At the beginning of August I went on an all inclusive vacation with my boyfriend's family to Mexico, and I read lot of blog posts to help me prepare. I thought I would make one of my own now to give my tips on how to make going on vacation easier!
Packing:
- Instead of folding or rolling my clothes I lay them in my suitcase flat, only folding in half when needed. I helps wrinkly fabrics stay smooth and I was able to fit all my clothes for the week in one side of my suitcase (and I don't pack lightly!).
- If you are packing a hat, stuff it with some clothes to prevent it from being squished!
- I would highly suggest keeping in mind how comfortable your shoes are when packing them. I found that no matter the shoe I was wearing, I was walking quite a bit in them as our resort was very spread out.
- Pack a beach bag! You are going to need something to put your stuff in while at the beach or the pool, so make sure it'll fit all your essentials!
- Bring more than one bottle of sunscreen. Sunscreen is super expensive at resorts and the last thing you want is to spend your souvenir money on sunscreen.
- Make sure you bring an after sun cream that you know you like! My favourite is made by Vichy, and you can read my blog post on it here! Just like sunscreen, it costs a fortune at the gifts shops and is a must have to soothe your skin after a long day in the sun.
- Always put liquids and creams in ziploc bags! Your brand new bikini will thank you when it isn't covered in your exploded sunscreen.
- If you use razors with cartridges, bring your razor handle and some unopened cartridges to avoid slicing your fingers on the blades when digging through your bag!
- Make sure you bring water shoes. This is a must if you are going to any adventure park. We went to XPLOR and it was so fun, but there were so many activities like cave swimming and zip-lining that flip flops didn't work for. It was so much easier to wear water shoes that I was able to walk in, swim in, and I knew wouldn't fall off! Also if you do any snorkelling and you haven't brought your own snorkel set with flippers (I highly suggest bringing these!) you'll probably want water shoes for swimming around the coral and sharp rocks.
- As I just mentioned, bringing your own snorkel gear is a great idea! Most places offer rentals, but for sanitary reasons I think it's nice to have your own! Mine cost $50.00 at Walmart and came with flippers, goggles, the mouthpiece, and a carrying bag that fit everything quite compactly. Watching the fish underwater is so much fun and I'm glad I was able to enjoy that experience on my vacation.
- This one is strictly for the ladies. I don't care if you are supposed to get a visit from Aunt Flo or not, make sure you pack enough feminine products for one period. I swear every time I go on vacation, me or someone else ends up using them. Also throw a few into your carry on!
Carry On Luggage and In Flight Tips:
- I like to use a backpack as my carry on! There are lots of compartments to keep you organized, instead of throwing all your stuff into a bottomless abyss. Most backpacks also fit under the seat, so you don't have to put it in the overhead compartment. It's also easier to carry, and it comes in handy when you go to adventure parks! You could also use it as your beach bag!
- Put all the important airport papers in an easy to access place, so you can grab them quickly!
- Even if you don't have a connecting flight, I always think it's a good idea to pack a bathing suit, a couple pairs of underwear and one or two outfit options in your carry on! If you lose your luggage you'll have enough to last a day. Its also easier to grab at when you get to your destination, making getting out to the beach that much easier!
- I love to bring a pair of fuzzy socks and a scarf or shall that can double as a blanket, because planes are always cold. Also, wear your bulky items on your flight to save space and weight in your checked bags.
- Bring something for you to do during the flight! A book, a journal, an iPad to watch movies! Flights can get so boring if you don't have something to pass the time!
- There are a few essentials that I think are good to have on the plane with you! Gum (so your ears don't pop during take off and landing), kleenex, hand sanitizer, headphones, a pen (to fill out the customs form), and lip chap! Also remember to bring any medications you'll need in your carry on!
Money and other important things:
- Travel insurance (or just medical). I say if you can afford to buy it extending a couple days past your arrival date back home you should. Its always good just for peace of mind in case you are delayed a couple days getting home (it happened to me!). Also remember that most medical insurance policies will only work if you call to let them know of any injuries etc., BEFORE you are checked into a hospital.
- Remember that there are airport fees and some airlines charge extra for checked baggage!
- Get a passport wallet that can fit your boarding pass, passport, money, cards, and a pen (for that pesky customs form). It zips up and keeps everything important all together and safe. I would also suggest bringing a small wallet to carry your cash and room card around during your vacation. I used Lug's Tango Travel Wallet and Fossil's Sydney Gusseted Key Case.
- As far as money goes, small currency is what you need. Especially if you are going all inclusive. You will need more small currency than anything at your resort to tip the staff. Even when shopping I found that little shops had a harder time giving change for large bills. However, if you do end up with lots of large bills the bartenders are usually more than happy to exchange it for smaller ones, just don't forget to tip them for it!
While on Vacation:
- Have a plan, but don't feel the need to stick to it. Just have an idea of what you want to do while you are there, so that you don't get home and realize you hadn't experienced half of what you wanted to!
- Learn your resort. No, you don't have to attend the orientation presentation most resorts have (usually they are just trying to get more money out of you). Just take the first morning to walk around, explore and take pictures! Make sure you figure out times for daily events and activities and when specific restaurants, pools, and beaches are open.
- If you can, get off the resort! There are so many fun things to do and experience. Go shopping, go to an adventure park, or spend an afternoon at a local beach! Part of going on vacation is experiencing the culture and the best way to do that is to get out!
- Turn your phone on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges when you aren't using it!
- When applying your sunscreen don't forget your face, ears, neck, feet, hands, and butt. Those suckers will hurt in the morning if you do.
- Unpack your clothes! Every room usually has a closet and drawers, so you can hide your suitcase, and get it out of the way. Unpacking also lets your clothes air out and makes it easier and less messy to choose your outfit! Also, put your important electronics and documents in the safe if one is provided!
- And last but not least, HAVE FUN! Vacation is about enjoying yourself, so sit back, relax, and take it all in before its gone!
If you are looking for a fun place to go in Mexico, we had a fantastic time at the Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort located near Playa Del Carmen! That staff was so friendly and the resort was connected to the Xcaret Park which was so fun! There were Mayan ruins, putting greens, multiple pools, paths through the jungle, a beautiful beach, and fantastic snorkelling! I would highly recommend checking it out!
If you have any tips for going on vacation, leave them in the comments! I hope that you have a fantastic day and if you are going on vacation, I hope you have a fun and safe trip!
xo, Meagan
