What to Pack For a Vacation in Cancún, From Swimwear to a High-Tech Fanny Pack
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As a New York City resident, I'm highly accustomed to life on the go. My days are filled with appointments, events, meet-ups, and more. I like to vacation in this same fashion, jam-packing my itineraries with thrilling activities and local adventures. I rode an elephant in Bangkok and went ATV-riding through the desert in Cabo. Horseback-riding along a glacier made the list on my Iceland visit and zip-lining is at the top of my agenda when in Hawaii. I always travel to experience the culture, and booking adrenaline-boosting excursions is one of my favorite ways to see a city.
Recently, a friend was praising the time she had at an all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean. She explained that the accommodations, food, and activities were all included in the cost of stay. When I doubted that you could get a local experience from staying at only one property, she challenged it with a whole host of cultural experiences that she'd had at the hotel.
Interested to see if I could enjoy the same local flavors at a single property, I flew to Cancún where I stayed at the Marriott Cancún, An All-Inclusive Resort, the megabrand's first all-inclusive property. Over my four nights at the resort, I discovered the similarities between vacationing at an Airbnb or boutique hotel and having the all-inclusive experience. Now, as a seasoned traveler to Cancún with five trips under my belt (or fanny pack, as the case may be), I've become pretty familiar with how to pack for this Mexican getaway.
Best Packing Tips For Cancún
Thanks to the year-round tropical climate in Cancún (the average temperature is 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit), you don't have to worry about bulky coats or winter wear. Instead, use your luggage real estate for multiple bathing suits, breathable outfits, and plenty of sunscreen.
Your days will be spent poolside or on the beach, sipping colorful drinks and eating your weight in tacos and ceviche. The Mexican island is filled with grab-and-go spots (I highly recommend indulging in the street food, specifically the taco trucks), along with fancier eateries where more formal clothing and nice shoes will be required (I bring two pairs of heels, one kitten and one high).
If you're in the mood for nightlife, Cancún has a great scene downtown where you can find hole-in-the-wall bars, speciality lounges, and tons of clubs. For those who favor a more tranquil holiday, there is also a great spa scene on the island.
Whatever brings you to this sun-kissed hotspot, find out what to include in your suitcase in my list of packing tips for Cancún.
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A Plane Game
Brain Games - Relax and Solve: Word Search ($9)
I fly so often for work that I often need a break from the in-flight entertainment to read a book or exercise my brain by doing a word search. I've got tons of these books and this one is my favorite option (and the most affordable). I love staying sharp in-flight and successfully finding each word is all the enjoyment I need. I like to bring the book with me to the pool or beach as well.
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A Clear Water Bottle
Kivy Glass Water Bottle ($14)
I never travel without a water bottle. And for big trips, I always bring electrolytes with me to keep my immune system in check (Liquid I.V. is my favorite). A clear water bottle ensures I mix in the powder well, and this option from Kivy is great because it holds 32 ounces, comes in a variety of colors, and looks fancy in my hand luggage.
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Regular Headphones
Apple EarPods Headphones ($19)
I like to bring these Apple EarPods with me to Cancun, as they are the most compact headphones I own (I also have the Apple Airpods Max Headphones), so they take up very little space in my carry-on. Plus, the jack fits into the audio sockets connected to airplane TVs, which comes in handy as some airlines charge for headphones depending on the ticket class you purchased.
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A Trusted SPF
Supergoop! Play Everyday SPF 50 ($24-$68)
When I wasn't swimming or enjoying a book on my sun lounger, I was taking advantage of all the free dance classes the resort offered. I participated in Zumba, salsa, cumbia, and bachata – all taught by staff members who were from the area. We got a quick history lesson on what the style of dance means to the locals and then we learned all the steps. Because you'll be having a lot of outdoor time like this in Cancun, make sure to pack extra sunscreen. I only had one body-SPF with me and because I spent the majority of my time outside, I wish I had brought more.
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A Cute Set
Free People Good Feels Set ($78)
This set is super comfortable and can be used as a fancier dining option with some accessories. It's a seamless outfit as the matching set makes it easy to decide what to wear. Plus, it comes in more than 10 different color options.
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A Breathable, Colorful Set
Free People Sightseer Linen Set ($88)
During my stay at the Marriott Cancun, I took a cooking class led by the head chef of the hotel. Knowing I'd get hot while cooking in the Mexican humidity, I wore a linen set that was breathable yet fashionable. In the class, we learned how to make two types of ceviche, one vegetable and one with shrimp. After the quick 30-minute class, I was impressed with my cooking skills and enjoyed both bowls of ceviche with some local tequila.
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A Printed Evening Dress
Topshop V-Neck Empire Waist Maxi Dress ($75)
While staying at the resort, I learned that just because you remain on the property the whole week doesn't mean you don't dress up. I was impressed to see people in formalwear for dinner and sunset drinks. And I was equally relieved to have brought a nearly floor-length dress to match the ambience. We enjoyed a fancy hibachi dinner and my green evening dress fit in perfectly.
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A Hands-Free Bag
Higher Dose EMF Blocking Fanny Pack ($89)
I love traveling with a fanny pack, especially in Cancun where you want to hang out in the sun without a heavy bag weighing you down. This option from Higher Dose is not only stylish, it also has built-in EMF-blocking technology that protects against harmful electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones. Plus, it's a lot more spacious than it looks. I could fit my wallet, passport, phone, sunscreen, lip balm, headphones, and a small roll-up water bottle inside the pack.
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A Chic Personal Item
Béis Sport Backpack ($98)
Popular luggage brand Béis makes my favorite hand-luggage essential, the Sport Backpack. I used this backpack throughout my Cancun trip as my in-flight bag, beach bag, and spa-trip bag. I love how roomy it is — I could fit two novels, my clear water bottle, all my electronics, sunscreen, a bucket hat, and more in the bag.
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A Fiery Swimsuit
Andie The Amalfi One-Piece Swimsuit ($112)
On the last day of my trip, I decided to treat myself to a massage and facial. The resort does all their spa treatments on the beach, in the sand. Having oil and lotion worked into my body was the perfect ending to an amazing vacation. For a spa treatment on the sandy beach, make sure you wear a bathing suit. This fiery swimsuit will also come in handy for all the other beach and pool fun you'll be having in Cancun.
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Natasha Marsh (she/her) is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan, British GQ, and Harper's Bazaar.