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Travel Planning Checklist
(for U.S. travelers. Other countries may vary)
Double-check with your travel agent to confirm that document requirements have not changed since this list was prepared. We cannot be held liable for any inconvenience caused by changes beyond our knowledge.
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Each passenger will need:
¤ A valid Passport or a Birth Certificate with an official state seal (you absolutely cannot use any type of duplicate. It must be an official document).
¤ For children, use a recent photograph with name, birth date, social security number, and address written on the back.
¤ Ladies, if you are married, and you've changed your last name to be different than that on your Birth Certificate, take along your marriage license to link your married name to your maiden name. Although I haven't been asked for this on recent trips, it is the law to enter Mexico, so I highly recommend that you pack it along with your other documents. If for any reason, your name is different than that on your Birth Certificate, you should bring documentation to show the link back to that name. Better safe than not on a plane.
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Get it all organized
Place all of our documents into a zippered bag to protect documents from humidity. Print out a checklist and tape them to the envelope, as we find documents, place them inside and check it off from the list. This will help eliminate the risk of getting to the airport and not having one of those important documents.
What should you pack?
At least 2 swimsuits. Ladies, don't worry about wearing that two-piece, everyone does. You'll see all shapes and sizes. And, of course, some make that two-piece into a one-piece, when laying out. Wear what you feel comfortable in.
Casual clothes, like T-shirts and shorts. For the average tourist, there's not much need for dressy clothes. You'll know whether your the type to visit fancier restaurants that require dressier clothes. (Yes, Cancun is diverse, and it has these type of places).
You may need a light sweater or sweatshirt for the occasional cool evening.
Swimsuit cover-up. Buy a colorful sarong when you get there, it's the "in thing" for tourist beachwear. You can find some beautiful inexpensive ones all over Cancun, Playa and Isla Mujeres.
Shoes: Bring a pair for walking, and sandals for the beach.
Camera and video: Bring plenty of film. It's sometimes overpriced in the tourist areas. If you go to the major grocery stores, or Wal-Mart in downtown Cancun you'll find film at reasonable prices. We also take a disposable underwater camera.
Sunscreen. Take plenty. Like film, it's a little more expensive in the tourist areas. Put it on every part of your body. You wouldn't believe how many people we've seen with severely burnt feet, ears, or scalps. Parks like Xel-Ha and Xcaret do not allow regular sunscreen (with so many tourists, it forms an oil slick on the water), so you will need some eco-safe lotion. You can purchase it at the parks, but it is expensive. You can also purchase some oil-free lotion before you go, We've heard good things about a lotion called "Kiss My Face". If you do this, coat yourself well several times before you enter the park, and just leave it in the car. We usually take a spare T-shirt to wear while snorkeling. The thin layer of water covering your back will magnify the sun and cook you in only a few hours. Don't forget something for your lips.
Sunglasses, visor, hat
Basic Emergancy Kit: Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, nail clippers (for some reason we think our nails grow faster down there???), tylenol, anti-bacterial wipes.
The usual toiletries: Toothpaste, tooth brush, shampoo, deodorant, I always bring my own bar of soap and minimal make-up.
Collapsable cooler, bottle opener, koozies
Beach towels: If you are staying at a small hotel you'll need to bring your own. Larger resort provide them. You may also want to bring a couple of washcloths if you're staying at a small hotel, they don't always have them.
Large ziplock bags are great for dirty clothes or wet suits. I also use them for cameras, film amd whatever else I don't want sand in.
Snorkel equipment: If you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling, having your own is very nice.
We always take walkie talkies, not necessary but handy to have when the husband wanders off.
Several good books.
Don't forget your Maps! |
