1. Summer Dresses

When you’re planning your outfits for Mexico, pack one or two lightweight summer dresses. Not only will these keep you cool during the day, but some restaurants (especially at resorts) have a dress code for dinner. Go for wrinkle-resistant fabrics because honestly, who’s going to iron anything when they’re on vacation in Mexico? (Definitely not me!)

2. Skort

The skort has made a comeback, and I honestly couldn’t be happier! I’ve been a fan of these for years and was happy to see them in stores again. When you’re planning what to wear to Mexico, put at least one pair of skorts on your list. They are fabulous for adding a bit more style to your wardrobe by looking like a cute mini skirt, but because of the shorts underneath, you can still be active without worrying about showing what’s underneath. Perfect.

3. Travel Scarf

I love scarves to begin with, but there’s only one kind I’ll travel with, and I always travel with it. It’s lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel bulky, which is important when you’re already carrying so much while traveling. It can double as a small pillow on the plane and can add style to your wardrobe, but more importantly, it has a zipper with a pocket! This is perfect for stashing your ID and boarding pass to keep your hands free while going through security. You can also use it to hold your hotel room key and some cash if you don’t want to carry your purse around.

4. Light Sweater

You may be planning your Mexico vacation to be warm and in the sun, but when evening comes, temperatures can dip down to where it’s a bit chilly. Some restaurants may have their air conditioning on, and having a lightweight sweater or a light jacket to slip on will make your evening much more comfortable. Look for a wrinkle-resistant fabric because, again, who’s going to iron while they’re on vacation in Mexico? (I always pack a travel-sized bottle of Febreeze, just in case I need to spray some wrinkles out of our clothes.)

5. Cross Body Purse

If you’re going to carry a purse on vacation to Mexico, make it a cross-body style. That way, you never have to set it down anywhere, and it’s much harder for anyone to grab and run. I only travel with my cross-body purse and made sure it’s small enough to fit inside my backpack. That way, it doesn’t count as a personal item when I’m boarding a plane with my carry on and backpack. (Your purse and your backpack each count as a personal item, and you’re only allowed one, so make sure your purse is small enough to put inside your bag or backpack!)

6. RDIF Blocking Wallet or Card Holder

Most new wallets come with this ability, but I wouldn’t travel internationally without having some sort of safeguard in place for your cards. Criminals are just so darn tricky nowadays, and your credit card information can even be stolen from inside your own wallet. Keep them safely tucked in an RDIF blocking wallet or card holder, and you won’t have to worry about that happening.

7. Neck Wallet

This is a good choice if you’re going to be out and about with cash on you and either don’t want to carry a purse or want the added security of keeping it out of sight. We’ve used neck wallets as well as the kind that goes around your waist, but I much prefer these. (I once had the buckle come undone on one I was wearing around my waist. Talk about awkward to fix without announcing to the world you’re wearing it!)

8. Bathing Suit

Actually, you’ll want to take at least two swim suits on your list of things to pack for Mexico. That way, one can be drying while you wear the other one. (There’s nothing worse than trying to wriggle back into a wet swimsuit!) If you’re going to get a massage on the beach, you’ll want to go for a two piece. Not a fan of bikinis? No worries, there are plenty of modest tankinis to choose from!

9. Swim Suit Cover Up

With all the time you’re going to be spending at the pool or down by the beach, you’re going to want something quick and easy to slip on to walk around in. While pretty much any style swim suit is accepted by the water, it’s appropriate to wear a cover up when you’re walking around the resort or stopping by a market. Besides, they come in some super cute styles!

10. Sun Hat

As I mentioned before, having a sun hat to wear at the beach or in the pool can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time there. Even with sun glasses on, the sun can be so bright you’ll be constantly shading your eyes to be able to see. If you’re not normally a hat person, there are so many styles to choose from, and remember, you’re on vacation, right? Step out of your comfort zone for your own comfort’s sake. You’ll be glad you did!

11. Sun Glasses

This really goes without saying, but if you don’t put it on your list, you might just forget them. (Especially for those of us that live in the Pacific Northwest and can go months during the winter without needing them!) Whether you grab them from your car or treat yourself to a new pair, be sure you pack them. I promise you will want them!

12. Flip Flops

If you go to Mexico without flip flops, are you even doing it right? I think not. I rank them right up there with remembering to pack your swim suit! Even if you don’t normally wear flip flops, you’ll want to pack a pair to wear around the pool or to the beach. They are so easy to slip off and on and light enough to carry in your beach bag if needed. Don’t like the way flip flops feel between your toes? Opt for a pair of slide sandals instead. Either way, make sure one of them is on your list of things to pack for Mexico!

13. Rash Guard Long Sleeve Shirt

Listen friends, take it from someone who has fried her lily-white skin more times than she cares to count. You don’t want a sunburn when you’re on vacation! Sunscreen is great (you need that, too!), but if you’re spending more than a few hours in the sun, love your skin enough to cover it up. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine while you’re there without overexposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays!

14. Sarong

While a sarong can be used as a swim suit cover up, it can also be used in quite a few other ways. Tie it around your waist like a long skirt, or fold it over and tie it for a short skirt. Use it as a light bed sheet, fold it up to use as a small pillow, or even tie the corners to carry things in like a hobo bag or purse. They take up so little space in your luggage that you really can’t go wrong adding them to your Mexico packing list.

15. Beach Bag

Be sure to take some sort of beach bag with you. A large, open style tote can carry everything you need to the pool or beach and can also double as a shopping bag when needed. The best beach bag is made of mesh fabric that’s water-resistant and lets the sand fall out. Depending on how big yours is, you can even use it as your carry on bag.

16. Water Shoes

A good pair of water shoes can double for hiking shoes and will come in super handy if hikes are on your agenda. You can get through the muddy sections without worrying about ruining your shoes, plus they’re light weight and easy to pack. Use them if you’re going boating, doing water sports, or any place your regular shoes would get ruined or weigh you down.

17. Kühls Shorts

Although they may seem pricey at first glance, don’t let that stop you from making these your go-to shorts for traveling. They are made to move with you, stretchy yet contoured. Most of all, they are made to last. Don’t like this style? They have plenty of others to choose from with multiple color options. I feel I should warn you, though. Once you wear a pair of Kühls shorts, nothing else will do for you!

18. Sand Free Beach Blanket

This is the coolest thing! It has super tiny holes that allow the sand to sift right through the blanket so it doesn’t stay on top with you. The corners stay down so it stays just how you put it, and even has a little zipper pocket to put things in, like your keys or wallet. It folds very flat and weighs very little, so it’s easy to pack and enjoy on the beach in Mexico.

19. Waterproof Phone Case

If you’re planning a vacation in Mexico, you’re most likely going to be in or near the water. I’m always shocked when I see people taking selfies in the pool with no cover on their phones at all. I’m definitely not that brave! Assuming you’re going to want to protect your phone from getting wet and potentially ruined, you can either go with an inexpensive pouch or get an actual case like this. I have the pouch but am still very hesitant to actually get water on it, so I think I’ll get the case for next time.

19. Travel clothes line

The weather in Mexico can be pretty muggy, and sometimes it takes a while for clothes to dry. Having a way to hang swim suits or things you’ve laundered makes it much easier than hanging them over balcony chairs, shower doors, and anyplace else you can find. (Been there? We have!) This one takes up very little packing space, which is, of course, important.

20. Neck Fan

Call me a wimp, but I hate feeling muggy and getting all sweaty when I’m just walking around. I got one of these neck fans when I was on vacation in Texas one summer, and it made all the difference in staying comfortable being outside for hours. I take this baby everywhere I go if I know it’s going to be hot!

21. Chill Pal Cooling Towel

Another option to keep from overheating is a cooling towel. I also have one of these that I take on hikes and places where the neck fan isn’t a good option. It really does help keep from getting overheated, which is so important when the temperatures start rising.

22. Collapsable Water Bottle

Unless you know for certain the water is safe to drink, don’t drink the water in Mexico. So what’s a person to do to make sure they stay hydrated? Take your own reusable water bottle and fill it whenever you’re somewhere you know it’s safe to drink. If you’re staying at a resort or hotel, fill your water bottle with purified water before heading to the beach or use a LifeStraw to filter the water yourself.

23. Lifestraw Personal Water Filter

If you don’t have access to bottled water and know you’re not going to be around filtered water to refill your own bottle, you can take a personal water filter. This LifeStraw removes parasites and bacteria, so you can be sure it’s safe to drink the water in Mexico. That’s important to me, so I’ve added it to this Mexico travel checklist.

24. Portable Power Charger

This is a must for me! I love taking photos when I travel, and on days we’re up to catch a sunrise and still out after sundown, my phone doesn’t always stay charged that long. There’s nothing worse than missing a once-in-a-lifetime photo because my phone was dead and I didn’t have a way to charge it! These are small enough to stash in my purse, and I don’t travel without one.

25. Travel Power Strip

Some hotels have plenty of outlets available and even lamps with USB ports on the nightstand. That’s super convenient for charging your phone at night! Other hotels barely have enough outlets available for the basic necessities, let alone all the things you need to plug in. Having a power strip with a few extra outlets and USB ports makes it so much easier when you’re traveling.

50. Travel Insurance

I never used to buy travel insurance, but nowadays, I wouldn’t even consider traveling internationally without it. With everything we’ve been through since 2020, you’d have to be a pretty big gambler not to consider it. If you get sick in a foreign country, your normal health insurance most likely isn’t going to cover all the things travel insurance will.

Plus, they have plans for pre-existing health conditions, travelers over age 70, specific plans for cruises, and more. It’s based on the cost and length of your trip and usually isn’t very expensive, yet it’s so worth it to know you’ll have peace of mind on your vacation. Don’t skip this step!

51. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If you’ve never been out of the country, you may not be familiar with this. However, without a reliable VPN, you leave yourself open to internet pirates. A VPN will provide privacy protection as well as unblock sites you otherwise won’t have access to once you cross the border.

If you have plans to travel internationally, your best bet is to buy an annual plan and save on the monthly cost. Otherwise, you may be able to do the free trial and cancel it when you get back home. I also appreciate how much it speeds up my internet, which, honestly, is worth it right there. I put this on my list of Mexico travel essentials!

52. Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels

If you haven’t updated your luggage in a while, you may not know there’s a world of difference between the old style with two wheels and the newer luggage with four spinner wheels. I’ll never go back to two wheels again! I’m also not a fan of the hard case (we’ve had holes punched in two of our checked suitcases so far), so it’s a soft case all the way for me.

53. Luggage Cover

Ever stand at a luggage carousel and see nothing but black suitcases coming down the ramp? How do you know which one is yours and (better question) how can you easily spot if someone (accidentally) grabs yours? Easy! Slip a luggage protector over your suitcase, and not only will you be able to easily spot yours at the baggage claim, but no one’s going to want to steal something so easy to spot.

54. Packing Cubes

By now, I’m sure most people have heard of packing cubes. Maybe you have, but you’re thinking you can pack just as well without them. Maybe, but I doubt it. That was me before I tried them. I even tried packing individual outfits in gallon ziplock bags once, thinking I could do the same as packing cubes without spending the money. That lasted about half a trip and was not worth the effort! When I did buy them, I bought a cheap set, and the zippers broke pretty quickly. They lasted long enough for me to know they made a huge difference in how I packed, though, so I upgraded to a nicer set and am not kidding when I say they’re worth a little extra money!

55. Luggage closet/Organizer

I’m already a fan of packing cubes, but this takes things to a whole new level! I don’t have one yet, but I’ve definitely got my eye on this one and plan to get it before our next trip. What a great idea to be able to pack like this and just lift it out to hang in your hotel closet. Super smart idea!

56. Dry Bag

If you’re going to be doing any activities where your things could get wet, put them in a waterproof dry bag. Think kayaking, hiking on a rainy day, or even sitting by the pool where kids are doing cannonballs. Stuff your extra clothes, a quick dry towel, your phone, and anything else you don’t want to get wet, and you’re all set!

57. TSA Approved Padlock

These are not theft-proof for someone who’s willing to cut the cable or has a TSA universal key to pick the lock. However, they are a great deterrent for someone who might otherwise have quick, easy access to what’s inside your luggage. Keep these on your luggage while you’re traveling or when you leave your things in your hotel room in Mexico, and you’ll have at least some level of security for your things.

58. Spare SD Card

Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone to take photos with your camera and realized you left your SD card in your computer. (Raising mine multiple times.) If you’re only using your phone when you take pictures, no problem, but if you’re packing another camera, do yourself a favor and always make sure you have an extra card in your bag!

59. Camera Backpack

For our trip to the Grand Canyon, I finally bought myself this backpack that holds my Nikon camera. It was hard to give up my trusty backpack that I usually travel with, but it was so nice to be able to bring my camera without having to stuff the case in one of our backpacks while we boarded! (Edit: I have had this for three years now, and it’s held up very well!)

60. Underwater Camera

If snorkeling is on your list, you’re definitely going to want an underwater camera! There’s a whole world of colorful, amazing life, and your phone isn’t going to be a good option here, even with a waterproof pouch. Unless you’re going to be content with postcards, you need to get an underwater camera to take your own amazing underwater photos in Mexico!

61. Selfie Stick

You may have a love-hate relationship with selfie sticks. Believe me, I understand! I saw so many people using them on our recent vacation to Mexico that I wish I had remembered to pack ours. It makes it so much easier to take selfies with more of the beautiful background in the photo, and isn’t that what you’re there for? If you don’t have one yet, they’re cheap enough to get one even if you only use it every now and then. One awesome sunset selfie is worth it!

62. Phone Gimbal

This little gadget is really cool! If you’re going to be making any videos, you are going to want to get one of these. It makes everything so much smoother and takes your videos to a whole new level! Doing videos for YouTube, TikTok, or Reels? Use your new gimbal to show off your vacation to Mexico with super smooth videos that look so much more professional!

69. Airplane Foot Rest

One thing I highly recommend for pretty much any length of flight is this footrest you can get on Amazon. Especially if you have any back or leg pain, this little gadget can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are on the flight and is really easy to use!