What to Pack for an All Inclusive Resort in Mexico

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Whether you’re heading out for spring break, family vacation, couple’s retreat, or a solo adventure, Mexico is a hot vacation destination. You can lounge at the swimming pool at one of the many luxury resorts across the country and let your stress melt away. It’s a great idea to plan ahead, though, especially if it’s your first time visiting. So we’ve put together this what to pack for an all inclusive resort in Mexico checklist. We hope it helps!

What’s In This Post

  • Top Mexico travel destinations
  • Before you leave home
  • Ultimate Mexico Packing List
    • Essential items
    • For your hotel
    • Beach destinations
    • Day trips & outdoor activities
    • Rainy season
    • Winter months

Heads up – This post contains affiliate links for your convenience, and we may earn a very small commission if you make a purchase through an affiliate link. 

Top Mexico Travel Destinations

Everyone’s got an opinion about the best places to visit in Mexico. I know I certainly have mine! I really love the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo region as well as Huatulco and Oaxaca. Most recently, I visited the Samalayuca Dunes outside Juarez, and that was also an amazing experience. 

Mexico Resort Swimming Cave\

If I’m looking for a travel guide or travel experts, though, I check out sites like Tripadvisor. They put together a list of the best destinations in Mexico. Here are some of the hotspots:

  • Cancun
  • Playa del Carmon
  • Cabo San Lucas
  • Puerto Vallarta
  • Tulum
  • Mexico City
  • Cozumel
  • Nuevo Vallarta
  • Huatulco

It’s worth mentioning the gorgeous Yucatan Peninsula and Chichen Itza, of course. One of my favorite memories was exploring Mayan ruins. If you’re into adventure and want to visit an eco-park, I’d highly recommend Xcaret. 

Before You Leave Home

We know you’re excited to get to your Mexican resort, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve covered the important things. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  • Find your passport. Renew, if necessary. 
  • Confirm the details of your inclusive vacation. Every resort has a different definition and there may be activities on-site that are not actually included in your vacation package. Before you create an itinerary and budget, get the details in writing (send an email!). 
  • Make a list of things you absolutely must take with you. Is there a personal item that’s a must-have? Put it on the list!
  • Contact your bank/creditor and let them know you’ll be traveling. The last thing you need is to get to Mexico and your credit cards don’t work!
  • Verify any vaccination requirements from your airline, hotel/resort, or any places you plan to visit. 
  • Get travel insurance. Trust us — we met while working at a travel insurance company! We hope you have seamless, safe travels, but it’s good to be prepared just in case. Don’t learn the hard way!

Ultimate Mexico Packing List

Getting ready for that inclusive resort life? We’ve got you covered! We’ve broken up this inclusive packing list into sections since not all will apply to your situation based on when and where you’re traveling. 

Pro tip — check the dress code at the restaurants within your resort and any others you plan to visit in the area. Make sure you’ve got the right outfits for the occasion!

Mexico Resort\

While we try to cover everything with our ultimate packing list, we also prefer carry-on luggage. We use packing cubes to keep things organized and reduce how much space we’ll need. Be sure to check out our tips for packing like a germaphobe for more tips! 

What to Pack for Summer Vacations to Mexico

  • Tank tops/t-shirts
  • Pairs of shorts
  • Underwear/bras/socks
  • Sundresses
  • Bathing suit
  • Flip flops
  • Light sweater or jacket
  • Light pants
  • Collared shirt
  • Evening dress
  • Sneakers
  • Nice shoes (if needed)
  • Good microfiber towel
  • Sunhat/baseball cap
  • Water shoes
  • Beach coverup

What to Pack for Winter Vacations to Mexico

  • T-shirts
  • Pairs of shorts
  • Underwear/bras/socks
  • Light long-sleeve shirts
  • Pants
  • Sweater or jacket
  • Flip flops
  • Bathing suit
  • Coverup
  • Collared shirt
  • Evening dress
  • Sneakers
  • Nice shoes (if needed)
  • Good microfibre towel
  • Sunhat/baseball cap

What to Pack During Hurricane/Rainy Season

Does the forecast predict temperatures closer to summer or winter weather? Pack from the above list based on that information and then pack a few extras for your Mexico vacation. You might not see much sun during hurricane season, but you can still have a great time!

Essential Items & Toiletries

When you’re preparing and packing essentials, here are a few things to consider carrying with you at all times (you can find this stuff in gift shops but usually at an extra cost). We use a travel backpack/daypack or anti-theft cross-body bag when we’re out exploring. 

For the Flight

We have guides written for carry-on essentials and long-haul flight must-haves, so please check them out. In the meantime, here’s a short list of things you might need on your flight:

For Your Hotel Room

You want to be comfortable and prepared during your stay so that you can avoid spending your souvenir money on these types of things in the resort shops! Check out our germaphobe’s guide to cleaning hotel rooms and then pack the following:

Beach Destination

Ready to sink into a beach chair and enjoy that gorgeous Mexican sun or water sports on your beach vacation? It’s a good rule of thumb to pack for the type of trip you’re hoping to have. This really is a great way to save so much money because you won’t be scrambling for gear when you get there. 

Day Trips & Outdoor Activities

Planning to venture outside your all inclusive resort and travel beyond the beautiful beaches and coastal areas? A good rule of thumb for making a trip to tropical destinations more affordable is to book during the off-season. One good thing is that you’ll probably face smaller crowds as you explore historic sites and other outdoor activities on day trips. 

Enjoy Your Next Trip to Mexico!

An inclusive resort vacation at a Mexican resort can be truly magical. I’ve been on several! In my opinion, it’s the best way to see that magnificent country and a good option for saving money. If you’re planning an inclusive trip next time, we hope our tips and this guide for what to pack for an all inclusive resort in Mexico are helpful. Stay safe and have the time of your life!