Whether you’re heading out for spring break, family vacation, couple’s retreat, or a solo adventure, Mexico is a hot vacation destination. You can lounge at the swimming pool at one of the many luxury resorts across the country and let your stress melt away. It’s a great idea to plan ahead, though, especially if it’s your first time visiting. So we’ve put together this what to pack for an all inclusive resort in Mexico checklist. We hope it helps!
What’s In This Post
- Top Mexico travel destinations
- Before you leave home
- Ultimate Mexico Packing List
- Essential items
- For your hotel
- Beach destinations
- Day trips & outdoor activities
- Rainy season
- Winter months
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Top Mexico Travel Destinations
Everyone’s got an opinion about the best places to visit in Mexico. I know I certainly have mine! I really love the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo region as well as Huatulco and Oaxaca. Most recently, I visited the Samalayuca Dunes outside Juarez, and that was also an amazing experience.
If I’m looking for a travel guide or travel experts, though, I check out sites like Tripadvisor. They put together a list of the best destinations in Mexico. Here are some of the hotspots:
- Cancun
- Playa del Carmon
- Cabo San Lucas
- Puerto Vallarta
- Tulum
- Mexico City
- Cozumel
- Nuevo Vallarta
- Huatulco
It’s worth mentioning the gorgeous Yucatan Peninsula and Chichen Itza, of course. One of my favorite memories was exploring Mayan ruins. If you’re into adventure and want to visit an eco-park, I’d highly recommend Xcaret.
Before You Leave Home
We know you’re excited to get to your Mexican resort, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve covered the important things. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Find your passport. Renew, if necessary.
- Confirm the details of your inclusive vacation. Every resort has a different definition and there may be activities on-site that are not actually included in your vacation package. Before you create an itinerary and budget, get the details in writing (send an email!).
- Make a list of things you absolutely must take with you. Is there a personal item that’s a must-have? Put it on the list!
- Contact your bank/creditor and let them know you’ll be traveling. The last thing you need is to get to Mexico and your credit cards don’t work!
- Verify any vaccination requirements from your airline, hotel/resort, or any places you plan to visit.
- Get travel insurance. Trust us — we met while working at a travel insurance company! We hope you have seamless, safe travels, but it’s good to be prepared just in case. Don’t learn the hard way!
Ultimate Mexico Packing List
Getting ready for that inclusive resort life? We’ve got you covered! We’ve broken up this inclusive packing list into sections since not all will apply to your situation based on when and where you’re traveling.
Pro tip — check the dress code at the restaurants within your resort and any others you plan to visit in the area. Make sure you’ve got the right outfits for the occasion!
While we try to cover everything with our ultimate packing list, we also prefer carry-on luggage. We use packing cubes to keep things organized and reduce how much space we’ll need. Be sure to check out our tips for packing like a germaphobe for more tips!
What to Pack for Summer Vacations to Mexico
- Tank tops/t-shirts
- Pairs of shorts
- Underwear/bras/socks
- Sundresses
- Bathing suit
- Flip flops
- Light sweater or jacket
- Light pants
- Collared shirt
- Evening dress
- Sneakers
- Nice shoes (if needed)
- Good microfiber towel
- Sunhat/baseball cap
- Water shoes
- Beach coverup
What to Pack for Winter Vacations to Mexico
- T-shirts
- Pairs of shorts
- Underwear/bras/socks
- Light long-sleeve shirts
- Pants
- Sweater or jacket
- Flip flops
- Bathing suit
- Coverup
- Collared shirt
- Evening dress
- Sneakers
- Nice shoes (if needed)
- Good microfibre towel
- Sunhat/baseball cap
What to Pack During Hurricane/Rainy Season
Does the forecast predict temperatures closer to summer or winter weather? Pack from the above list based on that information and then pack a few extras for your Mexico vacation. You might not see much sun during hurricane season, but you can still have a great time!
- Travel umbrella
- Rain poncho
- Rain jacket
Essential Items & Toiletries
When you’re preparing and packing essentials, here are a few things to consider carrying with you at all times (you can find this stuff in gift shops but usually at an extra cost). We use a travel backpack/daypack or anti-theft cross-body bag when we’re out exploring.
- RDIF Blocking Wallet or Card Holder
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal medications/prescriptions
- Mini first aid kit
- Lip balm
- Pain reliever
- Motion sickness/anti nausea medication
- Acid reflux meds/Tums
- Contact lens solution
- Aloe vera
- Sunscreen
- One credit card
- Travel insurance policy
- Phone charger
- Portable power charger
For the Flight
We have guides written for carry-on essentials and long-haul flight must-haves, so please check them out. In the meantime, here’s a short list of things you might need on your flight:
- Face mask
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Snacks/food
- Travel pillow
- Earbuds
- Noise canceling headphones
- Laptop
- Books
- Eye mask
For Your Hotel Room
You want to be comfortable and prepared during your stay so that you can avoid spending your souvenir money on these types of things in the resort shops! Check out our germaphobe’s guide to cleaning hotel rooms and then pack the following:
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Flip Flops
- Toothbrush
- Ear plugs
- Travel clothes line
- Portable door lock
- Ibuprofen
- Dramamine
- Charcoal Tablets
- Toiletries
- Razors
- Pillowcases
Beach Destination
Ready to sink into a beach chair and enjoy that gorgeous Mexican sun or water sports on your beach vacation? It’s a good rule of thumb to pack for the type of trip you’re hoping to have. This really is a great way to save so much money because you won’t be scrambling for gear when you get there.
- Hand sanitizer (always!)
- Beach bag
- Lip balm
- Bathing suits
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit coverup
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sand-free beach towel or blanket
- Water shoes
- Insect repellent
- Wet bag
- Rash guard
- A good book
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof camera for snorkeling
- Snorkel gear
Day Trips & Outdoor Activities
Planning to venture outside your all inclusive resort and travel beyond the beautiful beaches and coastal areas? A good rule of thumb for making a trip to tropical destinations more affordable is to book during the off-season. One good thing is that you’ll probably face smaller crowds as you explore historic sites and other outdoor activities on day trips.
- Daypack (this one is our favorite)
- Hand sanitizer
- Cash (but not too much cash)
- Bug spray
- LED headlamp (used for cave and sand dune adventures!)
Enjoy Your Next Trip to Mexico!
An inclusive resort vacation at a Mexican resort can be truly magical. I’ve been on several! In my opinion, it’s the best way to see that magnificent country and a good option for saving money. If you’re planning an inclusive trip next time, we hope our tips and this guide for what to pack for an all inclusive resort in Mexico are helpful. Stay safe and have the time of your life!
