Home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, amazing wildlife, and natural parks, the Gulfshore area in Southwest Florida is a place like no other. With numerous things to see and do there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or even miss out on some fun activities.
But with enough preparation, you’ll be able to have the time of your life regardless if you’re on your own or with your loved ones.
Once you’ve done your research on all the hotspots in Naples FL, it’s time to get ready for your trip! To help you out, here’s a list of what you’ll need to know, what there is to do, and carry with you to make your vacation as smooth as possible:
Make A Plan
If you don’t know which places you should focus on or how you want to spend your time, how can you possibly enjoy yourself once you get to your destination?
Even if you just do a quick Google search, gathering ideas will help lower your stress levels so you can relax during your vacation instead of getting frustrated from trying to figure out what to do next.
Ask For Advice
Looking for in-depth suggestions? Ask the locals! In Southwest Florida, a lot of people are willing to share their knowledge and help you have the best vacation possible.
Whether it’s the hotel concierge, a friendly barista, or someone at the beach rental kiosk, people love to recommend places they frequently visit. You’ll be sure to find a hidden gem you would’ve otherwise missed had you asked other visitors instead.
Take Advantage Of Free Activities
There are lots of things that are free or easy on the budget that you can do while on vacation. For example, many beaches in the area have volleyball courts, and some even hold free concerts and yoga classes.
You can also check whether there’s a museum with a special exhibit going on, or enjoy local dance and art shows. Search for the local Tourist Information point.
Make Time For Rest
If you’re travelling with young children, sometimes it’s difficult to make sure they get enough rest. If they don’t need naps during the day, don’t let them stay up late at night so they can have enough energy for the next day.
Most parents would agree that this is one of the most important tips to follow when visiting Southwest Florida with kids because there are plenty of things for them to do while you’re there.
Take A Walk On The Beach
Sometimes, you want to get away from it all and just enjoy being in the moment. It’s easy for vacations to become jam-packed with activities, which is great.
But it’s an equally good idea to slow down a bit and realize that all you need to have the best vacation are your loved ones, beautiful weather, and some good walking shoes (or sandals). Enjoying nature will help you relax and have fun while appreciating life.
Prep Your Tech
If you’re travelling near Southwest Florida’s shoreline areas, you’d surely want to use your tech devices to take photos and videos or browse the internet when you’re idle.
So make sure that all your gadgets are fully charged before you leave the hotel. You may want to bring a portable charger if you’re looking to explore the local scene all day. Also, when you’re out and about, keep an eye on your devices so they won’t get lost or stolen.
Use Sunscreen
You may think that you don’t need sunscreen when it’s overcast or cloudy; however, in the South West, clouds don’t block harmful UVA/UVB rays. Make sure that everyone you’re travelling with is protected before heading out for daytime activities by having them apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and then every 2 hours after that.
Remember that up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the clouds and harm your skin.
Do Not Forget Your Bathing Suit
Since there are plenty of beaches for you to visit in Florida and most hotels/villas have swimming pools, be sure to bring your swimsuit! If you’re not up for swimming, you can always just sunbathe, lounge around, or build sandcastles with your kids.
Get To Know The Area
One way to plan ahead for a memorable vacation is by learning more about the South West food, culture and places to visit before leaving the house. Some questions you can search the answers for are the following:
What events will be held in the area during your vacation?
Is the public transportation convenient and easy to access?
What are some local attractions you can visit during your stay?
Pack Your Patience
Last but not least, remember that while you’re travelling in and out of different areas, there’ll be times when the traffic’s congested or your flight gets delayed. The South West and Florida are particularly busy during the warmer seasons.
Since you won’t be able to control every situation that comes your way, try to remain patient because those problems won’t last forever. Leave yourself enough time ahead of planned activities so that if an issue comes up, you’ll have time to resolve it or figure out an alternative.
Go And Have Fun!
Now that you know how you can make the most of your Gulfshore vacation, go ahead and follow all the tips above in order to have an unforgettable trip.
Whether you’ll have an entire week to yourself or a quick getaway with the family, don’t forget to bring the essentials and decide on the things you want to do most so you won’t have anything to worry about the moment you arrive.
