Let me start by saying that I am a LIGHT packer and packing just a rucksack is my jam!

The hubby and I just got back from visiting Cancun for 6 days. Most of that time was hanging at the resort decompressing which was glorious but what we did in excursions, you could do in 3 days. I will write about what we did in another post.

Cancun is very humid = 80% humiditiy when we went in November. March seems to the least humid at about 65%. With that being said, I pack for sweat! As in, sweat through your clothes without feeling embarrassed sweat. So stay away from cotton, as in hiking/backpacking, cotton will become a towel and you will be wet all day.

Here is my packing list:

• 2 quick dry tank tops – Old Navy or Kohls athletic sections are good places to find some cheap deals. Especially, Old Navy’s clearance section! I have picked up tops for as little as $3. And if you are looking for a top that is very versatile (i.e. wear to work out or for daily wear) I really like these that I got from REI.
• 2 quick dry shorts – mine are from Altheta, the Trekkie shorts and/or bring a pair of running shorts for poolside or for working out.
• 1 dress – this one is quick dry from Athleta.
• 1 fold down maxi skirt – it can be worn as a dress, cowl necked shawl or a skirt or swimsuit cover-up.
• 1 quick dry khaki Halle Prana pants (that also convert to capris)
• 2 Patagonia Barely Sports Bra (one in nude/one in black)
• 2 pairs of quick dry panties
• 2 socks
• 1 pair of running shoes
• 1-2 sandals –  I like sanuk yoga sling sandals as they packs flat and pretty comfortable walking long distances in them.
• Shawl/sarong
• swimsuit cover-up – you could use the shawl/sarong or maxi skirt for this too if you want to pack less.
• 2 swimsuits – I rotate suits as I don’t like putting back on a wet suit.
• Sunglasses
• 1 baseball cap – I like Sunday Afternoon’s Sun Tripper Cap as it is foldable.
• 1 sweatshirt or jacket for traveling on the airplane

I know this may seem like a lot; however, I wear a lot of this on the plane. Coming from cold weather to warm, I wore 1 pair of the socks, panties, bra, quick dry tank top, pants, sweatshirt and shawl.

Toiletry Bag:

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Travel size hair gel – my hair is curly so gel helps keep it under control.
• Dr. Bronner’s soap – so I can also wash clothes as needed.
• Foldable toothbrush – I just get mine at Target for $1.
• Travel size toothpaste
• LUSH deodorant
• 3.4oz tube of sunscreen (largest I can get permitted by TSA)
• Sun Bum chapstick with SPF
• Flower hair clip – with 80% humidity, there is gonna be FRIZZ! I throw a flower in it and it looks a lot cuter/nicer than just a bun.
• MAC extended play tube mascara – this stuff comes off in tubes and makes washing makeup off A LOT EASIER.

Normally on vacation, I don’t wear makeup and will even get my blonde eyelashes dyed black before going so it looks like I really have eyelashes……especially getting out of the pool 😁. 

Extras:

• Kindle
• Phone
• Charging cable, wall plug and earphones
• “Lipstick” external battery
• 1 ChicoBag for poolside OR I use my Cotopaxi for daytrips/poolside. For an in between, Sea to Summit makes a stuffable day pack and so does ChicoBag. I know this seems ODD to pack a rucksack and then bring another one, but I like to lock up my rucksack in my room before I leave for the day and just use a smaller one for daytrips….OR worse case, I buy some things on my journey and need extra “luggage” for bringing it all home.
• Pool Floatie! This packs up to the size of 8.5×11 piece of paper and is easy to slip into your carryon

Remember, you can always wash your clothes in bathroom with your Dr. Bronner’s soap. I use the hairdryer to help dry them out, if it is too humid. This is also why I don’t pack cotton. I learned my lesson in Germany one year. 


Hope this helps!

None of the above is paid or an affliate link. I receive no revenue from posting/blogging about what I love and/or what works for me while traveling. All reviews are my own.