What to pack for a trip from New Orleans to Atlanta

If you're travelling from New Orleans to Atlanta, there's no doubt you're in for an unforgettable adventure. From the thriving music scene in New Orleans where you can dance down the streets to the sound of trumpets to Atlanta's craft beer scene and perfectly manicured gardens, both cities are brimming with vibrant culture, fascinating history, cool museums and gorgeous cityscapes—not to mention the delicious food tour spots in Savannah, the rich history of Charleston and the country music melodies of Nashville that you'll experience along the way. To get the most out of your tour, it's important to pack all the essentials for the trip. Check out this packing list for your New Orleans to Atlanta adventure. 

The essentials

1. Comfy clothes

Whoever said comfort is key was a wise owl. When you’re travelling from New Orleans to Atlanta, you’ll be doing lots of walking, sightseeing and sitting in a car or van to travel between the two cities. That’s not to say you shouldn’t bring some dressier outfits too, but a few pairs of sweatpants, leggings, t-shirts and sweaters are easy and comfy to throw on, so they're well worth a spot in your suitcase.

2. One or two smart casual outfits

New Orleans and Atlanta are bustling cities and there’s always heaps going on, from street parades to music events to theatre productions. You'll probably want one or two smart casual outfits for when you hit up the bars on New Orleans's electric Bourbon Street or grab a bite on Atlanta's lively Peachtree Street. A couple of pairs of jeans or shorts, a dress, and some shirts or blouses will do just fine. As well as comfy sneakers, you might also want to bring a pair of boots, sandals or smart sneakers in case you feel like dancing the night away.

3. Portable charger

One of the main reasons to go on holiday is to switch off from everyday life and disconnect, right? However, you don’t want to run out of battery while you’re on the road. A portable charger comes in super handy to ensure your phone has enough battery to make an emergency call, snap photos, video call your family or send a text to your new travel buddies to see what time you should meet them in the bar. 

4. Warm layers

Atlanta has a moderate climate with hot summers and cool winters, while New Orleans is subtropical with mild winters and hot, humid summers. If you’re travelling in Atlanta during winter, early spring or late autumn, make sure you pack a fleece or sweater to layer up on cool evenings, a warm winter coat, a woolly hat and a pair of gloves to rug up. New Orleans doesn’t get as cold, but you’ll still need a sweater, a medium-weight coat and a warm hat.

5. Daypack

A small, lightweight daypack that you can wear across your chest or back is super handy to carry your wallet or purse, camera, phone, portable charger, water bottle and other bits and bobs around with you. You don’t want anything too big, but big enough for your essentials.

6. Comfy shoes

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to pack a pair of sneakers that are comfortable to wear even when you’ve been walking around for hours. Trust us, your feet will thank you for it! Walking is one of the best ways to explore downtown New Orleans and Atlanta, as you can go at your own pace and allow your senses to lead the way.

The nice-to-haves

7. Laundry bag

Rummaging around your suitcase or rucksack trying to figure out which clothes are clean and dirty is never fun. It’s a simple hack, but bringing an extra bag to throw in your dirty clothes makes all the difference when you’re on the road. A small, drawstring laundry bag will do just the job.

8. Camera

Most mobile phones these days have decent cameras that can take some great photos, but you might want to bring a proper camera if you’re into photography. There’s some incredible scenery on the road between New Orleans and Atlanta, not to mention the vibrant cityscapes in places like Ponce City Market or the Botanic Gardens in Atlanta, or Jackon Square and French Quarter in New Orleans. 

Want to learn more about travelling between New Orleans and Atlanta? Return to New Orleans to Atlanta FAQs

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