Ultimate Cancun Packing List: 12 Essentials to Bring

aiherrera 0 Comments

A person wearing a hat and swimwear walks along a sandy beach near the water. There are thatched umbrellas and buildings in the background.

Heading to Cancun, Mexico? I’m sure you’re eager to start packing but you may be unsure what to bring. No worries – I’ve got you covered! I sat down and created the ultimate Cancun packing list – if you follow along you’ll be good to go!

For this post, I looked at all the things people pack for Cancun (both necessary and unnecessary). Then, I weeded through that list and came up with the 12 essential things to pack for Cancun. I also included a list of other useful accessories you might want to pack and provided some recommendations for each of the featured items.

Go through this list and see whether you have all the things you’ll need for the trip. If not, you’ll wanna do some shopping and then start packing for Cancun!

Let’s see what you need!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are the 5 top things you need to bring to Cancun:

Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Daytime outfits
Nightime outfits

12 Items to Add to Your Cancun Packing List

Below, you’ll find a list of the 12 things you need to add to your packing list for Cancun, plus my personal recommendations for each of them.

1. Swimsuits

Gorgeous beaches, the sprawling Caribbean sea…you can’t go without a swimsuit! Even if you’re not a beach bum, you’ll probably be staying in one of the many incredible hotels with private pools, so a swimsuit (or 2) is non-negotiable.

I recommend packing at least 2 swimsuits so you always have an extra on hand. You can even pack a couple more – they take up very little space and weigh next to nothing.

The kind of swimsuit you choose is completely up to you! A full-body swimsuit like this one is a trusted choice, but you can also go for a bikini – I really like these! And of course, you can always bring one of each!

Guys have it simpler – they just need to throw a couple of pairs of swimming trunks in the suitcase and they’re ready to go!

2. Cover-ups

This one’s for the ladies! A cover-up is a must for any beach vacation. Not only will it protect you from the sun but it also looks amazing. And, you basically have an entire beach outfit in one.

There are a variety of designs to choose from when it comes to beach cover ups, but always choose a one made from lightweight and soft material. I really like this white chiffon cover up – it’s super cute and practical.

Kimonos are another great accessory for women that can double as a beach cover-up. Get something like this, and you can wear it to the beach but also while being during the day. It does a great job of protecting your arms and shoulders from the sun!

3. Hats

Sun protection comes in many shapes and forms, and a hat is a great way to protect your face and neck from the sun. Get a wide-brim hat that will cover your face and the back of your neck! Besides sun damage, this will also keep the sun out of your eyes, making it easier to see.

Another option is this cool fedora – it looks very stylish, and it’s unisex, so both women and men can add it to their packing list.

4. Sunglasses

An essential on every beach packing list – sunglasses. You just can’t have a pleasant day in the sun if you’re not wearing any sunglasses.

I’m guessing you already have a go-to pair, but in case you don’t, I recommend these polarized unisex sunglasses. They block 99.99% of UV rays and are available in a variety of colors – what more could you ask for?

5. Beach tote

Of course, you’ll need a place to store all your accessories when you hit the beach. That means you need to get a beach tote!

I personally like to have a waterproof beach tote that’s large enough to store towels, a water bottle, my phone, and some cash. But that’s just me – you can just choose whatever best reflects your style and way of travel.

6. Flip-flops/sandals

For me, no packing list ever is complete without a pair of flip flops or comfy sandals. Even in winter, I like to have a pair of flip flops just to walk around my hotel room and give my feet a bit of a rest. And for Cancun, they are an absolute must.

These Breeze sandals are amazing – comfortable, stylish, and pair well with everything, so you can wear them to the beach or while you’re out and about. Guys, don’t worry, I didn’t forget about you – these Reef sandals are an excellent choice!

7. Sunscreen

During your Cancun trip, you’ll be out and about a lot during the day. It should go without saying that you need to apply sunscreen – but here I am saying it again!

Even if you’re not at the beach – maybe you’re just walking around, having a drink, or making the most of your water park resort, you’ll need to be generous when applying sunscreen.

Lately, I’ve been wanting a little extra protection, so I got this Neutrogena lotion with SPF 70. It’s water resistant and doesn’t feel greasy on my skin, and does what it’s supposed to do. However, you can choose one that works best with your skin type!

8. Outfits for the day

If you were stuck on what to wear in Cancun, this is the part you’ve been waiting for! Well, to make outfit planning a bit easier, I always separate my outfits into ‘daytime’ and ‘nighttime outfits.

For the day, I like to pack one Spaghetti-strap dress that I can wear several times and combine with different accessories. I always get at least one pair of athletic shorts, a few V-neck tank tops, and a couple of T-shirts. Plus, one flowy maxi skirt!

As for shoes, a pair of flat strappy sandals is the most reliable option!

For the guys, I recommend a pair of classic shorts, a couple of short-sleeve shirts, and 3 to 4 crew neck T-shirts. For footwear, slip-on sneakers work well with everything!

9. Outfits for a night out

As promised, I created a separate section for nighttime outfits. While in Cancun, you’ll probably spend a few nights partying, especially if you’re staying at a party resort – so you need the proper attire.

Ladies, don’t start off for Cancun without at least one floral print dress, a couple of casual mini dresses, and a dressy jumpsuit. Top it all off with some high-heeled strappy sandals and you have yourself 4 outfits.

If you need more you can combine one mini skirt with different tops!

The best advice I can provide for guys is to get a couple pairs of casual long-sleeve pants, a few linen shirts, and a pair of good-looking sneakers, such as these. If you want to add some versatility, you can’t go wrong with polo shirts!

10. Comfy pajamas

If there’s one thing I forget until the very last minute it’s pajamas. Then I get in a frenzy to find a pair that will be comfortable during my vacation and end up running late. So, if you’re anything like me, hurry up and add PJs to your Cancun checklist.

All you need is one pair of comfy pajamas (unless you’re staying for more than 10 days). I found this to be an amazing choice for women – they’re comfy and breathable, and they won’t make you too hot to sleep. The only thing guys need to pack is a pair of pajama shorts and maybe a light shirt!

11. Electronics

I’m pretty sure you won’t forget about your phone or even your tablet or Kindle. But what you might forget is a charger. So I suggest getting a multi-charging cable that works with several devices. You won’t spend time looking for the different cables for each device and it’s just one thing to pack.

Another electronic gadget I like to bring is a power bank. Most of the time on vacation you’re out and you don’t always have access to a charging station or an electric plug. Bringing your power bank along ensures you never run out of battery – especially important if you’re not familiar with your surroundings.

12. Basics

Close-up of a person holding a United States passport with an airplane visible through the airport window in the background

The final things to bring to Cancun are your basics – passport, cards, money, personal ID, driver’s license, etc. You probably think you’ll remember all of this, but it’s best to add it to the checklist and be 100% sure you didn’t leave anything behind.

And finally, you can’t forget about travel insurance! We at Miss Tourist rely on SafetyWing for all our travel insurance needs – you can read the full review here. I know many people overlook this, but it’s extremely important and not something you should skip out on. Don’t leave for Cancun without your travel insurance!

Other useful accessories

Well, you saw the list and you know what to pack for Cancun. But besides the essentials, there are a few other things you should consider adding to your luggage:

FAQs about your Cancun packing list

A woman with a glass of champagne in a hat looking out of a window at the beach.

❌ What not to bring to Cancun?

When going to Cancun, don’t pack food, medicine, expensive jewelry, and of course, illegal items.

🩴 What shoes to wear in Cancun?

For the beach, you’ll want a pair of comfy flip-flops or sandals and one pair of dressy shoes for a night out. You can also bring a pair of water shoes, and if you’re planning on walking a lot, a pair of sneakers.

🦟 Do I need insect repellent in Cancun?

Yes, it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent to Cancun. It’s a tropical climate, so you should protect yourself from bug bites. These insect-repellent bracelets are also a great alternative to your typical spray or lotion.

Final words on packing for Cancun

0 All Inclusive Family Resorts in Cancun

Well, we’re at the end of this Cancun packing list. Now you know everything you need to bring on your vacation, so start stocking up and get that suitcase out of storage.

I’m not singling anything out, as all the items listed here are equally important and you’ll need them, whether you’re going for a long weekend or a week-long vacation.

If you still don’t have all the items listed here, now’s the time to do some shopping!

Do you have any questions about packing for Cancun? Please drop a comment and I’ll get back to you – I’m happy to help you pack for your trip!

Have an unforgettable time,

Hristina

Pin it for later!