Got an all-inclusive trip coming up but don’t know where to start when it comes to packing?
Welcome to the only Mexico all-inclusive packing guide you’ll ever need. For a trip like this where bulky items are not needed and shorts/bathing suits will be worn almost 24/7, you’ve got a lot more flexibility (and free luggage room)!
This post contains my ultimate all-inclusive resort packing list to ensure you have everything you’ll need to bring with you to Mexico (and any other beach destinations, really!) and pack like a pro!
Many of the items in this packing list are considered essentials, which means they can be used on many other future trips, too. So, if you find yourself needing to buy a lot of things for your Mexico all-inclusive vacation, I assure you that you’ll be setting yourself up for success on future trips.
This packing guide will make sure you’re ultra-prepared for your Mexico all-inclusive vacation so you can spend your time there worrying about the one thing that matters—having fun!
*All of the products listed in this post are my personal tried and true recommendations and may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running. Thanks!
Still undecided on which all-inclusive resort in Mexico to go with? Here are some of our faves on the Yucatan Peninsula:
- 7 Swoon-worthy All-Inclusive Resorts In Rivera Maya, Mexico
- 7 Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts In Riviera Maya, Mexico
- 8 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Playa del Carmen For Families
- 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families
Table of Contents
Fashion / Style: What To Expect At An All-Inclusive Resort
Mexico is all about the laidback, beachy lifestyle. Due to the warm and tropical weather, shorts, t-shirts, light linen shirts, sundresses, and sandals are all the norm in Mexico.
In some instances, your all-inclusive resort will require more formal clothing in order to dine in some of their restaurants. They may even have evening entertainment or dancing to end the night. If that’s the case, you’ll want to save some room in your luggage for those fancier outfits.
If you do plan on having a fancier meal or two, a collared shirt and pants (for men) or sundress (for the ladies) is all you’ll really need for almost any restaurant.
Aside from that, you can expect to be in bathing suits, beach cover-ups, and dresses (shorts and tees for the guys) almost 24/7!
Now that we’ve set the stage on what to expect at an all-inclusive resort, let’s get on to the packing details.
Understand The Weather in Mexico Before Packing
Typically, the weather in Mexico doesn’t fluctuate a whole lot throughout the year. There might be seasons where there’s more humidity or more rain, and there might be seasons where nights are colder than others, and there might be seasons where hurricanes are more prevalent.
But for the most part, it will be warm and humid. Regardless of when you visit, you should aim to have all your bases covered.
Below is an example of what weather is like in the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum) throughout the year.
WET SEASON: The wet season runs from May to October and tends to be actually hotter than the dry season. Hurricane season in the Yucatan spans June to November, with a higher likelihood of storms from August to October. Actual hurricanes are rare though, so it’s still a decent time to visit if you don’t mind periodic rain showers here and there throughout the day.
DRY SEASON: The dry season is from December to April. Travelers will find cooler, more pleasant temperatures.
The takeaway: Along with your warm-weather clothing, bring additional clothing to cover your bases. Bring something for the rain (if traveling during the wet season) and bring something light for those cooler nights.
Think Through Your All-Inclusive Activities Before Packing
What activities are you going to be doing in Mexico? Will you be doing adrenaline-pumping activities outside of your all-inclusive resort? Will you be getting onto a watercraft? Snorkeling? Or perhaps staying by the pool and lounging on the beach is all you plan on doing, which is perfectly fine, too!
Your planned activities will influence your Mexico all-inclusive packing list.
If you’re going to be doing water activities or hiking activities, there’s a lot of stuff you need to consider bringing, like water shoes, snorkeling and scuba equipment, hiking shoes, etc.
If beach lounging and eating around town is what your main objective is, you won’t need much other than beachwear and light, casual clothing.
Packing Gear: How To Carry Your Stuff To Mexico
Before you pack anything, it’s important to start with the bones of packing. Having the right bags to put your belongings in is extremely important. The last thing you want is to toss everything for your trip into a bag with no method of organization.
Why? Because you’ll find yourself spending a lot of extra time later on packing and repacking once you’re actually on your trip. Trust me, your life will be so much easier when you actually apply a strategy to how you pack.
You’ve got two options here. Do you want to go with a wheeled case or a travel backpack?
Wheeled carry-ons are awesome in that they are pretty much weightless on your body, you just roll and go. They’re better for luxury trips where you just want to relax.
The other option is a travel backpack. Travel packs are so convenient when it comes to hands-free commuting. They’re my go-to when I know I’ll be needing to get around on foot a lot.
As you’ll likely be getting around Mexico by car and not lugging your bags around on foot, I’d say wheeled suitcase is the better option for this type of trip.
1. Wheeled suitcase
I use my Monos Carry-On Pro whenever I take long weekend trips away from home. This carry-on is roomy, sturdy as heck, and super cute. It even has a laptop sleeve in the front that can fit all your smaller gadgets, papers, and tech gear.
For a trip lasting a bit longer (like 3-7 days), I’d actually recommend the Carry-On Pro Plus instead. It’s one size up but will still fit in airplane overhead bins with no problem.
I love the Monos brand and all the bags they offer!
If I can, I’ll always go with carry-on luggage before opting for a checked bag. Why? You can just get through the airport so much faster without a checked bag.
2. Travel backpack
For more adventurous trips (or trips where you’ll be on the move a lot), a travel backpack may be better than a wheeled suitcase. You’ll be able to get from point A to point B so much quicker without having the wheels slow you down!
Personally, I love my Osprey Aura AG 50 so much.
This bag is extremely comfortable because of its super intense hip belt (if you get it, you’ll see what I mean) and is perfect for those warm travel days due to the ventilation technology.
I actually went backpacking with this pack and can attest to its greatness. Totally worth the investment. If you’re looking for a new travel bag or backpacking bag, GET THIS BAG! You won’t regret it.
3. Packing cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to packing.
They are amazing at creating space in your luggage that you never thought you had. No matter how you organize your clothes— by day, by outfit, by type—these will be the most useful thing you have in your packing artillery.
Gone are the days where you need to dig through your entire suitcase for that one thing you’re looking for, because you’ll know exactly where it’s at.
These days, there are so many to choose from. But after testing out dozens of options for myself, the ones that I swear by now are the compressible packing cubes by Monos Travel.
The quality of these cubes are next level. Honestly, I don’t think I can ever go back to the cheap ones after discovering these.
If those fall out of your budget: it seems they’ve recently made a Monos compression packing cube dupe.
4. Everyday bag
A mini backpack or a sling bag that can fit a water bottle, phone, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen is a must.
And if you’re able to find a bag that folds flat so that you’re able to stow it in your carry-on, even better! I like the BAGGU Nylon Crescent Bag or my trusty Bellroy Sling Bag for something simple and compressible, so when I’m not using it, I can flatten it and store it in my luggage.
Papu is absolutely obsessed with his Bellroy Sling Bag too!
Clothing: What To Wear In Mexico
5. Tops
You really don’t need that many shirts, especially if you choose versatile pieces, allowing them to be multifunctional. You can go with a mix of sleeveless and sleeved for the most part, with one caveat.
Depending on which part of the country you visit and what season you visit, mosquitos may be a problem. If mosquitos could be a problem, pack 1-2 lightweight long sleeves (or bring some bug repellent spray).
6. Pants
Bring 1 pair of long pants just in case there happens to be a chill at night or if you plan to attend a more formal event. Pants are also great for protecting against mosquitos at night. For summers, in the face of humidity, go with loose and light materials like cotton or linen.
Jeans can be way too hot for summer travel. Trust me, I’ve experienced my fair share of sweaty legs trapped in jeans. It’s pretty uncomfortable, to say the least.
7. Shorts or skirts
2-3 pairs will do. If you plan on wearing more dresses, you can definitely cut out some tops and bottoms and substitute them with dresses.
8. Bike shorts
Let me be the first to tell you about my newest discovery on how to keep my legs from becoming a huge sweaty mess… I love Thigh Society’s shorties for hot weather!
If I want to wear an above-the-knee dress on a hot day, I go with The Cooling 5″ option. It’s so thin, meaning “sweaty butt” won’t be an issue.
And they’re especially useful if it happens to be a windy day. These lil’ shorties make me feel so much more comfortable knowing that I have an extra layer of protection and coverage should the wind decide to do me dirty and lift my dress in one swoop.
The other type of bike shorts I love are the ones by Beyond Yoga. They have become a staple in my hot weather arsenal too. They’re super-versatile because these guys are very opaque, meaning they can be worn alone or layered under clothes.
I find that I can wear them in all sorts of situations — while exploring a new city, ziplining, ATVing, working out, on airplanes, on road trips, and even as pajama bottoms! Love ’em!
9. Leggings
Leggings are very useful if you plan on working out at the resort, hiking, or want something comfortable to lounge in on the plane ride. I love traveling with leggings and can’t really go on any trip without at least 1 pair!
A pair of lightweight leggings like Lululemon’s Fast and Free Tight is a great option if you’re looking for breathability while getting that protection from bugs and the sun’s UV rays. The best part? These have pockets large enough to fit your phone in!
10. Dresses
Plan to pack ~3 long dresses for your trip to Mexico. Long or flowy dresses/skirts are really great options if you want to save space in your luggage.
If you plan on going out at night, aim for one of the dresses to be appropriate for both daytime and evening looks. Add a nice cardigan (or even a shawl), swap out the flip-flops for your nicer sandals, and be on your merry way! It’s all about versatility!
My rule of thumb: To save room for things I plan to buy on vacation, I’ll always bring ~2 outfits less than the number of days I plan on traveling. I know historically I tend to not wear everything I pack, so I’ve adjusted for this in the packing process. Plus, everything you bring is washable and re-wearable. You should evaluate your situation and adjust for it as well!
My Picks: Tropical Vacationwear
11. Underwear and socks
Bring 1 pair of underwear for as many days as you’re going to be traveling. Sometimes, I even bring extra for changing out of bathing suits after a visit to the beach.
I also tend to bring fewer socks than the number of days I’m visiting because I find that I wear sandals more than shoes in Mexico!
These items are light enough that overpacking ’em is not a problem.
12. Bras
Depending on your activity level, 2-3 will do. Because I’m pretty active and tend to do a lot of tropical hiking, I typically bring more sports bras than regular bras. (Plus, your swimming suit tops can function as bras too.)
In order to save on luggage space, bring less and just throw them in the wash as needed.
13. Comfortable Walking Shoes
You should at least bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes with good support and traction.
My all-time favorite travel shoes these days are the tried and true Ecco Soft 7 (they’re stylish, comfortable, and have been raved about for decades since they were first created)! The best part is that they have them for both men and women.
14. Sandals
When traveling to tropical destinations, sandals or flip-flops that can handle water are a must. For sandals, I alternate between my EVA Foam Birkenstocks and Oofos Recovery Slides— both allow you to walk miles and miles and use it at the beach.
We recently discovered the Oofos slide at our REI store, and boy, were we sold on it. From the moment we slid them on our feet, maximum comfort! It was like walking on clouds. Not only were they perfect for our vacation in Mexico, but we also now plan on gifting them to everyone we know!
For something more waterproof, going with something like the Oofos or these Nike flip flops will allow you to hit the beach, go to a cenote, enjoy eco-parks with water activities, and walk with comfort as well.
15. Water Shoes
If I know I’ll be going on water adventures, I always make sure to bring a pair of water shoes that will allow me to take sure-footed steps while still being able to keep my toes free. These work great for eco-parks like Xcaret and Xplor.
I love bringing along my Chaco’s Z1 Classic sandals because they serve as both sandals and water shoes.
Sometimes, you’re going to need closed-toed water shoes, such as in the case of going on an ATV combo tour or ziplining combo tour. In these cases, go with a simple quick-drying aqua shoe.
16. Cardigan or lightweight jacket
For those unsuspecting chilly nights, it’s best to have a light and versatile cardigan with you. Especially if you run cold! That way, you won’t need to buy anything in case of an emergency.
17. Rain jacket
Despite its warm weather, Mexico (and other tropical destinations) tends to get quite a bit of rain depending on the season and which part of the island you’re on.
During our last trip to Mexico in December, it rained a total of 4 days out of 9 due to an unforeseen cold front.
The rain didn’t last for the whole day on all of the days, but a rain jacket sure did come in handy when we were out and about on our excursions! While everyone was ducking under the palapas at Xcaret, we were freely walking around the park enjoying it!
Consider bringing along a packable light rain jacket or poncho if there’s any potential for rain in the forecast.
18. Shawl / scarf
One of my must-haves! I’ll always have a medium-sized thin scarf or shawl in my bag.
Not only can you use them for warmth or style, but you can also use them as a coverup after beaching, as a towel, as a mat on grass/sand/dirt, as a quick rain shield, or as an emergency skirt if your bottoms get stained or soaked somehow.
And if you tend to run cold, a shawl will come in handy at the lobby, bars, restaurants in your all-inclusive resort. Resorts tend to have the air conditioning on, so while it may be warm outdoors, it can get chilly indoors.
19. Swimsuit
2-3 depending on how much you plan on swimming and beaching. It’s okay to pack extra, in case you need to hit the beach or pool and the ones you wore previously haven’t had a chance to fully dry yet.
My Tropical Vacay Swimwear Picks
20. Sleepwear / loungewear
Yoga pants and a t-shirt or workout clothes are all you need. You can really save luggage space here! These items can be used as pajamas, loungewear, and airplane/road trip outfits.
Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: Accessories
21. Sunglasses
Because it can get really bright during summer afternoons.
If you’re in the market for a new pair, I personally really like the retro designs by I-SEA. They’ll go so well with your cute vacay outfits.
22. Hat / Baseball Cap
Hats are so necessary for sun protection, don’t forget it! You most definitely should have one if you’re going to be spending any prolonged time outdoors.
23. Jewelry / Jewelry Box Organizer
If you plan on bringing jewelry on your travels, you’re first going to need something to store your jewelry and keep them from becoming a tangly mess. This is where the jewelry box organizer comes in handy!
Unless there is a special event or a fancy dinner I plan to attend, I tend to skip jewelry on most days (even if I’ve packed it) because either it’s too hot/humid to want to deal with something sticking all over my neck, or I just forget to wear it.
Want to elevate your vacation look? Consider pairing your outfits with some accessories! Here are some of my tropical vacation accessory picks:
Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: Toiletries
24. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is absolutely necessary. Even if it’s overcast or cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors.
Whenever we head to tropical destinations with ample marine life, we always go with a coral reef-safe brand, as traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that harm our environment as well as the natural balance of marine ecosystems.
In fact, you may even encounter tour companies and eco-parks asking you to only use sunscreen and sunblock that are biodegradable, containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide only.
And honestly, it’s not enough to just buy any old bottle that has a “reef-friendly” label on it. It turns out many sunscreens claiming to be “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” actually aren’t!
Products containing the following ingredients are technically NOT reef safe: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or nanoparticles.
Here are a few travel-sized biodegradable sunscreens you can easily buy on Amazon:
- Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen – SPF 40 Kids Clear Sport
- Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
- Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- All Good Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion
And on days where we are just out and about (not getting into the water)–for the face, we are absolutely obsessed with the magical Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. No white-cast, no greasy film!
25. Bug spray
Depending on the part of the country you choose and the season you go, there may be tons of mosquitoes or fewer mosquitoes. Typically the more undeveloped the destination, the more prevalent mosquitos are.
Either way, you’ll want to protect yourself against bites.
If you plan to go hiking, ziplining, or ATV-ing in the jungle, I would definitely recommend using insect repellent and reapplying throughout the day.
Our current favorite right now is PARA’KITO — ALL of their products are made in France using only natural essential oils, yet work so well to deter the bugs. We especially love the wristbands and the roll-on repellent!
As an alternative to using mosquito repellent directly on your skin, you can also get their mosquito repellent wristbands (we’ve tested these in Thailand, and they actually work SO well), their mosquito repellent clips, or wear long-sleeved tops and loose linen pants.
26. TSA-approved travel bottles
GoToob travel bottles are my favorite thing ever. Made of high-quality silicone, they are extremely durable, have never leaked on me, and are super easy to squeeze.
For something even more elevated, check out these Cadence capsules. They cost a lot of money, but it’s been years and mine are still going strong!
27. Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes
Feeling a bit gross after a hike, swim, or bike ride but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out one of these body wipes for a quick refresher.
And for the ladies specifically, it’s always good to carry around feminine wipes, especially for those post-beach or post-swimming scenarios. The ones I like are both very affordable and take up no space at all.
It’s always good to have a few handy in your travel backpack when you’re out on a day of excursions.
28. Shower supplies
These are usually provided by hotels, but if you have sensitive skin or you’re particular about using your own products and brands, then don’t forget to pack them.
29. Dental care supplies
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash. If you happen to forget to bring anything, you can simply ask the front desk or concierge for some.
But really, don’t forget the floss! If you haven’t heard of Cocofloss, now you have. This was the only kind of floss to get me to start flossing on a daily basis. YOU ARE WELCOME.
Because we hate the feeling of food in our teeth, we actually go one step further and bring along our travel-friendly quip Water Flosser. This thing gets tons of particles out of our teeth after every meal, it’s crazy!
30. Deodorant
You’re going to be in the hot sun most of the time, so bring deodorant if you tend to sweat or omit body odor.
31. Makeup (Optional)
Makeup, optional?? Yes, you read that right.
Some women bring a huge collection of makeup wherever they go. I also love to wear makeup on vacations! But it’ll be hot, humid, and your face will be sweaty and oily from the sun exposure. Or, you’ll be beaching and snorkeling so much that you won’t need to wear makeup.
I find that at all-inclusive resorts, one of the only appropriate times for makeup is when you’re not doing any water activities such as during dinner and at nightly entertainment shows/events. Bring only what you need.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a lot of toiletries and plan to move around a lot, it may be best to keep everything in a hanging toiletry bag. These things are so darn convenient, and they’ll save you a ton of space–especially if you’re rooming with others or are dealing with a tight bathroom.
32. Dry shampoo
I try not to wash my hair every day, but at the same time, Mexico can get pretty hot and humid. To prevent greasiness and questionable head smells, use some dry shampoo and you’ll be good as new. I like this dry shampoo by amika.
👉 Pro Tip: Remember, no aerosols in your carry-on. This will have to go in your checked luggage.
33. DIY survival kit
Make a little bag of the following: ibuprofen, allergy pills, Immodium, ciprofloxacin (or whatever your doctor prescribes for traveler’s diarrhea), bandaids, floss, hand sanitizer, eye drops, lip balm, a Sharpie, pen, tape, and extra contact lenses (if applicable).
Think about the ailments you typically suffer from and have to deal with on a regular basis and adjust the contents of the bag as needed.
Pro Tip: Definitely pack some Immodium, Pepto-Bismol, and/or ciprofloxacin just in case. While the food will likely be clean, a lot of travelers’ stomachs are not used to the differences in food (especially if you’re going to be trying street food during your trip). Your stomach is probably also not used to unlimited food either! Both of these can cause upset stomachs.
34. Extra plastic baggies
Because you never know, but they always come in handy.
35. Tissue / antibacterial wipes
Sometimes, your hands get dirty. Sometimes, there’s no toilet paper in the public bathrooms. A pack of tissues ALWAYS comes in handy!
36. Laundry soap (Optional)
Bring a super-concentrated soap so you can do your own laundry if you’re going to be taking a long trip. We usually wash our swimwear and coverup clothing after hitting the pool or beach to prevent them from smelling funky. One bottle usually lasts us years since we only use it on trips.
By doing your own laundry, you can save on those insane dry cleaning fees resorts charge. What’s even worse–they usually charge per article of clothing!
If you’d rather save money, simply use the body wash gel provided by your hotel to wash your clothes.
Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: Electronics
37. Waterproof Phone Pouch
While most new phones are waterproof to some extent these days, they aren’t meant to stay submerged for prolonged periods of time without protection. With an actual waterproof phone bag, you’ll rest much easier and be able to get some really cool underwater footage.
On our last trip, we forgot to bring our waterproof phone cases and our GoPro camera. We totally missed out on a bunch of awesome underwater photo ops during two snorkeling trips!
We saw 3 sea turtles, schools of barracudas, and a bunch of other colorful fish we’d never seen before! The reefs in Mexico are teeming with life, so you’re guaranteed to see something cool underwater.
This simple waterproof phone pouch provides excellent housing for underwater photos and videos. You can wear it across your body, and they even float in case you accidentally drop it overboard.
38. Camera (DSLR or GoPro)
iPhones are typically good enough for the average vacationer, but some higher-quality pictures definitely wouldn’t hurt!
These days I’ll travel with my Sony a7 IV or my Osmo Pocket (which takes videos and photos)! It takes amazing photos and shoots even more amazing videos.
If you plan on doing a bunch of adventurous activities (ziplining, skydiving, kayaking, paddling, ATV-ing) and/or want some underwater footage when snorkeling or swimming in cenotes, the waterproof adventure camera by GoPro is a no-brainer.
39. External battery
You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away and taking pictures… the last thing you want is to be on the go with no phone battery.
A portable power bank is a must-have! You probably have one lying around at home, but does it still even charge?
I’ve recently had an upgrade myself. I went from my big and clunky power bank to this ultra-light and portable MagGo power bank by Anker. These days, I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
40. Travel adapter
A must for many international travelers who don’t share the same outlet shape as North America. If you’re from the USA, you won’t need a travel adapter as the outlets are the same as in the USA.
This one here is tried and trusted. It allows for a normal plug and has two additional USB ports.
41. Chargers
Bring multiple phone cords since they are light (and easy to misplace).
42. E-reader
With all the pool-lounging opportunities, you’ll have a lot of time to get through that book you’ve always wanted to start.
Go with the Kindle e-reader over actual physical books if you plan to read a lot– it eliminates a lot of potential weight–and waste–from actually carrying books. We also love it because it’s glare free (much better than iPads/phones).
What better way to spend some time poolside or enjoying the morning breeze at the beach?
43. Portable Bluetooth Speakers
We love listening to music when we’re relaxing in the hotel room in the morning or getting ready for the evening. The JBL Flip Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker is our go-to whenever we’re traveling domestically or internationally.
This speaker is always perfect for our Mexico vacations because it’s waterproof, meaning you can bring it poolside or beachside without having to worry about protecting it from the water!
Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: Documents
44. Travel belt / money belt
A travel belt is a smart traveler’s best friend. They are the best thief-proof tool for airplane travel, public transportation travel, walking around abroad, and just about everything else in between.
I always, always use a Flip Belt to carry around identification, important documents, and money that I want to keep safe and right by my side.
Another benefit of the Flip Belt? It’s actually supposed to be a running belt. I swear, this thing doesn’t budge or jiggle at all when I run, plus it’s super comfortable!
If you’re looking for a true travel belt that is large enough to house your important documents too, consider the Venture travel money belt.
45. Cash Money
While most resort areas in Mexico take credit card, it’s always good to carry around a mix of local currency and your home currency for emergencies. Most of them accept USD too.
Bring pesos with you just in case you need to pay with cash. Pick up pesos from an ATM when you arrive in town or at the airport. Depending on what you plan on doing on your vacation, not all places accept credit cards (small local shopfronts, food vendors outside of the resort, etc.).
46. Tickets and travel documents
Passport, student ID, medical card, proof of travel insurance, printed documents of your flight/hotel bookings, visas if you need them.
Don’t forget your foreign exchange fee-free credit cards, debit cards, airport lounge access cards, and visas.
👉 Did you fill out your Official Entry Immigration Form online yet?
Mexico requires travelers to fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (or Tourist Card) before passing through customs once they land at the airport. The Tourist Card is NO LONGER provided by commercial airlines. You’ll want to fill out the entry immigration form online, which is free to do.
All-Inclusive Mexico Packing List: Other Travel Essentials
47. Travel pillow
The turtl Pillow is the only one you need to consider for easy airplane sleeping! It comes highly rated because it has so much support, almost like a neck brace (there’s a chunk of flexible plastic in there to prop your head up). It’s warm and super packable too.
And if you’re looking to level up, the trtl Pillow Plus is even more high-tech than the original.
48. Water bottle
The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. But if you’re staying at an all-inclusive hotel, chances are your hotel will provide you with all the water you need.
Having said that, you’ll still want a reusable water bottle for when you’re out day-tripping or heading to the airport. For something more durable that keeps your water cold for hours upon hours, Hydroflasks are still my favorite for everyday use.
49. Foldable tote bag
Great for doing groceries, packing your gear up for the beach, or carrying your souvenirs home when your luggage is overflowing with stuff.
Since a lot of countries are now charging for plastic bags, you should bring a bag of your own to save money and save the planet at the same time.
👉 Pro Tip: Not all totes are built equally. I received a BYBBA Balos Tote as a Christmas present one year and it’s been my #1 travel sidekick ever since. I NEVER travel without it! The drawstring closure at the top is the best thing ever. Things can’t fall out ever, which is great because totes love to topple over to their sides!
50. Laundry bag
Keep your worn clothes separate from your clean ones, especially when traveling to high-humidity climates.
When it’s humid, you’ll definitely be sticky by the end of the day. All that stickiness will transfer to your clothes. And even if you don’t get sticky/sweaty, you will inevitably have dirty socks and undies to toss in here.
I have this laundry bag set, and it’s great because it includes many size options.
51. Emergen-C packets
Emergen-C packets and Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets are a must for travel.
We like Emergen-C for immunity and Liquid IV for replenishing all the electrolytes we sweat out. These items are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!
52. Sand-free beach mat
Did you know that these days there are high-tech beach mats for sale? Oh yeah, they definitely beat your average beach towel, that’s for sure!
There are actually beach mats that are quick-drying, waterproof, and sand-proof, making setting up on the beach super, super easy. This amazing beach mat is all those things, plus it has sand anchor pockets and 6 ground stakes so that your beach mat is wind-resistant even when you’re not laying on it!
53. Snorkel gear
Bringing your own snorkeling set is pretty freeing. It means you can choose to snorkel anytime you want without having to track down a rental shop to rent gear. This is important because not all beaches have rental shacks nearby.
In addition, you’ll have the comfort of knowing the snorkel and mask haven’t been used by a million other people. Ick.
Seavenger, one of the best snorkel gear makers in the game, sells a Hanalei Anti-Fog 4-Piece Snorkeling Set that’s really loved by both kids and adults.
Personally though, I have something different. After doing hours and hours of research, I recently upgraded to the WildHorn Outfitter’s Seaview 180.
Because I tend to get anxious/nervous in the water, I wanted something that would truly make my snorkeling life easier. This full-face snorkeling mask does just that. All the problems I used to face while snorkeling–water leaking into my mouth, limited goggle view, foggy goggles mid-snorkel–completely gone!
It’s a bit pricier than other basic snorkel masks out there, it was a game-changer for me. Being able to breathe normally through my nose underwater made this mask completely worth every penny.
54. Seasickness wristbands
If you’re prone to motion sickness or seasickness and plan on doing boat excursions or sailing trips during your time in Mexico, you’re going to want to pack a few seasickness wristbands for your trip. These babies work by applying acupressure to just the right spots on your wrist.
As Sea-Bands are totally natural, they’re a great alternative when you don’t want to take oral medications.
55. Portable Neck Fan
For travelers who, like me, do very poorly in high-humidity destinations, this one is for you. If you can’t stand the feeling of stifling, breezeless air, do NOT forget to pack a portable neck fan!
A constant breeze makes all the difference and will allow you to stay comfortable being outside in the heat for hours on end. Papu and I personally own this bladeless neck fan and love it; we each have our own!
GAME-CHANGING GADGETS FOR SMARTER AIRPORT TRAVEL
These are some of my favorite airport/airplane travel products that free my hands up and make traveling so much more convenient. Say goodbye to the days of fumbling around or not having enough hands for things.
- Clipa2 – The Instant Bag Hanger Collection | Hang your bag or purse literally anywhere (on your luggage, on restaurant tables, hotel rooms, etc).
- Flight Flap Phone & Tablet Holder | Attaches to airline seat backs so you can watch movies hands-free. Also great for standing your phone up on tables too!
- Add-a-Bag Hook and Hanger Strap | Have a purse, briefcase, tote bag, or bag of souvenirs that’s causing you inconvenience by needing to be carried? Get this bag hook and attach it to your luggage so you only need one hand to tow everything with you.
- riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder | This foldable drink caddy holds 2 cups, perfect for your pre-flight coffees and fountain drinks. There’s also room to hold books, iPads, phones, tickets and documents.
- Traveling Hat Clip | Have you ever brought a wide-brimmed hat on vacation and found it to be the most annoying thing to travel with? A hat clip for your bag or backpack completely removes the struggle of needing to carry your hat in hand!
The Ultimate Mexico All-Inclusive Packing List: Checklist
To wrap up, let’s review the ultimate packing checklist for extended travel:
- Wheeled suitcase (or travel backpack)
- Packing Cubes
- Laundry Travel Bag
- Everyday bag
- 4-5 Tops
- 1 pair of pants
- 2-3 pairs of shorts/skirts
- 1 pair of bike shorts
- 1 pair of leggings
- 2-3 dresses
- 5 pairs of undies
- 5 pairs of socks
- 3 bras
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes
- 1 pair of sandals / flip flops
- 1 cardigan or lightweight fleece
- 1 shawl or scarf
- 2-3 swimsuits
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat / baseball caps
- Jewelry
- Toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Body wipes / feminine wipes
- Sunscreen
- DIY survival kit
- Extra plastic baggies
- Tissue
- Camera
- External battery
- Headphones
- Travel adapter
- Chargers
- E-reader
- Travel belt / money belt
- Money
- Tickets and travel documents
- Credit /debit cards
- Travel pillow
- Water bottle
- Foldable tote bag
- Laundry bag
- Emergen-C packets
- Snorkel gear
- Seasickness wristbands
- Neck fan
Now you’re ready for your Mexico all-inclusive vacation!
If you get nothing else out of this post, at least take this with you:
When packing for Mexico all-inclusive resort, pack light, be prepared for unfavorable weather (if it’s in the forecast), and try to save room for souvenirs and local snacks to bring home! Alright, you’ve got a lot to look forward to and a lot of trip to pack for!
Looking for more Mexico travel resources? Read next:
- 7 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Rivera Maya, Mexico
- 7 Best Adults Only All-Inclusive Resorts In Riviera Maya, Mexico
- 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun for Families
- 25+ Exciting Things To Do In Cancun To Make Your Trip Unforgettable
- 27 Fun-Filled Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
- 19 Epic Adventures + Things To Do On Isla Mujeres, Mexico
- Go City Cancun Explorer Pass Review: Is It Worth The Money?
- 15 Magical Things To Do In La Ribera and The East Cape, Baja California Sur Mexico
Thanks for the great article! Please do share a link to your swimsuit!?
Hey Heather–
The swimsuit is by Nanette Lepore, though I’m not sure it’s still for sale as I got it a few years ago! Good luck finding it!! 🙂