What to Pack for the Southeastern USA in Spring

This packing list is by reader request. She is heading of on a bus tour of the southeastern USA visiting cities like Savannah, Nashville and New Orleans. In April this area has highs of 20 – 25 degrees Celsius with lows of 10 – 15 degrees Celsius. This is what to pack for the Southeastern USA in Spring.

What to pack for the Southeastern USA in Spring

1. Packable Rain Coat – Any time I am travelling in spring I make sure to pack a rain coat with a hood. Not only does it keep me dry but it also saves from packing an umbrella which means you have your hands free while touring. The southeastern USA is generally more humid and wet than the west. April showers bring May flowers after all.
2. Oversized stripe t-shirt – mornings will be cool so having some layers will come in handy. Also not every day is guaranteed to be warm so having some light layers is a smart idea. I like these tops as they are light and soft. I would pack 3 – 5 long sleeve tops for a week tour.
3. Jeresey Tee – The one thing I stock up on when I am packing for spring summer is tees. Pack enough for every day you are away.
4. Trench coat – I love the look of a trench and for days when I don’t need a hood for the rain I would prefer this coat. If you are trying to be minimal in your packing I would just pack the rain jacket, or find a trench with a hood.
5. MAB Backpack – a backpack is great for days where you will be out from the bus all day. It is great for carrying bottles of water, snacks and a place to stash layers.
6. White wide leg trouser jean – something about being in the southern states makes me want to wear white jeans. I usually pack 3 or 4 pairs of bottoms as I find jeans can easily be reworn.
7. Dark wash jean – I am pretty devoted to denim but you could easily pack trousers too. Shorts I am a bit iffy on unless you know you will be experiencing a heat wave. Personally I save shorts for when it is later in the season.
8. Cashmere turtleneck – because in April you are just as likely to experience a cold snap as you are a few warmer days. You want to make sure you have a warmer layer to bulk up underneath the jacket you pack. I also like having cashmere for the plane.
9. Jersey Dress – I think you can get away without a dress on a bus tour but there might be an event that you want one for or there might be a few warm days that you wish to be more bare legged. I personally find most of the US pretty casual unless you are specifically seeking out high end events or restaurants.
10. Paisley scarf – I wear scarves three seasons of the year. For spring I would go with a thin wool or cotton, even a silk scarf. Something that will layer up and keep your neck warm if you are experiencing some cold or wind. Also scarves add polish.
11. Sidewalk sneaker – sneakers are a must for any vacation with lots of walking. Don’t pack new sneakers but something that is broken in real good.
12. Straw hat – spending time outside all day sightseeing is a good way to get too much sun. A hat comes in handy on rainy days too.
13. Crossbody bucket bag – I think a cross body is just as important as a backpack. Bus tours have days when you are on and off the bus but not for the whole day. The cross body is great for when you don’t need to lug everything but still want to bring the essentials.
14. Running shoe – on trips where there is plenty of walking I like to pack two pairs of comforatable shoes. After our last trip I have decided that means running shoes and sneakers only since boots and sandals that I like for regular days really can’t stand up to multiple days of touring. Having more than one pairs of shoes means when or if you get blisters you can switch to something that won’t aggravate the same spots. Three pairs of shoes is the max I would pack on a bus tour type trip. I would save the third pair for something a bit dressier in case there is a night where you need to dress up for an event.
15. Sunglasses – I don’t go anywhere without at least one pair of sunglasses.

When you are packing make sure to read through your itinerary and all the excursions so that you can pack things that are appropriate for what you are going to be doing. If you are spending your free time hiking you may want to pack different clothing than if you are spending it at the shops.

Personally I would rather err on the side of packing things that are too warm rather than not packing enough and being too cold. The focus should be on all the amazing sights not distracted by what you packed. Still I have found that bus tours tend to make sure you find the shopping areas which means if some last minute additions to your suitcase it can be done.

Hope the trip is fantastic!