The ultimate Mexico packing list

Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to buy something I’ve recommended. I only share products I genuinely love and use myself. Head over to Part 1 to catch up with where we stayed in Riviera Maya in Mexico earlier this year. This post will contain the ultimate packing list of everything I recommend you take with you on your next trip to Mexico. You don’t have to but I thought I would share! If you want to see a detailed list with links and information on my favourite products head over to my Evija’s Edit by following this link.

The ultimate packing list (in no particular order):

Passport and valid visa if you need one (number 1!)
Make sure you have printed out your boarding passes, travel arrangements, tickets etc. Trust me phones may let you down. I once dropped my phone on my way to the airport and screen went black, which meant no travel information or boarding passes, thankfully I came prepared with paper copies
Travel insurance – MUST MUST MUST you never know if you may need to use it
Sunscreen – 30SPF and 50SPF at least!! Stay safe in the sun and make sure your sunscreen is reef safe particularly if you are going on any boat trips and excursions
Aftersun – moisturise and protect your skin after you have been in the sun
Have you paid the taxes – make sure you have paid all the taxes, your travel agent should let you know what needs settling. Check information online on the official government website
Bring a hat! It is very hot! I used my favourite cap and went swimming with it as well but if you want, bring something fancier
Sunglasses (of course!)
Cash – always bring cash with you. We brought some US Dollars and some Mexican Dollars for small expenses and tips
Credit card – we had to pay a fine at the customs (oops) and they did not accept cash so make sure you have a credit card with you just in case. Also I did not use my Revolut just in case it was stolen or lost and paid for any extras using credit card
E-sim. We only used Holafly e-sim one day when we were out and about and used wi-fi at the hotel
Basic first aid kit, vitamins, supplements and mini pharmacy to include painkillers, plasters, electrolytes, diarrhoea tablets, indigestion tablets, antihistamines etc.
Small backpack if you are intending to do trips
Bumbag, if you are intending to do do excursions, go for a run and need small essentials or just want to keep your belongings close and safe
Beach bag or tote bag. I simply took my usual canvas tote bag, which was perfect
Toiletries. Yes, hotel provides toiletries and shampoos etc. but I am always keen to bring my own haircare with me. Don’t forget tooth brush and toothpaste. The toothpaste in Mexico was so expensive!
Hair brush and hair straighteners, don’t bother with the hair dryer as the hotel will most likely have it
Razor
Any prescription medication
Menstrual pads and tampons – again you can buy them in Mexico but a box of tampons cost me around 6£!
Footwear – Flip flops, sandals, trainers. Girl, do not bother with heels and this comes from a heel girl, my beautiful high heels stayed in the suitcase all 2 weeks. Instead bring wedges or some comfy block heel sandals
Dresses – bring the most gorgeous dresses, get dressed up and feel like the queen that you are
Loose fitted clothing to feel comfortable during the day
Swimwear – bring several bathing suits with you
Make up, moisturiser and lip balm (with SPF as your lips burn too)
Waterproof phone case – like this waterproof case
Water shoes
Portable charger/power bank
Packing cubes
Beach coverup – I got a gorgeous long sleeved oversized shirtdress, which I kept wearing.
Soundcore noise cancelling headphones for the travel
Anti-insect bracelets (they do work)
Suitcase locks approved by TSA
Magic leaves laundry sheets for the laundry. These were amazing as we did wash our clothes and swimming costumes, socks, t shirts to make sure our clothes kept nice and fresh for the whole 2 weeks
Plug adapter and your charger
Don’t forget a selfie stick. People are lovely and will always take photos for you, but if you don’t want to ask people, it is so easy to film and take photos with this
I read many suggestions about bringing your Stanley cup with you, but trust me you don’t need it, staff are amazing and you always get a fresh drink no matter what, plus you end up looking a bit greedy with a massive Stanley cup in the pool or may end up drinking too much alcohol. Don’t do it! If you bring it, use it for your water and stay hydrated!