Chicago What to Pack

Luggage and bags: 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.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: 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! Sweaters and sweatshirts are good to have just in case! Our weather is crazy here! It will also be air-conditioned inside most shops and restaurants, and sometimes very cold on a summer day!
In Winter, it's generally freezing, freezing, and more freezing, so pack layers! When you get inside, you might be too hot. Also, when we're very lucky, we have some warm days in winter. Like I said, you never know!

Photo Equipment: Of course, bring a camera and take lots of photos! Photos bring back your memories of your trip.

Miscellaneous: If you're coming to meet me, bring some music! I love hearing new music!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: 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!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Be aware that even as late as June it can be extremely cold here. A sweater, hat and gloves are a smart bet most of the year.

Miscellaneous: 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.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In the winter, it gets very cold. The wind is also very strong, so it feels even colder! Make sure to bring a warm jacket and something to cover your ears.

Miscellaneous: Gloves, boots, hats! Do not forget your winter gear.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Take lots of warm clothes with you in December / January. There was tons of snow and the temperature was -7, getting colder at night. Walking shoes are a must especially if you have time to walk around the Art Gallerys and along the magificiant mile for shopping.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: You can buy anything you need.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you're traveling to Chicago any other time than summer, be prepared for the cold weather. The weather can be unpredictable, even in the late Spring. Be sure to bring some thermals and warm clothing in case there's a cold spell. The temperatures drop into the negative in the winter and can drop down to 20 during April.

Luggage and bags: Bring an extra empty bag packed inside your luggage,you most likely to need it
to bring home souveniers.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Walking shoes,jackets,umbrella

Photo Equipment: Make sure you have a camera and extra film or memory card handy or a video camera and extra batteries and tapes.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: There is a beach by the lake,but we didn't make it there,so I wouldn't know what to bring.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: People always ask me what to wear to a nice restaurant. Chicago is a very casual city. Only the top french restaurants seem to require a jacket and a tie. You will rarely see people in suits. Usually they tell you what is required when you make the reservation.