Riviera Maya packing tips

Offered on September 23rd, 2006 by Tortuga.
Groups: Packing tips.

Sensible packing can save you a lot of headache and money. So that you come to Akumal prepared, here is a short check list our visiting friends and family have appreciated. These Top 20 Riviera Maya packing tips are great for any tropical destination.

1. The number one packing tip for the tropics is for protecting your skin.
   • Waterproof SPF 30 sunscreen,
   • sunglasses and
   • a hat.

   The Mexican sun is intense and you don’t want to ruin your vacation by getting a sunburn.

2. Insect repellent is imperative. Remember, you are visiting the jungle.
3. Bring a flashlight with fresh batteries. Power outages are not uncommon here and most accommodations do not have a generator. It is a also handy when walking on the road at night. There are no street lamps or sidewalks in Akumal.
4. Some of the beaches are rocky, so invest in a pair of water socks. These rubber soled nylon shoes will protect your feet from sharp rocks and spiny sea urchin while in the ocean.
5. Comfortable walking shoes, preferably good sandals with rubber soles. We wear our Tevas everyday for all kinds of activities. Tevas can also double as water shoes because the salt water will not ruin them. The climate is too hot for tennis shoes and they are cumbersome when walking on the beach.
6. Keep your clothing light-weight, casual and versatile.
   • Shorts,
   • cotton t-shirts,
   • bathing suits, and
   • sun-dresses with low-heeled sandals for dressy evenings

   are all you will need. Even the upscale restaurants in Playa del Carmen are casual dress.

7. Include a sweater or light jacket for cool evenings only if you are visiting during the winter months.
8. Leave your jeans at home. They are bulky to pack and too hot to be worn in the tropics.
9. Instead of jeans, bring linen or khaki pants instead.
10. In a carry-on bag, pack your
    • valid passport or birth certificate (original or certified copy),
    • valid drivers’ license,
    • cash,
    • credit cards,
    • travelers’ checks,
    • ticket information,
    • reservation confirmations, and
    • all other important documentation.
11. In case any of the important documentation items listed above become lost or stolen, you should keep
    • copies of all documents,
    • copies of credit cards and
    • copies of travelers’ checks

    stored separately.

12. Pack valuables, such as digital cameras or laptop computers, in your carry-on bag as well.
13. Remember to include reading material for the flight or lazy days on the beach.
14. If you wear corrective eye wear, bring an extra set of glasses or lenses.
15. A small medicine bag of essentials such as
    • aspirin,
    • hydrogen peroxide,
    • bandages and
    • stomach medicine for nausea or diarrhea

    is always a good idea. When you need an aspirin for your hangover, you don’t want to have to run to the store to get it.

16. Bring a beach tote or back pack to carry
    • bottled water,
    • a towel,
    • a camera or
    • other items you will need on a tour or while on the beach.

    Use your beach bag to double as your carry-on.

17. Pack light to save space for purchases and to escape the hassles of checking in luggage. Most airlines allow for two carry-on bags, so skip the wait at baggage claim and avoid lost luggage.
18. Snorkel gear can be rented for a small fee and some accommodations provide it for free. It’s not worth the extra effort to bring it.
19. Do bring an underwater camera, a disposable one will be fine. The water is crystal clear with high visibility and you will want pictures of the beautiful reef.
20. Leave all expensive jewelry at home. It only entices thieves and labels you a rich tourist who can afford to be overcharged.

Use these Akumal packing tips when you travel to any Mayan Riviera destination. Pack light but smart for a more enjoyable vacation.

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