A Packing Guide For Your Trip To The Florida Keys

You’re ready for your departure toward the paradise that lies within the Florida Keys. You already bought your plane tickets, reserved your hotel and planned out your activities. Now all you need to do is pack. The Keys are a unique and exotic place that require some extra gear and personal care, so you need to make sure you are well equipped. Be prepared for all potential weather conditions, including sun, heat, humidity and rain. With that in mind, here is a guide for what you should pack for your trip to the Florida Keys:

Eyewear

Keep your eyes protected from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays with a pair of sunglasses. Your eyewear needs to be able to handle the outdoor activities you planned and remain secure on your face, so a sports style may be your best option. You also need to decide which type of lenses will enhance your view. Polarized lenses reduce glare, which is especially handy if you have any water sports planned. Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to the light, which is great for cloudy days when your lenses need to get lighter or darker more frequently.

Sun Protection

You may be ready to soak up the rays, but make sure you don’t over do it. Painful sunburns and skin damage aren’t the kind of souvenirs you want to bring home from your trip. Pack a solid sunblock lotion that is at least SPF 50. If you’re in the sun for a long period of time, especially near the ray-reflective water, make sure you wear a hat and a rash guard. Rash guards are light and breathable and provide adequate coverage and protection for your outdoor activities.

Apparel

Dress light and keep it simple. Light fabrics like linen are comfortable and reduce perspiration. Make sure you steer clear of cotton-polyester blends as they stifle the breeze your body needs and create undesirable insulation. Avoid dark colors while you’re in the sun, as they absorb more heat and stick with light, neutral hues like white, taupe, soft gray and light blue.

Water-Resistant Tech

Only bring tech that is durable and resilient in a tropical environment. Make sure your phone can withstand a little moisture because the Keys are humid and prone to storms. The iPhone 7 Plus is nearly waterproof. It has an IP67 rating for water- and dust-resistance. Its newly integrated rubber seals and gaskets let you submerge it in 3.3 feet (1 meter) of water for 30 minutes. If you get caught in a rainstorm, you don’t have to worry about ruining your phone.

Your camera is another valuable piece of tech that you want to use and keep safe on your trip. Make sure you have a waterproof camera case for when you’re snapping photos outside. If you want some underwater shots, find a case that is made specifically for that purpose. You don’t want to miss capturing your snorkeling or surfing adventure because you couldn’t bring your camera.