Viva La Mexico! I’m off on a week long vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I can’t wait to relax in the sun for a week, with a blended drink in one hand, and a good book in the other. And I use the term “sun” lightly. The weather channel is predicting thunderstorms EVERY day while we’re there. Please pray for me.
I’ve been traveling to Mexico with my mom since I was 14. I love everything about Mexico, but mostly I love the crystal clear water and white sand beaches of the Cancun area. I love the tacos and the guacamole. I also really love the $2 Coronas.
When I first met my husband, he had never been to Mexico. After I finally convinced him that he wouldn’t die (and kept my fingers crossed the entire time we were there), he obliged and we ventured off to Cabo San Lucas. I did most of the packing, and I had to walk him through his first customs trip. It was quite the experience. Note to Mexican newcomer: After you leave customs, you have to ‘run the gauntlet.’ Don’t get caught up in sales guys telling you they have your reservations or they work at your hotel. They don’t. Keep on walking.
Because most people know what they want to wear on their Mexican vacation (hint: bathing suits), I won’t tell you what clothes to pack. But I will give you a list of everything else I suggest bringing with you. I have used almost every one of these items each time, and they really come in handy. So without further ado:
Things to Pack for your Mexican Vacation (other than clothes)
Reading Material: Books, magazines, newsletters? Anything to read by the pool or on the beach. Even if you just hold it up, you can people watch much better with a book in your face!
Sunglasses: As per above, you will NEED these to people watch. Oh…and for the sun.
Sunscreen: We bring three levels. If you don’t start with a high SPF on your first day, your vacation is ruined. Or maybe you like looking like a lobster in all your photos? Don’t forget to bring a SPF chapstick as well. Your lips will burn quickly without it.
Shampoo/Conditioner: I buy the cheapest brand I can find, and leave the bottles there when we leave. I also like to leave the conditioner in my hair a few times during the week, because the sun and salt will dry it out. The hotels give you small bottles, and it’s never enough.
Immodium/Pepto Bismal/Tums: I mean, Montezuma’s revenge anyone? Luckily, we’ve never gotten this, and therefore never had to use these products. But I can just imagine how thankful I’ll be to have them, should I get so lucky.
Tylenol/Advil: Just bring it. If you end up with a headache, nothing will ruin your day faster. Except maybe the Montezuma’s revenge.
Wet Ones/Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer: Keep the hand sanitizer in your purse. When you’re out exploring the town, and then decide to get street tacos, you’ll thank me.
Loofah/Soap/Toothpaste: I always buy a cheap tube of toothpaste and a nice bar of soap. I leave these items at the hotel when I leave, but they’re nice to have with you. I also always bring a loofah for exfoliation purposes when your skin starts peeling from the inevitable sunburn.
Lotion: Bring your own. You should be applying lotion after your day by the pool. I typically buy a cheap bottle at the dollar store, and leave it in the hotel when I leave. You can never put too much lotion on after a day in the sun.
Rubbing Alcohol/Swimmer’s Ear: I don’t use this, but it’s a must have for my husband. After swimming in the pool or ocean all day, he uses this to avoid getting an ear infection.
Q-Tips: As above, you’ll have plenty of water in your ear, and this is something you’ll definitely want to have on hand.
Snacks: This is a MUST HAVE. I bring about five different kinds of treats. Sour Patch Kids, Red Vines, Goldfish crackers, Granola Bars, etc. When you’ve been in Mexico for a few days, you’ll thank me. You’ll eventually want some comfort food. So bring whatever your favorites are, and enjoy.
If you want to follow along on our Mexican Vacation, tune in to my Instagram this week. I’ll do my best to entertain you.
Safe Travels!
