The $30 Mousse That Gets My Hair Through Miami Humidity in a Pinch
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When I headed to Miami at the end of January, the realization struck that I had only been to the popular destination once before — and it was for a family day trip. All the Miami bachelorette parties and girls' weekend getaways you hear about must've escaped me in my 32 years of life. This time, I was headed to moderate a panel for groundbreaking fiber brand bio.me as part of a High Performance Lifestyle Training (HPLT) all-women's summit, so I was focused on work, but I had plenty of time to explore on my last day and during several evenings out — Miami is known for its nightlife, after all.
It's a well-known fact that the best time to visit Miami is from November to April when you'll likely experience warm but drier weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Temperatures were in the 70s during my trip, which is typical for this time of year. Of course, it's very likely you'll get a hotter 80-degree beach day, so swimwear and other essentials appropriate for the outdoors should be considered staples in your suitcase. Ahead, I share some Miami travel tips, along with a trustworthy packing list that includes everything I brought with me.
Best Packing Tips For Miami
Since Miami is warm year-round, your wardrobe should include lightweight, breathable fabrics such as linen separates you might even repurpose as a beach coverup. Stylish, breezy dresses or jumpsuits are great for going out, and you might want to travel with a lightweight jacket for cooler nights. Since there are plenty of hot spots to venture to — from galleries and restaurants to bars and clubs — a pair of heels or nice flats would be smart to pack, along with comfortable walking shoes and sandals for the beach. The Miami sun is strong, so SPF is an absolute must, along with sunglasses or a hat to protect your face, plus beauty products that combat humidity.
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Where to Stay in Miami
There are many different areas to check out in Miami, but South Beach is best for first-time visitors seeking nightlife options. The architecture is also notable to see as you stroll through the area during the day. I stayed at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, which is mid-beach and a bit quieter, but still has easy access to the ocean. It's only about a 15-minute drive to South Beach from here, so I was still able to venture to some of the trendiest restaurants including Mila, which has a lounge that turns into a club-like atmosphere with a DJ after-hours, and Byblos, which is a delicious spot for Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. I also enjoyed Cuban food at a casual, authentic spot, which you'll find a lot more of in the Little Havana area. Other popular areas include Wynwood, the artsy district with local breweries and small boutiques; Brickell, the financial district that's a go-to for business travelers; and Coconut Grove, which is waterfront with a historic charm.
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Fiber Travel Pouches
bio.me Fiber Rescue ($21, originally $30)
If you're like many other people and face constipation with travel, you'll be beyond glad I introduced you to these travel-sized fiber packets. The supplement boost is lemonade-flavored and supports gut health and regularity by aiming to alleviate bloating and digestive discomfort, according to the brand. Ingredients include psyllium husk, a soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, and electrolytes. All you have to do is mix two teaspoons of powder or one packet into 12 ounces of water, stirring as you drink. To avoid gelling, you should drink the mixture within five to seven minutes. Some people even consume it like a shot!
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Hair Mousse
Amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse ($30)
Whenever I'm traveling somewhere that may be humid — Miami is particularly wet in the summertime — I like to keep my hair routine simple. I tend to go for volume and texture by scrunching some mousse into my waves, perhaps spraying a bit of hairspray, and then allowing it to air dry. I love Amika's products in particular and this medium-hold formula shapes my strands without stiffening them. I find that this helps me achieve a natural, carefree look which is perfect for Miami nights.
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Camera Backpack
Bearpaw Sporty Convertible Backpack/Sling ($30)
I recently started using this pouch for travel when I want to bring my camera along with me. It's versatile and lightweight with so many convenient pockets for when you're on the go. There's a zipper on the strap that easily transforms the backpack into a sling bag so you have options when it comes to ways to wear it. The satchel is crafted from durable, high-quality nylon, which is easy to clean, and it's available in five different unique colorways.
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SPF Oil
Supergoop! Glow Oil ($40)
Ask anyone who knows me — this oil is an absolute must have whenever I'm headed anywhere warm. Whether it's at the beach, pool, or ahead of a night out, I'm lathering up in this vitamin E body oil that has SPF 50 with marigold, meadowfoam, and grape seed extracts. If you're swimming, rest easy knowing it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and it's also non-greasy and lightweight unlike other SPF formulas. The brand also recommends using it exactly as I do — post-shower as a moisturizer since it's hydrating and bestows your skin with that covetable beach vacation glow.
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2-in-1 Hair Wash
Hairstory New Wash Original ($46)
I always pack a bit of New Wash for a weekend getaway (if you're using a carry-on, be sure to squeeze some into a travel-size bottle or container). This suds-free shampoo and conditioner alternative moisturizes while enhancing natural texture and protecting color. It's free from detergents, sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, and feels incredible to massage into your scalp. I like to travel with it because oftentimes the shampoo or conditioner offered at a hotel is not hydrating enough for my damaged hair — and this is my one-step solution.
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Resortwear
la Vie en Rose Ribbed Square Neck Belted One-Piece Swimsuit ($76)
Miami is a colorful, upbeat place so I highly recommend packing a punchy swimsuit that matches the ambiance. I love that this belted and ribbed style can be worn as a bodysuit, too, and it has adjustable straps to ensure the perfect fit. My tip? Add a Cotton-Linen Blend Long Shirt ($46) and matching Cotton Linen-Blend Wide Leg Pants ($50) that you can repurpose later — whether on the plane ride home or stepping out for a midday iced latte during your trip.
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Sunglasses
OOKIOH Marseille Marble Sunglasses ($100, originally $200)
I am the biggest fan of OOKIOH, which crafts its swimwear and accessories from eco-conscious materials, including plastic water bottles. These Marseille lenses scream Miami to me, especially with the ivory bio-acetate frames. They're made in Italy with bio-based lenses and also come in black, if that's more your vibe.
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Running Sneakers
Reebok FloatZig 1 Shoes ($120)
The Miami Beach boardwalk is one of the most famous places to run in Florida. The scenic route stretches about five miles along the coast, so you can stare out at the ocean as you jog. The boardwalk is flat and well-maintained, making it an optimal choice for locals and visitors alike.
If you're looking for a soft and springy running shoe that's lightweight and easy to pack for going short distances on your trip, the FloatZig 1 is for you. It comes in four different colorways and is built with premium lightweight foam technology in a geometry that enhances cushioning, energy return, and a smooth transition for a unique underfoot experience. While it's not a marathon or racing shoe, it's exactly what you need for getting in a quick workout ahead of a day filled with exploring.
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Portable Speaker
Sonos Roam 2 Ultra Portable Smart Speaker in Sunset ($179)
There's something about the color of this portable speaker that screams, "Take me to the beach in Miami!" The waterproof, dustproof, drop-resistant device is lightweight at less than a pound, so it won't weigh down your luggage, and it offers up to 10 hours of playtime. While you can sync it with your phone via bluetooth when you're at the beach, you can also connect it to WiFi in your hotel or Airbnb to unlock even more features and use it as a smart speaker. Read my full review of the Sonos Roam 2 for more information.
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Bright Outfits
Staud Elyse Pleated Sleeveless Knit Maxi Dress ($295)
I'd be remiss not to mention my favorite outfit of my Miami trip: this textured Staud midi dress in cayenne, which I find to be the perfect color for the destination. The soft knit silhouette makes for an extremely comfortable and flattering fit, with a modest, high-crew neckline so it works for a variety of occasions, events, or restaurants. I wore this dress to dinner at Byblos and even ended up matching the convivial atmosphere.
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Colorful Carry-On
Casetify Carry On Suitcase ($399)
Have you heard that Casetify launched carry-on luggage? Everyone's favorite phone case company has ventured into the category offering many of the same customization options that it does for phone accessories. Needless to say, I'm completely obsessed with the aesthetic of my creation, which falls right in line with the mood-boosting vibe of Miami. What's more, the quality is incredible. Some of my favorite features are the smooth zipper, the security lock, and the removable insert that adds just a few more compartments if you want them. You can also tack on the Packing Cube Set ($35) and Tech Pack Organizer ($50) if they'll help you stay more organized.
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Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by HPLT and bio.me for the purpose of writing this story.