with this, you will also learn what to skip bringing and more packing tips for your NYC tour.

What to bring on your New York City tour

Layered clothing

Having many layers of clothing is essential, especially during winter and maybe even fall. However, even if it is summer, it is still advisable to bring at least a few layers of clothing, in case you require them. If you are traveling in colder seasons, make sure you pack enough layered clothing to stay warm during your entire stay. Jerseys, jackets, and scarves are all welcome.

Comfortable walking shoes

Traveling involves a lot of walking. In your NYC tour, you will surely be walking quite a lot. Some of the attractions in the city are within walking distance of each other. So, be prepared to walk a lot around New York City. Your best bet for this is to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Avoid bringing a brand new pair of shoes, as you don’t know how you will feel after walking in them. Any good pair of used shoes you already have should do fine.

Daypack/Cross-body bag

It is important to carry a daypack or cross-body backpack with all of your essentials. You may not need to pack everything you brought on the trip, but a few essential items prove to be handy when on the road. A little bit of cash, tissues, phone, and such things need a small bag to be secured in. You must keep your hands free in subways, but also not be kept back at museums, as they don’t allow large bags. A cross-bag would be ideal to pack all of the essential items that you would need when you are out for the day.

Portable charger

If you are planning to spend most of your day out and not return to the hotel, you must think of providing backup power for your devices. This includes mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and any other devices you may be carrying with you. Carry a power bank and extra batteries with you to charge/ give power to your devices on the go.

Small umbrella

The weather is always unpredictable, whether you are in New York or any other city in the world. Therefore, it is best to prepare yourself to face any weather condition during your travels. Always carry a small umbrella when traveling in NYC. It is ideal if you can fit the umbrella inside your bag. This way, you don’t have to carry it externally, as it would all be included in your bag.

Toiletries

Packing toiletries is essential wherever you travel. You may have your own set of toiletries that you need to use daily. Essential items to pack include hand sanitizer, lip balm, perfume, etc. Ensure these items are in travel-friendly packings or bottles. Avoid taking any large bottles to store toiletries, as these take up a lot of space. Moreover, you may even have to dispose of them at the airport.

Refillable water bottle

Staying hydrated is a must when you travel in NYC. Whether you are traveling in summer or winter, you must stay hydrated at all times. The weather could take a toll on you and give negative effects if you do not have enough water in your body. Moreover, a lot of walking means you sweat a lot and need to replace the lost minerals. Keep your water bottle so that you can refill it wherever you go.

Dress up clothing

Keep some special clothes with you during your NYC tour. Certain places in NYC require a dress code, so you must adhere to it if you are visiting those places. Broadway shows, upscale restaurants, and rooftop bars have dress codes. Therefore, have a wrinkle-free dress or blazer just in case you need to attend one of these events or go to these places.

Professional camera

A phone camera is alright. Yet having a professional camera will help you capture some amazing photographs. These cameras have the settings to make every ordinary moment extraordinary. Make sure you carry an extra battery so that you won’t miss capturing any of the special places that you visit.

What to bring on your New York City tour: Things to avoid

Large backpacks

Avoid carrying things in large backpacks. Some places, like museums, don’t allow visitors to carry large bags inside. Therefore, pack all of your essentials in one small bag that is lightweight. This way, you canavoid carrying large bags that could be bulky and heavy, making you feel uncomfortable.

Valuable jewelry

Avoid carrying jewelry at all costs. However, even if you want to, just make sure you don’t take anything valuable with you. Something important, like a wedding ring or a simple chain, would be fine. The less jewelry you take, the better. Keep accessories minimal to stay safe and comfortable.

High heels/ Uncomfortable shoes

The last thing you want to do is walk in a pair of high heels down the streets in NYC. A walking tour of NYC will not be kinds towards your heels. Also, make sure the pair of shoes you bring is comfortable, walkable, and breathable. You don’t want to have sore feet at the end of your NYC tour. Shoes meant for walking or running are ideal for your NYC tour.

A lot of heavy clothes

Avoid carrying a load of clothes, especially in summer. A few thick coats are fine, even for winter. As you don’t want to be loading your luggage with heavy clothes and carrying them with you wherever you go.

Large bottles of toiletries

Carrying large bottles of toiletries is extremely inconvenient. Furthermore, these bottles will not fit into your cross-bag, which you need to carry with you when going about in NYC. It is easier to carry small travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer, lip balm, and other toiletries that you require.

Excessive cash

There is no need to carry a large amount of money when you go to NYC. Just the amount of cash to pay for tickets and food is enough to carry with you when going to see various attractions in New York. Carry your cash safely in a pouch or in a wallet inside your carry bag.

Over-sized umbrellas

An umbrella is essential to carry in your NYC tour as the weather is unpredicable. However, avoid carrying oversized umbrellas. They tend to be heavy, and you need to carry them separately with you. Instead, opt for a small umbrella that would fit into your cross-body bag.

Heavy books and electronics

If you are carrying any books or electronic devices like tablets and laptops, make sure they are lightweight. Instead of going for hardcover books, you can opt for paperbacks. If you can make it without your laptop, you could carry your tablet instead. All these things matter when you start traveling in NYC.

What to bring on your New York City tour: Packing tips

• Try to bring a professional camera instead of depending on your phone camera.
• Protect your cell phone with a high-quality back cover and screen guard.
• Blend in with the locals by wearing clothing similar to theirs.
• Keep an old-fashioned paper map.
• Pack sunscreen when traveling in any season.
• Include waterproof boots and gloves if you are traveling in winter.

Final Thoughts

This is a comprehensive list of what to bring on your New York City tour. Also, it includes things to skip when you pack for your tour. This helps you have an enjoyable and safe trip with all of your essential items in hand.