Wondering what to pack for resorts in Mexico? You’re in the right place; this is the only Mexico resort packing list you need!
✈️ In it, you’ll learn what to bring to Mexico resorts and also what to leave at home.
As I’ve been living in Mexico and traveling all over the country since 2018, you might say I know a thing or two (or 22!) about packing for Mexico.
With countless trips using just a single suitcase, I’ve become a packing pro for Mexico beach towns like Cancun, Cabo, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and more.
🧳 Want a mexico packing list pdf?
Grab your FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico here so that you have all the best Mexico packing tips in one place.
As packing for any trip is stressful enough, let alone packing to visit another country, you might be overwhelmed (and rightfully so).
But don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! From lounging on the beach to exploring the outdoors and local nightlife, you’ll discover what to bring to Mexico resorts.
1. Mexico SIM Card
📲 TELCEL Prepaid SIM Card
While in some countries, you can get away with just using WiFi — for now, Mexico simply isn’t there, and you’ll want a TELCEL SIM card.
For those who won’t havefreecell phone service in Mexico, the easiest and most inexpensive way for your phone to work is to buy a prepaid SIM card.
TELCEL is the largest cell service provider in Mexico, so using this brand ensures you have the best reception in Mexico.
📲 What size Mexico SIM Card to buy
This will depend on how much data you plan to use. For those who plan to be on their phone minimally, go for this 2gb size or this 3gb card.
If you prefer to be safe rather than sorry, this 8 GB size should have more than enough data for a month, even if you’re watching videos and doing other high-data activities.
2. Reusable Water Bottle with a Built-In Filter
I personally use and trust these bottles — and I’ve partnered with the company to get you a discount on your bottles and filters.
Enjoy 15% OFF your entire Water-To-Go purchase with code SOLO15!
Wondering, Can you drink the water in Mexico?
The answer is NO. Unfiltered Mexico tap water isn’t safe for human consumption, not for locals and not for visitors, and not anywhere in the country.
One of my Mexico travel essentials is this Water-To-Go Bottle, an amazing, reusable water bottle that I carry with me everywhere — and have for years!
Here’s all the reasons you’ll want to get a water bottle with built-in filter for Mexico:
🤑 You’ll save money not having to keep buying bottled water.
♻️ It eliminates single-use plastic waste from all those water bottles you won’t need to buy.
🥵 Mexico beaches are hot and humid year-round, so you’ll need to drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
🤢 This reusable water bottle provides an added layer of Mexico water filtration — so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
🦠 The three-stage filter removes 99.999999% of bacteria, parasites, viruses, toxins, microplastics and more, according to their website.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Do your part to practice responsible travel in Mexico by using only eco-friendly sunscreen, like SunBum.
This Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Bug Spray Insect Repellent + Sunscreen (SPF 50) is also great because it has both sun protection and mosquito protection — from one of the best sustainable sunscreen brands for Mexico.
🩱 Alternative Option: Long-Sleeve Bathing Suit
If you want to go even more green, the best way to do that is to not use any sunscreen at all — and instead, opt for a long-sleeve swimsuit (rash guard).
Also, if you’re planning to visit the cenotes, know that sunscreen of any kind is prohibited because the oils ruin this natural ecosystem (even eco sunscreens).
4. Hangover Meds
There are all kinds of yummy adult beverages and Mexico drinks you’re probably planning to sip poolside on your Mexico all-inclusive resort trip.
If you’re planning to go hard on the Margaritas, strawberry daiquiris, and piña coladas — DO NOT forget to pack hangover meds.
⭐️ This Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier has more than 100,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and is a best seller.
The antioxidants and homeopathic ingredients in Liquid I.V. make sure you’re not hungover the next day, and not missing out on a single second of your precious travel time.
5. Mexico Travel Insurance
Want an added level of security and peace of mind during these strange travel times?
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health on a trip.
After years of solo travel, I can say with certainty: Something will go wrong!
For this reason, I have a whole article dedicated to travel insurance, because it’s just that important.
If Mexico travel safety is on your mind, use the links below to get your FREE quote from two of the biggest names in travel insurance.
World Nomads: Ideal for general travel and adventure travelers
SafetyWing: Ideal for Mexico digital nomads and long-term travelers. I have been using this insurance myself since 2022.
6. Waterproof Fanny Pack Pouch
I’m obsessed with these waterproof pouch fanny packs for visiting the cenotes in Mexico, as well as all the best beaches in Mexico.
💦 Alternative Option: Waterproof Phone Holder
These waterproof phone holders are also great if you only plan to carry your phone, ID and some cash around while in Mexico.
7. Water Shoes
Having these water shoes is a game-changer. Think of them as your trusty sidekicks, guarding you against everything from seaweed to rocky terrain.
Not only do they protect your feet from cuts and scrapes, but they also offer much-needed grip on slippery surfaces when you walk indoors with them.
8. Facial Oil Blotting Tissue
Located on the coast and close to the Equator, Mexico beaches are a hot year-round 😥 (yes, even in winter).
Some locals even joke that Mexico beach towns have two climates: Hot and hotter, so you can expect to sweat at least a little (but probably a lot in summer).
These All-Natural Face Blotting Sheets with Bamboo are a quick way to dry sweat, make you feel refreshed, and look shine-free in an instant.
As someone who tends to sweat, I swear by these on any Mexico beach vacation.
9. Eco-Friendly Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are an issue in Mexico beaches throughout the year, so you’ll definitely want (likely even need) mosquito repellent.
This Cutter Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent 🍋
For DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent, this one spells pretty good — and I even got a compliment on the small once when I was wearing it.
🚫🦟 Alternative Option: Anti-Mosquito Bracelets
Not into the idea of using an insect spray (or any aerosol, for that matter)? Just want an added layer of protection against Mexico mosquitoes?
Opt for these mosquito-repelling bracelets to keep those pesky critters away without any scented sprays or creams.
10. External Battery (Power Bank)
When venturing off-resort, you’ll need high battery-use apps like a map app, to get help you get around safely.
Since you won’t always have access to an outlet to recharge it, don’t forget your external battery (AKA power bank, portable battery charger or portable charger).
11. Multi-Plug Outlet Extender
You never know how many outlets your accommodation will have — and you never know how far the nearest outlets will be.
For this reason, you’ll want to bring this PowerPort Cube with USB & 5-foot Extension Cord.
🔌 If you’re wondering, Mexico uses the same plugs as the U.S. and Canada. Coming from another country? You need Type A and Type B plugs for Mexico.
12. Noise-Canceling Ear Plugs
Mexico is a festive country — but this also makes it a loud country, especially in party towns like Tulum, Cancun, Cabo, and more.
If you’re a light sleeper, or even a medium sleeper, you’ll want to pack these noise-cancelling ear plugs so you get a peaceful night’s sleep.
🎧 These noise canceling earbuds also work, and if you don’t already have wireless headphones, traveling is the perfect time to upgrade.
13. Your Passport
This one goes without saying, but don’t forget your valid passport or you won’t be able to travel to Mexico at all.
Legally, your passport must be valid for another six months after the date you land in Mexico — so if you’re traveling on January 1, your passport must be valid until July 1.
🎫 Optional: Copies of Your Passport
For many travelers, losing a passport is one of their worst travel fears — and as Mexico has a lot of party towns, you’ll want to be prepared in the event of that.
According to the U.S. State Department, about 300,000 Americans report a lost or stolen passport each year 😳 so here’s what you can do to prepare:
Have a few copies of your passport made; bring one of those with you and leave another with a trusted family member or friend back home.
14. Your Medications
You can easily get in meds at farmacias (Mexican pharmacies), so don’t pack the whole medicine cabinet — but don’t forget to take anything prescribed that you need.
Beyond prescriptions, you might want to bring headache, cramps, antidiarrheal, and stomach meds, like Tums or Pepto.
15. Your Debit Card
It’s smart to have two cards — one credit card and one debit card — but you will want to bring a card that gives you access to cash.
In Mexico, cash is king, and many places don’t even take credit cards, like taxis, street taco stands, mercado vendors at local markets, and more.
16. No-Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card
Did you know that many credit cards charge you to use them while outside of your home country?
This is called a foreign transaction fee, and it’s typically 2-3% of each transaction’s cost in U.S. dollars — and these can add up fast!
If you have a card that gives you travel points and rewards, that one likely offers no foreign transaction fees as a perk, but other cards might have associated fees.
Before you travel to Mexico, verify the fees (if any) on your different cards and make sure to use the card(s) with the lowest fees (or no fees at all).
17. Your Driver’s License
Planning on renting a car in Mexico? Then you’ll need your U.S. driver’s license to drive in Mexico, and also rent a car.
You can also use it as a valid ID anywhere you go in Mexico, so you can leave your passport back at your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or all-inclusive resort.
What to Pack for Cabo San Lucas
Prepare for beach days and upscale nights when packing for Cabo San Lucas.
Bring plenty of swimsuits, lightweight clothing, and sun-protective gear like hats and sunscreen.
Pack comfortable sandals, a beach bag, and a reusable water bottle for daytime activities and excursions.
Cabo’s elevated restaurant scene calls for fancier options in the evening, so include a few dressy outfits and stylish shoes.
Sunglasses, a good book, and a portable charger are great for lounging by the pool or beach.
If you plan to explore beyond the resort, pack comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and a waterproof phone case.
A basic first aid kit, insect repellent, and after-sun lotion are essential for health and safety.
What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta
Packing for Puerto Vallarta means being ready for beach relaxation and cultural exploration.
Start with plenty of swimsuits, lightweight clothing, and sun-protective gear like hats and sunscreen.
Pack comfortable sandals, a reusable water bottle, and a sturdy beach bag for daytime adventures.
Puerto Vallarta’s charming town and vibrant art scene invite you to explore, so include comfortable walking shoes, casual outfits, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, a good book, and a portable charger for beach or poolside lounging.
For health and safety, pack a basic first aid kit, insect repellent, and after-sun lotion.
If you plan to enjoy water activities, bring water shoes, a waterproof phone case, and a dry bag.
What to Pack for Tulum
For a trip to Tulum, pack with a focus on beach relaxation and eco-friendly exploration.
Bring several swimsuits, lightweight clothing, and sun-protective gear like hats and high-SPF sunscreen.
Pack comfortable sandals, a reusable water bottle, and a sturdy beach bag for daytime activities.
Tulum’s eco-chic vibe means you’ll want to include casual, bohemian-style outfits and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the Mayan ruins and cenotes.
Evenings can be cooler, so pack a light jacket or wrap. Sunglasses, a good book, and a portable charger are perfect for downtime by the beach or pool.
Don’t forget a basic first aid kit, insect repellent, and after-sun lotion for health and safety.
Bring water shoes, a waterproof phone case, and a dry bag for water activities.
What to Pack for Cancun
When packing for Cancun, balance beach relaxation with vibrant nightlife and adventure activities.
Start with plenty of swimsuits, lightweight clothing, and sun-protective gear like hats and sunscreen.
Pack comfortable sandals, a reusable water bottle, and a sturdy beach bag for daytime excursions.
Cancun’s lively nightlife and upscale dining call for dressy outfits and stylish shoes for evenings out.
Sunglasses, a good book, and a portable charger are essentials for lounging by the pool or beach.
If you plan to explore beyond the resort, include comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and a waterproof phone case.
For water activities, pack water shoes, a dry bag, and a snorkel set if you plan to explore the underwater world.
My Final Thoughts on Your Mexico Resort Packing List
When planning your Mexico vacation, it’s important to consider all the essentials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Your ultimate Mexico packing list should include lightweight clothing, swimwear, and sun protection to handle the warm climate.
Remember the key things to take on vacation to Mexico: comfortable shoes for exploring, a reusable water bottle, and a beach bag.
For an all-inclusive packing list, don’t forget to pack your favorite toiletries, entertainment, and any special items like snorkel gear or a travel mug.
Always make sure to get travel insurance for peace of mind.
Knowing what to take to Mexico will help you feel prepared, whether lounging by the pool or exploring local attractions.
Prioritize sun protection to stay safe and healthy throughout your stay. With these tips, you can be sure your packing is thorough and efficient, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ultimate Mexico vacation.
Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:
Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.
Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.
The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
Best Waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico
The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
⚠️ Before You Go — Get Your FREE Guide!
Head here and enter your email address to download your FREE Mexico guide (5 Things You Don’t Want to Forget to Pack for Mexico) and get Mexico travel tips, tricks and more sent straight to your inbox.
By
By
