What to Pack for a Cancun Vacation

What to Pack for a Cancun Vacation

Alizabeth Bronsdon Photography

Packing for any vacation can be stressful, but it shouldn't be. Just remember to make a list, keep it simple, and don't overpack. Chances are, you will be able to buy anything you forget to bring once in Cancun -- especially if you are staying at a resort.

Think about the activities you're planning. Your itinerary will dictate your packing list. You can lie on a beach and soak in the sun, join a guided horseback-riding adventure through the rain forest or hop on a bus for a day trip to ancient Mayan ruins.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Shorts/skirts Lightweight shirts/tank tops Bathing suit (or two) Sweater or sweatshirt Rain jacket or umbrella Sandals/flip-flops Walking shoes Sun hat Sunglasses Sun screen Toiletries Beach towel Book/magazine MP3/CD player Camera and charger Day pack Small first aid kit with essentials: aspirin, antacid, anti-bacterial creme, Band-Aids Spare batteries for electronic devices Money belt or security pouch Passport Plane ticket
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Lightweight shirts/tank tops
  • Bathing suit (or two)
  • Sweater or sweatshirt
  • Rain jacket or umbrella
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Walking shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun screen
  • Toiletries
  • Beach towel
  • Book/magazine
  • MP3/CD player
  • Camera and charger
  • Day pack
  • Small first aid kit with essentials: aspirin, antacid, anti-bacterial creme, Band-Aids
  • Spare batteries for electronic devices
  • Money belt or security pouch
  • Passport
  • Plane ticket
Step 1
Research potential activities.
Step 2
Write a detailed packing list.
Step 3
Lay everything on the bed and eliminate unnecessary or duplicate items.
Step 4
Pack your bags, remembering to keep all items prohibited by the airlines in your checked luggage.
Step 5
Carry your bags around the house and make sure they are not too heavy for you to handle.

Tips & Warnings

 
If you will be on the move, traveling on buses, packing light is even more important. Remember: the more you bring, the more you have to lug around. Pack clothing items that can be mixed and matched instead of specific outfits that you will only wear once. Seek out apparel that is light, breathable and will hang-dry quickly.
 
If you will be on the move, traveling on buses, packing light is even more important. Remember: the more you bring, the more you have to lug around.
 
Pack clothing items that can be mixed and matched instead of specific outfits that you will only wear once.
 
Seek out apparel that is light, breathable and will hang-dry quickly.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword