Underwear might be helpful. ;)

What about toiletries, cosmetics, electronics, chargers? That's the stuff that always takes up more room than I'd imagined. Hair dryer?

I always check a bag. The extra cost doesn't bother me. Sometimes, because of a full plane they will make some check their carryon (for free) anyway. It's happened to me.

Where are you going to be in FL? Just curious...I'm in the Orlando area.

People here dress very casually most places. You could leave behind the skirts unless you just like wearing a skirt. And you could probably leave behind one sweater and the rain jacket, unless you need them on your end of the trip.

I can stuff a LOT in my duffel bag, but then I'm unhappy when I have to lug the thing around. :)

Donna

GF is going on a trip and will need to take 3 planes so they suggested she just do carry on, but is limited to 18 lbs for 2 weeks. So she's looking into one of these luggage jackets.

What about toiletries, cosmetics, electronics, chargers? That's the stuff that always takes up more room than I'd imagined. Hair dryer?

Yup, and don't forget shoes! And shoes are a pain because you really need to have the right ones for your outfit and your activity.

When I have to pack I just think hypothetically of what I am doing each day and pack entire outfits. Then if I have room I throw in anything that strikes my fancy. But if I have laundry and I am staying stateside, i hardly care ... very easy to remedy anything forgotten!

have fun!

Your list has a lot of bottoms, which can be worn for multiple days, and not enough tops which can get funky in the hot weather. You can make lots of outfits by switching tops with the same bottoms.

While I like scarves for changing up an outfit, I typically find them too warm for FL...maybe just take one...wear on the plane.

Also will you need a beach cover up for the swimming? For me, I'd need a sun hat too with a brim to protect the back of my neck.

I agree that FL is very casual, even in restaurants, so unless you plan on going to a super fancy place, no need to plan on dressing up at all.

Check Vivienne Files for some ideas... I like the idea of the casual hoodie which can be worn with shorts or capris to cope with ocean breezes.

For a trip like yours, I would pack 5 days worth of clothes and plan on doing laundry twice.

More shorts. Buy cheap flip flops at the drug store. Buy extra toiletries there, just leave when you return home.

I live here but if I came here to visit I would take...

1 capris

3 shorts with two a bit dressier

1 sundress or 1 skirt

At least 3 dressier casual short sleeve or sleeveless blouses

4 casual tops

1 cardigan

1 pair of sneakers (do you really need?)

1 walking sandal

1 flip flop

1 dressier sandal with small wedge or heal in a flesh tone to go with everything.

2 bathing suits (you will probably only wear 1 , your favorite one).

1 small purse size umbrella

grooming supplies, underwear, ect.

edited to add: if you are not going hiking nix the sneakers. You can wear your walking sandals. If you don't do sundresses substitute one skirt.

If you have capris, do you need shorts? Since you have access to laundry, do you need 6 t-shirts-- will 4 or 5 do? Will you wear sneakers other than on the plane? Do you need 2 scarves and 2 skirts and 2 sweaters?(I get that you probably want to have more variety, if room allows! Choose which will give you the most bang for your buck.)

Be sure to include a visor or sun hat -- I favor golf hats myself.

1 x capris

1 x comfy pants (wear on plane)

1 x shorts

1 x short skirts

0 x scarves

5 x golf shirts/teeshirts (wear 1 on plane)

1 x bathing suits

1 x sneakers (wear on plane)

1 x walking sandals

1 x flip flops

1 x sweaters (wear 1 on plane)

1 x rain jacket (wear on plane)

I wouldn't take scarves either unless you plan to just wear one to dress up an outfit for going out at night.

I hate to carry on a bunch of stuff so almost always check a bag and carry on a large tote bag with my cosmetics, iPad, chargers, a change of undies and a clean t-shirt (my just-in-case Ziploc bag), hairbrush, jewelry bag (I don't travel with a lot of jewelry, just a few inexpensive earrings, a necklace or two). You know, things you don't really want to rush out and spend a fortune on if your bag doesn't make it. I can always go buy lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, and a few other items, but replacing all my makeup? No!

I would do a light hoodie in the place of one of your sweaters. I agree with Annie. I am assuming you won't be wearing the long pants during the vacation, but will use them just going home? That leaves only 5 bottoms. I would do one more.

You can probably put in more, but it's great to not over pack.

Side story: I always over pack and until recently was okay with stuffing my suitcase to the gills. Why not have CHOICES right? But, on this past 3 week trip to Costa Rica, it felt ridiculous that I couldn't get it together enough to take only what I would need.

This time though, I packed Tide liquid detergent. I actually hand washed things, some of my favorites. What an eye opener!

My next trip will only be for a week, but I will work hard at not over packing.

ETA: Don't forget that your toiletries have to be carryon size and all have to fit into a small plastic bag. Although in Florida it's easy to run out and buy things.

If you want to blend you will need a pair of white shorts. I think you are in your thirties? I would look at getting a white short from one of those younger brand golf shorts stores. They are a little more stream lined, not real short or older lady long. They have a bit of stretch. Mix it with a casual shirt for day and a dressier casual shirt for evening teamed with a small healed or small wedge sandal. You will get the most use of something like that. Take one long sturdy basic necklace to hang your sunglasses off.

Ok I left out the rest of my list, including undies meds and toiletries - I didn't think you needed that list! I only need help with the clothing! Haha! I leave the hair dryer at home and go curly for the week (and am going to a house with toiletries etc).

I'm packing carry-on mostly for convenience/simplicity...I have a stopover on the way back and don't enjoy wrangling a lot of stuff when I'm at my destination (less to pack and unpack).

msmeow - I'm going to my inlaws' house in Lakewood Ranch. I spend most of my time there either in the lanai or in Sarasota. I think we're going to check out the Dali museum in St. Pete's and I might go catch a launch at JFK space center as well. I do need a light jacket to leave Nova Scotia in.

mtn - you saw my shoe list! 1 pair sneakers and 1 pair walking sandals. Is that a lot different than your shoe list? ;)

Annie - I always appreciate your wardrobe advice. And you're right, I always seem to load up on bottoms. Part of it is that I sweat a lot more and do a lot of walking down south so my bottoms always seem crumpled and sweaty by the end of the day. But I should cut it back.

Scarves - don't you guys wear cotton scarves? I seem to enjoy a light scarf to cap off even a summer outfit. Maybe I suffer from cold neck syndrome? I don't look like this person..but sometimes like this?

I never use scarves at home, but I am traveling overseas next month and plan to take one to dress up my tee/skirt combos.

I am looking for that perfect, lighter weight capri that won't look like a wrung out dishtowel at the end of the day. I've already learned (the hard way) to just say no to linen and linen blends...

So much depends on the size plane you will be on! All the planes that fly out of my city are small, so I must check luggage, even for a long weekend. I would never trust my meds or jewelry in checked luggage, so I must have a small carry on for that, plus I always pack a nightgown and extra undies in case checked bag is lost or delayed. It won't fit overhead with much more. My AmEx card gives me one free checked bag.

Robo, you know that Cape Canaveral is pretty far from Sarasota, right? Though if you're with the in-laws I'm sure you'll have transportation. Maybe you can stop by Winter Garden and say HI! :)

I haven't visited the Dali museum yet, but I would love to.

I don't usually see women in scarves unless it's part of a professional business outfit or actually cold outside.

Donna

DON'T CUT THE SCARVES.. sheesh lol. They take so little space and they can really spark up a simple outfit. Yes, it's much warmer in FL.. but not so warm you won't be able to wear a scarf or a sweater at night. Maybe I am the odd one out but I still get cold!

I'd stick with plain colored tops and patterned skirts/shorts. A simple dressier tshirt can work with any of a number of bottoms (and scarves, darn it!!).

You probably have more than you need but you don't want to be doings loads of laundry all week. I'd cut one shirt and I'd choose a sweater that went with everything and ditch the second sweater. I agree that pants look wrinkled after only wearing for a few hours but a shirt is fine after a few hours.

I am in Florida right now. Large scarves are very useful when you wear a tshirt and you enter a store or a restaurant where the A/C is icy cold. I was in Austria this past summer and use one for the same purpose. I would never travel without one. I always have one in my purse. Don't forget whatever you like to wear to sleep...

sushipup - I think I'm a skirt person rather than a shorts person? Which is stupid because I get chub rub on long walking tours in skirts.

jterri - I really like that list. I was thinking 2 bathing suits because in and out of the pool all day and hate putting on a wet bathing suit. But I guess it will dry better hung out this time of year than it would in summer. Maybe I'll do two tops and one bottom. And I think you're right that I'll pack a couple of dressier tops.

I've never worn white shorts! I have navy. White shorts plus my fishbelly legs seems like a disaster. Maybe I will check out a golf shop - down there! So much cheaper at Ellenton.

Sneakers - I use them for my daily hour walks and for extra long walking tours (e.g. one day we are going to do Naples botanical garden and the car museum on same day).

Pants - do you wear pants indoors? Sometimes I get chilly at night with the AC on. I use them for PJs too.

eld - I like the idea of a hoodie too! I think I'll wear one on the plane. I have an ok white one.

msmeow - I have driven over to CC before but you're right, it's a long day and the launch is at suppertime so I may not want to make the trek. It's so much nicer driving in Florida at night though, you have actual lines on the roads that show up, up here they're all worn off by January and driving is a guess and a prayer. I wouldn't mind checking out the Morse Museum in Winter Park too.

anglophilia - no problem there, I know the carryon rules for the airline I'm flying. I don't mind gate checking either

funky and nath - I'm with you on the scarves! so useful and great when you're getting into that little bit cool territory.

Me at the beach:

You are missing a bathing suit cover up. I'm in the Keys now and it's too hot for capris; however I have worn my travel jacket every evening. We walk for exercise so I have worn sneakers and short socks every day. Nobody is wearing scarves. Do you need a hat? You're covered with the rest.

I have a little caftan I can throw in there! Good idea.
It's down to 60 at night in Sarasota so definitely sweater weather and I'd be too cold in shorts at night for the most part. (I had to google 16C to get to 60 ;)

Get to the Dali early enough so you have time to visit the Chihuly Collection with a break for lunch at Locale Market. Have fun! Enjoy my backyard!

Another vote for taking a scarf - especially one that you can drape over your shoulders and arms when the restaurant is too chilly.

Other than that your list looks pretty good. What is your weight limit on a carry on?

How about taking a gym /running style short for walks. They roll up easily and dry quickly. Ditto for a quick dry t shirt i.e. Underarmour or Nike quick dry

Yes Robo blue or black shorts are fine. You will see it all, long, short and in between. People do wear scarves here, I saw someone this year at the specialty market wearing a big one. You don't see them often though. Maybe in northern Florida? Besides your very casual outfits you will want some tween outfits that can take you from day to night, just add the short heel/wedge shoe.

I did go to Florida once for a week and just took carry on, and it wasn't that heavy. I used my brother's laundry facilities while there. Shorts, One pair of long slacks, lightweight. T's and light tops, a pair of sandals. Undergarments and socks. Swim suit. I sleep in a T shirt. Wore a jacket on the plane. Wore regular shoes on the plane. Unfortunately I had to spend about half an hour chipping back into said car while dressed for Florida (but with that jacket). So if you take your car to the airport, spend for the parking garage... !

I never use a hair dryer so that was not an issue.

Does anyone else have problems with capris? When I try them on, they simply look like I couldn't find slacks long enough and had to make do. So I don't ever wear them. This may just be a feature of the fact that it IS so hard for me to find slacks long enough...

I wouldn't mind checking out the Morse Museum in Winter Park too.

It's a wonderful museum but check directly with them to be sure they'll be open. They tend to close pretty randomly. In St. Pete, for people watching we tend to like The Moon Under Water. Sunken Gardens is an interesting old style botanical tourist attraction if you want a little peace and quiet.

And honestly, you can wear absolutely anything and nobody will care, so just whatever you're comfy with.

If my legs looked like those ladies above, I would wear shorts 365 days a year. But, alas, I did not win that genetic lottery.

robo, have you ever considered golf skorts? It's a skirt, your preferred item, with built in thin shorts, which prevents chub rub. They're usually made from athletic fabrics that wash and wear well. They do come in both solids & prints and are usually a decent length (not too short). They are expensive in golf stores but reasonable in places like TJMaxx. Eddie Bauer carries similar skorts, in basic colors.

Another option with a skirt would be something like Jockey skimmies, but they are very hideous, so hideous that the little tag where Jockey always shows you someone slinky wearing the article on all their other products just skips that for a glimpse of the color. They are great for long-distance walking in a skirt, though.

ETA Or, for just touristy meandering, you could probably manage with any boy cut underwear.

Gold bond friction defense (or other similar product) helps avoid chafing when you do a lot of walking in a skirt.

https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/gold-bond-friction-defense-stick-unscented/ID=prod6107565-product

I prefer to travel carry on only. Ds and I went to Italy last summer for about two weeks and we did it carry on only, even with the more restrictive carry on size for Norweign Air.

I think the actual clothes make a big difference. A pair of capris could be made of denim and be bulky and heavy, or they could be made of linen or a lightweight tech fabric that rolls up into practically nothing. Swimsuits are pretty small. I would try to fit two in. I would probably pack no more than three bottoms since you will have access to a washing machine.

The suitcase matters too. A backpack without wheels will hold a lot more because those wheels take up space and are heavy.

Lots of carry on only packing lists online. Here's one:

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/packing-list-women

Really, pretty much anything goes. There are only a few things to avoid and that is socks with sandals and fanny packs.

In the evening you will see some older ladies (and younger) sporting a very high heel. The only real rule is that if you can't walk in it don't ware it. Most do something under 2 1/2 " though. My preference is around 2" or slightly lower for evening but I'm much older than you.

I'm soon to be 57 and saw a lady about my age in shorts teetering into a restaurant in these. This was just last week. The male at her side had to help her navigate.

So, the moral to this story is that while there is a somewhat norm there really are no rules. Most people here are from somewhere else.

Most people here are from somewhere else.

Yeah, it's hard to guess where, sometimes. For instance, looking out my window I usually see mostly joggers or walkers dressed for the part passing by, and if there's anything like a baby buggy, it's one of those little dog strollers. You can tell the Canadians because they aren't wearing puffy down when it's 65º.

But yesterday I watched two young women, identical twins, pass by, both wearing matching Audrey Hepburn style black swing dresses, high heels, and bright green backpacks, while pushing identical large prams (I can't remember ever seeing a realio-trulio pram here) draped with black fabric. I'm still wondering. They went for a good long walk, whoever they were.

Writer, shame you didn't get a picture of that.

Was there a Quentin Tarantino movie in the making going on? A stylized satrial Florida horror movie? Kill Jill...'s?

A true story about Bill's (of Kill Bill) illegitimate twin daughters who were raised by a mad scientist, an English governess and a Samurai warrior on an island off the east coast of Florida.

I would keep an eye on em lol.

Hi gals! I wanted to post a comment to let you know how it worked but I have been procrastinating and haven't packed yet.

update: it all fit and I'm at 17.9 lbs for my Carryon!! I found a skort in my closet! I cut down on the capris, only one pair, couldn't find flip-flops anyway so I'll get those down there, added a couple more tops.

Have a great trip, Robo! Enjoy our "winter" weather. :)

Donna

Hi Donna, oh my gosh it has been hot! 89 in Naples the other day and mid 80s up here in Lakewood Ranch. Is it March or July?

That said I did enjoy wading in the water on Anna Maria Island yesterday (with my caftan ;). Had a great trip to the botanical garden in Naples, too.

went to Ellenton outlets this morning and got myself some capris and a skort. Forgot to factor shopping into my luggage limit!!

question: I have to go to a walk-in clinic for a trivial matter (need a prescription refilled). Is an urgent care clinic the same thing? All I see around here are urgent care clinics.

Yes, urgent care clinics are walk in's.

You can also ask a pharmacy to transfer your Rx from your home pharmacy.

Thanks! I was wondering about getting the prescription transferred but is a Canadian pharmacy? Also have to get some blood work done and I was gonna go to a walkin blood clinic but might just try to get it all done in one place.

Robo, there's a Canadian clinic/pharmacy in St. Pete:

cancareclinic.com

Is it March or July?

It's March, trust me. These temps are a whole different thing when the humidity is 90+ %.

True that! I have been down in July. I seem to remember spending a lot of time in the ocean.

Welcome to Florida. I'm on Marco Island and it has been warm but the weekend is calling for winds and small craft advisories. The water temperature here is 73. My pool is at 86!

Aren't you just loving our winter.... I am in Ft Myers. We went to the Naples Botanical Gardens last week, what a treat! Enjoy your time, it is hotter than normal, but much better than the alternative. Golf today, and beach tomorrow- life is good!

Robo, if you're into historic homes, the Gamble Mansion in Ellenton is a nice visit. I haven't been there in a long time... time to visit again!

Donna

what a pretty photo! That blue! Enjoy.

In the pretty ocean picture, what are you carrying? Please tell me it's not the book from the plane. Being by the ocean is not the time to be reading about data sets or statistics.

hhireno no, worse, it was my phone so I could take pictures! :D

frankandgina I really enjoyed the garden! Hard to believe it is only a few years old. They've done a great job with the infrastructure and theme gardens.

msmeow looks very interesting, I don't know a lot about southern history to be honest with you.

Mtn - thanks! It's been beautiful here.

cmn - we were up in st petes yesterday and it was windy! I enjoyed watching the kite surfers sailing along above the water