Iowa What to Pack

  Buddy when he was a puppy. Now 2 years...
by mikehanneman
 
  • Buddy when he was a puppy. Now 2 years old!
      Buddy when he was a puppy. Now 2 years...
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  • Winter in Iowa
      Winter in Iowa
    by mikehanneman
  •   What to Pack
    by SheDragon
  •   What to Pack
    by SoccerGirl09
  •   What to Pack
    by KLomaskin
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Packing List

by SoccerGirl09

If you are going to go around Iowa, you will need a large bag :) The reason for that is because if you stay a year (Like I did the fist time) you will see the four seasons of the year, and they are pretty strong too :) So, you need lots of winter clothes. The winter in Iowa is pretty strong. You will need lots of summer clothes because the summer here is pretty hot. regarding to fall and spring, you will have to have lost of other types of clothes because you are going to be pretty wet.. It rains quite a bit :) For Medical stuff, you will probably need a standard kit. There is nothing special about Iowa that will make you with some deadly disease or anything :))Well You wont need any specil type of cameras. but certainly, be sure to bring one. there is a lot to take pictures of. As I said before, Iowa has all the four seasons, and each of them are just beautiful. Something that is...

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by dzni

Weather can be warm in summer, but evenings should be pleasant. Even the days aren't necessarily unbearable in the summer. Winter I've heard it gets very cold and there's lots of snow... but then, that's the midwest for you! :)

Packing List

by erikajj

In the Summer months, late May through mid-September: it is very muggy and warm. I would pack short pants and short-sleeves for casual wear. In the evening, you may want a light jacket on hand, but you may not need it. You will also want rain gear, like an umbrella and rain coat.In the Winter months, generally late October through mid-March: it is snowy and very very cold. Layers are always best with a very warm top coat. Ideally, your top coat will also be waterproof. Tall boots, mittens, and a scarf are nice to have and a HAT is essential. In the Spring and Fall: the weather is less predictable. Again, layers are great, such as short-sleeves with a sweater and a top coat. But, be prepared for anything. In the summer, bug spray is good to have on hand, especially if you are near the water. In the winter, bring lotion and lip balm, as the skin can become very dry.

Packing List

by KLomaskin

Bring lots of lycra/spandex bike clothing. The tighter, the better. Bring lots of A&D ointment for your sore behind at the end of the day. Make sure to bring a camera because you never know when you will run into a celebrity at the lunch counter in the Texaco. Here you see us with Tom Arnold. A fuzzy bike seat works wonders.

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Packing List

by Ukarumpa

Bag? No specific type of bag, it's fairly civilised. :> DEFINITELY cold-weather clothes. I severely underestimated how cold it would be and paid for it... literally, we had to go to WalMart and the Goodwill to buy clothes for me. gloves. preferably thermal.

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Packing List

by kim83_50158

Well, first, clothes-you should wear layers-no matter what part of the year it is. You never know when the temperature will change, because it frequently changes within a time period. So, a t-shirt and a sweater or sweatshirt are basically a must year-round. Pants are good for year-round, though you may get hot during the summer(it can easily get above 100 degrees F). Shorts are good, but I definitely wouldn't recommend them in the winter. Heavy winter coats are also a must in the winter(it can get 20-30 under 0 degrees F some days). So, as you can see, Iowa's weather is never constant and usually rises or drops in temp quickly, so layering would be a very wise clothing decision. Just have some options!!For your other weather gear, your coat should probably work in rain, sleet, snow and wind. Your shoes should also be multi-purpose. Just use your judgement!

Packing List

by alicetoo

When visiting Iowa you must take into account what season it is...we have 4 seasons in Iowa,unlike some states.Be sure to pack accordingly..=-) Family Travel We have a really great park close to us.Geode State Park.It has camping with camper or tent.There's great fishing there.You can rent boats to fish,paddle boats,and there's a beach(in season).Great family fun.

Packing List

by ajleer

pack an array of clothing.....in the winter it is cold and snowy[most generaly]..in the summer it is hot and humid...pack some good walking shoes...

Packing List

by melissaK

Suitcases and back packs If you come in the Summer, bring shorts, Sleevelesses, T- shirts, good walking shoes, and sandals. If you come in the Winter, Warm Clothes!

Top 3 Hotels in Iowa

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport  Des Moines

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Marriott Cedar Rapids  Cedar Rapids

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Sheraton Iowa City Hotel  Iowa City

 2 Reviews and 107 Opinions  my family stayed during Jazz festival..we were tickled to be staying at a Sheraton for the first... 

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The Place

Reviews and photos of Iowa attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Iowa sightseeing.

Experience Iowa
 

Questions and Answers

oreo82 profile photo

Q:  Hi I am thinking of visiting a friend who resides in Iowa and to visit the surrounding cities. What would be a suggested... 

bocmaxima profile photo

A: You should figure out which cities you'd like to visit first. Iowa is actually pretty well-located as far as surrounding cities, so you have some choices. My list would... 

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