Now that you booked your trip to Cancun, Mexico it is time to start thinking about what to bring with you on vacation. Packing for the family may seem like a daunting task. Packing for a vacation in another country adds an extra level of stress. But do not fear we have all the answers to what you need to bring with you to Cancun Mexico. Reading our guide on what to pack for Cancun will teach you how to get ready for your vacation worry-free.
We have lived in and traveled around the Rivera Maya for four years. Because we have spent so much time in the area traveling, we know exactly what we will need and how to pack it. Particular cities or towns have a different packing list than others. Mahahual for example is very remote and does not have many options for shopping. So, it is best to bring whatever you will need with you. Cancun however is a large city and has been built with tourism in mind. It is very easy to rent a beach house and run to the local Walmart for previsions.
If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, I have an article and packing checklist for this specific type of vacation. Check out my Cancun all-inclusive packing guide with tons of tips and hacks on resort life. Looking to save some money while booking an all-inclusive check out our 9 helpful tips on saving when booking a resort stay in Cancun?
Millions of people each year come to vacation in Cancun, Mexico. Why? Because Cancun has gorgeous beaches, ancient history, adventure, sensational cuisine, welcoming locals, rocking nightlife, and phenomenal weather, all at a decent price point.
Now that you have decided to vacation in paradise you will need to know what there is to do in the area. If you have your activities planned before you come, you will have a better understanding of how to pack.
Here is a list of fun family activities to do in Cancun while on vacation. If having an adventure in the jungle is on your must-do list, then this article on local cenotes will fuel your desire for exploration.
Preparing for Mexico
Is it a wise decision to get Mexico travel insurance?
Absolutely! For just $5-10 USD a day, get peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master one of the leading names in travel insurance. Check out your options here!
Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
It all comes down to your service provider, so it is best to check with them. If no free Mexico service is available, one option is to get a Telcel SIM Card. As the biggest telecommunications carrier in Mexico, Telcel’s coverage is the best of any carrier’s Mexico SIM Cards.
Is a visa required to go to Mexico?
U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders generally do not require a visa for Mexico. You will need a passport and an FMM stamp once you arrive at the airport. For more information on this check out my complete Cancun Vacation guide. All you need to plan an epically organized vacation.
Transportation For Cancun
Make sure you have transportation booked before you land. Uber is still working the kinks out in the area.
It is possible to rent a car in Cancun and travel all over the state, or vacationers can take the ADO bus service to reach any destination.
For a great trip from Cancun airport to anywhere, Happy Shuttles is the perfect solution! Reaching your hotel from Cancun Airport is simplest when using a private transportation shuttle.
Happy Shuttles, a company supported by Viator, allows you to book a service that comes with an English-speaking driver who will meet you right outside the airport and then take you to your destination.
For an unforgettable trip to Mexico, Discover Cars are the top pick for car rental services.
I highly suggest Discover Carswhen you book a car rental in Mexico. They compare the rates of both international and Mexican companies, so you can make sure you get the best rate.
Whenever I plan for Mexican rental cars on the web, I always turn to Discover Cars.
Travel Tip…
When cruising through the Cancun area, cellular coverage can come and go. It’s important to download an offline Google Map to your phone and a copy of your Cancun Emergency Manual. Watch out for topes!!
What You Need For The Best Way To Pack A Suitcase For Cancun
My first international trip was to Paris and England for two weeks. I was new to travel and didn’t know how to pack my luggage.
Like a novice, I had four suitcases stuffed full of things I never used and of course, I didn’t have anything that I really needed.
After many packing disasters, I have learned to be more efficient in the way I pack. I understand what I will use and won’t use on a trip.
Now that we have a baby trucking along with us, I have had to step up my packing skills even more. But more on that in another article.
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Packing can be stressful and if you are not prepared it could turn a great vacation into a mess. Let us help you pack for your Cancun vacation.
If you are wondering what to pack for your Cancun vacation let us be your guide. Do not be like me and show up at the airport with four suitcases.
It is a pain to lug it all around and pack it all up before leaving. You do not need all that stuff. I will show you exactly what you need to take on your Cancun vacation.
The Gear You Need
To start with, you need the right luggage and accessories. On my first trip to Paris, I used luggage from the thrift store. It held my clothes but that was about it.
Because it was older it was bulky and didn’t roll easily at all. The entire trip I was fussing with my luggage and always falling behind while walking around.
After those two trips, I decided it was time to invest in some luggage. Our family travels constantly. I need luggage that meets all airlines and TSA standards.
My luggage needs to be durable and easy to tote around in any terrain. This is a list of my favorite products that I use every time our family steps out the door on vacation.
I bought this carry-on backpack about six months ago.
I spilled an entire coffee on the bag. My clothes and laptop were dry, and the bag cleaned up easily.
When going through TSA this bag makes pulling out my electronics a breeze. The bag has an exterior pocket built in to hold a laptop. The pocket is well-padded and keeps my laptop safe and sound during travel. Now I don’t have to carry a special bag for my laptop freeing up space in my item bag.
The backpack carry-on can be worn with a shoulder strap, as a backpack, carried with a handle, or sat on top of rolling luggage with a secure strap. This bag is very versatile and makes dealing with luggage at the airport a breeze.
Vacation Planning Made Easy!
I do not carry a purse on flight days. I pack a streamlined purse that folds flat and use this purse when I get to my destination.
On flight days I use this Samsonite under-seat carry-on. I use this bag as my personal item to fit under the seat. I have been on two-day trips where this bag was all I needed to bring with me.
The front pocket is perfect for my travel itinerary, boarding passes, phone, tickets, passport, and any other small items. My laptop fits great in the second pocket with all my cords and other electronics.
The main compartment will fit a good number of snacks, a few outfits, or any other things you may need for your flight.
This Samsonite bag has four wheels that move 360 and it glides so smoothly behind me. It is super cute and fits perfectly on top of my other pull-behind luggage.
I also use this bag as my traveling office. This piece of luggage is the most used piece I own. Millions of people each year come to vacation in Cancun, Mexico.
Why? Because Cancun has gorgeous beaches, ancient history, adventure, sensational cuisine, welcoming locals, rocking nightlife, and phenomenal weather, all at a decent price point.
Now that you have decided to vacation in paradise you will need to know what there is to do in the area. If you have your activities planned before you come, you will have a better understanding of how to pack.
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These packing cubes are my number one packing sidekick. For so long I thought that these were silly, and I did not see how they could help me save space.
I mean it’s just extra stuff along with the stuff I am already packing. I was wrong. These cubes are a game-changer. I have a set for everyone in the family so even when we are sharing suitcases, I can easily see whose stuff is where.
Now that I use packing cubes, I do not have loose stuff flying around my luggage. They make unpacking super easy. Everything I bring has a cube and I never have to dig through the suitcase again.
I somehow magically can fit more items in my luggage with these cubes. I don’t know if they use the same magic that Mary Poppins bag has or what. If you haven’t tried these yet, you must!
Cancun Packing List and Tips: Everything You Need To Bring To Cancun For Vacation
The list I have put together is for a 5-day vacation. If you are staying longer or a shorter amount of time adjust the number of clothes you need accordingly.
Honestly, even if you’re staying longer, I would not bring much more than listed below. I would call and have my laundry washed when the dirty clothes start to pile up.
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Having a list will keep you organized and avoid overpacking. If you don’t wear PJs at home don’t bring them now. If you don’t exercise at home, you’re not going to start on vacation so leave that gear at home.
Think of items that can serve a dual purpose and pack them. I like to keep everything in my bag black and grey with a splash of pink. This way every item I pack will match so I can make many outfits out of a few staple pieces.
Worst case scenario in Cancun you can get your laundry picked up, washed, folded, and delivered back to you for under 10 bucks or you can run down to Walmart to get whatever it is you need.
Other tips I have would be, to rent a house with a washer and dryer or pack items that hand wash well. The sun in Cancun will have them dry in no time.
Clothes
Every day is hot and humid in Cancun. Even in the middle of winter, it’s hot. So, you will not need to pack long pants or long-sleeved shirts.
The vibe is very casual in Cancun. There is no need to bring a ton of dress clothes. Actually, you will stand out if you do. Some shorts, T-shirts, bathing suits, and a beach dress or two is pretty much all you will need.
3 bottoms– Pack shorts for everyone or a few skirts for the girls. I like to bring items that can serve a dual purpose. I have a few pieces that I bring that can be dressed down or up depending on the top I wear with them.
4-5 tops, tanks- Pack tops for everyone. I like to choose neutral-toned pieces. That way everything will mix in match in my wardrobe. I also have pieces that can be used as a shirt or a bathing suit coverup depending on what we are doing for the day.
1-2 dresses- Pack this item for the girls. Dresses can be used as bathing suit cover-ups or easily dressed up for a nice evening out on the town.
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1 excursion outfit- Do you have plans to snorkel or visit Chichén Itza? You will need to bring special gear for your excursion. The perfect outfit for almost any activity I can think of in Cancun is a long sleeve rash guard and some swim shorts. The sleeves will protect you from the sun and the bugs. Your outfit will be lightweight, fast-drying, and protective.
1-2 dress shirts– Pack dress shirts for the boys
1 lightweight sweater or hoodie– Pack a hoodie for everyone. I like to pack a wrap like this one. It packs great and can be a lifesaver in many circumstances.
*Hoodies are not a necessary item when visiting in the summer.
1-2 pairs of socks– Only bring socks if you are going to exercise or do an activity that requires sneakers. Sneakers take up a ton of room in a bag. Consider wearing them on the plane to free up room in your luggage.
2-3 pairs of shoes– For the girls’ pack 1 beach sandal, one dressy sandal, and one pair of sneakers if exercising or going on excursions. For the boys, I pack one pair of flipflops or sandals and one other shoe of choice. The beaches are amazing in Cancun. If you are only swimming in the ocean or a pool you do not need water shoes. We live here and the only time we wished we had water shoes was when we visited the lagoons of Bacalar. If you have plans to visit the jungle, any ruins, horseback ride, zipline, or ATV you will want to bring sneakers.
1 set of Pjs– Pack Pjs for everyone.
2 bathing suits– Pack 2 swimsuits for everyone. The boys wear rash guards and nice board shorts to swim in. When in Cancun walking around in flip-flops and a rash guard is totally common.
We can dually purpose rash guards and swim trunks for normal daily wear. I do the same. While on a beach vacation, the only outfits I pack are a few cute rash guards, a few pairs of swim shorts, and a sundress. That’s it.
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1 bathing suit cover-up– I do not pack one of these. As I stated above typically I wear rash guards and swim shorts. But for the gal that lives in a two-piece, it is a must-have in your bag.
I like to bring a dress or flowy shirt that can double as a bathing suit coverup.
hat- Bring one for everyone. I am a sucker for a big floppy hat and honestly, I hate sunscreen. So, if I can cover up and still stay cool without having to lather up with sunscreen constantly, I am one happy mama.
Now I do not bring a hat for our 12-year-old. No matter how many times I pack one for him he won’t wear it so why pack it anymore? It is a waste of space. Take this list and personalize it to your family’s wants and needs.
sunglasses– I never bring my expensive sunglasses on vacation with me. I do not want to risk breaking them or losing them. I buy a few pairs of cheap yet super cute sunglasses and throw them in a bag. If they get lost or broke, I don’t get worked up about it.
underwear- I will let you decide how many undies you bring. Make sure you pack an extra bra. It is always nice to have a spare on hand.
Toiletries
I pack light on makeup and hair products while on a beach vacation. I do not know how your hair reacts to humidity, but my hair doesn’t like it. After 10 minutes outside I look like a poofy poodle.
So, I do not even bother with the flat iron or hair dryer. The same with my makeup. I do not gracefully sweat. When I step outside instantly my makeup starts sliding off.
So why pack it when I can’t use it? When packing remember the 311 rule for TSA. Only pack liquids in a one-quart size bag. Preferably the bag should be clear.
Only one quart-sized bag for each carry-on. Each container in the quart-size bag should be no more than 3.4 ounces. Check to see what is provided by the place you are staying at.
Do they have soap, a hair dryer, and shampoo available? Great! Then there is no need to pack it.
toothpaste toothbrush
stomach medicine- It is not fun to have an unexpected stomachache while on vacation. Make sure you bring some medicine with you. If you forget your meds no worries. The local pharmacies are great in Cancun, and you can get all you need there. If you are staying at a resort beware. Purchasing this type of product in the resort store will cost you top dollar.
baby wipes- Toilet paper is not always available in public bathrooms in Mexico. It is always nice to always have some wipes on hand.
pain reliever
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daily medications- It is best to bring prescription medications in their original bottles.
sunscreen- Make sure you buy reef-safe sunscreen. The people of this area work hard to protect the beautiful waters. Better yet wear a rash guard and hat. That eliminates the need for a ton of sunscreen.
spf chapstick- Do not forget to take care of your lips. Applying chapstick often will help. The sun and salt are harsh on your lips.
bug spray- The mosquitoes get bad at night. I mean Cancun is in the middle of the jungle. Deet bug spray is very hard to find in Cancun so if that is what you like to use it is better to bring it with you. I like this spray the best. It smells good and it uses natural essential oils for the repellant.
aloe or apple cider vinegar- If you cover up and use sunscreen hopefully you will not have to use aloe, but it is always best to have it on hand. I use apple cider vinegar spray. It helps ease sunburns and doubles as relief for jellyfish stings.
dryer sheets- There are many reasons to bring dryer sheets in your luggage. One reason is they make your luggage smell good throughout the entire trip. Another reason is that dryer sheets are great for brushing off sand. Instead of a towel use a dryer sheet to wipe sand away it works like magic. Baby powder works well for this too, but it takes up too much room in my quart-sized liquids bag.
hair accessories- I do not bring much with me for my hair. But I do make sure I have plenty of ponytail holders. My hair is almost always pulled up when I am on vacation.
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hairbrush
body lotion- The sun and salt will have your skin screaming for moisture. A good body lotion will help.
makeup
feminine products
shampoo and conditioner- Only bring these items if it is not provided by your accommodations.
stick deodorant- I use gel deodorant at home. However, when I am on vacation, I use a solid stick. The gel is considered a liquid. I do not want a stick of deodorant taking up precious space in my liquids bag.
nail clippers or file- This may or may not be that important to you. For me, it is a must.
bar soap- I always bring bar soap because it won’t spill, and I do not have to include it in my quart-size bag of liquids.
razor
hair spf protection- This is the one luxury hair product that I bring on a beach vacation. I cannot tame my wild mane in the humidity, but I can make sure it doesn’t get damaged by the sun and dried out by salt water and chlorine.
Miscellaneous items
passport
pesos- Peso is the official currency in Mexico and Cancun. Some places will take dollar bills however you will be charged more for using them. You can get pesos out of any atm in Cancun so don’t worry about having all you need for your entire vacation. There are many safe ATMs around Cancun.
extra cash- It is always best to have some extra cash stashed just in case.
credit card
Telcel sim chip- When you get to Cancun your cell phone from the States may or may not work. If it does not work, it will be ok.
We have a solution. Go onto any Amazon and buy a Telcel sim chip. After purchasing a sim chip and a data plan for just a few bucks you will have cell service, google translate, and maps.
When we want to call back home with our Telcel phone, we just use Messenger. I wrote an article that will explain Telcel and 5 other apps and resources you need for traveling in Mexico.
Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
It all comes down to your service provider, so it is best to check with them. If no free Mexico service is available, one option is to get a Telcel SIM Card As the biggest telecommunications carrier in Mexico, Telcel’s coverage is the best of any carrier’s Mexico SIM Cards.
travelers insurance- Protect Yourself and your vacation!! Is it a wise decision to get Mexico travel insurance?
Absolutely! For just $5-10 USD a day, get peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master one of the leading names in travel insurance.
Check out your options here!
travel itinerary- For every trip I take I use a written-out detailed itinerary. Having a written organized plan helps keep everything running smoothly.
There have been countless times that my itinerary has helped me out of a sticky situation. I never have to fumble for my phone and dig through emails to find the information I need.
I have it all filled out in my book. Not only does it help keep me extremely organized but filling it out gives me a detailed memory book of my vacations.
Anytime I have a question or want to recreate a vacation all I have to do is pull out my itinerary book for that trip. I have looked through many travel itineraries on the market and I couldn’t find one super detailed.
So, I made one. I wanted to provide my readers with the same itinerary I use. I have put together a super complete and detailed itinerary to get you ready and have you traveling like a pro.
Gear You Need To Pack For Cancun
cellphone and charger
camera and charger
travel clothesline
headphones
beach bag/ purse- When vacationing in tropical destinations I bring a beach bag that can double as my purse. I want something that will fold flat and pack easily.
The bag I have comes from Mexico and cannot be bought online. However, this is very similar to my bag.
wet bags- These are a saving grace. I often find myself putting dirty baby clothes and wet swimsuits in these handy bags.
Before wet bags, I used zip-lock bags and looked crazy pulling all the crumpled plastic bags out of my purse. Not anymore.
These bags are also great for keeping things safe and dry. I throw our phones and car keys in one of these bags to keep them protected from the beach.
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towels- I love these towels. They are large enough to layout on. They fold up small and they are not too heavy. These towels have been all around the world with us. Do not bring towels if your hotel or Airbnb has towels available for use.
snorkel gear- Only bring snorkel gear if you are going to use it. They do provide gear for you if you go on a tour. I have heard some complaints that the gear is not as nice as the customer expected.
, this is your call. I will provide a link to the set we own and use weekly in the Cancun area.
inflatables- If you plan on bringing inflatables leave them in their original packaging. They will never fold as small as they are when you buy them. A space-saving tip is to buy them when you get to Cancun. Beach and pool items are readily available.
Bluetooth speaker- This is not a necessary item, but my husband and I love music and he loves to play DJ. So, for our family having a decent speaker for tunes while hanging at the beach is a must.
A Must Have When Packing For Cancun
cooler bag- If you have the room and feel like you will use it. Bring it. This foldable cooler is a great extra item to have. You can save a ton of money by bringing your drinks and food to the beach.
Check with your accommodations first. They may have things like beach chairs, towels, snorkel gear, and coolers available for you to use.
stainless steel straws- This may sound silly to you. But, when we first moved to Cancun, I couldn’t get over how it was almost impossible to get a straw.
If you like to use a straw in your drinks, you should bring your own. It’s the small things that you don’t know till you get here.
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“Now that we have taken care of the packing you can sit back and relax. Now you have time to plan where you will eat while on vacation in Cancun. Planning a vacation is exciting. But it also can be a hassle. We have the tools you need to make traveling a breeze. We have learned many tips and hacks over time, and we are still learning every day. Traveling is the best teacher. I hope that our stories inspire you to make your dreams your reality no matter how impossible they may seem.” – Sabrina
