We’re probably not the only people that get to the airport and realize that we forgot something we really wanted to bring. It may be an iPhone charger or something simple like your favorite moisturizer that you may forget if you don’t have a checklist. No matter what you forget it sucks. Sounds familiar? It happens to us all the time, but we found a very simple solution to the problem: The ultimate packing list for Mexico.

Check out our Mexico packing list!

If it’s your first or 100th time going somewhere sunny and warm like Mexico then you know how nice a simple packing list can be. It takes 5 minutes and makes your life a whole lot easier when considering what to bring on your trip. So we thought we could make your life much easier  and save you the hassle of trying to think what to bring by sharing our packing list for Mexico with you.

We’ll share a list of all the items we brought ourselves on our trip to Playa del Carmen in Mexico. This packing list contains all the standard things that every traveller will need while visiting Mexico and also accessories that are nice to have if you’re going for a longer trip.

Download the list here so you can print it out and check off the items as you pack for your trip!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you decide to buy any items we will get a small commission. Thank you so much!

What to pack for Mexico in 2023?

Enjoying the views of some of the best beaches in Cozumel.

Packing list for Mexico: Accessories

#1 LifeStraw Water Bottle

If you haven’t heard about LifeStraw water bottles before, your life is about to change forever. Okay, maybe not forever, but it could definitely make it better. Life Straw water bottles are different than regular water bottles because they come with a built-in filter that will literally make any water drinkable.

On top of that, they are just so handy and eco friendly. Even though it might seem like it’s just a nice accessory to have we definitely recommend buying one to bring along wherever you go.

They aren’t too expensive and the cost of buying plastic water bottles adds up in no time + that’s really bad for the environment. It’s nice to know wherever you go you can fill up water and know that it’s drinkable (we drink Mexican tap water!). We’ve had ours for a while now and absolutely love them. They’re great for day trips, hiking, and trips abroad like Mexico!

#2 Reef Safe Sunscreen

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | Vegan and Reef Friendly

I mean the least we can do is to prevent shitty chemicals from going into the ocean (aka all the cheap sunscreens we buy), right? So instead we can get a reef safe sunscreen. It’s totally worth spending a bit of extra money (and honestly it’s not much) on buying a sunscreen that won’t negatively impact the ocean’s ecosystem, reefs, and animals that live in the sea. #doitfortheturtles

It’s such a minor thing that makes the world of a difference – literally! So why not do our part and buy some eco-friendly sunscreen? Thankfully nowadays lots of beaches will actually have stands selling these but otherwise, you can buy it before you go to make sure you have some with you! We got these two for our Mexico trip and the smell of coconut is so good – and knowing that they won’t hurt the environment feels really great!

#3 Snorkeling Gear

Mask Fin Snorkel Set Adults

Ok, one of the best parts of going somewhere warm like Mexico is to go in the ocean and swim with the fish and explore the deep blue ocean. So if you plan to go for a while it might be worth investing in your own snorkel gear.

You won’t have to worry about sharing with other people, and if you go enough times it’ll pay for itself (compared to renting gear). Plus you’ll be able to bring it on any future trips you go on. It does tend to take up a bit of room but the snorkel gear is totally worth it if you can make room for it.

#4 Water Shoes

Mens Womens Water Shoes Quick Dry

Something so simple as water shoes can make your vacation that much better. An easy accessory to pack in your suitcase that will make your time at the beach a lot nice. You won’t have to get sand all over your day-to-day shoes and you will also have a lot more comfort at the beach and in the water with these!

#5 Sunglasses

Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women | 100% UV Blocking

One thing we’d highly recommend is bringing a cheap pair of sunglasses on your trip. You can get replicas of your favorite brands for dirt cheap online or in town before you go.

That way you won’t have that stress of damaging your nice pair (or having them stolen) while you’re at the beach or forgetting them while you’re on a tour. So make your life easy and buy a cheap pair before you go! =)

#6 Cordless Headphones

Wireless Earbuds for Android & iPhone

I just recently got cordless headphones and they’re absolute game changers. It might seem like a bit of a luxury but they’re so nice to have!

Especially if you’re lying at the beach listening to an audio book, podcast, or music you won’t have to worry about having your phone out in the sun overheating since you can put it in your day bag and not worry about the cords dangling everywhere.

#7 Waterproof Phone Case

Not everyone has an underwater camera, and nowadays phone cameras are so good, so why not just use yours under water? It’s a nice little accessory to have and to add to your packing list for Mexico. If you plan to swim with some fish and want to film them for some memories to look back on this is great to have!

And it’s definitely a much cheaper alternative than buying an underwater camera. There are tons of universal waterproof phone cases so you can just pick and choose which one you like best. They will most likely all work for your phone.

#8 Universal Adapter

Universal Travel Power Adapter

If you travel often then this has probably saved you so many times. Mexico has the same outlets as North America, so if you’re not from there you won’t be able to plug in your gadgets without an adapter.

A universal is nice to have because that means that no matter where you go, you can use it. I (Jo) used to have 6 different adapters, and it just takes up a bit of space and things get lost. Now I have a universal one and I love it. This one specifically also has room for you to insert a USB cord so you can charge both your phone and laptop or camera or whatever at the same time! So easy 🙂

#9 Power Bank

INIU Power Bank

If you’re planning on doing some day trips and spending a lot of time outdoors it’s nice to have a power bank in case your phone battery gets low or you need to recharge your camera.

It’s not fun if your phone dies and you have no clue on how to get back to your hotel or Airbnb. So it’s better to be prepared and have a power bank.

#10 Quick Dry Towel

JML Microfiber Bath Towel 2 Pack

No matter where you go it’s nice to pack light and not have to bring too much. Especially if you’re not planning on bringing luggage and only have a carry-on, a quick dry towel can be very handy. It takes up almost no space and is very useful.

#11 Dry Bag

Waterproof Dry Bag | 20L

It’s perfect if you’re like us and love going on fun adventures while you’re traveling where you may end up getting wet. We’ve been there before and luckily have had our day bag which ended up saving all our gadgets from getting water damage.

The dry bag was a blessing while we were in Dubrovnik kayaking and also while we were river rafting in Missoula. It folds up so nicely too that it takes up next to no space.

Smiling in Playa Del Carmen because we didn't forget anything on our Mexico check list.

Packing list for Mexico: Necessary items

Important travel items

Clothing & footwear

  • Underwear (enough for 7-10 days)
  • Sport and dress socks
  • A few pairs of shorts
  • Casual, dress, and sports shirts (few of each)
  • 1-2 pairs of pants
  • Pair of sandals
  • Pair of sneakers
  • Definitely a few bathing suits
  • 1 sweater

Other things to bring

  • Day bag
  • Toothbrush
  • Hairbrush
  • Toothpastes
  • Floss
  • Body lotions
  • Other toiletries

With all of these items listed above, we’ve made a full packing list for you – ready to print and use while you’re packing! Fill out the form here and get it straight to your inbox!

This works as a packing list for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and anywhere else that consists of sunny days, beaches, and the ocean! It’s all about being organized and making a list beforehand to make sure you’re not forgetting anything along the way. It also makes it easier to check things off as you go.

Creating a checklist for Mexico made it super easy to remember everything for us and it’s probably the first time we didn’t end up forgetting an iPhone charger and having to spend pointless money on a new one.

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Recap of the ultimate packing list for Mexico

One of the best beaches in Cozumel. Such a fun island to spend a day on.

We hope this will help make your packing easier and maybe you can start with the things you have to bring and if you have some extra room you can maybe bring a few extra items. If not, you can always purchase some of the items along your travels. Some things also don’t hurt to buy used and then either leave or donate them once you leave your holiday.

We hope you enjoy your time in Mexico or any other sunny destination you’re heading off too. We are thrilled to be going to Playa del Carmen and can’t wait to share some awesome things to do there with you all!

Have fun!

Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures

red white adventures logo with swan and moose

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46 Comments

  1. Saffron on March 11, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Love this post! We always need a packing list ourselves – it’s as important as the weekly grocery list. Being an older mum, I’m a bit forgetful and all that these days!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      Hi Saffron,

      Ah yes totally understand. We’re 24 and 25 and we forget stuff all the time!

      -Dom

  2. Cyndi Buchanan on March 12, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    This is a great list. I hope to make it down to Mexico soon. Looks beautiful!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:57 pm

      Hey Cyndi,

      Wow that’s awesome. Playa Del Carmen and the whole Yucatan Peninsula is so beautiful!

      -Dom

  3. aisasami on March 12, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    What a great list of things that you suggest to bring for a fun beach vacation in Mexico. I hope those want to go will find inspiration in this post1

    • redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      Hey Aisa,

      Thanks so much! I hope it helps in one way or another.

      -Jo

  4. Travelling Tam on March 15, 2020 at 12:28 am

    Love this! I dont go anywhere without my lifestraw and universal adaptor! Useful tips, I’m hoping to go to Mexico this year 🙂

    • redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      Hey Tam,

      Lifestraw is awesome isn’t it. We’ve had it for a few months now and love it. Wow exciting!! We will have some more posts on Mexico so I hope they can be helpful to you in the future. =)

      -Dom

  5. Rachel Day on March 15, 2020 at 10:12 am

    Love this list the reef sun cream is a great idea. I’m going to get some. Plus a dry bag. So useful.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Hey Rachel,

      Thanks. We thought lots of people may not be aware of the harm regular sunscreen brings to oceans and bodies of water. So why not share some better alternatives with people.

      -Dom

  6. redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Hi Neil,

    Thanks so much! I hope we could help with any future packing list you may have! =)

    -Jo

  7. redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Hey Chrissy,

    Wheuu love hearing that! That’s awesome that you have a trip planned for 2022! =) I can’t believe it’s already the 2020’s

    -Dom

  8. redwhiteadventures on March 15, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    Hey Renee,

    That’s awesome! Well I’m glad we could help. =)

    -Jo

  9. Angelica Chacon on March 16, 2020 at 6:39 am

    This is a great list! I will definitely be looking back at this list for my Mexico trip in the near future, thank you so much for sharing!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 16, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      Hey Angelica,

      That’s great that we can help! =)

      -Jo

  10. Jasmine E on March 20, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    I always forget something when I travel to another state, but I can’t imagine forgetting to pack something when I’m out of the country. That would chaos for me lol. Thanks for sharing this helpful list for those who might be traveling soon!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 21, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      Hey Jasmine,

      Of course! That is our goal to help and share these tips with fellow travellers!

      -Jo

  11. Ting on March 20, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    Great packing list! Now I just hope we can all start travel again!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 21, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      Hey Ting,

      I know! It’s a confusing time right now and we all just have to lay low for a while.

      -Dom

  12. D'ondra M Howard on March 21, 2020 at 12:26 am

    These are some cool suggestions. Most of these I wouldn’t have even thought of. I didn’t know there were quick-drying towels and a dry bag. I’m going to have to look into these for our trip to Hawaii.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 21, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      Hey D’ondra,

      Yes some of these will be perfect for Hawaii. We love our dry bag.

      -Dom

  13. mariah green on March 21, 2020 at 2:58 am

    Some of these items I wouldn’t even think to pack. Thanks for sharing.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 21, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      Hey Mariah,

      OF course! We tried to think outside the box and get a little creative with some of the ideas.

      -Jo

  14. redwhiteadventures on March 21, 2020 at 4:18 pm

    Hey Mariyam,

    You’re welcome! Hope it can be useful for any future trip you may have! =)

    Dom

  15. redwhiteadventures on March 21, 2020 at 4:24 pm

    Hey Chirpy,

    Thanks! We wanted to give people some good ideas for their trips somewhere warm!

    -Jo

  16. Wendy Gratzer on March 21, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    These are great tips. I am saving this list for my next trip to Mexico.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 22, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      Hey Wendy,

      That’s great! Hopefully it’s not to far away.

      -Dom

  17. Katy Liang on March 22, 2020 at 8:19 am

    Very helpful packing list! I always also leave room for small things I can get when I am there

    • redwhiteadventures on March 22, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      Hey Katy,

      Yes that’s the struggle when you pack to much and don’t have room on your return trip! Good idea though! =)

      -Dom

  18. Monidipa on March 22, 2020 at 9:59 am

    This list is very important if you are visiting Mexico, because I know how it is there.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 22, 2020 at 6:12 pm

      Hey Monidipa,

      That’s fantastic! I hope the list comes in handy!

      -Dom

  19. Jessica L on March 22, 2020 at 10:37 am

    This is a really useful list! I definitely suck at packing for myself (maybe because I also pack for 5 others) so having a packing guide is really handy! Thanks!!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 22, 2020 at 6:37 pm

      Hey Jessica,

      Oh my, I struggle packing just for myself and getting Dom to do his. I can’t imagine having to do it for 4 others as well.

      -Dom

  20. redwhiteadventures on March 22, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Hey Fatima,

    That would be wonderful! We really enjoyed our time there.

    -Dom

  21. Jackline A on March 23, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    I agree with all your recommendations. I am loving that dry bag. The pattern is beautiful.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 23, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      Hey Jackline,

      The dry bags are great! We’ve used them a bunch during out travels and love them.

      -Dom

  22. redwhiteadventures on March 23, 2020 at 7:02 pm

    Hey John,

    Thanks so much, appreciate it!

    -Dom

  23. Lily on March 24, 2020 at 7:10 am

    I love the idea of a dry bag. Great for those beach days!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 28, 2020 at 11:18 pm

      Hey Lily,

      Thanks so much! It has come in handy a bunch of times now!

      -Dom

  24. Stefanie Kasal on March 24, 2020 at 2:14 pm

    Great tips… If I wanted to make a trip to Mexico I’d keep these in mind while packing

    • redwhiteadventures on March 28, 2020 at 11:19 pm

      Hey Stefanie,

      YES!! Hopefully the list can come in handy one day.

      -Jo

  25. Suanlian Tangpua on March 26, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    Cordless Headphone is a must-have for me. Great recommendation!

    • redwhiteadventures on March 28, 2020 at 11:19 pm

      Hey Suanlian,

      Couldn’t agree more. They’ve been so handy over the past few months. For work and travelling!

      -Dom

  26. Janay@ https://justjournee.com/ on March 27, 2020 at 2:50 am

    This list is full of awesome ideas! I’m glad you posted this in need to start being organized and making list.

    • redwhiteadventures on March 29, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      Hey Janay,

      Lists are always so helpful! Making a list is definitely the first step!

      -Dom

  27. redwhiteadventures on March 29, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    Hey Trisha,

    Awesome! Hopefully it can be useful in the future! =)

    -Dom

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