for travel to Mexico and the Caribbean:

(Tips for Packing for Europe, Asia, South America and beyond coming soon!)

Important items to pack in your carry-on baggage:

  • Passport book

  • Travel documents provided by your travel agent

  • Cash or Debit Card to use ATM (USD is acceptable for tipping in the Caribbean)

  • Credit Card to make purchases (no Discover Card, bring a back up, just in case!)

  • Medical insurance card and travel insurance policy information

  • Cell phone and charger

  • Laptop computer or tablet and charger

  • Headphones

  • Prescription medication – never pack prescription medications in your checked bag, always carry it with you. You must have your prescription information along with it.  Some narcotics are illegal outside of the U.S. – check with the state department for more information about your destination.

  • Valuables - if you are traveling with electronic devices (Kindle, speakers, etc.) , jewelry, watches, expensive handbags or sunglasses, you will want to carry these with you into the cabin, do not put expensive items in your checked luggage.

When packing liquids in your cabin baggage, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 rule per TSA.

If you are traveling with young children, refer to TSA’s policies on milk, formula and juice.

COVID-19 Specific Information:

  • Masks - all airlines and airports are requiring masks for all travelers, except those under 2 years old. You may be asked to wear a mask while inside your resort buildings, when using your airport transportation or during an excursion. Plan to bring extra masks, the Caribbean is humid and you don’t want to wear the same one all week and for your travels!

  • Hand sanitizer - most airlines are providing sanitizing wipes while you board your flight and airports and resorts are providing hand sanitizer. However, if you wish to take extra with you, you can do so in your carry-on or checked luggage. TSA has updated their policies for hand sanitizer to allow for more than the typical amount but this does not apply to your return flight from abroad.

Around the Resort:

Attire for Men-

  • A t-shirt shirt with sleeves – men are usually not permitted to use the restaurants shirtless or wearing a cut off/sleeveless shirt

  • Evening attire – Caribbean resorts almost always have dress codes for evening dining

  • Men are usually required to wear long pants* (jeans, khakis, any kind of slacks), a collared shirt (polo, short sleeved dress shirt, dress shirt), and closed toe shoes (tennis shoes, loafers, boat shoes, etc.)

    *some resorts allow shorts in the evening, check with your agent!

Attire for Women-

  • Women can wear anything they like for dinner or during the day, cover-ups required when using restaurants.

Attire for all Travelers (includes children)-

  • Closed toe shoes like tennis shoes in case you plan to do an excursion, for some it is mandatory. Water shoes are a great option, too.

  • Pool Cover-Up – you will need to wear something over your swimsuit when visiting the resort’s restaurants during the day

Beach/Pool Essentials =:

  • Sunscreen - this is usually really expensive when purchasing at a resort gift shop so packing it with you saves you some money. Some excursions will require “reef safe” sunscreen - we love Sun Bum!

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sandals/Flip Flops

  • Beach Bag

 Additional Items:

  • Over the Counter Medications - such as pain killers, band-aids, stomach issue relievers- these will be expensive at the resort

  • Damp Rid – optional but a life saver when traveling to the Caribbean. You can hang a bag in your closet and it will keep your clothes from feeling damp from the humidity.  You only need one bag per closet per week.  Pack this in your checked luggage (don’t pack in carry-on) and throw out before you leave the resort.  You can find them at Amazon and they come in this nice fresh scent!

  • “Yeti Mugs”, Pool Floats, etc. - some resorts will refill your personal insulated mugs and do allow personal pool floats. Ask your agent if this applies to you!

 Items you should not pack:

  • Firearms or weapons - these violate TSA policy.

  • Marijuana – drugs are illegal in Mexico and the Caribbean (even medical marijuana) and you will not be permitted to take it in to your destination.

  • Camouflage patterned attire – attire like this is not permitted in some Caribbean destinations.

  • Pool towel – these will be provided to you by the resort.

  • Toiletries – most resorts provide shampoo and conditioner, lotion and soaps/shower gel.

  • Hairdryer – most resorts provide this in the room.