What to Bring & Leave Home for Your Trip
You’ve been planning your all-inclusive vacation to Mexico for ages, and finally, it’s time to pack. Choosing the right outfits and accessories can be a real struggle, especially if you’re new to the all-inclusive resort life.
We always recommend the four packing essentials for your trip to Mexico:
- Phone
- Passport
- Phone charger
- Wallet (just think – extra money for excursions!)
But what about the rest of your packing list? Read on for valuable Mexico packing tips, including things to add to your suitcase — and things to leave out.
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Essential Travel Documents & Money Tips
Valid Passport
What to pack for a vacation to Mexico is an important question. Before heading off to your Mexico getaway, if you are a U.S. citizen, all you need is a valid passport. If you don’t have one, allow a minimum of six weeks to go through the application process.
You don’t need a Visa if you have a passport. Foreign residents of the United States and foreign visitors without a valid U.S. passport should consult their government authorities for the latest entry information. Refer to travel.state.gov for more details.
Travel Insurance Recommendations
Travel insurance coverage is a good idea when traveling to Mexico. Investing in insurance protects you financially in the event you have to cancel your vacation due to weather events, losing your luggage, or another unexpected incident. Additionally, if you get injured or ill while you are in Mexico, your medical bills and other incidentals are covered.
Credit Card Or Cash? What You Should Know
A combination of credit cards and cash is a good idea. First, you should consider your budget, the length of your vacation, how many people are traveling with you and all the activities you are planning.
Consider an all inclusive package through All Inclusive Outlet that bundles most everything you need for an incredible vacation into one-priced package.
The following is suggested:
In tourist hotspots and major cities, the US dollar is commonly accepted. However, when exploring rural areas and local markets with smaller vendors, it’s wise to use Mexican pesos. Bring both currencies, use ATMs at the airport or your resort for convenient currency exchange, and check current exchange rates before you travel. (Exchange rates indicate how much one currency is worth compared to another and can fluctuate based on economic conditions, affecting the value of your dollar in Mexico.)
Credit cards—especially VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover—are widely accepted.
A pro tip: inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues.
Wondering how much cash to carry? Consider this daily budget guideline:
- Budget-Friendly: $30–$60 per day for meals, transport, and basic activities
- Mid-Range: $60–$120 per day for dining, transportation, and extra activities
- Luxury: $120 or more per day for upscale accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive experiences
Keep in mind that an all inclusive package bundles things like accommodations, dining, and some activities into one price and helps you budget.
Pro tip: Never exchange money on the street from strangers to avoid counterfeit bills. Keep in mind, there could be hidden fees at ATM’s located in airports and popular tourist areas.
Luggage and Packing Organization
What to pack for a Mexico vacation varies from person to person. Less is more when traveling to Mexico. Pack clothing that you can mix and match, and wear often, like light denim, neutral colors, and wrinkle-free fabrics. This allows you to pack lighter and minimizes the amount of luggage you have to carry.
Take a look at some packing tips for your Mexico all inclusive vacation.
- Luggage: Suitcases, Carryons, and Handbags: Hard shell luggage is a better option than fabric. Modern luggage is designed to get you through the airport seamlessly with wheels and handles that are ergonomic. They also fit into the airport’s size requirements. Hard shell luggage is also waterproof and easy to clean. Many pieces are designed with a zipper that expands, allowing you to pack souvenirs purchased during your vacation. Pro tip: Use a unique, colorful luggage tag or stickers on your luggage so it is identified easily if you have checked luggage.
- Packing Cubes: These little workhorses are designed to compress your clothing, allowing you to fit more in your luggage. It’s amazing how well they work. Plus, you can organize your wardrobe by color, outfit, beachwear, etc.
Pro tip: Roll your clothing tightly so it won’t wrinkle. You can also use white tissue paper in between the folds to reduce wrinkles.
- Compression Bags: If you are taking bulky items like beach towels and heavier jackets, use a compression bag that removes the air and reduces the size of bulky items.
- Crossbody and Daypack: Pack a crossbody, belt bag, or backpack that you wear close to your body. Pack daily essentials, money, cell phone, and important documents when you venture out on excursions.
- Waterproof Organizer: Make sure your luggage has a waterproof pouch or travel organizer. This is where you should pack all of your important documents, identifications, and paperwork. Pro Tip: Instead of packing shampoo, conditioner mouthwash, and other toiletries, wait and purchase them in Mexico to lighten your load. Many hotels and resorts will provide them as complimentary amenities.
What to Bring to Mexico on Vacation?
Swimsuit
No list detailing what to pack on a vacation to Mexico would be complete without a swimsuit, or better yet, two. If you’re like most vacationers, you’ll spend ample time on the beach or by the pool.
Sunscreen
If you’re planning on hanging out at the beach, sunscreen is an absolute must. Although you’ll find it at most resorts and local stores, it never hurts to have some on hand — especially if you prefer a specific brand or SPF level.
Waterproof Phone Case
Your phone is your camera, your watch, and your connection to life back home. Don’t destroy it in the water. Protect your mobile device with a high-quality waterproof case.
Formal Outfit
Many resorts have strict dress codes for their finest restaurants. If you’re looking to experience fine dining at your all-inclusive destination, be sure to pack for the occasion. This could mean a nice pair of slacks and a collared shirt, or your favorite dress. Some travelers prefer to pack two or three semi-formal outfits while keeping the rest of their wardrobe casual.
Walking Sandals
Flip-flops are perfect for the beach. If you intend to explore, however, walking sandals are your best friend. They’ll keep your feet comfy and cool. Invest in a waterproof pair specifically designed for hiking — you won’t regret it. 
What Not to Bring to Mexico on Vacation?
Excess Cash
There’s no need to stuff your wallet with cash before you depart. Most locations have ATMs or take credit cards. Don’t try to pay for purchases with cash from your home country.
Water Bottle
Don’t expect to fill your favorite bottle with tap water; most is undrinkable. Safe water should be plentiful at your resort or in bottled form at local supermarkets.
Fruit & Other Fresh Foods
American travelers are prohibited from bringing many types of fruit into Mexico. Ditch the fruit and any other food you might have packed and wait until you arrive to feast on local produce.
Multiple Warm Outfits
Expect tropical weather while you’re in Mexico. Check forecasts ahead of time to determine your packing needs. In all likelihood, you won’t need more than one warm outfit. Leave your favorite jackets and boots at home, and pack several tank tops, swimsuits, and pairs of shorts instead.
Expensive Jewelry
Wedding bands and engagement rings are fine (especially if you’re planning a destination wedding), but beyond that, fancy jewelry is best avoided. Although destination resorts are notoriously secure, you risk drawing too much attention to yourself while exploring cultural attractions, or losing your favorite pieces during jungle or water-based adventures.
Non-reef-Safe Sunscreen
Non-reef-safe sunscreen is banned at some Mexican beaches. It contains chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. If your sunscreen includes Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or PABA, leave it at home. Look for sunscreen brands that use the terms, “reef-safe, ocean-safe, reef-friendly, and ocean-friendly.” Zinc oxide in a lotion form is acceptable. Avoid sprays.
High Heels & Impractical Footwear
You may be tempted to pack your high heels for nights out and fine dining experiences. We suggest leaving them at home and taking your most comfortable flats, sneakers, and sandals. Most resorts and hotels don’t require fancy footwear and high heels.
What to Buy in Mexico Instead of Packing
One of the wonderful things about traveling to a destination is exploring the shopping and local markets and taking in the vibrant culture. Instead of packing everything you need, leave some wiggle room for local purchases. This will lighten your luggage and give you a reason to spend some money on something new.
- Locally made clothing like sarongs, hats, embroidered sun dresses, sunglasses, and beachwear.
- Liquids like shampoo, conditioner, lotions, perfume, skincare, mouthwash, toothpaste, sunscreen and hairspray.
- Jewelry and Accessories: Leave your treasured expensive jewelry at home and buy handmade Mexican accessories and jewelry items that are unique colorful works of art. They can also double as souvenirs and special gifts.
- Practical and Useful Souvenirs: Shop for woven bags, hammocks, towels, small home decor, and tequila, and toast to a wonderful vacation.
Pack Your Bags for Paradise – Book Your Mexico Getaway Now!
When packing, think carefully about each item, and determine whether it’s actually necessary. Strategic packing will ensure easy traveling and an enjoyable resort adventure. What are you waiting for? Book your next vacation today!
