Sunburns are painful and potentially dangerous. A sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 will protect your skin for about two hours in the sun. The chemical content of a sunscreen with SPF more than 45 may not be worth the extra protection as the chemicals could be harmful. Natural sunscreens are available on the market. These contain zinc oxide, a naturally occurring sun block with full UVA and UVB protection. A large-brimmed hat will give your delicate facial skin some shade while you are exploring the outdoors. A pair of shades are an essential item for beach-bound travelers. Your sunglasses should have UV (ultra violet) protection and fit comfortably.
Bring two swimsuits if you plan to spend extended amounts of time on a beach. If you are a woman, bring a one-piece for water sports and a two-piece for sun bathing. If you are traveling from a colder climate where swimsuits are tricky to find off-season, consider purchasing a suit when you arrive in Mexico. The laid-back atmosphere of many resorts in Mexico allows vacationers to move about in sandals and cover-ups. A swimsuit cover will give you the freedom to walk directly from the beach into a hotel lobby.
Sandals with supports and a back strap for stability are best for walking, while flip-flops will be sufficient for the pool and beach.
Consider bringing a video camera to capture incredible moments. Keep your camera in a camera bag to protect the equipment. Wrap the camera strap around your wrist while you are using it on the trip. This will prevent you from dropping the camera or getting it snatched out of your hand.
Bring casual dinner attire for a night out. One lightweight cocktail dress will suffice for an evening at a restaurant and club. Men can pack light-colored slacks and a lightweight, button-down shirt. Linen fabrics are great for warm evenings out.
Toiletries includes anything from your bathroom you will need on a daily basis: personal hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush. Only pack razors and nail clippers in your bag if you plan to check it with the airline; otherwise these items will be confiscated by airport security. All liquid toiletries inside a carry-on, such as shampoo, body wash and make-up products, must be in 3-oz. translucent containers. Major retailers such as Walgreens sell container sets that fit airport security specifications. If you check your bag you may bring any size liquid toiletry. While toiletries are easily replaced if forgotten, a prescription may be difficult to fill. Pack all your prescription drugs first.
Bring less clothing and wash as you go. Most hotels have cleaning services. A sink may be all you need if you are traveling through hostels on a tight budget. Bring sturdy sandals or hiking boots if you plan to move through the rougher terrain of inland Mexico. Before you leave the house, check your bags and pockets for your passport, money and plane ticket.
