Florida, the Sunshine State, is a heavenly retreat for the sunseekers and nature lovers alike. The peninsula’s scintillatingly beautiful beaches, semitropical swamps, the fantasy world of theme parks, and an eclectic mix of vibrant cultures make it a fascinating holiday destination. Packing for Florida would largely depend on the time of year you are visiting and the activities you want to do. Florida is usually warm and sunny thus making it easy to pack but remember to pack appropriate items for various activities you may want to pursue in Florida. Pack suitable clothing, accessories, and other essentials depending on if you are going to the beach or spending a day in Disneyland or partying in Miami or hiking in the marshlands! Check out our ultimate packing list below to help you pack smartly for Florida as you head out to the land of sunshine!
1. Casual clothes
When in Florida, casual dressing is the key – flaunt your tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses with élan at the Sunshine State. If you are planning to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, then choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and avoid polyester or rayon in summer. Pack a few glamorous outfits if you plan for a dressy dinner or hit the party scene on South Beach! Make sure your tops and bottoms mix and match so that you can wear different ensembles every day without having to carry too many clothes!
2. Light jacket
Even though it is unlikely that you will be wearing a warm jacket outdoors in Florida in summer, it is advisable to pack at least one as you might need it during your flight travels. Moreover, most of the places you will visit will be air-conditioned, so a warm jacket might be more than comfortable. For winter, you will need a warm jacket, scarves, and long pants when the temperature cools down in the evening.
3. Raincoat or rain jacket
Summer rain is a common occurrence in Florida and in the southern parts, it rains almost every afternoon. Prevent the rain from ruining your outing by packing a raincoat or lightweight rain jacket. Make sure you are carrying a dry bag or mesh bag to carry the wet raincoat once you take it off.
4. Appropriate footwear
For hitting the beach, it is best to pack flip-flops. Rubber flip-flops give you a better grip and you can slip them on while dripping wet without thinking of ruining them. You will need a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, preferably waterproof if you are keen on trekking in the wilderness or even for walking about in the theme parks. Pack a pair of dressy shoes as well to match your evening outfits.
5. Swimwear and sunglasses
An obvious must-pack for Florida is beach gear! Pack your swimsuits for the beach as well as the water-parks and swimming pools. Summers in Florida are very sunny and humid, thus its best to carry sunglasses and wide-brimmed sunhats or caps if you are outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Don’t forget to pack colorful sarongs for your day at the beach.
6. Sunscreen
Florida sun can be quite harsh and chances are you will be severely sunburnt if you are not carrying a sunscreen lotion. Be it a day at Disneyland or sunbathing on the beach or going on a hiking trail in the marshlands, a sunscreen lotion will protect you from the sun’s intensity. Make sure you take a sunscreen with SPF greater than 30.
7. Towels
Although towels are provided almost everywhere we visit nowadays, it is always prudent to carry your own towels. A lightweight microfiber towel in your day bag will be helpful as you explore Florida in the sweltering heat. At the beach, it can double up as a beach cover-up and you don’t have to worry about renting beach towels as well!
8. Insect repellent
Make sure to pack an insect repellent spray or oil as Florida has a dense infestation of bugs ranging from mosquitoes, love bugs, gnats, that can leave you with welts and ruin your holiday! It is better to pack a small first-aid kit with lotions for quick relief from stings in your day bag as you go kayaking or hiking in the subtropical swamps.
9. Day bag
Store all the items that you need to carry along daily in a lightweight, reliable, and if possible waterproof day bag. Since it rains almost every day during Florida summers, the waterproof dry bag will be able to protect your belongings as you lounge about in the beaches or set off for an adventure in the swamps. The day bag should be spacious enough to hold your camera, wallet, raincoat, beach essentials, bug spray, first-aid kit, water bottle, etc. And remember to pack those headphones in your day bag so that you can revel in your favorite tunes as you lay back and soak in the Florida sun!
10. Electronic gear
Don’t forget to carry your smartphone along with the associated paraphernalia like external power pack to recharge your mobile phone on the go, travel adaptor plugs, memory cards. Pack spare batteries for your camera, a tripod if you need, chargers for your smartphone and camera, and even that selfie stick for those quick uploads of your dream vacation in sunny Florida!
All set for the sunny state
Follow our list above for a detailed outline of the items that are a must-pack for your trip to Florida! Invest in sturdy yet lightweight luggage for carrying your belongings. Packing cubes are a smart, inexpensive and efficient way to organize your packing, Apart from the essentials, some items that you may consider are – headphones, after-sun aloe gel, a tiny first-aid kit with medicines for common cold or stomach upset, flashlight, etc. Even if you forget to pack something, you can always buy it from the Florida shops and it can be a souvenir for your trip!
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