By Dawn Henthorn
Florida Travel Expert, about.com
If you're planning a vacation to Florida, you may be wondering what to pack besides your bathing suit. Whether you're traveling the highways, taking to the air or riding the rails — with kids or without — having a check list is helpful.
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There are
so many variables in what you should pack, depending on your destination
and the activities you have planned once there. Of course, there are
the bare necessities that include personal items, warm or cold weather
clothing, beach necessities, special activity equipment, Florida's
"must-haves," and more.
Use these handy printable packing lists as a guide when planning what to take on your next trip to Florida:
- Florida Travel Check List - Pick and choose items from this extensive list that includes tips or add your own can't-live-withouts.
- Children's Carry-On Travel Check List - Use these tips and packing guide when planning an airline trip with children from ages infant to teens.
Florida Must-Haves
While clothing choices may vary depending on the time of the year, there are several items that are considered "must-haves" when it comes to preparing for a vacation to the Sunshine State.
After all, it's all about how to beat the Florida heat. A sunburn can ruin a vacation and can happen even on an overcast day.
Equally important is keeping those pesky mosquitoes away, so bug repellent should also be on the must-have list. Mosquitoes not only make you itchy and uncomfortable, they carry diseases, including the Zika Virus.
Air Travel
The
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) air travel regulations
and airline baggage fee hikes have made packing for travel a chore. Of
course, packing light is always best, but it has become a necessity when
traveling by air.
When it comes to your carry-on, you want to
have all the little necessities at hand when you board a plane, not
stowed away in the hold. Be aware that TSA regulations do limit what you
can carry on though, as noted below:
Liquids:
You are allowed one quart-size Ziploc® resealable bag for liquids. That includes aerosols, gels, creams and pastes. Only travel-size containers no larger than 3.4 ounces are allowed. Items that are larger must be packed in your checked luggage.
Medications:
Medications must be clearly labeled. Liquid, gel and aerosol medications do not have to fit in a passenger's single quart-size bag and are exempt from the 3 oz.-rule.
Prohibited Items:
Sharp items, such as knives and scissors and firearms are not allowed in carry-ons, but may be packed in checked luggage. Firearms must be securely locked in a hard case and disclosed at time of check-in.
Automobile Travel
Perhaps
you'll be taking a road trip to arrive at your Florida vacation
destination. If so, there are a few things you should know before you
pull out of your driveway. Attention to a few details before you pack
can help make sure you reach your destination without incident.
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To
avoid an unexpected roadside emergency, invest in preventative
automobile maintenance. Get your automobile serviced and ready for
vacation travel. Also, in case of an emergency, it is a good idea to
have a kit in your vehicle that includes:
- First Aid Kit
- Jumper Cables
- Hand Tools
- Flashlight with new batteries
- Jack
- Gloves
Of
course, your cell phone and your GPS are your best friends when it
comes to taking a road trip. Paper maps are nearly obsolete and pay
phones are a thing of the past.
If you have kids, keeping them
safe should be your first concern. Florida law requires child restraints
be used at all times. Children ages three and younger must use a
separate car seat or the vehicle's built-in child seat. Children age
five and younger must be buckled in a federally approved child restraint
system designed for their age, height and weight. Children ages six
through 17 years of age must be in a seatbelt.
Electronic tablets
are great for keeping your child occupied during a long car ride or
quiet on an airplane, but kids can also spend hours playing these printable travel games that were compiled by About.com's Family Travel Expert, Suzanne Rowan Kelleher.
