What to Take

Visitors to New York City [1] will want to bring comfortable walking shoes, casual clothes, and a few items of more sophisticated attire. During the day, most anything goes, but in the evening, many restaurants, theaters, and nightspots are filled with well-dressed fashionable folk. Upstate New York is casual at almost all times, though cities such as Rochester [2] and Albany [3] also have their more sophisticated spots.

Since much of New York State is quite humid during the summer, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, bring plenty of short-sleeved cotton shirts and tees. In the fall and spring, you’ll need a jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and rain gear. In the winter, dress for cold winds, icy rains, and snow.

Even if you don’t plan to do any serious hiking while upstate, bring along a pair of sturdy shoes or sneakers—they’ll come in handy for casual exploring. Insect repellent is a must, and sunscreen is essential in summer.