Documents and money
- Passport (check the expiry date and each country's validity rules)
- Printed or saved booking confirmations, transfer details and insurance policy
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Small US bills for tips ($1s and $5s)
- Mexico: your VISITAX QR code. Dominican Republic: your e-Ticket QR code.
Beach and pool
- Two or three swimsuits, so one can dry
- Reef-safe sunscreen (it costs far more at the resort shop)
- Sunglasses, a hat and a cover-up
- Insulated tumbler or cup: resort cups are small and drinks get warm fast
- Waterproof phone pouch and a small dry bag
- Water shoes for rocky beaches or cenotes
Evenings
Many à la carte restaurants have a dress code: long pants and closed shoes for men, and a dress, skirt or smart trousers for women. Pack one or two smart-casual outfits.
Health and comfort
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings and tours
- After-sun or aloe gel
- Basic medicines: pain relief, antacids, motion sickness tablets, rehydration salts
- Any prescriptions, in original packaging
For kids and babies
- Swim diapers and baby sunscreen (expensive or unavailable at resorts)
- Favorite snacks for flights and transfers
- Puddle jumper or swim vest, if your child uses one
Skip these
- Beach towels: resorts provide them
- Hair dryer: almost every room has one
- Lots of shoes: sandals, sneakers and one smart pair is plenty
