15 Things to Pack for New York in Autumn: Accessories & Gadgets You'll Actually Use

Packing for New York in autumn isn't simply about deciding what to wear.

A few small accessories and clever gadgets can make a surprisingly big difference when you're spending long days walking through Manhattan, navigating the subway, taking hundreds of photographs and discovering somewhere new around every corner.

From the practical essentials you'll use every day to a few clever additions you may not have thought about, these are the things worth making room for in your suitcase.

01 — A reliable portable charger

Your phone becomes your most important travel tool in New York.

It will be your map, camera, boarding pass, restaurant reservation, attraction ticket and sometimes your source of entertainment while waiting for the subway.

A compact power bank can save you from desperately searching for an outlet halfway through the day. Look for one with fast charging and USB-C compatibility.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Magsafe Portable Charger for iPhone

02 — A universal travel adapter

If you're travelling from Europe, you'll need an adapter for US outlets.

A compact universal adapter is particularly useful if you're bringing several devices. Models with multiple USB ports can also save you from fighting over the one available outlet in your hotel room.

It's one of those things that's easy to forget, until you arrive.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Universal Travel Adapter

03 — A luggage tracker

A small luggage tracker can provide some extra peace of mind when travelling internationally.

Place one inside your checked suitcase and you'll be able to check its location from your phone. It takes almost no space and can be particularly reassuring during connecting flights.

It's also useful for simply knowing whether your suitcase has made it onto the carousel before you see it.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Air Tracker 4-Pack

04 — A compact umbrella

Autumn weather in New York can be unpredictable.

A lightweight umbrella tucked into your day bag means a sudden shower doesn't have to change your plans. Choose one small enough to carry comfortably all day.

You may never need it, but you'll be very glad you brought it if the weather turns.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Mini Travel Umbrella

05 — A practical crossbody bag

Your everyday bag needs to be comfortable enough for hours of exploring.

A medium-sized crossbody is a particularly versatile choice. Look for something lightweight with a secure closure and enough room for your phone, wallet, portable charger, sunglasses and a few small essentials.

It should complement your outfits without becoming something you have to think about while you're walking.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Cross Body Purse

06 — A phone strap

A phone strap is a surprisingly useful addition for city trips.

It keeps your phone easily accessible when you're navigating, checking directions or taking photographs, without having to constantly put it back into your bag.

It's especially convenient when you're walking through busy neighbourhoods and want to keep your hands free.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Phone Strap Crossbody

07 — Noise-cancelling headphones

There are plenty of moments during a New York trip when headphones come in handy.

Use them on your flight, during subway journeys, while waiting at the airport or simply when you want a quiet moment after a busy day.

Noise-cancelling earbuds are particularly convenient because they take up almost no space.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Noise Cancelling Ear Buds

08 — A reusable water bottle

New York days can become surprisingly long.

You may leave your hotel after breakfast and not return until dinner, so having water with you is useful, especially when you're walking several kilometres around the city.

Choose a slim bottle that fits easily into your day bag.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Collapsible Water Bottle

09 — Sunglasses

Autumn doesn't mean grey skies every day.

Bright October afternoons can be beautiful, particularly when you're walking through Central Park or along the High Line. Sunglasses also come in handy when you're looking upwards at Manhattan's skyscrapers all day.

A classic pair that works with everything is all you need.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Polarized Sunglasses

10 — A foldable tote bag

This is one of the smallest things you can pack and one of the easiest to appreciate later.

A foldable tote takes almost no room in your bag but gives you somewhere to put unexpected purchases, snacks or souvenirs.

It's particularly useful on shopping days in SoHo, Fifth Avenue or Brooklyn.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Reusable Travel Bag

11 — A compact tech organiser

Without a little organisation, travel electronics quickly become a collection of tangled cables.

A small tech pouch keeps your charger, cables, adapter, earbuds, memory cards and other accessories together.

It also makes packing and unpacking much quicker, especially if you're moving between hotels during your trip.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Double Layer Electronic Organizer

12 — A compact camera

Your phone will probably be perfectly capable of documenting your trip.

But if photography is important to you, a small camera can be worth bringing. Autumn provides some of the most beautiful conditions for photographing New York, from Central Park's changing foliage to golden-hour views across the skyline.

The key is choosing something compact enough that you won't resent carrying it around all day.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Mini Retro Digital Camera

13 — Lip balm and hand cream

Not everything in your bag needs to be technological.

Cooler temperatures, wind and dry indoor heating can leave your hands and lips feeling uncomfortable, particularly later in autumn.

A small lip balm and hand cream take virtually no space and are easy to keep in your everyday bag.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Burt’s Bees Travel Kit

14 — A small essentials pouch

Rather than carrying lots of loose items, keep your personal essentials together in one small pouch.

Depending on what you normally use, this could include tissues, hand sanitiser, plasters, hair ties and any personal medication or other necessities.

It keeps your bag organised and means you won't have to empty everything onto a café table when you're looking for one small item.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: BAGSMART Travel Bag

15 — A portable luggage scale

If you're planning to shop in New York, don't underestimate how quickly your suitcase can gain weight.

A tiny luggage scale allows you to check your bags before leaving for the airport, particularly useful after a few days of shopping.

It weighs almost nothing itself and can prevent an unpleasant surprise at check-in.

✦ Tabi Edit Recommendation: Digital Luggage Scale

What should actually go in your day bag?

You don't need to carry your entire suitcase around Manhattan.

For a typical autumn day, I'd keep it to the essentials:

Phone · portable charger · sunglasses · water bottle · wallet · headphones · umbrella · lip balm · foldable tote

Everything else can stay at your hotel until you need it.

A few things you don't need to overpack

The best packing lists aren't necessarily the longest ones.

You probably don't need several different gadgets that perform the same function, a huge camera setup or a bag filled with things you might need.

New York has shops and pharmacies everywhere, so there's little reason to pack for every possible scenario.

Instead, focus on items that solve genuine problems and that you'll realistically use throughout your trip.