Ah, Mexico—a land of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. But before you start throwing everything into your suitcase, hold up! Packing the wrong items can turn your dream vacation into a total nightmare.
Whether you want to chill on the sandy shores of Cancun, explore the ancient ruins of Tulum, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of a cenote, what you don’t pack is just as important as what you do.
Curious about what you should definitely leave behind? Keep reading to discover the top 9 things you should not pack for your trip to Mexico.
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1. U.S. Dollars
While some places will take dollars, they do so at lower rates than the actual conversion since they have to pay to convert the dollars into pesos.
The best thing to do is take out pesos in the airport when you land, but if you forget, there will be plenty of ATMs in town.
2. Your Laptop (If you don’t need it)
Unless you’re planning to work during your trip or have a specific reason for bringing your laptop, consider leaving it at home. This advice extends to other expensive electronics like tablets or high-end cameras.
Traveling with pricey gadgets can make you a target for theft, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. Moreover, there’s always the risk of accidental damage.
3. Designer Clothing
A Mexico vacation is great, but travel is also hectic, and things can get easily lost or accidentally left behind.
Designer labels can attract unwanted attention, and in the hustle and bustle of travel, it’s easy to lose or misplace items.
Instead, opt for comfortable, versatile clothing that you won’t mind getting sandy or damp from the beach. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are your best bet for staying cool in Mexico’s warm climate.
4. Expensive Jewelry
Leave those flashy rings and earrings at home (Photo: Canva)
Leaving your most valuable and sentimental jewelry at home is best when traveling. This is especially true in Mexico, where beach towns and tourist spots are laid-back, and fancy accessories might feel out of place.
Beyond the risk of theft, you might find wearing jewelry in the heat uncomfortable. The humid weather can cause skin irritation and constant exposure to sand and saltwater can damage certain metals and stones.
To avoid the stress of losing or damaging something irreplaceable, pack minimal accessories or leave the bling at home.
5. High Heels
Do not bring your high heels when heading to Mexico (Photo: Canva)
High heels are a definite no-go for most Mexican beach destinations. Even in upscale restaurants and nightclubs, the dress code tends to lean towards comfort and practicality rather than high fashion.
Most towns in Mexico, especially beach towns, are full of uneven cobblestone streets, sandy paths, and lots of walking. Instead, You’ll gravitate towards flat sandals, espadrilles, or comfortable walking shoes.
If you’re looking to dress up, stylish flats or dressy sandals are more than adequate for most occasions.
6. Your Whole Medicine Cabinet
Bring your prescriptions and anything you take regularly, but for the most part, you can buy the same over-the-counter medicine in Mexico as you can in the U.S.
There are farmacias(pharmacies) all over town, so don’t over-pack meds or a first aid kit when you’re traveling to Mexico.
7. Heavy Jackets or Cold-Weather Clothing
When packing, skip the colder weather outfits (Photo: Canva)
Unless you’re traveling to high-altitude destinations in Mexico, where temperatures can drop significantly, there’s no need to pack heavy jackets or cold-weather clothing.
Mexico is generally warm, especially in the popular tourist areas along the coast. Instead, opt for light layers, a rain jacket for the occasional tropical shower, and a sweater or shawl for cooler evenings.
This way, you won’t overpack and have more room for souvenirs.
8. Non-Reef Safe Sunscreen
To protect the coral reefs, opt instead for some reef-safe sunscreen (Photo: Canva)
If you’re planning on visiting Mexico’s beautiful beaches or engaging in water activities like snorkeling, using reef-safe sunscreen is essential.
Regular sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs.
In some areas of Mexico, non-reef-safe sunscreen is banned. Therefore, to protect your skin and the environment, it’s best to research and purchase reef-safe options before your trip.
Quick Tip: If you plan on heading to a cenote, it’s best to avoid sunscreen altogether. Cenotes are delicate ecosystems, and sunscreen can damage the freshwater environment.
Instead, wear a long-sleeved swim shirt or rash guard for sun protection.
9. Plastic Water Bottles
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Mexico has been making strides in reducing plastic waste, particularly in tourist areas. Bringing single-use plastic water bottles can contribute to the environmental burden. Instead, pack a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter.
This not only helps you stay hydrated but also ensures you’re drinking safe water while reducing plastic waste.
Many hotels and resorts also offer refill stations, making it easy to stay eco-friendly during your travels.
Besides using this Water-To-Go Bottle, you can to boil your water, or drink bottled water (though we all know single-use plastics are horrible for the planet ♻️).
Final Thoughts: Things To Pack in Mexico
Packing for Mexico doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you focus on what’s essential and leave behind the unnecessary items.
By avoiding these nine things, you’ll not only lighten your load but also minimize the risk of losing valuable items or drawing unwanted attention.
Focus on enjoying your trip, exploring Mexico’s beautiful landscapes, and immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, rather than worrying about what you might have left behind.
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.
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
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