Packing for America — What to Bring from the UK

Pack Less Than You Think

The #1 packing mistake British travellers make: bringing too much. America has shops. Large shops. With everything. That thing you forgot? Buy it at Target for $5 when you arrive.

This guide covers what you actually need, what you can skip, and what to buy on arrival for maximum convenience.

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The Essential Packing List

Documents & Money

• [ ] Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
• [ ] ESTA confirmation (printout or screenshot — must be approved before departure)
• [ ] Travel insurance documents (policy number, emergency contact number)
• [ ] Fee-free debit card (Starling, Monzo, Revolut, or Chase UK)
• [ ] Credit card (needed for car rental deposits — Visa or Mastercard)
• [ ] UK driving licence (if planning to drive — valid in US for 90 days)
• [ ] Hotel booking confirmations (downloadable to phone offline)
• [ ] Emergency £50 cash in US dollars (for the rare place that doesn't take cards)
• [ ] Copies of all documents stored separately (email yourself scans)

Tech

• [ ] Phone + charger (your UK charger works with a US adapter)
• [ ] US power adapter (Type A — two flat prongs. Your phone/laptop chargers are already dual-voltage)
• [ ] Portable power bank (20,000mAh minimum for long days — essential for road trips)
• [ ] Phone mount for car (if road tripping — clips to dashboard or windshield)
• [ ] Headphones (for flights — noise-cancelling is life-changing on 8-hour transatlantic flights)
• [ ] Camera (optional — your phone is fine, but a proper camera shines in national parks)

Clothing

Pack for the specific climate of your destination:

Summer (Southwest/South/East Coast — June-September):

• [ ] Lightweight t-shirts and shorts
• [ ] Light jumper or hoodie (indoor air-conditioning is Arctic-level)
• [ ] Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk more than you expect)
• [ ] Swimwear (hotel pools, beaches)
• [ ] Sunhat
• [ ] One smart-casual outfit (for nice restaurants or bars)

Autumn/Spring (Shoulder seasons — March-May, Sep-Nov):

• [ ] Layers — the daily temperature range can be 15°C+
• [ ] Packable waterproof jacket
• [ ] Trousers and jeans
• [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
• [ ] Warm fleece or jumper for evenings

Winter (Northern US — November-March):

• [ ] Heavy insulated coat (or buy one cheaply at a US outlet)
• [ ] Thermal base layers
• [ ] Waterproof boots
• [ ] Hat, gloves, scarf
• [ ] Warm socks (multiple pairs)

Toiletries

• [ ] Sunscreen (SPF 50+ for outdoor-heavy trips — US sun is intense)
• [ ] Insect repellent (essential for Florida/Southern states and national parks)
• [ ] Prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note
• [ ] Basic first-aid kit (plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrheal — buy on arrival if preferred)

National Parks / Hiking

• [ ] Hiking boots or trail shoes (break them in before the trip)
• [ ] Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre — refill everywhere)
• [ ] Daypack / backpack (25-30L for day hikes)
• [ ] Quick-dry clothing (for the Narrows in Zion or any water-based hike)
• [ ] Headtorch (for early morning hikes)
• [ ] Binoculars (for wildlife in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon condors)

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What to Buy on Arrival

These items are cheaper, easier, or more practical to buy in America:

• Sunscreen and toiletries — Target, CVS, and Walgreens have everything. Save luggage space.
• Snacks and road trip food — Obviously. Hit a supermarket on day one.
• A US SIM card or eSIM — T-Mobile and Mint Mobile sell prepaid SIMs at airports and shops. £15-30 for 2 weeks of unlimited data. Or activate an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure.
• Cooler bag — For road trips. £5-10 at Walmart or Target.
• Cheap trainers/sneakers — If you want a pair for beach days or hiking without ruining your good shoes. Walmart sells basic trainers for $15-20.

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What to Leave at Home

• [ ] Hair dryer (unless dual-voltage — US is 120V, UK is 230V; many UK dryers will burn out). Hotels all provide them.
• [ ] Excessive clothing — American laundromats are everywhere, clean, and cheap ($2-3 per load). Pack for a week even if you're going for two.
• [ ] Bulky guidebooks — Your phone has everything. Download offline maps and save web pages.
• [ ] Kilogram of toiletries — You can buy everything there for less.
• [ ] Valuables you'd be devastated to lose — Expensive jewellery, designer items. Leave them at home or in the hotel safe.

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Luggage Tips

• 23kg checked bag is standard on transatlantic flights (check airline policy — budget carriers may charge extra).
• 7-10kg carry-on is standard. Laptop bag counts as personal item. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed.
• TSA locks — Use TSA-approved padlocks on checked luggage. Standard locks may be cut by security.
• Baggage wrapping — Available at airports for fragile items or extra security. £10-15.

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Packing Checklist Summary

Use this as your pre-flight checklist:

Must Have:

• [ ] Passport + ESTA
• [ ] Travel insurance
• [ ] Fee-free card + credit card
• [ ] Phone + charger + US adapter
• [ ] Portable power bank
• [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
• [ ] Sunscreen + sun protection
• [ ] Layers (always bring a light jacket)

Nice to Have:

• [ ] Noise-cancelling headphones
• [ ] Phone mount (road trips)
• [ ] Binoculars (national parks)
• [ ] Quick-dry towel (beach/hiking)
• [ ] Reusable water bottle

Buy in America:

• [ ] SIM card or eSIM data
• [ ] Snacks and drinks
• [ ] Cooler bag (road trips)
• [ ] Sunscreen refills
• [ ] Anything you forgot (Target has everything)