Editor’s note: For additional recent musings on packing, click here.
Suggested Items:
o Strong, comfortable running or walking shoes, with non-skid soles
o Several pairs of sock. We prefer cotton.
o Two pairs of slacks (denim is too heavy)
o Women: dress or skirt (easily washed and packed)
o Two shirts or blouses (long- or short-sleeved but modest)
o Sweater, lightweight
o Jacket (lightweight) or windbreaker
o Rain jacket or compact umbrella (rainy season)
o T-shirt or two (widely available in Mexico, if needed)
o Sleepwear (long T-shirt)
o Lounging outfit (I use light sweatpants)
o Shorts
o Swimsuit (be aware that in Mexico a thong still attracts throngs)
o Daypack, small and lightweight
o Munchies, tea bags or special condiments you can’t live without
o Zip-loc bags (several sizes)
o Flashlight, small (a must)
o Small keychain style compass (very helpful with a guidebook)
o Notebook, pen, map
o Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun-block
o Suntan (a few 10- to 15-minute pre-trip tanning parlor sessions help prevent sunburns)
o Mini travel alarm
o Camera and film
o Hidden Pocket (see following section) or Money belt
o ATM card
o Glasses or contacts (bring prescription)
o Small towel and/or beach towel
o Soap, bath and laundry (small bars or refillable container)
o Stretch clothesline
o Small sewing kit
o Medicines, vitamins and supplements in original bottles or with prescriptions
o Pictures of your home, family, countryside or postcards or picture books
Optional
o Comfortable sandals or shower shoes
o Inexpensive penknife
o Earplugs (if Mexico’s noisy streets might disturb your sleep)
o Blockbuster novel or kindle
o ipod
o Surge protector (if you use electrical devices)
Do Not Bring: Jewelry, large sums of cash, fancy knives. (Steve says he’s lost several knives over the years at police and army highway checkpoints.)