Over the years I have found myself in Mexico on multiple occasions, always a beach destination. I pack slightly different for Mexico than I do for other destinations. Typically we stay at an all-inclusive resort so we have a few nice outfits with us as well as all the beach-type items you need. It doesn’t really matter where you are going to in Mexico because you pack the same for Puerto Vallarta as you do for Playa Del Carmen.
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Packing Tips
Keep in mind every resort has a gift shop and there’s always a mall or store nearby, so if you forget something it really is no big deal. Also, the weather has been great every time I’ve visited except during hurricane season aka the rainy season. However, even then it was still warm.
After basically being somewhere in Mexico every month of the year I can attest to the fact that you can pack the same year-round. It is always a good idea to check the dress code at the resort you will be staying at. Not all resorts have a dress code but sometimes the luxury resorts require certain clothes for dinner.
Ultimate Mexico Packing List for All-Inclusive Beach Vacation
Here is my Mexico packing list. Hope it helps you out. You can use it for any tropical destination like Sri Lanka or Costa Rica.
Disclosure, this post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission when you use my link.
General Items
These are the items that you need no matter where you travel to.
- ID
- Insurance cards
- Medicine
- Travel documents
- Passport
- Cash & Credit Cards
- Travel Insurance
- Vaccination card (if applicable)
- Reusable water bottle
For the Beach and Swimming Pool
The beautiful beaches in Mexico ensure that a substantial part of your trip will be well spent down at the beach. Here are some essential items you will need for this. If possible use reef-safe sunscreen, especially in areas where there’s an actual reef like Cozumel. Regardless of what sunscreen you use just be sure to use some, it’s likely the Mexican sun rays are not the same as where you live.
- Bathing suit aka swimsuit
- Cover-up
- SPF shirt
- Sunscreen
- Bronzing lotion
- Sunglasses
- Snorkel set
- Sun hats
- Water shoes
- Flip flops
- Beach bag
- Inflatable life jacket
- Sunshade
- detangler
- Wide-tooth comb
- Book to read
- Frisbee
For Outdoor Activities
You cannot go to Mexico without doing some fun activities. Some of the best zip-lining and off-roading I’ve ever done has been in Mexico. Whether you are headed out to some Mayan Ruins like Chichen Itza or headed out to zip line at a fun place like Selvatica these are the items you will need. I always carry a small backpack so I can use it as a day pack when we are out and about doing activities.
- Tennis shoes
- Small backpack
- Insect repellent aka bug spray
- Dry bags
Tech Gear
I travel with a lot of tech gear because of my job, so obviously you may not need some of the things I take like a drone and a water dome for my GoPro to capture footage.
- Camera
- Waterproof Camera
- Charger
- Memory cards
- Waterproof cell phone holder
Clothes
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Workout clothes
- Shirts with collar
- Dresses
- Linen pants
- Sandals
- Socks
- Underwear
Bathroom Items
- Lip balm
- Band-aids, maybe even a first aid kit.
- Face wash
- Q-tips
- Fingernail clippers
- Razor
- Toothbrush
- Brush
Specifically for Women
If you are like me and your hair at the beach is a nightmare you will need items you most likely don’t need outside of a tropical environment. For me, that means I can’t get a brush through my hair so I have to have a hair pick on hand. Also, throughout the trip, my hair will get more curly each day. That’s where a headband comes in handy.
- Jewelry
- Hair ties
- Hair pick
- Sarong
- Sun Dress (multi-purpose as a cover-up or a night out)
- Hair pick
- Light cardigan
- Straightener
- Curling iron
- Headband
For Rainy Season
Climb to the top of a temple at Coba Mayan Ruins
- Light rain jacket
- Poncho
- Baseball cap
Things You Do Not Need
- Toilet paper
- Towel Clips
- Umbrella (the resort will have one)
- Hairdryer (the resort will have one)
Printable Packing List
I have a handful of printable packing lists. This one isn’t beach-specific but covers a lot of what you will need.
This one is much shorter, but for the beach.
This all-inclusive packing list for your family vacation to Mexico is a must-have as you prepare. Things like your hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soaps are often offered by the hotel you are staying at during your visit. So, if you need to save space, leave those items behind and use the provided products during your visit.
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Great list/info! I thought I recognized that photo from The Grand. What a great trip that was!
Being from an Anthropological background, I have been planning to visit Mayan Ruins in Mexico someday. I have also been seeing a lot of pictures of Tulum on Instagram. Mexico is beautiful. I would love to do Ziplining at Selvatica.