We've stayed on Captiva Island for a family vacations several years now and that's about as tropical as you can get. It's a small island just off the coast of Ft. Myers on the southern gulf coast of Florida. The first time we were there I quickly realized that I'd over packed. A lot.

I felt it necessary to bring two dressy outfits to wear for dinner. I also packed some dressy shoes and accessories. I didn't need any of it, as nobody gets dressed up on Captiva Island, or Sanibel Island, or maybe anyplace on the entire gulf coast of Florida when they're on vacation. We went to several fairly upscale restaurants and the only nod I saw toward dinner wear instead of lunch, were golf shirts. Well, there were Hawaiian shirts, and they looked almost formal. I also spied a few people wearing shoes, but I think they wore them for medical reasons. Flip flops are all you need, or if you want to step it up a bit, leather sandals.

We took a walk one afternoon in the shopping area and passed a group of people wearing business clothes. It seemed quite odd and out of place after we'd spent several days in the 'tropical' garb of t-shirts, shorts and flip flops. People actually looked at them as if they'd been transported from another universe.

We drove from Michigan, and it was March, so we had to wear warm clothes for the beginning and end of the trip, however we needed very little once we got there.

So as for what not to pack: Don't take sweaters,dresses (well, maybe a sundress or those filmy skirts that match your bathing suit). There's no need for real shoes or dressy pants. Leave your blazers and suits at home. Take a couple of pair of shorts, sandals, and t-shirts are about all you need! You'll probably want a souvenir shirt, so that's one less to pack. The real point of a tropical vacation is to relax and have fun. I'm sure there are folks who feel that dressing up is part of the fun, but they're probably all on a Cruise.

Pack less, dress down and have fun!

Learn more about this author, Pat Merewether.
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