Going on a Tulum vacation is so exciting! Lying on beautiful beaches in a tropical destination, doing water activities, visiting ancient ruins, and eating delicious Mexican food. Such a dream! Tulum is the perfect place to relax and recharge. I created this ultimate Tulum packing list so you can use it as a checklist and inspiration for your beach vacation. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
I divided this list into five categories: luggage, toiletries, electronics, flight essentials, clothes and accessories. Hopefully this list will make packing a bit less stressful and allow you to focus on the excitement of your Tulum trip instead.
Luggage
Travel backpack
Whenever I go on a short trip, I only take this travel backpack with me since I pack light. I’ve had this Osprey backpack in black for a few years and I love it. It’s basically a mini suitcase that looks like a backpack. I can fit so much stuff in there because of this design! Plus, it has a bunch of pockets and even a laptop compartment. It’s great when you fly basic economy and you can only take one personal item with you on the plane.
Mid-budget carry-on bag
I am team carry on. I only check in bags if my trip is longer than 2 weeks or if I’m moving. That’s it. I recently discovered Beis and I’m very happy with the quality of their suitcases and the price. It’s one of the more affordable brands out there, but they still make high quality luggage.
Fancy carry on
If you’re not shopping on a budget then you can consider a fancier carry on from Rimowa. It’s a hard shell suitcase with a slick design. Plus, it’s made of high-end anodized aluminum, which makes it more durable.
Affordable checked luggage
I recently got this checked luggage from American Tourister. I love their colorful designs; they are super cute. And they will be quite easy to recognize on the conveyor belt. The price is great too. A bit over $100 is a great deal for a large 28″ luggage.
Fancy checked luggage
If you are willing to pay over $1,000, then Rimowa’s checked luggage is a great choice. It’s the perfect mix of luxury, craftsmanship, and superior engineering.
Packing cubes
If I fly only with my backpack, I don’t use packing cubes. To be honest, even when I fly with a carry on I don’t really use them, but I can see why they are useful. If you like things super tidy and organized, they are perfect.
Weekender bag
Beis makes such cute bags for a weekend trip or day trips. I love that it has a removable bottom compartment that doubles as a packing cube. If you decide to take it with you when you fly it also has a sleeve so you can easily slide it on a carry on.
Travel jewelry case
I had to add a travel jewelry organizer on this packing list for Tulum. I love a super compact box with lots of different compartments. This one is super cute, and the best part is that it only costs $34. Love a good deal.
Crossbody day bag
I always carry a crossbody bag with me when I travel. It’s small enough that you can use it every day during a trip, and you can take your essentials with you as you explore a new destination.
Shoe bags
If you’re like me and don’t always use packing cubes but would like the soles of your shoes to not touch your clothes then a shoe bag will do.
Chipolo luggage tag
Whenever I have to check in baggage, and I have a layover I’m always afraid the airline will lose it. It happened to me a few times. But now I can track it with a Chipolo tag and at least I have the peace of mind that I know where my luggage is even though it gets lost. Game changer.
Toiletries
Toiletry bag
I love a toiletry bag that’s large enough to fit all my beauty products, but small enough that it doesn’t take up that much space in my carry on. This one is water resistant and it has a lot of compartments, so it’s great for keeping everything organized.
Beach bag
I love a cute beach bag that’s also big enough to fit everything I want to take with me to the beach. This one is perfect.
Travel size containers
Traveling with toiletries under 4 oz / 100mL is such a hassle. I am looking forward to the day we can bring full-sized containers with us. But until then I will use these travel size containers.
Sunscreen
I am so white that I could compete with Snow White on who has whiter skin. I would probably win the contest. That means that I burn super easily. If I spend more than 15 – 20 minutes in the sun and I’m not wearing sunscreen I will get a sunburn. Sunscreen is one of the most important things I pack, especially if I go to a tropical destination like Tulum. This sunscreen is high quality, offers UVA/UVB protection and is fragrance free, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin types as well.
Face moisturizer
The tropical climate will dry out your skin, so it’s very important to moisturize daily. I’ve been using the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration moisturizer for a few years and I love it. It also has hyaluronic acid, so it can help with anti-aging. To be honest people always think I’m 5-7 years younger than I actually am. It’s mostly my genes, but maybe this cream plays a small part too, who knows?
Body lotion
It’s not just the face that gets super dry when you travel to a destination like Tulum, it’s the entire body. Moisturizing is so important when traveling. I aways go for hand and body lotion from L’Occitane. It’s so hydrating and it smells so good!
Cleanser
One of the best feelings after a day spent at the pool and on the beach is to wash your face. This Soy Face Cleanser from Fresh smells good and it doesn’t dry your face as much as other cleansers I tried. I’ve been a loyal customer for a few years now.
Lip balm
I hate having dry, crusty lips. And unfortunately warm weather causes this. So I always pack a lot of lip balms when I travel because they seem to always disappear. I’m a Burt’s Bees girl. I’ve used these lip balms ever since I moved to the US. Mango is my favorite.
Mosquito repellent
Insect repellent is one of my essential items for Mexico or any other destination with lots of mosquitos. Getting bit during your vacation is so unpleasant, so it’s better to pack some bug spray.
Electronics
Noise canceling headphones
I love noise canceling headphones. I prefer them over airpods even when I’m not traveling. I’ve been a Bose girl for years and I love their headphones. If you don’t want to hear crying babies and that background plane noise anymore, this is a great option.
AirPods
If you don’t like the large noise canceling headphones, then the smaller airpods are a great alternative. Be careful not to lose them on the plane though. On my last flight there was a girl who lost one of them somewhere in her seat. She called the flight attendant and they both searched for the missing airpod for a good 10 minutes, but they couldn’t find it.
Mexico plug adapter
If you travel to Mexico from any other country except the US and Canada you will need to buy a plug adaptor since they have type A and B plug types.
Portable charger / power bank
If you’re like me, you use your phone a lot to check Google Maps and take pictures and videos when you travel. My poor phone’s battery rarely lasts for a full day of exploring. So having a portable charger is a must.
Waterproof Insta 360 camera
This is a neat little camera for travel adventures. I love the fact that you can also use it underwater. Plus, it’s so tiny it can fit in any luggage.
DSLR camera
If you want a fancier camera and can afford the extra cost this DSLR from Canon is a great option. I haven’t invested in a DSLR camera yet, but I might take the plunge soon.
Drone
I don’t own a drone yet. But if I buy one, it’s going to be a DJI. I heard great things about it. Unless you’re a photographer / videographer or content creator, you don’t really need a drone, let’s be real. But I added it to the list in case you want a fancy new gadget for your travels.
Tripod
Pictures are a must during every single trip. They are memories that you’ll cherish later. A tripod / selfie stick is a life saver if you travel solo or if your travel companion doesn’t take good pictures. It might look cringey, but I don’t care. Those people judging are people I’ll never see again in my entire life, but the pictures I took will be forever.
eSIM for affordable WiFi when traveling internationally
eSIM cards are a game changer for international travel. They are basically digital versions of a SIM card and they only provide data when you travel internationally, no talk and text.
Nomad eSIM has very affordable data plans so you can travel like a local and stay connected without breaking the bank. For example, for Greece, the cheapest option is just $4.5 for 1 GB of data for 7 days.
You can use the code IOAN43TM for $3 off your first purchase.
Flight essentials
Travel documents
This is probably number one on my list of travel essentials. Don’t forget your passport and other important documents at home! And if you need a visa for Mexico, make sure you apply and get everything sorted out well in advance of your trip.
Passport cover
A passport cover is so useful for keeping your passport intact. If you travel a lot your passport can easily get damaged, and we don’t want that. This cover has is super cute and it comes with a luggage tag as well.
Reusable water bottle
Buying those $7 water bottles at the airport makes me feel like I’m wasting my hard-earned money. You can add a few more bucks and you can buy a Ryanair flight instead. So bringing a reusable water bottle to fill it up after airport security from one of the water stations is a smart move.
Compression socks
Compression socks might seem like an odd accessory, but they are actually great for anybody going on a long-haul flight. They help your body move your blood from the feet to your heart. Plus, women who are long distance travelers are at a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. So compression socks should definitely be on any list of travel essentials for women. We need to stay healthy while traveling.
Neck pillow
Flying economy or low-cost airlines is great because you can see more of the world and not pay a lot. But this also comes with disadvantages. One of them is that your neck and shoulders will feel very stiff after a longer flight. Having to sleep in odd positions does that to you. Investing in a travel pillow can help prevent this.
Phone stand for flights
Many older aircrafts don’t have in-flight entertainment. This cell phone stand can be easily attached to the seat or tray table in front of you, so you can watch all the movies until you get to your destination.
E reader
If you like to read a good book while flying to pass the time, then you need a Kindle. I am a fan of hard copies of books, but they are so heavy and take up so much space
Clothes and Accessories
Bathing suit
Cute bathing suits that come in different colors and patterns are a must for every tropical vacation. Tastes will vary a lot in this department and you should pick whatever matches best your personal style to feel beautiful. Remember, a bikini body is any shape or size body that has a bikini on. That’s it!
I’m sharing one of my favorite bathing suits that also comes in plus size. I can’t believe in this day and age we still have brands that don’t carry plus size. We need to do better!
Cover
A cover comes in handy when going to lunch if the resort or beach club’s dress code states that a cover is mandatory. Other than that please don’t cover your body. Flaunt it with confidence. It’s so freeing to do it. And you’re beautiful no matter what your body looks like, ok?
Sun glasses
Not being able to see the places you go to properly because of the sun shining is the worst. Plus, this damages your eyesight with time. Having a pair of sunglasses with you is always a good idea, and especially when you visit a sunny destination like Tulum.
Flowy dresses
Flowy maxi dresses are a must when going on vacation in a warm destination. They are cute, breathable, and are such an easy outfit. You just put one on and that’s it. No need to spend time figuring out how to style it.
Tank tops
I have tank tops in so many colors. They are so great for summer and hot weather. This is your reminder to stop hiding your arms this summer. Flaunt them. Life is too short to stay covered up and uncomfortable.
Shorts
Please wear the short this summer. Nobody cares what your legs look like or if you have cellulitis. And if they do, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
Flowy pants
I love pants. They are so comfy and I love that you can have casual pants, elegant pants, workout pants. I love the variety and I will always be a pants fan. I have two pairs of these pants. They are giving island vibes, are so soft and comfortable and they have an elastic waistband. Love them!
Light sweater
Depending on when you plan on visiting, it might be worth packing a light sweater since temperatures can drop at night.
Flip flops
I live in flip flops when I go on a beach vacation. Going to the beach? Flip flops. Going to lunch? Flip flops. Shower? Flip flops. Good thing they are cheap and they don’t take that much space in our luggage.
Sandals
Sandals go so well with flowy dresses. You can never have too many pairs. Strappy sandals are my personal favorites.
High heels
If you want to get dolled up to go to a fancy or romantic dinner, then you should also pack a pair of high heels. I have to admit I rarely wear heels since I find them so uncomfortable, but they do look great with a more formal outfit.
Hair ties
Hair ties are travel essentials for women with long hair. I have thick, high volume, curly hair that always gets in my face. So I keep it up in a bun most days. This way I don’t have to constantly deal with it in my face. Plus, Tulum gets so hot, so it feels like I’m wearing a thick hat and scarf if I have my hair down. Hair ties are a must.
Band-Aids
Accidents happen and we need to be prepared with band-aids and even a first aid kit.
Sun hat
If you’re going on a tropical vacation to Tulum, you need to protect yourself from the sun. Sun poisoning sucks. I had it a few times and I promise you, you want to prevent it. A chic sun hat can do the trick.
Mini fan
Tulum has hot and humid weather. I instantly sweat and it makes me feel so gross and uncomfortable. Having a mini fan to blast on your face can make the experience more tolerable.
Small makeup mirror
I had to include a makeup mirror on this list of essential travel items for women. I carry one with me every time I travel in my crossbody purse. It comes in handy when you need to reapply lipstick or, you know, if you want to check if you have something stuck in your teeth.
Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other articles.
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Ioana was born and raised in Romania, lived in NYC for 14 years, and is now back in Romania. She fell in love with traveling when she was little and used to visit her aunt in Vienna. Then in high school she was able to visit Siberia, Turkmenistan, Istanbul, and Tokyo through chemistry competitions. As an adult she started to travel solo once she turned 30 and visited 20+ countries so far. Ioana is a full time travel blogger and content creator with an audience of 75K+ people on Instagram. She loves to share travel recommendations and tips.