A Complete Packing List for Your Florida Vacation

So, you’ve booked your Florida vacation. You’ve carefully chosen the town you’ll stay in. Selected where you’ll stay in that town with us. You’ve researched restaurants and things to do. You’ve picked the dates and you’re ready to go. Except… now it’s time to pack. What exactly should you put on your packing list for your Florida vacation? Great question!

Although Florida’s weather stays relatively stable throughout the year – mostly hot, usually sunny, occasional thunderstorms – there are some important things you’ll need to pack. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll be able to find a complete packing list to tell you exactly what you need to bring to the Sunshine State. We’ll highlight some key Florida staples, and give you a complete list to check off at the end.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen

It’s no secret that the sun exposure in Florida is on another level. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure you bring sunscreen with you. This will be especially important if your skin isn’t used to sun exposure like you might get here. Any time you go outside in Florida, you should be prepared with SPF to keep your skin protected. And don’t forget the lip balm with SPF, too!

What about when it comes to choosing the right SPF? It can be overwhelming when you’re standing in the sunscreen aisle facing SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, and more. An easy rule of thumb to follow is this: check the SPF number, and convert it to minutes. That’s how many minutes you can let go between applications to avoid getting sunburned. For example, if it’s SPF 50, you should be able to go 50 minutes between applications and avoid sunburn.

However, even though you’re adding sunscreen to your packing list for Florida, you should plan to pack some aloe vera, too. Better safe than sorry, right?

Swimsuits

If you played a word association game and someone said the word “Florida,” a lot of the answers would probably have something to do with water. Whether it’s the beach or the pool, Florida has lots of waterfront options to offer. With that in mind, it’s a no-brainer that swimsuits should be on your packing list for Florida. Even if you haven’t added a dip in the pool to your vacation itinerary, the odds of needing a swimsuit are high. You never know just how badly you’ll want to jump in the pool after experience a hot Florida afternoon.

Along with your swimsuits, you’ll probably want to bring along a coverup and some sort of rashguard, especially if you plan on doing any type of water sports, like surfing.

If you forget to pack a swimsuit, you just might find yourself having to go to an overpriced surf shop to buy one on your vacation. Save yourself the time and the money, and just go ahead and add a swimsuit (or two) to your packing list for Florida.

Bug Spray

People always talk about the creatures in Florida for a reason. Mosquitos and noseeums (literally pronounced no-see-ums) can become pesky, especially during the summer months, if you’re not prepared. Thankfully, it’s an easy fix to just spray on some bug spray before heading outdoors. Make sure to add it to your packing list for Florida so that irritating bug bites don’t take away from your vacation!

Complete Packing List for Florida

Sometimes it just helps to have a checklist, right? Depending on the length of your trip, you may have to adjust some things. However, this will at least give you the basics so you have somewhere to start. Here’s a complete packing list for Florida as you get ready to go on vacation (including the staples mentioned earlier):

Clothes:

• Lightweight clothes like shorts, skirts, maxi dresses, or linen pants and tops. Remember, it gets hot!
• Sandals or flip flops. You’re not going to want to wear socks and sneakers to the beach, right?
• Walking shoes. When you’re not at the beach, Florida has great shopping and sightseeing.
• Swimsuit (or two).
• Coverup. Think of something easy to throw on and then throw in a beach bag when you aren’t using it.
• Rashguard. This will help make sure your skin stays protected, especially if you decide to try something like surfing.
• Underwear and pajamas. You’ll obviously have to adjust the amount you pack based on the length of your vacation.
• Any specific clothes you might need for what you have planned. Got reservations at a fancy dinner? Planning on going on a boat ride? Thinking you’ll go to Disney? Do a quick once-over of your itinerary and make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

Toiletries:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen (including lip balm!)
• Aloe Vera
• Bug Spray
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Makeup and makeup remover
• Any medications or special cosmetics you may need.

If you have to add something like a laptop, feel free. Remember, though, this is your vacation. Your packing list for Florida should include the things that will make sure you have the best vacation possible!