Everything you need before traveling to Florida (Packing list)

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If you’re planning to head to Disney World, have a golf trip, or hit the Florida beaches you may be curious about everything you need before traveling to Florida. In this article we’ll be discussing the Florida travel essentials to pack, which will include the clothes to pack for Florida, accessories as well as toiletries.

We will tell you what to pack for a flight to Florida, and what to pack for a Florida road trip to make it comfortable and safe, and what to pack for 7 days in Florida. Whether you’re going to Universal Studios, Sea World, the zoo, or the beach we’ll point out what you’ll want to consider packing to make each destination worthwhile.

Florida Travel Essentials to Pack

The Florida travel essentials to pack depend a lot on what you plan on doing in the Sunshine State, but there are a few items that will be necessary no matter what. Florida’s warm weather, sunny days, and sprawling beaches determine the standard Florida travel essentials to pack, although this list is not exhaustive, and you may need your own personal items such as medications. Here is our list of Florida travel essentials to pack with specific items we recommend.

Waterproof Phone Holder — You will probably be visiting the beaches and the pools while you’re in Florida so you may want to bring a waterproof phone holder and we recommend the JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch. This will fit iPhones and Androids of any size, is a convenient place to put credit cards, debit cards, and cash, and you can still operate your phone while it’s in the case.
Sunscreen – Florida has a lot of days of sunshine, and if you plan on being on the beach or relaxing by the pool, we recommend the Banana Boat Ultra SPF 30 Sunscreen. It comes in various sizes including a travel size so it doesn’t take up too much luggage space and it is designed to endure sweat and water.
Swimsuit – You’ll be doing a lot in the water when you visit Florida, and we love the Kanu Surf Swim Trunks for the men, which come in regular or extended size. They are affordable and comfortable, and have cargo pockets. For the women we recommend the Eomenie One Piece Swimsuit, which is comfortable, doesn’t allow too much exposure to the sun, and slims the tummy.
Water Bottle – You’ll want to stay hydrated while you’re on the beach and a reusable water bottle is a great idea. Our favorite is the POYAKU Insulated Wide Mouth Water Bottle. It keeps the water cold for up to 24 hours, is BPA free, and comes with a cleaning tool.
Turkish Towel – Hotels and resorts often provide their own beach towels, but if you are looking to travel through Florida you may want to carry around your own, and the WETCAT Original Turkish Towel is the perfect towel to carry along with you. It is oversized so you can lay on it comfortably on the beach as well as use it to dry yourself off. Turkish towels can repel sand, and the are compact and easy to fold so they won’t take up much luggage space.
Sunglasses – You will need a reliable and comfortable pair of sunglasses since those sunny days will require you to wear them regularly. We recommend the Joopin Square Polarized UV Protection Sunglasses. These are durable and comfortable and appropriate for men and women.

Clothes to pack for Florida

The clothes to pack for Florida obviously depends on your taste and style but there are some crucial pieces you may want to bring to prepare for the heat, sun, and beaches. Here is a list of clothes to pack for Florida as well as some options we personally found to be the best.

Laundry Bag – To make sure you keep all of your dirty laundry in one place, a laundry bag is very helpful. We enjoy this JHX Dirty Laundry Bag, which comes with two. They don’t take up much space, have handles, and an extra pocket on the side.
Jeans or Pants – If you don’t want to wear shorts for nights in Florida, which can be cooler, we recommend having a pair of jeans or pants. For jeans we personally like Levi’s which have both men’s and women’s sizes. For pants we are partial to these Amazon Essentials Chino Pants for Men or these UEU Casual Loose Pants for the women.
Workout Pants or Yoga Pants – A pair of workout or yoga pants are important if you plan on keeping in shape or going for a run while you’re in Florida. We recommend The Gym People Yoga Pants, which are flexible, breathable, and have pockets for your cell phone. Also, for the men, we recommend these Men’s Joggers from Champion.
T-Shirts – You want to stay cool in the Florida heat, and get as much sun as you can so we recommend these simple and comfortable Bilwov Tank Tops for Women as well as these Kingsted T Shirts for Men Pack.
Shorts – While walking along the Florida beaches, playing golf, or visiting the amusement parks you’ll want a night and lightweight pair of shorts. We love these Amazon Essential Oxford Shorts since they are light and flexible. For women we recommend these Bermuda Shorts.
Raincoat – For the rainy season this Avoogue Women’s Raincoat comes with a little carrying poach and is lightweight and could serve also as a light jacket during cold nights as well as this COOFANDY Rain Jacket for men.
Undergarments – Underwear is important no matter where you go, but we personally enjoy these Amazon Essentials Women’s Underwear since they are light and breathable as well as these Bamboo Cool Underwear for Men, which come in boxers or briefs.

Florida Accessories packing list

Aside from clothes and the essentials you should have a comprehensive Florida accessories packing list for all of the items that can help your trip go smoother and be more enjoyable. Here is our Florida accessories packing list, but there are more items you may be interested in and it depends on what you personally need.

Hat/Sunhat – You will want to protect your face and eyes from the sun if you’re out there for long stretches of time, and we enjoy this FURTALK Sun Visor Hat for the ladies, which is perfect for long hair and this Home Prefer’s Wide Brim Hat for men, which has UPF 50 + protection.
Backpack – If you plan on going hiking or taking day trips to other areas of Florida, you may want to invest in a backpack. We really like the Bagsmart Camera Bag since it has different compartments and can hold your camera, tripod, and laptop and comes with a rain cover to protect what’s inside.
Headphones – You’ll want to bring headphones to listen to music on the plane or for longer drives, and we really like these JBL Tune Bluetooth Headphones. They fold up so they are portable, have pure bass, and they are affordable.
Fanny Pack – If you would prefer to travel light as you walk around town, a fanny pack is a convenient place to put all your things. If you are looking for something stylish we recommend the Telena Sling Bag, which is fashionable and has multiple pockets. However, if you are looking for something more affordable and simple we like the Aikendo Fanny Pack, which is great for both men and women.
External Power Bank – An external battery will allow you to charge multiple devices while you are on the go and can’t access an outlet. This Ekrist Portable Charger Power Bank is a convenient choice since it can hook up to multiple devices with multiple cord options.
Bluetooth Speaker – A bluetooth speaker will let you listen to music or podcasts while you relax by the beach or pool. We recommend the TREBLAB HD77 since it’s waterproof and has a shockproof body.

Toiletries to pack when traveling to Florida

Although hotels provide toiletries there are still plenty of toiletries to pack when traveling to Florida. Also, you may have your own preferred toiletries to pack when traveling to Florida. Here’s a list of the toiletries we think you’ll need and some of the best options.

Shampoo/Conditioner – Especially if you plan on flying to Florida, TSA size bottles are important to travel with, which is why we recommend this TRESemme Moisture Rich Travel Size Shampoo and Conditioner set. You could also purchase these Dot&Dot Leak Proof Travel Size shampoo and conditioner bottles and fill them with your own shampoo and conditioner or liquid body wash.
Soap – If you aren’t a fan of the soap offered by hotels you may want to pack your own. In that case we recommend the Native Body Wash, which is for both men and women, and comes in various scents.
Deodorant – This is always a crucial toiletry if you plan on smelling you best at Florida restaurants or nightclubs. For this we recommend Native Deodorant. It is great for men and women, is aluminum free, and comes in six scents.
Toothbrush – When it comes to toothbrushes we recommend the Quip Electric Toothbrush, which comes with a mirror mount, and runs off of batteries.
Toothpaste and Floss – For other toothcare products we recommend travel size toothpaste such as this Travel Size 3D Crest Whitening Toothpaste and this Travel Size Viridis Flosser Dispenser.
Toiletries Bag – When it comes to carrying all of your toiletries, you may want a bag that can hold makeup as well. The Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag is compact, and has a lot of space and pockets for all your toiletries and makeup.
Nail Clippers – For nail clippers we recommend this Travel Manicure Set that also comes with a little pack to keep everything organized, or you can just purchase this Amazon Basics Nail Clippers.
Contact Lens Solution – For those who wear contact lenses you’ll want a travel sized container, and we recommend Biotrue Contact Lens Solution. This contact solution is designed to maintain the health and hydration of your eyes.
Bug Spray – Florida is known for its mosquitos and you will want to bring a travel size bottle with you. We love this Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Bug Spray, because it’s made of natural ingredients, is effective, and has a lovely scent.

What to pack for Florida Road Trip

If you are planning to take a car to Florida you may be wondering what to pack for Florida road trip. Aside from the essentials, what to pack for Florida road trip will help to make the drive easy, enjoyable, and get you out of any issues or emergencies.

License and Bank Cards – One of the most crucial things to remember is your license, since it’s illegal to drive without it, and your bank cards. We recommend an organizer so you won’t lose track of any of your cards and one of our favorites is this SEMBEC Car Sun Visor Organizer, which has multiple compartments and is also good for multiple cards, your sunglasses, and cell phone.
Insurance and Registration – Never forget your registration and insurance information while you’re on the road. With this CoBak Vehicle Glove Box Organizer you’ll be able to keep all of your necessary information in one convenient location, and easily accessible.
GPS – If you are taking a road trip through Florida it’s a good idea to have a GPS or Global Positioning System that will help guide you from point A to point B while giving you the best route possible. We recommend the Garmin DriveSmart 55 GPS Navigation System. It’s dependable and easy to install, and is a top pick from Amazon.
Map of Florida – If you want to have a backup plan we recommend keeping a map of the roadways of Florida. One of our favorites is this National Geographic Road Atlas as well as this National Geographic Florida Map.
Jumper Cables – You want to be prepared for any situation and if your car breaks down on the road you will need jumper cables. We like the Energizer Jumper Cables since they are a reliable company and since they come in different gauges and lengths. You may also want to consider purchasing the NOCO Boost Plus, which comes with its own jump starter so you won’t need another person’s battery to jump start your car.
Jack & Tire Iron – Be prepared to change a flat on the road with a tire iron and jack. We recommend the BIG RED Steel Scissor Lift Jack, which can lift up to 1.5 tons. You’ll also need a tire iron to replace the tire, and for that we recommend the CARTMAN Universal Heavy Duty Tire Iron, which comes in different varieties including a folding model.
Emergency Kit – To prepare for emergencies you will want this AAA Emergency Kit, which includes jumper cables, a flashlight, poncho, and a first aid kit.

What to pack for Flight to Florida

If you are traveling by plane here is what to pack for flight to Florida. Depending on where you are coming from, the flight can be long, so what to pack for flight to Florida will help you stay comfortable and rest in uncomfortable or extended flights.

Hand sanitizer – Ever since COVID people have become concerned about their hygiene, and traveling through the airport puts you in contact with many people. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer is what we recommend since it comes in a travel size and easily attaches to a carry on bag.
Pillow – It can be difficult to sleep on an airplane because your head can never rest comfortably, which is why we love this Wolf Essentials Adult Microfiber Neck Pillow. It allows your neck to relax and prevents strain so you can actually sleep on the plane.
Snacks – If you want to save money on your flight and you want to eat healthy, bringing your own travel size snacks is recommended. We’re partial to the Nature’s Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs, which come in a variety of flavors, are healthy, and travel size.
Travel Blanket – If you want added comfort and warmth on your flight, you can bring a travel blanket. The EverSnug Travel Blanket comes with a pillow as well and a little case that can clip onto your bag.
Earplugs – Earplugs are a necessary purchase If you are bothered by sound while traveling. They also take up very little space. We like these Loop Quiet Ear Plugs since they are made of flexible silicon and don’t cause irritation to the ears. If you have babies we also recommend these Alpine Muffy Earmuffs to help your baby sleep.
Eye Mask – In order to help you sleep, we recommend this Amazon Choice Sleep Mask, which is affordable, portable, and comes with two.

Things you need for the beach in Florida

Florida vacations are meant to be on the beach and there are necessary things you need for the beach in Florida. Whether you are there to relax, swim, or play here is our list of things you need for the beach in Florida.

Beach Cover Up – For women who want to wear a two piece but still want the opportunity to cover up from the sun we recommend this Ekouear Women’s Beach Cover Up since it comes in multiple styles and colors.
Book/Kindle – Relaxing on the beach can require some good reading material and you won’t be limited with the Amazon Kindle, which can be submerged in shallow saltwater for up to 3 minutes, and you can access 2 million books as well as audio books.
Beach Toys – To keep the children occupied on the beach you want to get some beach toys, and we like the Click N’ Play Toddler Beach Toys because they come with a nice bag that also works as a backpack.
Beach Bag – Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on the beach or at the pool you’ll want to be able to have everything you need on hand and this Becokan Beach Bag is perfect. It’s fashionable, light weight, and waterproof.
Beach Towel – If you plan on relaxing on the beach you will want to bring a towel for drying yourself or laying on. These LANE LINEN Beach Towels come with a convenient tote, are quick drying, and are oversized.

Essentials to Buy before going to Disney World Florida

Once you arrive in Florida or before you get on the plane there may be some essentials to buy before going to Disney World Florida. Along with many of the other items listed for a trip to Florida, there are additional essentials to buy before going to Disney World Florida. Here are some of our recommendations:

Bag for Souvenirs: If you want more space for souvenirs and memorabilia, you will need an extra bag for those items. This Narwey Travel Duffel Bag can easily slip onto your carry on luggage and is easily foldable when not in use.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: You will be spending a lot of time on your feet at Disney World and will require some comfortable walking shoes. We enjoy these TIOSEBON Women’s Walking Shoe s since they are comfortable and slip on easily. For men, we like the Gecko Man Slip on Shoes, because they have arch support.
Portable Fans: Walking in the Florida heat and waiting in line for rides and attractions will get tiresome and could be dangerous. Carrying a portable fan can help alleviate any overheating, and we enjoy the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, which charges through USB and has a flashlight.
Sunscreen – You’ll be getting a lot of sun while walking through Disney World so we like to use the Banana Boat Ultra SPF 30 Sunscreen since it comes in a travel size and stays on even as you sweat.

What to pack for 7 days in Florida

If you are unsure of what to pack for seven days in Florida, you mostly need to make sure you have the right amount of clothing. However, what to pack for 7 days in Florida can also depend on what you personally use, but here are some things we believe are necessary:

Clothing – Ensure you have plenty of undergarments for your trip. Bringing extra socks and underwear is a good idea just in case. T-shirts, jeans, and shorts are a good idea as well as any kind of light jacket.
Suitcase – Whether you are traveling by plane, car, bus or train, you want a luggage case that is easy to maneuver and can carry a lot. The Rockland Fashion 2 Piece Luggage Set is what we like because it works as a carry on and personal item on the plane, and has wheels so it can be easy to move with.
Medications and Supplements – Make sure to pack all of your medications and supplements and to make sure they remain organized we recommend using the M MUCHENGBAO Portable Pill Case, which comes with four cases that have 10 separate compartments.
Flip Flops – You will need flip flops for your regular trips to the beach and pool. For the men we really love these KuaiLu Flip Flops, which are durable, lightweight, and comfortable as well as these Women’s Flip Flops from Old Navy, which are light and soft.
Sunscreen – Florida has a lot of days of sunshine, and if you plan on being on the beach or relaxing by the pool, we recommend the Banana Boat Ultra SPF 30 Sunscreen. It comes in various sizes including a travel size so it doesn’t take up too much luggage space and it is designed to endure sweat and water.
Swimsuit – The Kanu Surf Swim Trunks for the men will be a good choice since they come in regular or extended size. For women we recommend the Eomenie One Piece Swimsuit, which are comfortable.

Best Florida Travel Guide Books

Florida is filled with events, natural sights, and amusement parks, and it can be overwhelming, but we have a list of the best Florida travel guide books here. Many of the best Florida travel guide books focus on specific areas like the Florida Keys or Orlando Florida where a guide book can help you find the right balance of things to do for a weekend or seven day Florida trip.

Tips on things to take to Sea World Florida

For those excited to see the many sea animals, some of our tips on things to take to Sea World Florida will help to keep the experience comfortable even in the Florida sun. Sea World can be a wet adventure for the family so here are some tips on things to take to Sea World Florida.

Quick Dry Clothing – Expect to get a bit wet from the activities at Sea World. Quick drying clothing will help you be more comfortable as you experience the environment and we personally enjoy the Little Donkey Andy clothing for stylish, simple, and quick drying clothing.
Poncho – A way to avoid getting too wet is by investing in a poncho, and we enjoy the PTEROMY Hooded Rain Poncho since it’s affordable and comes with a little carrying pouch.
Stroller – For those who have children and want to avoid carrying them around all day, a stroller is key. We like the gb Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller, because it is portable and air luggage compliant.
Towels – A portable and quick dry towel will be useful in order to keep you and your family dry. We recommend the VENTURE Quick Dry Travel Towel since it dries easily, is portable, and comes with a carrying case

What to pack for Universal Studios in Orlando Florida

Similar to Disney World, what to pack for Universal Studios in Orlando Florida will prepare you for a lot of walking and hot weather.

Camera – There’s a lot to see at Universal Studios so you may want to bring a camera to capture the memories. For the children we recommend the Camkory Digital Camera since it is easy to use and compact. A camcorder is also a good choice, and we like this Kimire Video Camera since it won’t take up too much space and has great resolution.
Light Jacket – Just in case you are in Universal at night when it gets cooler we like this Amazon Essentials Fleece Jacket for men and the Sofra Thin Zip Up Hoodie for women.
Reusable Water Bottle – You’ll want to stay hydrated while you’re walking through Universal Studios, and we recommend the Ello Cooper Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle. This comes with a straw and is insulated to keep water cold all day.
Lip Balm – Being in the sun can cause damage to the lips and so a lip balm is a good choice to keep your lips protected. We like the eos 100% Natural and Organic Lip Balm since it is completely natural and comes in multiple flavors.
Lotion – To keep your skin healthy in the sun and heat we like the Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream. It comes in a small size and is good for severe cases of dry skin and damage.
Anti-Chafe Stick – A lot of walking in the heat can cause chaffing and we like the Body Glide Original Anti Chaffing Stick to prevent this. It’s good for men, women, and children of all ages.
Small First Aid Kit – Walking around all day with children can result in some bumps and scratches so it’s always nice to carry around a small first aid kit with bandages and ointments. Our preferred option is the General Medi Mini First Aid Kit, which contains 110 pieces of hospital grade equipment and a clip so you can attach it to your travel bag.

Must haves for going Florida Zoo

Whether you plan on hitting the Central Florida Zoo, the Jacksonville Zoo, or ZooTampa there are some must haves for going Florida Zoo. Prepare to do a fair amount of walking through these zoos as many are full of great animals and will take time to fully enjoy. The Central Florida Zoo, for example, could take about 3 hours to experience everything it has to offer. Here is our list of must haves for going Florida Zoo as well as some specifics we believe will allow you and your family to be comfortable and enjoy it to the fullest.

Walking Shoes – With so many animals to see you’ll want to make sure you take care of your feet by purchasing some comfortable walking shoes. We recommend the Dr. Scholls Slip Ons for Women and the Skechers GOwalk Stability Shoe for men. Both provide great comfort and cushion for the feet. The Dr. Scholls are lightweight and easily slip on and off while the Skechers GOwalk provide great support with Goga Max Technology.
Snacks – With all the walking you’ll want to also have nutritious and filling snacks for the family, and we personally love these Noka Superfood Fruit Smoothies. They come in convenient pouches, are easy to open, and contain omega-3s, prebiotic fiber, plant based protein, and much more. For something a little salty and crunchy we recommend going for this Goldfish Crackers Variety Pack, which is great for kids, and adults.
Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial for any trip to an amusement park, zoo, or tour. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle that can keep water cold for a long time and can hold plenty of water without being too bulky. For this we really love the Takeya Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, since it’s durable and comes in multiple colors.
Light Jacket – For protection from the sun as well as for when the sun goes down you may want to invest in a good light jacket. We really like to have one that is portable, just in case, and the Avongue Waterproof Raincoat is one of our favorites for women since it comes with a carrying bag. For men we are fond of this Weatherproof Soft Shell Jacket, which is stylish and also waterproof.
Backpack – If you want to carry snacks or a camera we recommend bringing a backpack. You don’t want one that will cause too much strain on your back, though, especially with all the walking, which is why we love the Della Gao Laptop Backpack. It provides plenty of space as well as compartments with multiple color and size options to choose from.
Sunscreen – Spending all day in the Florida sun you won’t be able to enjoy the zoo without a good sunscreen. We like to choose a sunscreen that we could use confidently at the pool and beach as well, which is why we like the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen. This sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while also nourishing it with VItamin E. It’s also reef safe so you know it is okay to use before going for a swim in the ocean.