Niagara Falls What to Pack

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Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: For the most part you can leave the fancy clothing at home. The area dresses very casual.

Good walking shoes that can handle getting a little wet.

Many people say to pack rain gear, but with airline weight limits, it isn't worth the weight. Any of the attractions that you may get wet, give you a poncho to keep. Also the 'Cave of the Winds' give you a cheap pair of sandals.

A folding umbrella. Scattered storms are common. The don't last long, but come when you least need them.

Of course this list is for the warmer months, when most people visit. For winter, I think common sence would tell you to pack a very warm coat, hat and gloves.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: A small comb or hair brush you can carry with you. Many of the attractions will bring new meaning to 'bad hair day'.

Sun block, even those days with an overcast can burn you.

Photo Equipment: Most people want to take photos and use a point & shot camera. Bring a tripod or at least a mini one! The falls at night are great, but you won't get a clear shot hand holding your camera.

If you don't have a water proof case for your camera, you need to bring either a special cover (for SLRs) or a plastic sandwich bag for point and shoot cameras. For you rookie SLR folks... before you leave home, check with your local camera shop for a proctive cover. These are like little raincoats for the body and lens, most will handle up to a 400mm lens. Cost is only about $6.00 for two. I DID NOT see any in the area for sale, you must bring it from home.

Miscellaneous: Water bottle, it can get hot here and you don't want to pay those tourist prices for bottle water.

Everyone will tell you this, and some people still don't pack it... your PASSPORT! As of right now American's can still cross the boarder, if they have their official (with raised seal) birth certificate and photo ID, but this won't be lasting much longer.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you're planning to ride the Maid of the Mist, make sure you're wearing something you wouldn't mind getting wet in;) Although you will be provided a free poncho. I remember I also wore water sandals. It's no fun walking around in wet socks/sneakers.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Make sure to bring rain gear, anytime you get near the falls, you area going to get damp. The Maid of the Mist tour boat has rain ponchos that you can use, but you end up with wet pants, shoes & socks. Bring your own stuff & stay dry, you'll thank me later. My friend Vladimir with rain poncho.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Use sunscreen, even though it's further north, the sun will still cook you if it gets the chance, especially with the reflection factor of the water.

Photo Equipment: Don't forget something to keep your camera dry. Even a plastic bag wrapped around everything but the lens will help if you don't have a water proof camera.

Miscellaneous: Make sure to bring sun block is does get to be very sunny up there and rather hot. We got burnt a few time and didn't even feel it until we got back to the room and in the shower and man do you notice it then! So lather up before you hit the trail for a long day, maybe even a hat would not be a bad idea too.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Make sure you bring an extra pair of shoes because they WILL get wet so that way you can have dry shoes to go out in after a tour involving massive amounts of water! Maybe even a pair of cheap sandals too.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Clothings? What clothings?? Don't worry too much about packing too many clothings with you... If this is a full day trip for you (very rush!), then you don't need to worry about packing. But if you're intending to stay for the weekend, then I guess, you should just pack enough for 1 or 2 days.

Photo Equipment: I ALWAYS, ALWAYS bring along at least 2 camaras with me... just in case one breaks down. My friends used to laugh at me.... until their one and only camera broke down. When when they have to RELY SOLELY on me and my amateurish photographic skills, they stopped laughing. Yes, immediately. Serve them right! :-))

Miscellaneous: If you are going to do lots of walking and sightseeing, do remember to put the following items into your tote bag or backpack:

Maps and perhaps phrase books. Your all-important Guidebook. Water bottle. Sunglasses.... etc.

DON'T forget to bring along your much-treasured ATM card to withdraw cash. Yes, no need to rush to the money-changers to change all your currencies into
American dollars before your trip.

And DON'T use your Visa or Mastercard to withdraw cash. This is considered a CASH ADVANCE and you'd be slapped with a HEFTY fee whereas if you were to use YOUR own ATM card, you will NOT be charged for any fees.

In fact, you WILL benefit and enjoy from the low interbank exchange rates. Trust me (I used to work for an American bank).

Just ensure that you adhere to the following steps:

o Flip to the back of your local ATM card, do you see the logos 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange' etc. on it?

o If the answer is 'yes', then you have absolutely nothing to worry about!

o Why? Because you can withdraw cash from any ATM machines in USA/ Canada, no matter how obscure the town you're at is.

o If you use this method, you'd also save alot from the interbank exchange rates. Money changers will charge you much, much more compared to a bank.

I've been using this method countless of times before and so far, no ATM machines in this world have failed me.... yet. Yes, even in the remotest village of Africa!

Have a great trip!

'When travel took command of my life, extraordinary events shook the core of my being.' - Robert Harris

Luggage and bags: Take whatever you feel comfortable with, depending on your mode of travel. Lighter, obviously, is better.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Wear clothing that can get wet, especially if you get on the boat ride. Otherwise, pack according to the weather.

Photo Equipment: Protect your equipment from getting wet if you go on the boat ride. Also, while film and batteries are available in Niagara Falls, you probably want to have an ample supply before you get there because wherever you buy them, it is likely to be cheaper than in Niagara Falls.

Miscellaneous: Bring all of your senses with you and experience the trip. Don't just stay behind the viewfinder of your video camera or camera. Really take it in, and especially try to find some quiet time with the falls to admire its spectacular nature.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Not too hot here, but can be humid, especially in the summer. Shorts will work fine. In the winter, it'll be really cold and there'll be lots of snow. Buffalo gets TONS of snow.

Photo Equipment: If you're going on the 'Cave of the Winds' tour, bring your smaller camera. Or maybe bring something to waterproof your camera. Well, anyway, if you want to take a picture while on the tour, be careful that it doesn't get wet.