New York Packing List: Subway Days, City Walks & Seasonal Layers

Recommended packing

• ID and booking copiesDocumentsCheck passport and entry documents for your nationality and itinerary; save accommodation and transport bookings.
• Clothes and underwearClothingAdjust quantities to your stay and laundry plans.
• Phone and chargerElectronicsSave bookings offline; bring a plug adapter only if needed for your device and accommodation.
• ToiletriesToiletriesBring suitable quantities of your usual products; check official cabin-baggage guidance for your flight.
• Payment options and a backup walletMoneyCheck accepted payments and whether cash is needed; keep a backup payment method separately.
• Usual medication and prescription detailsHealth & medicineIf needed, check medicine import conditions with an official authority before travelling.
• Comfortable walking shoesFootwearChoose for your walking distance and forecast; try new shoes beforehand.
• A closable day bagOtherOrganise what you need in transit; it does not guarantee valuables are safe.
• Winter coat and glovesClothingOnly for winter or a cold forecast; not a year-round requirement.
• A power bank if neededElectronicsFor long days using maps and transit information; check capacity and carrier rules.
• Emergency contact copyDocumentsKeep accommodation, travel companion and insurance-assistance contacts, if insured, accessible even without your phone.
• Spare socksClothingChoose socks suited to your walking shoes and keep a dry spare for rain or sweat. Bring fewer if your trip is mainly in sandals.
• Sleepwear or indoor clothesClothingCheck whether your accommodation supplies these before packing. Choose for indoor heating or air conditioning as well as outdoor weather.
• Usual cleansing and skin-care productsToiletriesDecant only what you need for the stay. Check cabin-liquid rules and accommodation amenities; avoid multiple products for the same purpose.
• Small towel or handkerchiefToiletriesFor handwashing or sweat while travelling. Skip bulky towels if supplied and reuse activity towels for beaches or bathing where appropriate.
• Spare glasses or contact-lens supplies, if neededHealth & medicineOnly if you use vision correction: bring familiar spares and care supplies so you can still travel if one is lost.
• Bag for used clothingOtherSeparate worn clothes from clean ones. Do not keep wet items sealed for long; check where you can dry them at your accommodation.
• Tissues and wipes if neededToiletriesA small pack can help during meals and transit. Choose products you tolerate and dispose of them according to local or venue guidance.
• Small bag for carrying out rubbishOtherUseful when no bin is available during walks or nature visits. Keep your rubbish together temporarily and dispose of it appropriately.