Tropical vacation destinations like Southwest Florida are some of the most sought-after places for the breezy palm trees, relaxing islands, turquoise and emerald-green waves, and the area’s laidback lifestyle. Summer is one of the best times to visit Southwest Florida because it’s less crowded during the off-season. However, it’s no secret that Florida temperatures can soar in the summertime and get pretty hot outside.
However, if you know what to pack for a hot weather vacation, you and your family can say cool and fresh so you can enjoy all that the sunshine state has to offer. Grab your hot weather essentials and find a Southwest Florida rental with a pool. Stroll in one of the area’s open-air shopping centers, spend the day at the beach, enjoy a delicious meal outdoors, and don’t let the hot weather deter you. We’re here to ensure you come prepared for a memorable vacation in paradise.
What to Pack for Hot and Humid Weather
Floridians are used to the heat and humidity of living in Florida, but it can be a bit of a shock if you’re used to different climates. Packing lightweight, breathable fabrics, lighter colors, and other hot weather essentials can help you brave the heat and enjoy spending time outside during your stay.
When considering what to pack for a hot-weather vacation, follow our packing tips to include these hot-weather essentials:
- Hats
- UV-Blocking clothing
- Bathing Suits
- Less makeup
- Waterproof makeup
- Sunscreen and aloe vera creams
Your packing list should also include a few hats. A stylish straw hat is also a fashionable option. They are breathable and help wick off moisture. Cotton and linen fabrics will help isolate you from the sun, but UV-blocking clothing will add extra protection. They are generally light and dry quickly, which is great if you want to wear a long-sleeved shirt.
When it comes to what to pack for hot and humid weather, don’t pack a lot of makeup. Use that extra space to bring back souvenirs. If you’re used to wearing a full face of makeup, it will have a hard time staying on your face due to the humidity and tendency to sweat more when it’s hot outside. Also, ensure the makeup is in your carry-on. When it’s in a checked bag, it runs the risk of being left outside for long periods and could be roughly handled during transit, possibly resulting in broken or melted cosmetics. Additionally, consider packing waterproof makeup, such as mascara and eye shadow.
To ensure you have the best sun protection, find your nearest grocery or convenience store by your Southwest Florida rental with a pool so you can stock up when you get there, or bring it all with you if you have the extra space in your luggage. Most rentals provide towels and beach chairs. You’ll need to ensure you have aloe vera sunburn protection, like soothing after-sun gel and sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 to help ensure you don’t get sunburned.
Hot Weather Travel Clothes
What you bring on your upcoming vacation can make all the difference. Come prepared and minimize your trips to the store with these hot-weather travel clothes essentials. When creating your list of what to pack for a hot weather vacation, don’t forget:
- Cotton, bamboo, linen, and micromodal fabrics
- Lighter colors
- Bring a lot of T-shirts and tank tops
- Loose-fitting clothes
- Moisture-wicking quick dry underwear
If you’re visiting a place with a lot of humidity, avoid packing fabrics like rayon and polyester since they are more apt to stick to your skin.
Lighter colors are best because they don’t absorb as much heat from the sun. Darker colors can absorb heat from the sun and make you feel warmer. Pastels and neutrals will absorb the least amount of heat.
Depending on your laundry situation, you’ll need to ensure you have many extra T-shirts and tank tops. To keep feeling fresh, you’ll want to change shirts often. Bringing an additional pack of T-shirts and tank tops can go a long way.
Loose-fitting clothes are ideal in hot and humid climates. You will want to ensure they’re part of your hot-weather travel clothes wardrobe. Think maxi dresses and skirts and other flowy silhouettes. Wearing tight clothing will make you feel uncomfortable in the heat and humidity.
Moisture-wicking underwear is a must-have in hot weather to help you sweat a little less and feel much more comfortable.
If you need to remember any of these items or purchase more during your stay, numerous clothing stores that carry these garments are available. If you require assistance finding a location, any of our associates are happy to help point you in the right direction.
How to Travel in Hot Weather
Floridians swear by a few rules to help them live with the heat. We’ll let you in on a few secrets so you know how to travel in hot weather like a pro. Since you know what to pack for a hot weather vacation, you’ll be wearing light, breathable, and loose-fitting garments that will go a long way toward feeling your best and fresh. Here are some other ways to effectively travel in hot weather:
- Seek out shade and consider inside destinations during the hottest hours of the day, such as restaurants, inside shopping, and museums
- Plan to be outside in the early morning hours and around sunset when it’s coolest
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
- Listen to your body and rest when you need to
- Take cool showers
- Keep the vacation rental or hotel room cool
To be safe, especially if traveling with elderly family members or anyone with health issues, it’s also important to be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses. Early signs are heavy sweating, extreme thirst, intense sweating, and tiredness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, headache, elevated body temperature, and decreased urine output. Regarding heat stroke, pay attention to confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, rapid breathing, and very high body temperatures.
There are typically three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. All three stages of heat-related emergencies are serious and require immediate medical attention.
Southwest Florida Vacation Rentals with a Pool
Now that you know what to pack for a hot weather vacation to enjoy all the area has to offer and make memories with your loved ones, you’ll need a place to stay. One thing that makes Florida so charming and appealing is its year-round warm weather, so you’ll need to ensure you stay in a Southwest Florida rental with a pool. Coming home from shopping or spending time outside calls for a family gathering at the pool to cool off and enjoy spending as much time outside as possible.
Some vacationers choose a Southwest Florida rental with a pool with easy access to all the things to do in the area, and some prefer something more private. Where you stay sets the tone for your trip, and Royal Shell can help you choose the best home that checks all the boxes on your wish list.
