The Ultimate Cancun Packing List for a Stress-free Vacation
Before you enjoy your perfect getaway to Mexico, you need to get packing. Having the right items in your suitcase can make all the difference in helping you enjoy a stress-free, all-inclusive getaway.
In this guide, we’ll help you learn what to expect from the weather and the types of activities you might enjoy on and off your resort so you know exactly what to pack for all inclusive Cancun vacations—and what to leave behind.
Packing for Cancun’s Tropical Weather
Before you start packing, it’s a good idea to understand what the weather will be like in Cancun. Generally, Cancun is hot, humid, and sunny throughout the year. However, depending on the season, rain showers may be frequent, particularly in the afternoons. If you’re traveling during the rainy season, which runs from May to October, consider packing a lightweight rain jacket or compact travel umbrella to have on hand just in case. No matter what time of year you’re traveling, try to stick to lightweight clothing in breathable fabrics that will help you stay cool. Sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as sun-protectant long-sleeve clothing and pants, if you’re particularly prone to sunburns, are a must as well.
Pre-Trip Checklist: Travel Documents & Essentials
While the perfect pair of sunglasses or a new swimsuit might be at the top of your packing list, there are a few essentials that every traveler needs to remember. Forgetting one of these items could put a big damper on your trip or even lead to delays in travel.
Must-have travel documents and essentials include:
- Passport (with one blank page for stamps and at least 6 months validity)
- Travel insurance info
- Airline tickets/boarding passes
- Resort confirmation
- Credit/debit cards and a little local currency
- Emergency contact numbers
- Copies of important documents (paper + digital)
Consider Your Activities Before You Pack
The weather isn’t the only thing that will impact your packing. How you plan to spend your time at your all inclusive resort or any excursions off your resort you plan to take will also affect what should be on your packing list.
Of course, most people plan to spend at least a little time relaxing on the beach or poolside, so swimsuits are a must. But if you think that you’ll enjoy some of your resort’s planned excursions, like snorkeling or ziplining, you may need athletic clothing as well. If your resort offers nightlife at the resort or if you plan to travel to a nearby city or town to enjoy some drinks and dancing, you’ll need another type of attire entirely.
Some items you may need to pack depending on the activities you plan to enjoy include:
- Swimsuit cover-ups for boat trips
- Athletic wear for hiking or exploring ruins
- Comfortable, casual outfits for enjoying local shops and tours
- Dressier outfits for dinners
- Water shoes or aqua socks for cenotes or rocky beaches
What to Wear at a Cancun Resort
If it’s your first trip to Mexico, you might be wondering what to bring to Cancun all inclusive that will help you fit any dress code and look like you’re an old pro at the all inclusive experience.
During the day, casual clothing is the norm for resorts. This includes shorts and tank tops, breezy linen pants and t-shirts, jean shorts—whatever you’re comfortable in! Of course, if you’re poolside or on the beach, a swimsuit is always acceptable, though you may choose to pack a cover-up to get you to and from your room. Flip-flops are often the shoe of choice for resort guests.
As night falls, the dress code often gets a little dressier. Of course, if your resort has casual restaurants or buffets, you may be able to wear the same clothing you wore during the day to dinner. But if you plan to enjoy one of the finer dining options, resort-casual dress, like linen shirts, nice sandals or flats, or dresses, are more often the norm. Some resorts may have dress codes for certain restaurants that require pants for men or even suits and ties, and dresses or elegant slacks for women. Shoes are another important thing to consider, as flip-flops, water shoes, and other footwear you might wear to the beach may not be allowed in some dining locations or at certain times. Check with your resort before your trip to make sure that you’re ready for any specific dress codes so that you won’t need to change your dining plans if you arrive without the right clothes.
Accessories You’ll Be Glad You Packed
In addition to clothing, there are a few accessories you should have on hand for your all inclusive stay. The following items are easy to forget but can be incredibly useful during your vacation:
- Reusable water bottle (Make sure to fill with filtered water from your resort each day)
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Beach bag or tote
- Sun hat
- Light scarf or wrap
- Packing cubes
- Travel-sized laundry detergent for hand washing
Toiletries to Pack for Mexico
Your resort room will likely come with some basic toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. But you’ll want to pack your own other toiletries. If you do forget something, you can likely purchase it at your resort. However, keep in mind that these are often pricey in resort gift shops, and they may not have your preferred brands.
Some must-have toiletries include:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Aloe vera or after-sun gel
- Bug spray (DEET or natural)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, etc.
- Travel first aid kit (Band-Aids, pain relievers, stomach meds)
- Prescription meds (in original containers)
Electronics to Bring to Cancun
Disconnecting from your phone and work might be your plan during your stay at an all inclusive resort. But there are still a few electronics you’ll want to bring with you. These are the electronics and accessories to protect them that you should have in your bag:
- Phone + waterproof case
- Charger + portable power bank
- E-reader or tablet
- Travel adapter (Mexico uses Type A/B plugs like the US, so this may not be necessary, as many resorts will use the same plugs as you use in the US)
- Camera or GoPro (optional)
Unless it’s absolutely necessary that you use one to check in to work during your vacation, avoid bringing a laptop. Not only does this take up space in your luggage, but it also takes away from your precious vacation time!
Shoes to Pack for an All-Inclusive Trip
While you may plan to spend most of your time in flip flops, there are a few other types of shoes that you’ll want to have with you for your resort stay. These include:
- Flip-flops or sandals for the pool/beach
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Dressier sandals or flats for evenings
- Water shoes for excursions (cenotes, rocky beaches)
Stick to shoes that are comfortable but also versatile. Shoes take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Keeping to just a few pairs that serve multiple functions will save space while ensuring that you have the footwear you need.
What NOT to Bring to Cancun
We’ve already covered many of the items that you need to have for your trip. But there are also a few items that you should probably leave at home. Many of those items are ones that will take up unnecessary space in your suitcase.
Some items to NOT bring to Cancun include:
- Too many shoes
- Bulky or heavy clothing that’s too hot for the climate
- Heavy makeup or hair tools (humidity is brutal)
- Unnecessary electronics (laptop, large camera gear)
- Expensive jewelry
- Towels (resorts provide them)
- Excessive cash (ATMs available; most places accept cards)
Less is more when it comes to packing for your Cancun vacation.
Start Packing for Your Dream Cancun Vacation Today!
Now that you know a little more about what to pack and what to leave behind, it’s time to get packing! Smart packing will help make your trip even more relaxing. With this handy list of what to pack for all inclusive Cancun getaways, you’ll be ready for beach days, jungle adventures, breezy nights, and more! Cancun truly has something for everyone, from beach lovers to adventure seekers to those looking to relax and unwind.
Of course, before you start loading your suitcase, you need to book your next trip! Book your all inclusive Cancun vacation online with All Inclusive Outlet today!
