Florida What to Pack

  Tony & I on the Fury Sunset Cruise
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Most Viewed What to Pack in Florida

1.

Casual / Light   Key West

Casual / Light, Key West

 15 Reviews  Ladies: Sundress Shorts Light Jacket (it cools off when the sun goes down) Sandals Guys: Shorts Button down camp shirts sandals (but please - no socks) hat Sunscreen! Aspirin (for when you have been... 

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2.

Bathing Suits   Miami

Bathing Suits, Miami

 6 Reviews  bring your swim suits people , Miami's South Beach is hot . Tan in the daylight hours and by night - dance till you drop ! Like I said - the city that doesn't quit . lots of great pics to take so... 

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3.

Clothes   Miami Beach

Clothes, Miami Beach

 6 Reviews  Take whatever you need for the duration of your stay. Remember, if you're down here for shopping, you might buy the clothes you wear out while you're here. Nice sandals and some shorts are a must, if... 

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4.

Beach Attire   Fort Lauderdale

Beach Attire, Fort Lauderdale

 10 Reviews  You'll need layers during the Spring. It was warm to downright hot and sunny during the day...so Swimming Suits and shorts will do. However, a sweater or the appropriate coverage is needed for night.... 

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5.

Clothes   Tampa

Clothes, Tampa

 8 Reviews   I like to travel light, but this is up to you. You don't need any heavy winter clothes in Tampa, that's for sure! During the summer, make sure you have light clothes and flip-flops! It rains a lot... 

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6.

Packing List   Sanibel Island

Packing List, Sanibel Island

 3 Reviews  Mosquito Repellent if you go out at night. Sunblock for day, are must have's! Water Shoes, once in the water it is pretty soft, but getting there is...ouch...ohh....ouch...ohh. Load 'em if you got... 

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7.

Bathing Suit   Key West

Bathing Suit, Key West

 7 Reviews  Shorts, sandals, a swimsuit or 2, polarized sunglasses if you have them and a hat. Sunscreen...SPF 30+ Chicken repellant, if you can find some. ;-) Polarized lense for the water shots. Make sure to... 

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8.

Light Clothes   Miami

Light Clothes, Miami

 2 Reviews  My SIL who lives in Miami will not wear any fabric but 100% cotton. I concur completely. Do not wear any manmade blends e.g. a cotton t shirt that is just 5% lycra might as well be a plastic bag.... 

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9.

Toiletries/Medical Supplies   Miami Beach

Toiletries/Medical Supplies, Miami Beach

 7 Reviews  Really all you need to bring is a light travelbag or medium-sized backpack.,because the clothes you will pack to visit here will not take up alot of space. Tank tops,light summer dresses and bikinis... 

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10.

Sunscreen   Tampa

Sunscreen, Tampa

 3 Reviews  If you're not used to a lot of sun, you'll need to apply sunscreen often -- unless your idea of a nice tan is fire engine red. Locals can often spot tourists a mile away by their brand-new 'Florida'... 

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11.

Sunscreen   Key West

Sunscreen, Key West

 7 Reviews  You can go with the expensive stuff or you can use good old trustworthy ziplock bags (if you puff them up with air...they float!). Someone will convince you to go snorkelling or kayaking and no one... 

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12.

Sun Screen   Miami

Sun Screen, Miami

 3 Reviews  Less clothes the better;) Sunscreen $$$$$ helps a lot especially if you like to do anything besides sit on the beach. The clubs are expensive, and the shopping can really damage the cash reserves as... 

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13.

Identification   Tampa

Identification, Tampa

 2 Reviews  In the summer, Tampa is warm with afternoon rains. You'll need protection from the sun most of the time, but a slicker for when it rains. Bring sunblock. Lots. And something to keep the bugs at bay.... 

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14.

Miscelaneous   Miami

Miscelaneous, Miami

 2 Reviews  Casual is the key. Miami is incredibly laid back and most places allow shorts, tanks, bare shoulders/arms and even flip-flops. People wishing to "Be Seen" on Lincoln Road may wish to dress up some.... 

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15.

Weather Gear   Miami

Weather Gear, Miami

 3 Reviews  No matter the time of year, always prepare for rain, especially in the summer. Always prepare for heat, even in the winter. It can be in the 80s and humid in December. If you want to visit south beach... 

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16.

Camera   Miami

Camera, Miami

 2 Reviews  Since we have been traveling by boat, we don't have any luggage. However when we fly, we take two carryon sized bags each. I check one of mine - I just don't carry any more than two small bags. A wide... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

A Good Accessory for RVs

by KimberlyAnn

My husband and I have always enjoyed camping, beginning with backpacking when we were young, and purchasing a fifth wheel trailer when we retired. This can, however, become an unpleasant experience if there are a number of mosquitoes or flies present. Florida is often buggy in the hot, humid summers, but it can also have pesky insects in the winter months, especially in National and State Parks where you are surrounded by vegetation, and maybe near water sources such as swamps or rivers. The first winter we traveled to Florida, we noticed a number of people with screen tents, which protected their picnic tables and outside chairs. This is a great idea, and we purchased one. This screened tent allowed us to sit outside, even if a swarm of pesky mosquitoes or flies moved in, and in some cases it also added a little shade

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Stay Safe, Comfortable, and Get that Photo

by KimberlyAnn

Protect your skin from the sun, bring a sun hat or baseball cap. Summers are very hot, but winters can become quite cool. So if you are visiting Florida in the winter months, don’t just bring shorts, and pack a lightweight and a mid-weight jacket. This is a state with a lot of sunshine. Be sure to protect yourself with a good UV protection suntan lotion. Florida can also be very buggy, especially if you plan to enjoy some of the natural environments of the state and national parks. Take insect repellent, or plan to purchase some before heading out on hiking or biking trails, or taking a canoeing or kayaking trip. If you like birds, and are not using a digital camera, then a telephoto lens is a MUST. I have a 300 zoom, but sometimes wish I had an even larger lens. (See my travelogue on birds.)

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Camping or Beach Goers

by RockiesTraveler

If you are camping and or going to the beach try freezing your water in the water bottle overnight so that it can slowly defrost in the heat during the day or in your cooler. This way when you are ready to drink it, it will be nice and cold. Especially if where you camp is very remote and there is no electricity or ice available. You can also freeze your hamburgers and hot dogs to keep them fresh a little longer before you have to use them. Just keep them in the cooler. This is especially useful if you are camping overnight.

driving instructions

by davecallahan

Delorme, Rand Mcnally and the AAA all have pretty good street maps and sight-seeing guides for Florida. So you should have a general state map with insert maps for the large cities and one of the what-to-see guides. Also if you are going to the Keys or to Orlando or Miami you should pickup a guide specifically for those areas because there is too much info about them to put into the state guide.all the maps and guides are readily available at the local bookstores or you can get some info in limited quantities at the welcome centers.

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Quick List:

by RockiesTraveler

Sandals or flip flops if you are the type that gets sweaty feet!Boots are not necessary down here, even in the winter.You will not need your big snow parka. A light jacket or fleece jacket will do when it is cold down here. Mosquito Repellent...they are always out in full force if you are the type who attracts them (trust me I am one of those people, I get bit even in the winter walking to my mailbox which is only 50 yards away!)

The little things that are easily forgotten

by Arial_27

Bring a beach bag for sure, and a money belt to keep all your important items in to keep safe. Definately bring your swim suit! I can't stress that enough. Bring a lot of light clothes to wear incase it gets hot, but dont hesitate to bring a sweatshirt or flannel pyjamas just incase you do find it cold. Try to bring a body board too, so you can ride the high waves . If you dont have one you can also buy one there; they're not that expensive.**Dont forget goggles, a snorkel and flippers! they're the things I most wished I had with me! And a magnifying glass (I had found a lot of interesting creatures in the water and on the beach, it would've been nice to get a closer look at them.) Besides the obvious, you'll need bug repelent, sunscreen, and any pain killers. Bring any extra snacks and emergency food too. Bring a waterproof camera to take pictures under water! And definately...

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Clothes, we have to wear'em!!

by Fullmoonfever

Orlando is located inland and in the northern part of Florida. From late fall to early spring the temperture can get colder than many people would think. So if you are going during this time frame, take at least a long pair of pants and a sweat shirt. Take lite rain grear. It rains often, but usually not all day. Sunscreen, sure!!!

Expect to get Wet

by scottishvisitor

If you have children with you - expect them to get wet in the theme parks it is all part of the fun but if they decided to get wet one last time before you are due to leave & the Florida sun hasn't got the time to dry them take some extra clothes with you - leave them in the boot of the car & let the little blighter get changed in the car park!!

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Pack For Fun in the Sunshine State

by wanderlucent

As far as luggage goes I recommend the following: one (1) rolling suitcase -- Carry-on size if your trip is less than a week, larger if you will be staying longer. one (1) beach tote -- I recommend a Boat and Tote bag from L.L.Bean. Mine is lime green and zips closed so I can use it as a carry-on bag without all my goodies spilling out. one (1) fun purse -- This is for the ladies, obviously. Get a fun, trendy purse from Target or Marshall's that's big enough to hold everything you need for a day of shopping or dinner out. Flip-flops in several colors. I get fab-comfortable one from Mella in turquoise terry. A pair of gold gladiator sandals can be dressy while still comfortable. At least two (2) swimsuits with different necklines so you don't get a glaring tan line. Loose, flowly skirts fand sundresses or the girls and baggy shorts for the guys. Tank tops and t-shirts are a must as are a...

Sunblock, Sunblock, Sunblock

by LuvMyBoxerKids

*Light, loose fitting, comfortable clothes!*An Umbrella (Those afternoon showers will catch you off guard!!)*Comfortable, supportive shoes* Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock!!!! *Did I mention to bring sunblock?*Aloe lotion or burn spray if you forgot your sunblock! *Your favorite camera and lots of batteries and/or film! Dont forget a pair of flip flops!

Top 3 Hotels in Florida

Homewood Suites Orlando-UCF Area  Orlando

 2 Reviews and 98 Opinions  Everything is great except the fact that the night person NEVER answers the phone. All I wanted was... 

 Hotels in Orlando

Ocean Key Resort  Key West

 4 Reviews and 660 Opinions  Stayed in an Ocean front room and was awaken early every morning by the intoxicated homeless... 

 Hotels in Key West

Sonesta Hotel & Suites Coconut Grove Miami  Miami

 2 Reviews and 424 Opinions  Staying at this hotel is the best location in Miami. It is in the middle of the Coconut Grove scene... 

 Hotels in Miami

The Place

Reviews and photos of Florida attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Florida sightseeing.

Experience Florida
 

Questions and Answers

Steve617 profile photo

Q:  I am trying to plan a vacation for my wife and myself during the first week in April. She really wants to go to the west side of... 

goodfish profile photo

A: I haven't been down that way for too many years but Siesta Key near Sarasota is beautiful - one gorgeous beach. You might take a look at their... 

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