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A colorful boat in the foreground of a beach with palm trees and ocean views
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What to Pack for Mexico: 30 Essentials

SmarterTravel

You booked the ultimate vacation to Mexico and are ready to start relaxing right away, but first comes packing. Take this list of what to pack for Mexico for a stress-free trip and to make sure you don’t forget any beach essentials.

What to Pack for Mexico: The Suitcase

Samsonite Solyte DLX Expandable Softside Carry On with Spinner Wheels
Amazon

What to Pack for Mexico: The Personal Item

Patagonia Stormfront Pack in Grey
Patagonia
  • Patagonia Stormfront Pack: If you’re wondering what to pack for Mexico as your personal item, it should be a sturdy pack for day trips and hikes. This one fits everything you’ll need and is made of a water-resistant material in case you encounter any showers.

What to Pack for Mexico: In-Flight Essentials

Wireless headphones and smartphone on a white background
metamorworks | Adobe Stock

What to Pack for Mexico: Shoes

Person holding a pair of sandals in one hand on a beach
artursfoto | Adobe Stock

What to Pack for Mexico: Clothing 

Aerial view of hands packing a suitcase on a wooden background
tatomm | Adobe Stock

What to Pack for Mexico: Toiletries

A travel toiletry kit on a white background
Alexander | Adobe Stock

What to Pack for Mexico: The Purse

Arden Cove Mini Anti-Theft Waterproof Cross-Body Bag
Amazon

What to Pack for Mexico: Gadgets

A backpack on a wooden background with a phone, power pack charger, a camera, and a hat spilling out of it
Rasulov | Adobe Stock
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot: If your device is getting spotty coverage while abroad, then the NETGEAR Nighthawk will be your best friend. With the Nighthawk, you can share internet access with up to 20 devices—a great way to avoid pricey WiFi fees at your hotel.
  • Kindle eReader: Some reading entertainment is essential for beach lounging (as well as the plane).
  • Portable Phone Charger: Pack a portable charger to keep your phone charged after taking all those beach Instagram photos.
  • Waterproof Phone Case: For what to pack for Mexico for your phone, you should make sure you have a waterproof case to protect your phone at the beach and on any day excursions.

What to Pack for Mexico: Accessories

A hat and pair of sunglasses on a table on the beach in front of the ocean
Konstiantyn | Adobe Stock
  • Sarong: A sarong does double duty on a trip to Mexico. Use it as a blanket or shawl on the plane or at dinner, and use it as a bathing suit cover up at the beach or poolside.
  • Aviator Sunglasses: This pair is both stylish and practical. Opt for a less expensive option, so if you lose or break them, you can leave them behind.
  • Crushable Hat: This is essential for sun protection. A crushable style means you don’t have to worry about it when stuffing it into your suitcase.
  • Zippered Canvas Reusable Tote: I was happy to have a reusable tote on my Mexico packing list for the beach and pool area. This zippered one is great for added security.
  • Microfiber Travel Towel: For what to pack for Mexico day excursions (or just to cool off at the pool), I recommend packing a quick-dry towel.

What to Pack for Mexico (That I Didn’t but Should Have)

A woman facing away from the camera in a white swimsuit cover up and hat looking out over a resort pool
Dirima | Adobe Stock
  • Extra Resort-Wear: I wish I had an extra cover-up or maxi dress with me to have on at the beach and pool area during the day.
  • Portable Clothes Line: This would have been great to have to hang up bathing suits at the end of each day so they dried quicker.
  • Thin Sweater: Any sort of thin layering piece is ideal for mild nights in Mexico.

What Not to Pack for Mexico

  • Valuables: Leave anything that’s flashy at home to avoid being a target for pickpockets.
  • Warm Clothing: This one’s a given, but you don’t really need any warm clothing items for Mexico. If you’re going to an urban area, bring a light jacket depending on the time of year, otherwise you should be set with just a light sweater or shawl.

Ashley followed this list of what to pack for Mexico on a recent trip to Cancun. You can follow all of her adventures (big and small) on Instagram and Twitter @ashley_stravel.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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