What to Pack for Mexico: 30 Essentials

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

You booked the ultimate vacation to Mexico and are ready to start relaxing right away, but first comes packing. Take this list of what to pack for Mexico for a stress-free trip and to make sure you don’t forget any beach essentials.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

What to Pack for Mexico: The Suitcase

• Samsonite’s Expandable Softside Carry-on Spinner: This carry-on suitcase is perfect for a trip to Mexico thanks to its size and material. It has some give for extra souvenirs but still fits comfortably in the overhead compartment.

What to Pack for Mexico: The Personal Item

• Patagonia Guidewater Sling: If you’re wondering what to pack for Mexico as your personal item, it should be a sturdy pack for day trips and hikes. This one fits everything you’ll need and is made of a water-resistant material in case you encounter any showers.

What to Pack for Mexico: In-Flight Essentials

• Bose QuietComfort 35 Noise Cancelling Headphones: These are a great pair of high-quality, durable headphones for the airplane.
• MOS Nest Bag: This bag is great for organizing your in-flight essentials and slides comfortably under the seat in front of you.

What to Pack for Mexico: Shoes

• Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal: Water shoes are a must if you’re packing for a trip to Mexico. Between snorkeling and hiking to cenotes, you’ll need a sturdy pair.
• Top Moda Women’s Ankle Strap Open-Toe Heeled Sandal: These casual yet stylish sandals will do the trick for resort dinners or a night out on the town.
• Roxy Liza Flip Flops: Pack your favorite pair of flip-flops for the beach, of course.
• SUAVS Zilker Knit Sneaker: These breathable, sockless shoes are great for any day excursions that might be on your itinerary and for days when you’ll be walking a lot.

What to Pack for Mexico: Clothing 

• Bathing Suits: I like this one from Blooming Jelly—it’s trendy, but still provides decent coverage, plus it’s available in 12 different prints and colors.
• Jeasona Women’s Bathing Suit Cover Up: This bathing suit coverup is perfect for a trip to Mexico. It’s stylish, versatile, and can be worn in a few different ways.
• Blooming Jelly Quick-Drying Running Short: Whether it’s snorkeling or hiking, these active shorts are great for all manner of outdoor activities.
• BesserBay Short Sleeve Rash Guard: Protect your skin from the sun with a rash guard, like this stylish one from Amazon.
• HUSKARY Maxi Dress: A solid, versatile maxi dress is perfect for evenings at the resort or during the day around town.
• Light, Airy Tops: For a trip to Mexico, you’ll want plenty of loose-fitting tops. This style from Amazon is casual yet chic and can be worn poolside or out to dinner.

What to Pack for Mexico: Toiletries

• Mosquito-Repellent Bracelet: Avoid chemicals and the smell of DEET bug spray by just wearing a bracelet.
• COOLA-4 Piece Sun Kit: Sunscreen, after-sun lotion, lip balm, and face sunscreen all in one convenient, travel-sized kit.
• Sun-Protection Mist for Hair: Don’t forget to protect your luscious locks from sun damage, too.

What to Pack for Mexico: The Purse

• Arden Cove Crossbody Bag: This waterproof and anti-theft bag is perfect to dress up or down when you’re in Mexico.

What to Pack for Mexico: Gadgets

• NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot: If your device is getting spotty coverage while abroad, then the NETGEAR Nighthawk will be your best friend. With the Nighthawk, you can share internet access with up to 20 devices—a great way to avoid pricey WiFi fees at your hotel.
• Kindle eReader: Some reading entertainment is essential for beach lounging (as well as the plane).
• Portable Phone Charger: Pack a portable charger to keep your phone charged after taking all those beach Instagram photos.
• Waterproof Phone Case: For what to pack for Mexico for your phone, you should make sure you have a waterproof case to protect your phone at the beach and on any day excursions.

What to Pack for Mexico: Accessories

• Aviator Sunglasses: This pair is both stylish and practical. Opt for a less expensive option, so if you lose or break them, you can leave them behind.
• Crushable Hat: This is essential for sun protection. A crushable style means you don’t have to worry about it when stuffing it into your suitcase.
• Zippered Canvas Reusable Tote: I was happy to have a reusable tote on my Mexico packing list for the beach and pool area. This zippered one is great for added security.
• Microfiber Travel Towel: For what to pack for Mexico day excursions (or just to cool off at the pool), I recommend packing a quick-dry towel.

What to Pack for Mexico (That I Didn’t but Should Have)

• Extra Resort-Wear: I wish I had an extra cover-up or maxi dress with me to have on at the beach and pool area during the day.
• Portable Clothes Line: This would have been great to have to hang up bathing suits at the end of each day so they dried quicker.
• Thin Sweater: Any sort of thin layering piece is ideal for mild nights in Mexico.

What Not to Pack for Mexico

• Valuables: Leave anything that’s flashy at home to avoid being a target for pickpockets.
• Warm Clothing: This one’s a given, but you don’t really need any warm clothing items for Mexico. If you’re going to an urban area, bring a light jacket depending on the time of year, otherwise you should be set with just a light sweater or shawl.

Ashley followed this list of what to pack for Mexico on a recent trip to Cancun. You can follow all of her adventures (big and small) on Instagram and Twitter @ashley_stravel.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

You Might Also Like:

• The Ultimate Holiday Packing List
• 7 Terrible Travel Presents, and What to Give Instead
• Flying with Gifts: The TSA Rules You Need to Know
• 9 Times You’ll Regret Being Cheap When You Travel
• Unique Gift Ideas for Every Type of Traveler on Your List