Mexico Resort Packing List: 31 Items not to forget

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So you’re headed to Mexico? Congrats! You’re about to embark on the vacation of a lifetime.

Mexico is a beautiful North American country with a diverse landscape, tropical weather, and rich culture.

If you’re headed to a resort, it’s probably located right on the beach, facing turquoise blue waters.

The best part about visiting a resort is you don’t have to put much thought or planning into your vacation.

Everything you need will be provided to you, like towels and shower products, and if it’s all-inclusive, all food and drinks will be included.

Most of the time you won’t even need to figure out excursions or airport transfers; most of that is taken care of for you.

The only thing you need to do once you book your flight is put together your Mexico resort packing list.

We know this process can be scary for some and enjoyable for others.

This is because forgetting certain items could ruin your whole trip, like medicine, eye contact, and a passport.

In addition, some people enjoy picking out outfits and trying things on, and others don’t. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, we’re here to provide a detailed list of everything you’ll need to pack for your Mexico resort vacation.

Activities to Pack for

If you think you’ll want to head out on an excursion and not just spend your days lounging on the beach you’ll need more than just bathing suits.

You can partake in tons of excursions including snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming in cenotes, hiking, zip-lining, four-wheeling, and other water sports.

For these kinds of activities, you’ll want comfortable shoes, athletic clothing, and potentially water shoes.

Any equipment you’ll need you can easily rent.

It’s okay if you don’t know before you go what excursions interest you, if any. The guides at the resort can help you decide.

To be prepared, make sure you have a good pair of sneakers and some comfortable athletic clothing.

Top Activities in Mexico

ATV/Zipline Tour through the Jungle – Don’t miss out on this adrenaline-packed activity
Swimming with Whale Sharks – An unforgettable experience the whole family will love
Sunset Booze Cruise – When on Holiday, why not?

Ultimate Mexico Resort Packing List

Now you’re ready to take on the beast that is packing. It can be daunting and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be!

Take it one step at a time, pack each thing, check it off your list, and move on to the next to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Of course, the fact that you’re reading this means you’re more prepared than most people!

Essentials to Pack

Starting with the essential items first, these are the only items you absolutely cannot forget to bring on your trip:

Passport – it would be a shame if you showed up at the airport without your passport and had to turn around and risk missing your flight.
Medication – this could be very difficult, if even possible, to replace while in Mexico.
Eye contacts/glasses – to spend a week staring at a blurry version of the ocean would be devastating.
Wallet – it will be a long and impossible week if you have no way of paying for anything. In that case, hopefully, your Mexico resort is all-inclusive! You are still going to want some spending money for the airport and in case you leave the resort.

Below you’ll find a list of additional items you may want to consider bringing for your Mexico vacation. After packing clothes, toiletries, and other essentials, it can be easy to forget some of the additional accessories and items that aren’t necessary but can make your trip better.

Keep reading for a list of additional items you should bring to make your Mexico vacation even better than it already is:

1. Beach Bag

A beach bag is pretty much a necessary item. It will make carrying your items to the pool or beach easier.

You can stuff your sunscreen, towel, hat, book, and anything else you’re bringing with you into it.

There are tons of options, but this beach bag is mesh, so it won’t carry sand with you and track it into your hotel room.

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2. Backpack

If you think you’ll be going on some excursions, a backpack is another great bag to bring. It will allow you to be hands-free while still carrying things like a water bottle, sunscreen, towel, and other essentials.

A backpack will also make a great personal bag on a plane which is a smart way to save space in your luggage.

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3. Waterproof Bag

You may also want a waterproof bag if you plan to do a ton of excursions that involve the ocean or cenotes.

If you worry about your things getting ruined or prefer to have your bag on you at all times, a waterproof bag is a great option. Some waterproof bags even float, so you never have to worry about losing your possessions.

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4. Reef Safe Sunscreen

Another item that is a necessity is sunscreen. If you’re not used to the hot sun, you will be remiss if you forget the sunscreen.

You will end up burning and ruining your vacation by being in pain. Sunscreen is important for your skin and it will also protect you from burning.

When buying sunscreen, make sure you choose one that is reef safe to protect the ocean.

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5. Underwater Case for your Phone

If you’ll be snorkeling, scuba diving, or plan to spend a ton of time in the water, an underwater case for your phone is a great gadget to bring on your trip.

It will allow you to document the unique sea life and remind you of all the fun you had in the underwater world. There are some excellent underwater cases out there at great prices. Protect your phone while making memories to last.

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6. Filtered Water Bottle

Another item you should highly consider bringing is a filtered water bottle. This will save you money so you don’t have to buy water bottles when you’re out and about.

It will also ensure you always have water on you. Your Mexican resort should have filtered water for you to drink, but I always like to be extra cautious.

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7. Travel Insurance

If covid has taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. The last thing you want to happen is to not be prepared for the unexpected.

Travel Insurance is a great buffer, not only for medical emergencies but also for things like lost luggage, canceled flights, and lost reservations on your hotel. There are tons of options out there, that will fit any traveler’s needs.

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8. Waterproof Active Sandals

If you plan to spend a ton of time in the water and go on excursions to snorkel, scuba dive, or swim in cenotes, you may want water shoes.

These are great for hiking and being in and around the water. Waterproof sandals are a great alternative because you can wear them as everyday shoes and they also serve the purpose of being water shoes. It’s a great option for saving room in your luggage.

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9. Travel Pillow

Traveling by plane and covering some distance? You may want to bring a travel pillow. This is a great way to help you fall asleep while traveling to your final destination and it will make your trip all the more comfortable.

There are tons of travel pillows and other products like eye masks to help you pretend you are sleeping in your bed. Don’t forget the eye mask as well.

10. Portable Chargers for Electronic Devices

Another item you don’t want to leave behind is your phone charger or charges for other electronic devices.

It would be a shame if you couldn’t charge your phone and had no way of taking photos for the week! Bringing a portable charger ensures that your devices are always juiced up and ready to go.

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11. Swimsuit Cover-Ups

You are going to be spending a lot of time around the pool and around the beach. You want something that is easy to slip on over your swimsuit, so you can head to the bar with ease.

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12. Swimsuits

This one goes without saying, but if you are going to a Mexican resort, it is most likely going to be on the beach and you are probably planning on spending a fair amount of time there.

Plan on bringing a few suits, so you can change it up. They don’t take up much room, so go ahead and buy that swimsuit you have been wanting to buy.

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13. Flip Flops

Nothing says vacation, better than a pair of flip-flops. Get a good comfortable pair that you don’t mind getting wet. These are great for the pool, beach and just walking around the resort.

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14. Nice Dress for the evening

Vacation is all about going out to eat and ordering dessert. Be sure to have a special dress that you can throw on and feel good in.

You might not go out to a fancy restaurant every night, but the chances are you will at least go out once while you are on vacation.

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15. Travel Jewelry Box

When packing your jewelry, you should leave your expensive items at home. You don’t want to worry about losing your valuables or having them stolen while on vacation.

Instead, stick to fun costume jewelry. Trust me. You’ll feel good about that decision in the end. You don’t need the ocean taking a toll on your nice pieces or having them gone forever.

When packing your jewelry, a good travel jewelry case can make your life easier.

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16. Wireless Headphones

Nothing worse than flying and being stuck near a screaming baby, yes I feel for their parents, but I also don’t want to hear it.

I purchased some airpod pros a few years back and I will never go back to big bulky headphones. These are great for traveling and hardly take up any room in your carry-on luggage. Plus, they block out so much noise.

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17. Hand Sanitizer

With all the traveling you’ll be doing to get to your Mexico resort, you’ll want hand sanitizer. It’s a great way to protect yourself from germs on the go when you don’t have the opportunity to wash your hands.

Great for travel days and just good practice of hygiene. Just because covid restrictions are pretty much over, doesn’t mean you should drop the ball on your hygiene.

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18. Face Wipes

Another great hygiene practice is to carry face wipes with you. They are great to use a night before bed, and when you want to give your hands a good clean.

Face wipes are easy to carry around and great for multiple purposes.

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19. Important Documents

Lastly, make sure you bring all of your important documents. Number one, of course, is your passport and ID.

You should make a copy and leave the copy in a location away from the original in case something happens to it, so you at least have a backup.

You should also make copies of your credit card information and other important documents to prepare for any situation.

20. Reef Safe Leave-in Conditioner

Since you’re staying at a resort, some toiletries will be provided and often include body wash, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner.

Of course, you can still bring your own, but if you’re trying to save room in your luggage, leave those behind and only bring the items that your hotel won’t provide.

Like this leave-in conditioner, great for the beach, pool and cenotes and won’t harm the water you are swimming in.

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21. Imodium

When traveling to Mexico, you always want to bring some Imodium or any other anti-diarrhea medication that you might already have.

Traveling to Mexico can do some upsetting things to your stomach, and you don’t want it to get in the way of your fun. Come prepared, so you don’t have to worry about it if it happens to you.

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22. Liquid I.Vs

These guys are life savers, I can’t stand by them enough. Especially if you are going to be in an all-inclusive resort drinking for free all day and night. You need something to get you back to 100 % in the mornings, so you can continue on with the fun and your vacation.

Liquid I.Vs are miracle workers for any hangover.

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23. Good Reading Material

A good book and vacation go hand and hand. Make sure to bring your favorite reading material, whether that be a book, a kindle, or an audiobook.

Unwind and dive into that reading material you have been putting off. Need a good book recommendation? Here are some great travel books to inspire your wanderlust.

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24. Shout Wipes

These are great to not only have on holiday but to keep in your everyday bag. Accidents happen, but don’t let them ruin your favorite outfit. These will help get you through the week if you don’t plan on getting your laundry done while you are in Mexico.

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25. Sunscreen Diversion Safe

If you plan on wandering off the resort property and want to go for a swim. This sunscreen diversion safe is a great way to keep your valuables secure on the beach while you go for a swim.

Remember never to leave valuables on the beach exposed, you are in Mexico. They will be gone within a blink of an eye.

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26. Sarong

I never travel anywhere without my sarong. It comes in so handy. I use it as a blanket on the plane, use it a towel for my hair, sit on it on the beach, and the list goes on and on.

The best part about them too, is they hardly take up any room in your suitcase.

27. Bug Bands

I hate when I get attacked by mosquitoes, they can ruin my vacation. That is why I always travel with these Bug Bands. They work great and are awesome if you plan on traveling with carry-on only.

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28. Portable Speaker

This is great not only for the hotel room but also for the beach if you want to bring your own tunes with you.

The JBL mini speaker is perfect because it doesn’t take up too much room but still puts out a decent sound.

29. Travel Credit Card

Make sure before you leave your home country that you get a good travel credit card that won’t charge you international fees while you are abroad.

I like to use the Bank of American Card and use Revolt for cash withdrawals at ATMs.

30. Cash

Always remember to travel with cash. It can help you when you are in a bind, and if you plan on buying souvenirs or from the vendors on the beach, they normally don’t take credit cards.

31. Tote Bag

This is another easy-to-pack item, that will come in handy more often than you think. Tote bags are great because you can fold them up and put them anywhere and always come in handy when you are out and about and need an extra bag.

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Here is a list of clothing items to consider bringing on your Mexico vacation:

Swimsuits
Beach Cover-Ups
T-shirts
Tanktops
Shorts
Skirts
Dresses
Pants
Light rain jacket
Light sweater
Pajamas
Sneakers
Sandals
Purse
Hat
Sunglasses

Body Care

Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Floss
Body wash
Eyeglasses
Eye contacts
Medication
Vitamins
Perfume
Body lotion
Mini first aid kit

Skin Care

Face wash
Face serum
Moisturizer
Lip Balm

Hair Care

Shampoo
Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner
Hair gel
Hair ties
Hair styling tools
Dry shampoo

What Not to Bring to a Mexico resort

As important as it is to know what you should pack for your trip to Mexico, it’s also important to know what you should leave at home.

Saving space in your luggage will leave you room for souvenirs and you won’t have to spend the end of your trip trying to fit all your belongings back into your bags like a puzzle.

Don’t overpack! This will save you room for souvenirs and make the repacking so much easier.
Leave your towels at home. The resort will provide these for you, which saves a ton of space.
Consider ditching body wash, shampoo, and conditioner if you’re trying to save space. This will most likely be provided and you can find out for sure on the hotel’s website.
Leave behind your large, bulky items. You don’t need a huge sweatshirt, a heavy jacket, or boots. You only need one pair of sneakers and a pair or two of sandals or kitten heels.
Limit the amount of expensive jewelry or invaluable items that you bring. You don’t want to lose your special pieces or worry about them your entire trip.

Now you’re ready for your Mexican resort vacation! Use the list above to help you pack to ensure you won’t forget anything.

Enjoy your Mexico resort and sleep well, knowing you’re prepared. Happy packing!

Do you have a favorite item that you always add to your Mexico resort packing list that wasn’t mentioned on this list?

Say so in the comments below