There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click on any of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (which I really appreciate, thank you!) The full disclosure policy can be found here.

What to pack for Cancun

You’ve booked your Cancun vacation, and you’re counting down the days to sunny days and cold margaritas. Now, you need to decide what to pack for Cancun.

In this guide, I’ll help you figure out what to pack for a Cancun vacation. This is a guide for what to pack for an all-inclusive vacation, but the same general tips apply to any Cancun getaway, even if you are not staying in an all-inclusive.

Tips for when you arrive in Cancun

I recommend booking a private transfer through Project Expedition or through my favorite transfer company, Happy Shuttle Cancun.

Make sure to have transfers booked in advance! When you arrive at the airport, stay in the middle and say “no thank you” to anyone trying to “help you find your transfer/taxi.” They are not trying to help you; they are trying to sell timeshares!

This can be jarring to first-time visitors, so know that the actual transfers and taxis are waiting just outside! Most (including Happy Shuttle Cancun) have signs or will tell you what to look for before arrival in Cancun.

What to pack for an all-inclusive vacation

The vacation is all-inclusive, so you just need a bathing suit and some cash for tips, right?!

Well, kind of.

Although you can probably get away with a bikini, cash, and passport, there are a few other things you should pack for your all-inclusive Cancun vacation.

You might also enjoy my Hyatt Zilara Cancun Review. If you’re looking for a luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive resort, you will love this one!

What to pack in a carry-on

I’m a carry-on-only kind of girl, but I realize that not everyone is like me. If you’re checking luggage, it’s important to pack your essentials in your carry-on.

That way, if any luggage is delayed or lost, at least you have what you need.

Make sure to carry at least the following in your carry-on:

2 outfits (one beach outfit, one dinner outfit, more on these below)
1 bathing suit
All important documents (passport, hotel information, transfer information)
Reef-friendly Sunscreen
Any medication that you need

what to pack all-inclusive resort The beautiful Hotel Zone in Cancun.

Now that you know what needs to be in your carry-on, let’s talk about what clothes to pack to Cancun.

Clothing to pack for an all-inclusive vacation

When you’re planning what to pack for Cancun, here are a few ideas for clothes to pack and what to wear.

1. Beach cover-up.

You’ll be in a bathing suit a lot. A whole lot. A cover-up is excellent if you need to run up to your room or to get a snack or drink anywhere requiring a cover-up.

This cover-up by Cupshe is adorable and available on Amazon for under $30. I have it and love it.

Cupshe has more coverups for every style, and they are very affordable too. Check them out on Amazon.

2. At least two bathing suits.

I recommend bringing at least one bathing suit to wear and one to dry. You can even bring 3 or 4. Again, Cupshe has some of my favorite cute and affordable bathing suits.

I recommend purchasing from Amazon vs. directly from Cupshe. I ordered bathing suits from Cupshe directly, and the shipping took forever. Amazon, of course, is typically two days. So I recommend ordering from Amazon for fast delivery and easy returns.

3. Dinner outfit

For women

Typically, there will be at least one resort restaurant with a stricter dress code, maybe two or more. Make sure to bring a dress, skirt, or jumpsuit, and dress sandals or heels. Depending on your preferred style, you can also wear dressy pants or capris.

I recommend bringing at least two “dressy” outfits for dinner if you stay for a few days. If you have the suitcase space, why not pack a different outfit for every evening?

For men

Many restaurants require a collared or polo shirt, so bring a few. Some restaurants will allow dress shorts, but some do require pants.

Bring at least one pair of long pants and a pair of close-toed shoes if you know that your resort restaurants require those (not all do.) If you aren’t sure, you can often check the hotel website in advance for restaurant dress codes. When in doubt, bring at least one nice outfit just to be safe.

what to pack for Cancun

An example of a dinner outfit for an all-inclusive resort (where long pants aren’t required!)

Most restaurants have a more relaxed stress code where a polo shirt and nice shorts will be sufficient.

4. Clothes for excursions

If you plan to go on any excursions, make sure to pack appropriately. If you do any hiking or extensive walking, I recommend shoes like Tevas.

Should you go on an excursion where you could get wet (like a cenote tour), always bring an extra outfit.

5. Resort clothes

Shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, and sundresses are all excellent options for “normal” resort wear.

Wearing a t-shirt with swim shorts or a coverup over a dry bathing suit is a-ok for most non-formal resort restaurants as well.

Accessories for an all-inclusive vacation

You’ll need more than just clothes; add these to your Cancun packing list to make your life easier.

6. A wet bag

Don’t underestimate the value of a good wet bag. If you spend the morning before you leave in the pool, you’ll need somewhere to stash your wet bathing suits.

7. Reef-Safe sunscreen

You’ll probably need sunscreen on your all-inclusive vacation in Cancun, so make sure that it’s reef-safe. You can check out my post about the best reef-safe sunscreens here.

The All-Good brand is my favorite reef-friendly sunscreen, and they have lots of options to choose from. I recommend the tinted version if you want to avoid the white residue from zinc-based sunscreen.

8. A good hat

There’s nothing better than a big, floppy sun hat. My husband disagrees and hates this hat, but I love it. 😂 I have this one, and it squishes nicely into a suitcase. I’ve had it forever, and it’s just over $20.

Pool-side must-haves for an all-inclusive resort

You’ll stand out as an all-inclusive pro if you bring a few key things on your Cancun vacation.

9. An insulated cup like a Hydroflask or Yeti

Lots of plastic is used at all-inclusive resorts. Some resorts are going with reusable options, but let’s be honest; those tiny plastic (reusable or not) cups don’t hold much anyway. You’ll save both plastic and trips to the pool bar by bringing your own.

We bring our Hydroflask tumblers which are the envy of all the all-inclusive newbies who didn’t know to bring one. A Hydroflask or similar tumbler is truly an all-inclusive must-have.

Of course, the popular Stanley is another good option.

10. A lounge for the pool

You’re probably going to be in the pool a lot, and you want to be comfortable.

A small float or Water Hammock to use in the pool or even the ocean can be fantastic. Just remember not to be rude in a crowded pool. Whenever we travel, someone always asks if I got my water hammock at the resort. Strangely, most resorts don’t sell them, so make sure to stock up before you leave!

If you want to be extra, bring some of these:

I have one that looks like a shark. I get a lot of compliments on my drink floaties in the pool, no matter how ridiculous they are.

Other all-inclusive must-haves

Here are other things to add to your Cancun packing list.

11. Cash for tips

While tips are technically included at all-inclusive resorts, you’ll want to bring some money for extra tips.

If you can afford to go on vacation, you can probably also bring a little extra cash to tip. A great tip can make someone’s day! As a bonus, the staff knows who tips well and generally go above and beyond when they know you’re a good tipper.

As a travel agent (you can work with me here), I’m often asked how much you should tip. It’s truly up to you, but this is a good guide:

Breakfast $5-$10
Lunch $10
Dinner $10-$20
Drinks $1-$2/drink
Housekeeping $5/day

You can also tip others, such as those who refill your fridge (I find that leaving a note and a nice tip will help you get special requests!), someone by the pool who inflates your floaty, etc.

12. A way to stash cash

If you’re hanging out at the pool, you might not have an excellent way to keep ahold of your cash.

I recommend either a waterproof phone case if you plan to have your phone with you or this genius scrunchy that hides your money.

13. A GoPro

If you don’t have a GoPro, you should invest in one for your all-inclusive vacation. Check out my favorite GoPro and accessories here.

14. Your own snorkel gear

If you plan to snorkel, make sure to bring your own gear. Some companies are charging extra for equipment due to current restrictions. Most importantly, it’s gross anyway, so just bring your own. 🙂

15. Aloe vera gel

This is self-explanatory. It’s costly in resort gift shops, so bring some aloe vera gel with you. Hanalei brand is my absolute favorite.

More Mexico Travel Ideas: