Should we pack one big suitcase or two smaller ones?

One shared checked bag (60-70L) plus two carry-ons works best. You pay one checked bag fee instead of two, stay mobile enough for taxi rides, and still have enough space for two people for a week. Use packing cubes to keep each person's items separate inside the shared bag.

How much sunscreen do we actually need?

One 6-8oz bottle per person per week of sun exposure. If you're on the beach all day, expect to go through more. Bring reef-safe mineral sunscreen from home—it costs 2-3x more in Cancún or Tulum. Many cenotes and marine parks now require reef-safe formulas and will turn you away if you're wearing chemical sunscreen.

Do we need to pack beach towels?

No if you're staying at hotels or most Airbnbs—they provide them. Yes if you're staying at hostels or budget accommodations. A quick-dry travel towel (one per person) works for both beach and cenote visits if your place doesn't provide towels. Check with your accommodation before packing.

What should we do with our passports during the trip?

Each person carries their own passport in their personal carry-on. Never pack both passports in the same bag. At your accommodation, use the room safe for passports when you go out—carry a photo copy or phone photo instead. For beach days, leave passports locked in your room and bring just a credit card and small amount of cash.

Should we bring snorkel gear or rent on arrival?

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them and they fit well. Rental masks often leak and don't fit properly. Fins are bulky—rent those. A good mask and snorkel take up minimal space and pay for themselves after 2-3 snorkel trips. Plus you avoid the mouth-feel of rental gear used by hundreds of people.

Pack as a Couple for Mexico's Caribbean Coast

Pack one shared checked bag plus two carry-ons when traveling as a couple to Mexico's Caribbean. Split essentials between bags in case one goes missing. You need swimwear, light layers for air conditioning, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof phone pouch. Plan for 5-7 days of clothing that works in both beach and town settings.

Choose Your Bag Strategy. Use one checked bag (50-70L) that you share, plus one carry-on each. This gives you 120L total capacity, keeps you mobile, and costs less in fees than two checked bags. Put all liquids over 3.4oz in the checked bag. Keep medications, one swimsuit each, and a change of clothes in your carry-ons in case the checked bag is delayed.
Divide Critical Items. Never put both passports in the same bag. Never put all your money in one place. Split medications between both carry-ons. Each person carries their own passport, one credit card, and enough cash for a day. If you're checking a bag with valuables, each person should have enough in their carry-on to survive 24 hours without it.
Pack for Three Zones. Beach zone: 2-3 swimsuits each, coverups, flip flops, beach bag. Town zone: casual shorts/dresses, walking sandals, nicer shirt for dinner. Air conditioning zone: light long-sleeve shirt, pants, closed-toe shoes for over-cooled restaurants and buses. Everything should work together. Neutral colors let you mix and match with 7 items total per person.
Handle Toiletries Strategically. Buy full-size sunscreen in the checked bag—you'll use a bottle per person per week. Bring reef-safe formula (mineral-based, no oxybenzone). Share shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in 3oz bottles or buy on arrival at OXXO or Chedraui. Pack bug spray with 25-30% DEET for evenings. Bring any prescription meds in original containers plus copies of prescriptions. Condoms and tampons: bring from home, as specific brands can be hard to find.
Coordinate Before You Pack. One person brings the first aid kit. One brings the power strip. One brings the book light. One brings the portable charger. Don't duplicate what you can share: one beach towel per person is enough, one full sunscreen per person, one phone charger type if you both use iPhone or both use USB-C. Make a shared packing list 48 hours before departure and assign who brings what.

Should we pack one big suitcase or two smaller ones?: One shared checked bag (60-70L) plus two carry-ons works best. You pay one checked bag fee instead of two, stay mobile enough for taxi rides, and still have enough space for two people for a week. Use packing cubes to keep each person's items separate inside the shared bag.
How much sunscreen do we actually need?: One 6-8oz bottle per person per week of sun exposure. If you're on the beach all day, expect to go through more. Bring reef-safe mineral sunscreen from home—it costs 2-3x more in Cancún or Tulum. Many cenotes and marine parks now require reef-safe formulas and will turn you away if you're wearing chemical sunscreen.
Do we need to pack beach towels?: No if you're staying at hotels or most Airbnbs—they provide them. Yes if you're staying at hostels or budget accommodations. A quick-dry travel towel (one per person) works for both beach and cenote visits if your place doesn't provide towels. Check with your accommodation before packing.
What should we do with our passports during the trip?: Each person carries their own passport in their personal carry-on. Never pack both passports in the same bag. At your accommodation, use the room safe for passports when you go out—carry a photo copy or phone photo instead. For beach days, leave passports locked in your room and bring just a credit card and small amount of cash.
Should we bring snorkel gear or rent on arrival?: Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them and they fit well. Rental masks often leak and don't fit properly. Fins are bulky—rent those. A good mask and snorkel take up minimal space and pay for themselves after 2-3 snorkel trips. Plus you avoid the mouth-feel of rental gear used by hundreds of people.