| Tips on what to pack for a trip to Chicago, posted by real travelers and Chicago locals. Chicago Map |
 | Chicago Packing Lists | Tips 1 - 10 of 63 |  |
One of the most important items to bring, I think, is Ziploc bags because they keep your suitcase organized, dry, and accesible. I put things such as duct tape [for repairs]. Super Glue [for what the tape can't repair], small container of detergent to wash undergarments, etc., and a sink plug [just in case].
I always put one set of clothing and undergarmets, my medicine, cosmetics, jewelry, important papers, and anything I just could not lose into my "carry-on luggage".
Make sure you have a list of phone numbers of your credit card companies, insurance, airlines, doctors, and your country's embassy! In this day and age, I have a card with e-mail addresses of family and friends.
In Chicago clothing all depends on the time of year you travel. In July and August, it is extremely hot and humid so dress with light colors, loose clothing, and lightweight fabrics. During December through February, count on cold temperatures. Hat, heavy coat, warm gloves, and boots.
It's always a good idea to travel with a plastic poncho that folds into a tiny pouch.
Lately, I've started taking Liquid Bandage to be prepared for minor accidents and/or blisters. I also carry [in my luggage and my money belt] Imodium pills just in case of a gastrointestinal situation. Speaking of medical, I also keep a list of inoculations, all my medication prescriptions, and the telephone numbers of doctors. This is probably because we frequently stay for months at a time. Since I wear glasses, I bring an extra pair.
I've started taking water tablets when I go out of the country in case bottled water cannot be found.
Since I now have a digital camera, I plan set up an online photo account so I will be able to upload digital photographs as I go along thus freeing up the memory card. If I'm not traveling very far, I take along my Easy Share Printer dock so I can have "hard copy" of my pictures.
I always take a bathing suit with me on travels, even in the winter in case there is a hotel swimming pool.
I always inform my credit-card company of my travel plans, especially if I am out of the country. A friend of mine did not do that and the credit-card company put a "block" on her account because of the foreign purchases.
I also leave one copy of all my important documents such as passport, etc. with my daughter and keep a copy with me...not in the same location as the original. Leave a Comment
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To survive winter in Chicago, you need the following items:
-Boots, preferably with very large treads for negotiating the often unshoveled sidewalks.
-Mittens or gloves.
-earmuffs or hat.
-warm winter coat, wool or goosedown, don't think you can get away with a trenchcoat in Jan or Feb.
-scarf, not the decorative paper thin ones, but one you can wrap securely around your head and neck several time.
-if you are in a vehicle, make sure it is equipped with a heavy duty ice scraper and lots of washer fluid to wash away all that salt.
Now if you can still walk (think Ralphie's brother from A Christmas Story), you are ready to step outside! Leave a Comment
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 by sambarnett
Being a large and diverse city, Chicago definetly requires a good guidebook. I bought the Lonely Planet guide to Chicago a year ago and it still serves me well. The book is arranged by neighborhoods and does an excellent job of featuring cool places off the main tourist track as well as Chicago's grand architecture. The maps are excellent. Leave a Comment
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I like luggage with many pockets, but you can use about anything. When I get to a new place, I usually buy a bag from that place to carry around and put in all the miscellaneous maps, brochures and postcards inside.
In Summer, it's generally warm, so I would suggest some light clothing and swimsuit for the beach, but beware! In Chicago, you never know when the weather might change! Make sure you also have some warmer clothing, too! Our weather is crazy here!
In Winter, it's generally freezing, freezing, and more freezing, so pack layers. When you get inside, you'll be too hot. Also, when we're very lucky, we have some warm days in winter. Like I said, you never know!
Of course, bring a camera and take lots of photos! Photos bring back your memories of your trip.
If you're coming to meet me, bring some music! I love hearing new music! Leave a Comment
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 View from Sears Tower by Gina54
Gloves, boots, hats! Do not forget your winter gear. Leave a Comment
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 by sambarnettLeave a Comment
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 See how pool makes my happy... by Maggies
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Take a hat or cap which keeps your head warm. It's always windy downtown. The lakeshore is the windiest! Once I was trapped at the pier because of the extemely strong winds and at least 20 minus Fahrenheits, I almost cried at the thought of having to walk to our car parked outside the pier...*_* Leave a Comment
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Unless it's the height of summer - take warm clothes. It was noticably chilly in Spring, even in the middle of a nice sunny day... Leave a Comment
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Always bring layers! The weather can change at a moment's notice. I always carry a sweater and a small umbrella with me in the summer and I wear lots of layers in winter. Spring and autumn are the worst seasons for sudden changes in weather, but it does happen in July and January, too. Leave a Comment
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