Items You Should Bring
If you have never visited the United States before, here are some recommendations about what you may wish to bring with you.
- Adapter plug. (U.S. electrical line voltage is 110/120 Volt AC, 60 Hz.)
- Binoculars
- Cameras
- Camcorders
- English phrase book
- Family photos
- Guidebooks
- Travel Health insurance information
- International Drivers License
- Medicines (left in their original containers and clearly labeled)
- Paper, pens and pencils
- Passports, visas, and any other travel documents
- Toiletries
- Reading material in your own language
What Clothing Should You Bring
Although the climates of the eleven states are similar, there are some variations in the weather, spring and autumn seasons across the region offer the most comfortable temperatures with summers very hot and generally humid. Winters are generally mild with occasional ice and snow storms in some areas. Depending on the time of year you travel, you may want to bring these items:
- Bathing suit
- Casual clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dress clothes (if you plan on going to certain restaurants, or other events
- Jackets
- Sweater (Although it is hot in the summer, most buildings are air-conditioned.)
Items You Shouldn't Bring
It's best not to bring anything you can't replace, anything you would hate to lose, and anything that is prohibited and restricted. These can include the following:
- Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry
- Irreplaceable family objects
- All unnecessary credit cards
- Unneeded items that may be in your wallet
- For a list and explanation of prohibited and restricted items, click here
A Few Last Tips
- Don't be concerned if you forget to pack something because you will always be able to purchase what you need once you arrive.
- Make sure you keep all of your medicines and valuables with you, and do not pack them in baggage that will be checked.
- In case of an emergency at home, be sure that you leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends so that they can contact you in the U.S.
- It is advisable to make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, and credit cards you plan to take. Pack one copy separately from the originals, and leave the other copy with family and friends.
Helpful Links and Resources for Visitors
Alabama Tourism Department
P.O. Box 4927
Montgomery, AL 36130-4927
Phone: 334-242-4169
Fax: 334-242-4554
www.alabama.travel
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-7777
Fax: 501-682-1364
www.arkansas.com
Georgia Department of Economic Development
75 Fifth Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404.962.4000
Fax: 404-962.2093
www.ExploreGeorgia.org
Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism
Capital Plaza Tower, Suite 2200
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601-1968
Phone: 502-564-4930
Fax: 502-564-5695
www.kentuckytourism.com
Louisiana Office of Tourism
P.O. Box 94291
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9291
Phone: 225-342-8100
Fax: 225-342-1051
www.louisianatravel.com
Mississippi Development Authority, Tourism Division
P.O. Box 849
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: 601-359-3297
Fax: 601-359-5757
www.visitmississippi.org
North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development
4324 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4324
Phone: 919-733-4171
Fax: 919-733-8582
www.visitnc.com
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-1700
Fax: 803-734-0138
www.discoversouthcarolina.com
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
320 Sixth Ave. North
5th Floor, Rachel Jackson Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2159
Fax: 615-741-7225
www.tnvacation.com
Virginia Tourism Corporation
901 East Byrd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-545-5500
Fax: 804-545-5501
www.VIRGINIA.org
West Virginia Division of Tourism
90 MacCorkle Avenue, SW
South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone: 304-558-2200
Fax: 304-558-0108
www.wvtourism.com