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2018 was a record year for Florida tourists, with over 126 million people visiting the Sunshine State. The previous record was set only the previous year.
This follows a long trend of increasing growth over the past several years. This may come as no surprise, given the sheer number of things to enjoy in Florida, from Disneyworld to the Everglades, to the warm climate.
As with all vacations, one must prepare before taking a trip to Florida. The good news is that we can help you prepare your packing list for Florida. We’ll list some things to bring, and what not to bring, in the paragraphs below.
1. Clothing
It’s no secret that Florida is hot, especially during the summer. However, winter temperatures aren’t very cold, either. Winter temperatures can range from 40 degrees to nearly 80 degrees.
While you decidedly won’t need winter coats and gloves, it may be a good idea to pack sweaters and warmer clothes when visiting during the winter. You’ll also want to pack a mixture of sandals or flip-flops and shoes.
If you plan to visit during the summer, your main issue will be beating the heat. This will mean packing lighter clothing that will keep you from getting overheated.
2. Beach Supplies
One of the key reasons many people go to Florida is to soak up the surf and sun. Whether you’re going to Miami Beach or Blind Pass Beach, a day at the beach means bringing a bathing suit.
You’re also going to need sun screen, and other sun protection supplies. For instance, you may want to pack a sunhat or a beach umbrella.
Heat, sun, and skin is often a recipe for bugs, so bug spray will be another essential. Bug spray may even be an everyday need since Florida has no shortage of biting insects.
3. Hygiene Supplies
Anything you would need for a typical day at home will likely be necessary on vacation as well. This includes toiletries such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.
What other supplies you should bring will depend on where you’re staying. Most hotels will likely provide towels as well as soaps, as well as shampoos and conditioners.
However, you’ll need to pack your own shaving kit or makeup, as well as any other personal grooming supplies you might need.
4. Reusable Water Bottles
You may end up eating at restaurants rather than preparing your own food. Still, it may be useful to go shopping for snacks and drinks every once in a while while you’re there.
Part of the reason for this is to stave off hunger so you’re not tempted to buy any snacks from the hotel you’re staying in. In the moment, $3 instead of $1 may not seem like that big of a deal, but every little bit helps.
Hiking up snack prices is a common sales technique, and not just among hotels. Movie theaters are known to do the same thing.
5. Entertainment
Everybody has their own definition of entertainment, from laptops to e-readers to handheld game systems. Whatever you like to do, try to bring it with you on vacation.
Chances are, you won’t be wandering around all the time. Everybody needs to rest, after all.
Even if you’re the type who’s constantly going from one thing to the other, there will be some downtime. You’ll have to sleep at some point, and you’re going to have travel time as well.
Bring something to do. We almost guarantee you’ll use it.
6. Poncho
Florida may be nicknamed the Sunshine State, but there’s more to it than the sun. It also happens to be one of the wettest states in the US, especially during the summer. It is also, by far, the state most often affected by hurricanes.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go, but be aware that rain is very common in Florida. It’s best to be prepared. Bring a poncho, and maybe some rain boots, as well.
What Not to Bring to Florida
Just as there are things to include on a packing list for Florida, there are a few things that should definitely be left off.
- Weapons: We’re not sure why you’d want to bring weapons on vacation, but please don’t. The TSA forbids this for obvious reasons.
- Sharp Objects: Again, this has to do with common sense. TSA agents and other security personnel are paid and trained to suspect the worse.
- Sporting Goods: This one makes a little more sense, but it’s still going to trigger suspicion. You’ll probably be able to find sporting goods wherever you go, so there’s no need to bring them.
- Tools: Just like most of the other things on this list, you should have no trouble finding it in Florida if you need it.
- Flammable Objects and Chemicals: While nobody’s going to question why you need shaving cream or bug spray, most flammable objects will raise suspicion, and probably won’t be any use on vacation.
- Medical Supplies: A first aid kit makes sense, but you’re not likely to need anything more advanced. If you do suspect somebody in your party will get seriously injured in Florida, please don’t go there.
- Jewelry and Valuables: Please don’t bring anything that makes you more likely to be robbed.
- Food: Food may be necessary, but snacks can be bought when you get there.
- Excessive Clothing: This is a common issue. We pack more clothes than we’ll need and it ends up just slowing us down. A good rule of thumb is to bring one outfit for every two days. You can wear outfits more than once.
A Packing List for Florida: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
There are a few essentials to put on a packing list for Florida. We’ve mentioned some of them in the paragraphs above.
However, everybody’s packing list is going to be a little different. We encourage you to do more research on your own if you’re interested in other ideas. You can even add a few supplies of your own if you think you’ll need them.
If you want to know more about North Port, Florida and what to do there, please visit our site. We can tell you about a house to rent in North Port.