Image via Flickr by Shélin Graziel
If you’re visiting Marco Island, Florida, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful barrier island in the Ten Thousand Islands has warm weather, sandy beaches, and plenty of fun attractions. Make sure to pack the following items so you have just what youneed for your Marco Island vacation.
Beach Gear
It’s a good idea to bring two swimsuits instead of just one. That way, you won’t have to put on a suit that’s still damp from the day before. Check to see if your hotel or resort provides beach towels. If not, pack at least two of them per person.
Remember to pack a pair of flip-flops as well as beach accessories such as goggles, snorkeling gear, a sun hat, a coverup or wrap, a beach tote, sunglasses, and sunblock. If you’re traveling with children, consider bringing beach toys like sand buckets and shovels.
Clothing and Footwear
Pack clothing that’s made of light, breathable fabric like cotton or linen. Because Marco Island has a laid-back atmosphere, you can wear casual clothes — like shorts, tank tops, or T-shirts — in most places. However, you should still bring a nice outfit and a pair of walking shoes for going out at night. Running shoes also come in handy if you’re planning to put in a workout.
If you don’t want to bring too many clothes, you can look for Marco Island Hotels that have laundry facilities. For example, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort includes a full-sized washing machine and dryer in each villa.
Personal Care Items
This category seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget deodorant or some other important item. Remember to pack your usual personal care items, such as makeup, face wash, moisturizer, a razor and shaving cream, aloe vera gel, contact lens solution, and any prescriptions. Pack your hair dryer if the hotel doesn’t provide one. Consider bringing a first aid kit and a mini sewing kit.
Most hotels provide shampoo and conditioner, but you may prefer to use your own. If you pack any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste in your carry-on bag, make sure to use Transportation Security Administration-approved travel containers.
Carry-On Bag or Purse
If you’re catching a flight, you should pack at least one outfit in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost. Keep other important items close to you, such as your airline tickets, wallet, directions to the hotel or resort, passport, house keys, and copies of your travel documents.
For your own comfort, you can also bring electronics with you like your cell phone, laptop, or camera. Load your smartphone or iPod with new podcasts or your favorite music before you leave the house. Remember to bring the chargers, too. Other optional items include breath mints, hand sanitizer, tissues, a book or magazine, a sweater, and a travel pillow.
Marco Island has convenience stores where you can pick up toiletries and other items you forgot to bring. However, your trip will go more smoothly if you refer to this list and pack exactly what you need.