Mexico Packing List: Resort Must-Haves and Travel Tips
Disclosure: Some of the links on our website are affiliate links, meaning at no extra cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase
Not sure what to pack for your Mexico resort holiday?
You’re not alone.
We’ve all made mistakes — the sunburn, the overpriced sunscreen, and even the awkward moment of being turned away from a restaurant because someone forgot their trousers. 🫣
This Mexico packing list is here to save you from those rookie errors.
From essentials like sunscreen and plug adaptors to a few things most travellers forget, these are the items we always pack for a resort stay in Mexico.
Pack smart, dodge the overpriced crisps at the resort shop, and actually enjoy your holiday.
Quick Answer: What Should You Pack for a Mexico Resort Holiday?
If you’re heading to a resort in Mexico, there are a few essentials you’ll definitely want in your suitcase.
The most important things to pack include plenty of high SPF sunscreen, a universal plug adaptor, a waterproof phone case, bug spray with DEET, and some basic medicines.
These items can be ridiculously expensive at resort shops, and sometimes hard to find depending on where you’re staying.
Packing them before you go will save you money, hassle, and a sweaty taxi ride to the nearest supermarket.
A lot of travellers assume they can just buy everything when they arrive, which is actually one of the more common Cancun & Riviera Maya travel mistakes people make.
Our 5 Most Useful Mexico Travel Items
If you’re short on time, these are the five things we never travel to Mexico without. They’ll save you money, avoid common travel mistakes, and make resort life much easier.
1️⃣ High SPF Sunscreen
Mexico’s UV index is no joke, and resort shops charge a fortune for sunscreen. Bring extra.
2️⃣ Universal Travel Plug Adaptor
Mexico uses Type A/B sockets, so UK travellers will need an adaptor.
3️⃣ Waterproof Phone Case
Perfect for cenotes, pool photos, and beach days without risking your phone.
4️⃣ Portable Power Bank 20,000mAh
Phones die fast in the heat, especially when filming, navigating, and taking photos all day.
5️⃣ Bug Spray with DEET
Essential if mosquitoes decide you’re the evening buffet.
High SPF Sunscreen (Bring More Than You Think)
If we could give you only one tip for your Mexico packing list, it would be this:
Bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need.
Mexico’s UV index is no joke, especially for pasty Brits like us. Even if you think four bottles will do the job, pack extra and reapply often. It creeps up on you, and before you know it, you’ll be looking like a lobster by dinner.
Don’t do a Russ… twice.
Running out of sunscreen is one of the most common mistakes we see in travel groups. It might not sound like a big deal until the only option is the resort shop charging £25–£30 for a tiny bottle.
And when a bag of Lays costs £15… you already know sunscreen is going to sting more than the burn.
If you’ve got sensitive skin or plan to do excursions, a rashguard or UV shirt is also a good shout (I will 100% be investing one for our 2026 trip). We ended up draping T-shirts over our shoulders in the peak heat. Even with sunscreen, you could feel the sun cooking.
When we visited in May 2025 it hit 34°C and felt closer to 39°C.
That’s effing redderz.
Good to Know:
Some areas like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and certain waterparks require reef-safe sunscreen. Cenotes are even stricter and often won’t allow sunscreen at all.
A rash guard will almost certainly be your best bet.
It’s a bit of a mish-mash depending on the tour or location, but brands like Nivea claim to be reef-friendly.
Recommended: Reef-friendly SPF50 sunscreen 👉 Check price on Amazon.
We’ve just managed to snag three for just over £15, which is a great deal.
Mexico Plug Adaptor (Type A & B Outlets)
Mexico uses Type A and Type B power outlets, the same as the USA and Canada.
So if you’re travelling from North America, you’re good to go.
The rest of us will need a plug adaptor.
We recommend using a universal travel adaptor rather than buying a single Mexico adaptor. These cover nearly 300 countries, so you won’t end up with a drawer full of random plugs after every trip.
They’re usually under £20 and worth having for any future travel.
A good trick is pairing the adaptor with a small extension lead from home.
One adaptor, one extension lead… problem solved.
Some hotel rooms also have USB ports, but they’re not always reliable or fast, so it’s best not to rely on them.
Recommended: Universal travel adaptor 👉 Check price on Amazon
Waterproof Phone Case (Perfect for Pools & Cenotes)
You might think you can skip the waterproof phone case.
We certainly did.
But trust us — you’ll want one once you’re in Mexico. From snorkelling with fish to cenote swims and poolside chaos, there are loads of moments where you’ll wish you could safely bring your phone in the water.
And let’s be honest… cenote photos are half the reason people go.
Buying one at your hotel shop will usually set you back $25–$30 USD, and the quality is often questionable. You’ll also see guys selling them on the beach (along with about 47 other things), but it’s much easier and cheaper to grab one before you leave.
You can get perfectly good waterproof phone pouches online for under a tenner.
One tip though — always test it first. Put a bit of tissue inside the case and submerge it in the sink for a few minutes. If the tissue comes out dry, you’re good to go.
Much better than finding out the hard way in a cenote.
Recommended: Get 2x Waterproof phone pouch for £10 👉 Grab them on Amazon
Portable Power Bank for Travel
One thing that catches a lot of travellers out is how quickly your phone battery dies in Mexico.
Between filming cenotes, taking beach photos, using Google Maps, and navigating airports and transfers, your phone ends up working overtime. You’ll also likely need your screen brightness cranked up to the max just to see anything outside.
Add in the heat and constant screen use, and your battery will drain much faster than normal.
A portable power bank is an easy fix.
We always bring one now, especially for excursions and long travel days, so we’re never stuck with a dead phone halfway through the day.
A 20,000mAh power bank is ideal and will usually charge your phone several times before needing to be recharged itself. We currently have a 12,000mAh one, and while it does the job, that extra bit of juice would definitely come in handy on longer days out.
We’ll probably be upgrading before the next trip.
Small, lightweight, and a genuine travel lifesaver.
Recommended: 20,000mAh portable power bank 👉 Check price on Amazon
Tip: Most airlines restrict power banks above 27,000mAh, (100Wh) so sticking with something around 20,000mAh is usually the safest option.
Water Shoes (For Rocky Beaches & Excursions)
Many beaches along the Riviera Maya can be quite rocky depending on where you’re staying, so we recommend packing a pair of cheap water shoes.
They’re not glamorous… but your feet will thank you.
Some resorts have beautiful soft sand, but others can be rocky or covered in coral fragments, especially when you enter the water. A pair of water shoes makes swimming, snorkelling, or just walking along the shoreline much easier.
They’re also handy for excursions like cenotes, ATV tours, and jungle activities, where things can get muddy or slippery.
And when you’re working with a 20–25kg luggage allowance, you can only pack so many pairs of footwear.
A lightweight pair of water shoes saves ruining your good trainers or flip flops.
Recommended: Lightweight water shoes 👉 Check price on Amazon
Washbag Essentials (Medicines & Sun Stick)
In your washbag, don’t forget the usual lifesavers:
- paracetamol (lidl)
- Ibuprofen (lidl)
- Rennies (whoever is cheapest)
- Antihistamines (as above)
We usually just take a strip or two of each and ditch the boxes. It saves space, weight, and future regret.
Side note: the antihistamines turned out to be a huge win, despite the “Why do we need those?” lecture from Russ.
Fast forward to him getting bitten by something juicy — possibly sent from the jungle gods themselves.
Guess who came to the rescue?
Doctor Luke. Prepped and smug.
Resort pharmacies are no friends of your wallet, so bringing a few basics from home is always a good idea.
Another thing we found really useful was a sun stick. Perfect for quick reapplication on your face and shoulders when you’re sweaty, sandy, or halfway to tipsy.
Bonus: it fits straight in your washbag.
We used an ELF sun stick, & Nivea, but honestly, just grab whatever’s on offer when you’re shopping.
One tip though — don’t buy the tiny round ones that look like lip balm. They’re useless for shoulders and your face.
The ELF one glided on nicely with no wastage.
Shapes matter.
Reusable Cup or Thermal Tumbler
Single-use plastic has been banned in many parts of Mexico, so most resorts use reusable plastic cups. You’ll also notice that straws are often paper… or not available at all.
Which can be slightly tragic when you’re trying to enjoy a frozen cocktail.
That’s why we recommend bringing a medium-sized thermal tumbler rather than one of the massive Yeti-style mugs you often see.
A smaller tumbler means you can try more drinks without committing to a huge one, and they also keep cocktails cold for much longer in the heat.
We also brought a few metal straws with rubber tips, which made life easier with things like mudslides and frozen margaritas.
The tumbler we recommend is just over a pint (UK size), which we found to be the perfect balance.
You don’t want flat soup or to get bored with the same drink.
As Kate once wisely said in Benidorm:
“Everyone likes a drink, Martin… nobody likes a drunk.”
Serious Talk (Pints & Cocktails Matter)
If you want a decent pint-sized tumbler, we recommend the YETI Rambler 20 oz (591 ml) Tumbler.
It’s built from 18/8 stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps drinks cold for hours — ideal when you’re baking by the pool in Mexico.
The 20 oz / 591 ml capacity is very close to a UK pint, so bartenders will happily fill it without the awkward “why is this cup the size of a bucket?” moment.
It’s also:
- tough stainless steel (won’t dent easily in luggage)
- splash-resistant lid
- dishwasher safe
- fits most cup holders
In other words — perfect for margaritas, beers, and frozen cocktails by the pool.
Resort Dress Codes (Don’t Forget Trousers & Shoes)
This is a biggie.
You’d be surprised how many men get turned away from restaurants at all-inclusive resorts because they’re wearing shorts or flip flops.
Even smart shorts.
Yes… even at your own hotel.
Many resorts à la carte restaurants require long trousers and closed shoes for men, especially in the evenings.
Some resorts are relaxed, some are strict.
And the frustrating part is that rules can change depending on the staff working that night, so relying on Facebook groups for dress code advice isn’t always reliable.
What worked for someone last week might not work for you.
A lightweight pair of chinos works perfectly. They’re smart enough for resort restaurants but still breathable in the heat.
You probably won’t need them, but better to be safe than sorry.
If you can’t be arsed with shoes, you will most likely be fine with all black trainers (or near enough).
Otherwise your partner will go absolutely apeshit when dinner gets cancelled because you packed six pairs of swim shorts and nothing smart.
“Holiday ruined”
Smart Trainers Work Too
We’ve never had a problem wearing smart all-black trainers (or close) at resort restaurants. We’re big fans of Vans trainers for travel. They’re light, comfy, and smart enough to get past most dress codes.
The brown gum-sole versions are especially nice and definitely on my wish list for the next trip.
Before buying, it’s also worth checking the Vans website directly, as they regularly run 30–50% sales.
If you’re on more of a budget, SoulCal trainers from Sports Direct are another decent option.
These kinds of trainers are ideal if your plates of meat get a bit sweaty, like mine. Nothing worse than clodhopping about in leather or thick smart shoes.
Pair It With a Small Crossbody Bag
My father would probably turn in his grave knowing I now own a “man bag.”
At the very least, his ghost would be muttering something about soft lads.
But convenience wins.
Many swim shorts and smart shorts have tiny, useless pockets or my pet hate… false pockets, meaning your phone and wallet are constantly falling out or bulging at the seams.
This Vans crossbody bag turned out to be surprisingly useful. It’s compact but a bit of a TARDIS inside. Most of the time, I just hold it like a phone rather than wear it. They don’t seem to make the green one like we have (image below) anymore, which is a real shame, but the black one looks pretty cool.
I managed to fit:
- two phones
- wallet
- cigarettes & lighter
- power bank
- USB cable
With room to spare.
Plus, you won’t end up with sweaty, overloaded pockets all day.
I’d rather look like a bit of a prat than be uncomfortable.
Bug Spray with DEET (Mosquito Protection)
Bizarrely, we’ve never had much trouble with bites in Mexico.
And that’s despite staying in the jungle.
However, everyone’s blood seems to be different, and it would be a big mistake to make if you arrived without some kind of insect repellent.
If you’re a thirsty Kirsty that mosquitoes love, they’ll go through anything weak like it’s a starter course.
That’s why we recommend bringing a proper insect repellent that contains DEET.
It’s still one of the most effective ingredients for keeping mosquitoes away, especially in hot and humid places like the Riviera Maya.
You can buy repellents at resort shops, but — like everything else — the price will make your eyes water.
Much easier to bring one from home and throw it in your washbag.
Recommended: DEET mosquito repellent 👉 Check price on Amazon
Bug Bite Cream or Antiseptic
It might not just be mosquitoes biting you in Mexico.
It could be sand fleas, jungle bugs, or something else entirely.
Or even a crocodile.
Just kidding about the crocs…
Although a pot of Sudocrem won’t fix a missing leg.
Bringing a small antiseptic cream like Sudocrem, Germolene, or similar is a good idea to help soothe bites, rashes, or any random skin irritation.
On one trip my feet ended up covered in red bite marks, while Russell somehow escaped untouched.
They weren’t painful, just weirdly red and angry looking.
Thankfully they cleared up about three weeks after getting home.
So yeah… definitely pack something for bites.
Just in case.
Activated Charcoal Tablets (For Dodgy Stomachs)
Activated charcoal tablets are vacation savers!
Activated charcoal tablets can be absolute holiday savers.
We first discovered them when a fellow traveller handed us a couple after lunch on a trip… and let’s just say they worked a treat.
When you’re travelling, you’ll probably eat things your stomach isn’t used to — different spices, seafood, salads washed in tap water, or just a few too many margaritas the night before.
Sometimes that combination can leave you spending more time on the toilet than by the pool.
Activated charcoal tablets are commonly used to help settle upset stomachs and digestive discomfort, which is why a lot of travellers keep them handy.
If you’re planning to try lots of local food (and you should), having some in your washbag can be a lifesaver.
Go for a higher strength option if possible, as lower-dose ones don’t tend to do much.
Good to Know:
Some restaurants and resorts wash fruits and salads using local tap water. While this is generally safe for locals, it can sometimes upset travellers’ stomachs.
Bringing a few charcoal tablets is a simple way to play it safe if your stomach starts acting up.
You don’t need anything fancy here. A bottle of activated charcoal tablets usually costs around £10–£15 and will last several trips, making it one of the cheapest travel items that can save your holiday.
Recommended: Activated charcoal tablets above 2000mg 👉 Check price on Amazon
Hydration Sachets (Liquid IV Style)
Another thing we’ll definitely be packing next time is hydration sachets, often known as Liquid IV-style drinks. They’re especially useful after long flights, heavy nights, or full days in the sun.
Basically, they’re electrolyte powders you mix with water.
We’re not experts in the science-y bits, but they’re designed to help your body rehydrate faster than having to down 7 pints of water.
And trust us — in Mexico’s heat, with all the swimming, sweating, cocktails, and late nights, your body will appreciate the help.
We discovered them after a particularly heavy evening when some fellow resort guests handed us one each the next morning.
Within about 20 minutes… we felt human again.
Magic.
Just be aware that some brands use stevia or artificial sweeteners, which can upset some stomachs. It’s worth trying them at home first before relying on them on holiday.
But used when needed, they can be an absolute hangover lifesaver.
If you’re looking for a more natural drink to rid your hangover, most resorts in Mexico have this green juice (jugo de verde). It’s thick, it’s dark green and its loaded with goodness. It can taste a bit funky at first (nothing bad). I just down the stuff and move on. Miracle cure.
Moisture Absorbers (For Humidity)
If you want to keep your clothes from smelling musty, it’s worth bringing a few moisture absorbers in your suitcase.
The Riviera Maya is very humid, and you really notice it once you get home and unpack.
Clothes that felt perfectly dry in Mexico can suddenly smell like damp washing after sitting in your suitcase for hours on the flight back.
Moisture absorbers help pull the excess humidity out of the air inside your case and your room.
And honestly, you’ll be surprised how much water they collect.
When you get home, it’s also worth giving your suitcase a good airing out. Otherwise it can start smelling like a forgotten washing machine load.
Because you wouldn’t want your favourite tee ruined, would you?
Things To Check Before Shopping & Packing
Before you start buying loads of travel gear, it’s worth checking what your resort already provides.
Most resorts will supply things like towels, shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryers, so there’s no need to waste luggage space bringing your own.
Not having to pack towels alone is a massive win for weight and space.
You may have also heard that European hairdryers and straighteners are basically useless in Mexico. Many travellers say they barely work at all — you may as well blow on your hair and hope.
The easiest way to check is by joining the Facebook group for your resort. Guests usually share helpful tips about what’s provided in the rooms and what’s worth bringing from home.
It’s also a good idea to pack with a few kilos spare in your luggage.
You’ll probably want to bring back a stash of Mexican snacks, and the Coca-Cola over there really is something else.
Also keep in mind that your clothes may come home slightly heavier thanks to the humidity.
Other Tips
A few extra tips that might make your Mexico trip a little smoother:
Start taking bacteria drinks like Yakult a couple of weeks before departure.
Some travellers swear by this to help their stomach adjust before arriving.
Bring enough cash to start you off
While many places accept cards, tipping is common at resorts, and it’s useful to have smaller notes available. Reception should sort you out, swapping to smaller bills or one of the bars.
Consider booking a private airport transfer.
We recommend booking a one-way transfer when arriving. It’s quicker, easier after a long flight, and you can often ask the driver to stop at a supermarket for essentials… like pool snacks or cigarettes if you smoke.
Flying with TUI? Bring headphones with an AUX cable.
The ones they hand out on the plane will make you cry after six hours. Premium passengers get better ones, but the standard headphones are pretty grim.
Final Thoughts
We hope this Mexico packing list helps you feel a little more prepared for your trip.
It might sound like a lot of stuff, but most of these items take up very little space or weight in your suitcase.
If you avoid packing clothes you’ll never wear and five pairs of shoes “just in case”, there’s plenty of room for the things that actually make your trip easier.
On our last trip we packed just 12kg each, which left plenty of space for bringing back snacks, souvenirs, and other bits from Mexico.
And yes… we still packed clothes we never wore.
We’re all guilty of that one.
Pack smart, bring the essentials, and you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the cocktails by the pool.
It’s all in the prep.
PS: If we hear another argument about a ruined holiday because someone forgot trousers or shoes for dinner, that might be the end of us.
More Mexico Guides, Tips & Advice
- How Long Does It Take to Get Through Cancun Airport Terminal 2?
- Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
- Fee-Free Spending Abroad
- Mexican Tourist Taxes Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know
If this post saved you or helped you book smarter, that’s a massive win for us.
If you fancy supporting what we do, you can grab us a beer below. It genuinely keeps the site running (and funds the holiday hunting).
No pressure. Just good vibes.
¡Adiós amigos!
Send this list to your travel Akela
