|
Packing Right!
Reduce The Stress and Clean Up The Mess
Why a page on packing tips, you may ask?
Quite simply, because what and how much you pack has a great impact upon your travel options within Mexico, your stress level at transition points like check in, check out, baggage claim, etc., and your overall comfort, freedom and enjoyment.
The number one rule when you’re traveling outside the country is minimize.
Remember, it’s called a getaway, not a take it all, for a reason.
If you can do without it, leave it.
If you think “maybe I’ll need this”, leave it.
No one ever returns from a trip thinking, “I wish I’d brought more stuff”.
So what do you need?
Below is a list of items I would recommend as well as a few space saving tips for packing these items.
This list is by no means exhaustive or universal, but is meant only as a guide. You should take these suggestions and then make your own complete list.
The best way to eliminate waste when packing is to make a list, and then stick to it.
Don’t skip the section below under laundry. It’s key to a light bag.
Clothing:
Packing Your Clothing
Laundry:
Toiletries:
Recreation:
You’re done! Almost.
..... Contact us for more information .....
Clothing:
Most of your luggage space will probably be taken up by clothing.
This is the first area to examine for waste.
By far, the worst thing you can do is go to your closet and pull out every outfit you think will look cute or dashing on you in the Yucatan.
A better plan is to decide how many of each item you truly need and then STICK TO IT.
Don’t skip the section below under laundry. It’s key to a light bag.
Shirts - 3 to 4.
They should be lightweight and breathable. Synthetics are preferable. Natural fabrics tend to take up more space and wrinkle more easily (a big issue since you will be living out of a bag).
More importantly though, you want material that will wick moisture away from your body, not soak it up and hold it against you. One day in a cotton T-shirt in this warm and humid climate is all it will take to convince you.
One of these shirts should be able to double as a dress item when paired with a skirt or slacks.
Pants - 2 to 3
Again, think synthetic, lightweight and breathable.
You may want one of these to be a pair that has been pretreated to repel stains.
Shorts will most often be worn, but on those days when you want to trek off into the jungle and need extra protection you may want a pair of full length pants with zip off legs that convert into shorts. These are fairly easy to find at most sporting goods stores.
Skirt or Blazer
The simple addition of a skirt for women, or a blazer for men, can instantly transform an outfit for those less casual occasions, without taking up too much extra space.
Undergarments
This may seem silly to address, but while it is easy to replace outer garments in a foreign country, it is not so easy to replace or add undergarments.
Again, you should look at the material they are made of.
Your overall comfort really does begin with the first layer of clothing. Not everything you would wear in your natural climate is appropriate in Mexico. Fabrics such as nylon, for example, can promote fungal infections in the Yucatan climate.
Swimwear
You will often find that a smart choice of swimwear can double as a top for women or a pair of shorts for men.
Women may also want to bring a sarong of some sort for modesty when walking to and from the swimming area or bathhouse.
A travel towel can also come in handy, although most of the nicer resorts will have towels for you to take to the beach.
Footwear
This is probably the area you should pay the most attention to.
Walking will not only be the most feasible mode of transportation once you have reached the location of your daytrips, but it is also the most enjoyable for immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Yucatan.
Thus, your choice of footwear is very important.
Most of the time, you will find hiking boots, or at least a good pair of walking shoes, to be the most comfortable and appropriate.
Lightweight thongs are not only stylish, but great for those days at the beach, or trips to a public shower or pool.
Do not be tempted to walk around public places such as a shower or pool barefoot. Fungal infections are often rampant in this humid climate, even at fancy resorts.
You will probably also want to pack a cool, but nicer, pair of shoes for those less casual occasions.
I know this amounts to 3 pairs of shoes, but this is the one area you don’t want to skimp on.
Just as important as the shoes you wear is your choice of
socks.
If you want constantly wet, fungal ridden and blistered feet inside your hiking boots, go ahead and wear those one-size-fits-all, cotton tube socks.
Otherwise, I would recommend some well fitting, synthetic socks. Camping and athletic shops are your best bet for finding some good socks for all of the walking you’ll be doing.
Look for socks that are specifically made to wick moisture away from your feet, and are durable. You will pay a little extra, but it is well worth the investment.
Accessories
The best way to stretch and add interest to a small wardrobe is to mix and match, and accessorize.
By this I mean adding items like scarves, belts, jewelry, etc. They take up very little space and can transform any outfit, easily “doubling” your wardrobe.
Also note that jewelry is very accessible and inexpensive in the Yucatan and you can always find something to match whatever you wear.
Rain Gear
Rain gear is a must in the Yucatan.
Remember, parts of the Yucatan peninsula are considered to be a tropical rainforest. It can rain almost any time, especially if you will be there during the rainy season.
A thin, lightweight poncho that can be placed in a day bag or backpack is your best bet.
Hat
Choose one with a wide brim or sunshade.
Sunglasses
Be sure they block 100% UVA and UVB.
I would recommend an inexpensive pair and a strap for holding them around your neck. You will find yourself in and out of shaded areas a hundred times a day and will find a neck strap extremely useful.
[Back]
Packing Your Clothing
I have found that the best way to conserve space and reduce wrinkles is not to fold your clothes in a traditional manner and then stack them in your suitcase.
Rather, I take the undergarments, socks, and accessories, and pack them in 1-2 large Ziploc bags or other pouch.
I then wrap my clothing around this “pouch” being careful that there are no creases where I don’t want them.
A small towel could alternatively be used as your “pouch” to roll your clothing around.
I then place my shoes in the bottom of my bag, followed by a travel towel or rain gear, followed by the roll(s) of clothing.
On top, I like to put a dryer sheet. This will make your clothes smell clean and fresh.
Note: You can roll each article of clothing separately, which will still conserve space and may make it easier to find the article you need without unrolling everything; however, you will pay for the convenience with more wrinkles.
It is advisable to unroll all of your clothing and hang it up or lay it flat as soon as you get to your room anyway. Sometimes this may not be reasonable though, depending upon you travel plans.
[Back]
Laundry:
Doing your own laundry while you are traveling will save you space in your suitcase, and money sending it out, and is actually easier than you may think.
All you need is a sink, some soap, and an area to hang it up.
Here are the details…
Flat Universal Stopper
You can easily turn any sink or tub into a wash basin as long as you bring this small item. You’ll find it also has many other uses.
Soap
I find Woolite or any generic hand washing detergent is ideal because it rinses out so easily.
I would not recommend bringing traditional laundry detergents as they do not have this property thus making laundering much more time consuming.
You can find Woolite in single use, sealed, foil packages in the travel section of most grocery or discount stores.
Clothesline
Most camping or travel stores sell special travel clotheslines that are quite easy to use. Any shower curtain rod will also work if you have hangers available.
Now each night, or at least every other night, when you take off your clothing, simply wash them in the bathroom sink, wrap them in a towel and twist to squeeze out the excess water, and hang them to dry.
The whole process takes under 15 minutes.
Leave the light and, if available, the fan on in the bathroom. When you wake up the next morning you will have clean, fresh clothing, and additionally a wonderful smelling room.
Laundry Services
Be aware that most major hotels, in resort cities, have laundry services that are excellent and reasonably priced. They also have irons and ironing boards available for in room use.
[Back]
Toiletries:
When it comes to toiletries think small.
You can easily find most toiletries you will need in travel sizes at grocery or discount stores. Even if it is not your regular brand, these small versions are indispensable if you want to pack even reasonably light.
Begin looking for them a few months before you plan to leave though, if you’d like variety of choices. You can also make your own “travel sizes” by putting your favorite toiletries in small sealable containers.
In addition consider the following:
Ziploc bags
They are truly the traveler’s best friend. I Ziploc bag everything.
There’s nothing worse then arriving in Mexico to find your clothing covered in shampoo or toothpaste because the elevation during the flight made the contents explode and leak out.
As a side note, I never pack my toiletries in the same bag as my clothing for this reason.
I recommend using freezer Ziploc bags for your toiletries as they have the best sealing and waterproofing properties. Bring along extra regular sandwich size Ziploc bags. You will find a myriad of uses for them - from separating jewelry, to holding toilet paper for day trips into the jungle, to carrying seashells and other small things you pick up along the way.
Sunscreen / Bug Repellant
I recommend a combination cream such as “Bug-and-Sun”. If you are not using a combination, always remember to apply your sunscreen before the bug repellant.
Ear Plugs
These can be very helpful when you’re trying to fall asleep, whether you’re being kept up by the busy night life of Cancun, or howler monkeys and tree frogs in the jungle.
Medications
Be sure all medications, over-the-counter or prescription, are in their original containers. You can often find small single dose sizes of OTC medications at gas stations and convenience stores.
Don’t forget the cold and fever remedies, rash cream, antihistamine (for allergic reactions), and upset tummy medicine. These can be difficult to find in many areas and very expensive at resorts.
Antibiotic Ointment
The climate of the Yucatan is ideal for growing fungal, bacterial, and other types of infections. Apply ointment to all insect bites and minor scratches to prevent any such infection.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are perfect for washing your hands wherever you are. I recommend wipes containing alcohol, such as Purell Disinfecting Wipes.
Meat Tenderizer
Yes, the kind used for cooking. When sprinkled immediately on a jellyfish sting, it will dissolve the proteins that cause pain and swelling.
Mole Skin
Is great for any blisters you may get from all that walking.
Sewing Kit
This should be quite small. Simply a needle, a few colors of thread, a button and a pair of nail scissors if you are not already bringing a multipurpose tool. Be sure that scissors and or multipurpose tools are not carried in
"carry-on" luggage.
Pocket-size Can Opener
Found in any camping store, these are great if you plan to do any cooking or shopping at the Mexican groceries. Often you can eliminate this item though if there is already one on your multipurpose tool.
Toilet paper
You "cannot" assume that any toilet in Mexico will have toilet paper.
When they do, you’ll often have to pay per piece. You’ll want to carry some with you wherever you go. Be sure though, not to flush it, as the plumbing system is not made to handle it.
Menstrual and Contraceptive Items
Again, these are not always easy to find in Mexico.
[Back]
Recreation:
Now for the fun stuff!
Don’t get too excited. Remember, minimize.
Backpack
Great for carrying around everything you’ll need for your daytrips,
I especially like the type that are combined with a camelback for easy hydration.
Remember, it doesn’t need to be huge, just big enough to carry a few necessities and emergency supplies.
Camera
A small, lightweight camera is best. A zoom can often be quite helpful when taking pictures of details on a ruin or animals high in the trees, but it is not required for great photos.
If you are worried about your camera being stolen, lost, broken, dropped in the pool, etc., consider buying a few instant cameras, or travel insurance.
Please note: Cameras of all types are much more expensive in Mexico than in the United States. Additionally, you may want to buy an instant underwater camera, even if you’re bringing a traditional one, for those beautiful moments on the reef.
Film
It is small and light, so don’t be afraid to pack sufficient for your needs. Resorts make a killing selling film to the unprepared traveler. You also don’t want to be in the middle of the jungle, and suddenly run out.
Books
If you are a reader, pack a book for those down times when you just want to relax in your hammock with a good story.
Don’t plan on finding one in the Yucatan unless you are fluent in Spanish. Even those who are not typically avid readers may find a Mayan archeology book or other travel book quite interesting and enriching to their experience. Pack any books in a large Ziploc bag to prevent any unexpected tragedies.
Maps
It will be worth your while to find a good map of the region you will be visiting before you go. Look for ones that are waterproof. They are more durable, easier to fold, and will not fall apart under the humidity.
Journal
A small notebook and pen are all you need to record your experiences. The investment of a little time to jot down your travels will reward you with a great treasure in the future.
Compact Address Book
The key to making all of your family and friends jealous!
2 Way Radios
These are a must if you are traveling in a group or with small children, and fun for just about anyone.
They allow you the freedom to split up, while saving you the time and worry of searching for each other in a busy street market, for instance.
They generally come in 2 mile and 5 mile ranges and can be purchased for under $50.00.
I strongly recommend the rechargeable type as batteries are expensive in the Yucatan.
Flashlight
You never know when you’ll need it. Also, be sure to bring extra batteries.
Multipurpose Tool
While it is very handy, remember not to keep it in your carry on bag or it will be confiscated.
Large Items
Consider renting large or heavy items like scuba gear, rather than lugging them with you.
This is the world’s playground. You will easily find most large recreational items for a reasonable price.
If you are traveling with small children, consider a lightweight umbrella stroller, or even better, a rugged backpack carrier.
Do not check these items as they will prove priceless in the long lines at the airport.
[Back]
You’re done! Almost.
Now that you’ve made your list, and packed your bags, put them on your bathroom scale and be sure they meet the weight restrictions for your airline.
You may need to redistribute heavy items to insure all of your bags are within limits.
If you are planning to rent a car, be sure that your bags will fit in the trunk. If necessary go to a car dealership in your area and try out the trunk.
The last thing you need is an unpleasant surprise when you get off the plane and into your car.
[Back]
|
