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2026 Tournament

Packing for America — What to Bring from the UK

The definitive packing list for British travellers visiting the United States. What to bring, what to leave, what to buy on arrival, and how to pack smart.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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)
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