Overview
Nothing spoils a vacation like losing an essential document or twisting an ankle scrambling over ruins. Mexico holds the promise of a relaxing time in a country rich with history and culture, where skies are generally sunny and restaurants offer a groaning board of new delights. But it is always pays to be prepared for a sudden inconvenience or a larger problem that can turn a vacation into a nightmare. Packing a few essential items can help avoid a disruption or a disaster.
Paperwork
Make copies of your passport, airline tickets, and hotel and rental car reservations. Leave one copy with a family member or friend at home, pack another in your suitcase and a third in your carry-on bag. In addition, register your trip at the U.S. State Department web site just in case there is a emergency situation in Mexico or family members need to locate you. Also, make a note of your credit card numbers and customer service telephone numbers, and pack two copies in separate places.
Communication
Chances are your cell phone will work in Mexico, but check with your carrier before you leave to see how much it will cost. Opt for for an international plan that will save you money and be sure to check the likely costs of data transfers and instant messaging. Take along a small phrase book, also. Many Mexicans speak English, but telephone information operators and residents of smaller towns may only speak Spanish. Plus, it is always a sign of good manners to attempt to say a few words in the local lingo.
Packing Tips
Pack a small raincoat or travel umbrella, especially during the summer when afternoon showers are short, but likely even at resort areas. Sunscreen is vital year-round, even in the cool air of the mountains where the skies are clear and the sunlight intense. A hat is always a good idea in Mexico, whether climbing pyramids or horseback riding on the beach. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring ruins, and plan to dress modestly touring religious sites. In the winter at beach resorts and year-round in Mexico's high altitude areas, which includes most of the country's popular colonial cities, evenings can be chilly, so take along a sweater or light jacket.
First Aid
Mexican pharmacies are well-stocked, many hotels and resorts have a doctor on call, and city emergency rooms are well-prepared, but an accident can happen at any time, atop a pyramid or on a quiet beach, so pack a small first aid kit. Be sure to include over-the-counter pain and stomach discomfort relief, alcohol swabs, and adhesive bandages designed for blisters. Hand sanitizer and small packets of tissue also are handy, since some Mexican bathrooms can be less than perfect.
Extras
There is a good chance you will bring souvenirs home from Mexico, so take along an extra collapsible bag for your haul. Textiles are easy to pack, but those ceramic treasures can be a challenge. Consider stuffing sections of bubble wrap in your shoes inside your suitcase if you think you likely will succumb to the charms of Mexican pottery. Pack a few plastic zipped bags, handy for packing wet swimsuits after that last-minute swim before you fly home.
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