Planning our family packing list for an all-inclusive beach vacation turned out to be surprisingly simple. This was our first international trip since before the pandemic, and we were all excited to unwind at the pool and beach without the stress of packed itineraries.
Unlike our usual trips filled with active pursuits like hiking and biking, this time, we opted for a much more laid-back experience. Our goal was to soak in the relaxing vibes and everything that the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico offer—chiefly delicious food and the beach!
While all-inclusive vacations aren’t our usual choice, we’ve had our fair share of experiences before, both as a couple and later with our toddler. Now, nearly seven years later, we had a clearer picture of what to bring for a family vacation like this.
This packing list for Mexico with kids certainly had some variations from when we spent a month in Playa del Carmen, where we explored Mayan ruins, swam in cenotes, and visited fun spots like Xcaret. However, much of what we packed was familiar, proving that some items are truly vacation staples!
Kids Packing List for the Flight: Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
When packing for our trip, one key factor we always consider is the weather we’ll be returning to. Coming from Canada in mid-February, we’re often greeted by freezing temperatures upon our return. Waiting for a shuttle in the cold after a sunny getaway can really be a shock to the system!
To deal with the cold, we always pack down jackets that are light enough to stow in our suitcase once we arrive at the airport. We slip them back on as soon as we retrieve our luggage. Hoodies or sweaters are also included for the flight. For extra warmth, we bring socks and wear them with sandals—while it might not be the most stylish choice, it gets the job done.
The flight itself was a straightforward 4-hour journey from Calgary, which didn’t require much extra planning. The timing worked well too, as we flew during the day. Our return flight wasn’t too late, which made it easier to keep the kids comfortable. If the flight had been any later, I probably would have packed some Travel Nest cushions (use discount code BABYCANTRAVEL) to help the kids rest better on the plane.
For this flight, a couple of iPads and headphones were all we needed to keep the kids entertained.
Travel Tip
Be sure to pack your swimsuits, cover-ups, rashguards, and sun hats in your carry-on bag, just in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive with you. This way, you won’t miss any beach or pool time. While you can buy sunscreen at the resort, rashguards are essential to protect your skin from the tropical sun, especially if you’re not used to it.
Here’s a look at everything else we packed for our family trip to Mexico:
Essential Packing List for an All-Inclusive Beach Vacation
Here’s a list of the basic items we bring along for our travels. These essentials are standard for most trips. While we usually rely on our iPhones for photos, we also bring our Sony A6000 to capture some special moments. We didn’t use it much during the trip, but I did take it along for a few beach walks to snap a few memorable shots.
For the flight, we’ve been using the same kids’ 2-pack headphones for several years, and they’re always a hit with the kids. Since they’re entertained for the most part, we get the chance to enjoy our own movies, so we pack our Apple AirPods Pro. They’re perfect for the evenings, too, when the kids are asleep and we want some quiet time.
We organize everything with packing cubes. We’ve had the same set for over a decade, and I can’t imagine traveling without them. Each person gets a specific color, so it’s easy to find clothes in the morning, and it keeps our suitcase neat and tidy. When you’re on an all-inclusive beach vacation, the goal is to keep everything stress-free and organized for the whole family.
1. Beach Essentials for a Family Vacation Packing List
When preparing for a beach trip, it’s essential to consider items that will make your experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. While we didn’t plan for any excursions, packing a dry bag, insect repellent, action camera, and a small backpack would have been helpful had our plans changed.
From personal experience, a waterproof pouch for your phone is a smart, budget-friendly choice. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry—especially if, like me, you’ve lost a phone to a waterfall during a trip! A waterproof pouch will also keep your phone safe from sand and spilled drinks in your beach bag.
Reef-safe sunscreen is an absolute must for anyone engaging in water activities. Also, a beach blanket is a great addition to your packing list when you’re ready to relax on the sand. While we didn’t bring sand toys (though they can keep the kids entertained for hours), we did pack a few beach balls, which led to a funny moment when we realized our pool had a no-ball policy!
And if you’re traveling with kids, you can’t go wrong with a beach bag. It’s a lifesaver when you’re carrying more than what your hands can manage!
2. Women’s Clothing & Toiletries for Family Vacation Packing List
One of the best parts of an all-inclusive vacation is how light you can pack! Unlike some of our other trips, I didn’t have to worry about gear for hiking, biking, water activities, or fluctuating weather. We spent most of our time in swimsuits, which made packing much easier.
I have to mention CupShe for resort wear. Their swimsuits offer excellent quality at a fraction of what you’d pay at retail stores, and they also carry stylish sundresses and cover-ups. I packed a cover-up for walking around the resort or enjoying poolside lunches. With so many cute options, I almost went with this one or another similar choice.
I ended up packing three swimsuits—not because I needed them, but I had some extra space. Plus, CupShe offers a variety of styles at affordable prices, which makes it easy to pick up a new one for a trip like this! I went for a floral print bikini and this yellow-top option.
For dinners, I brought a jumpsuit, which worked great. I also threw in a couple of sundresses that I wore during evening meals. Although I’ve had mine for a while, there are some lovely alternatives like this maxi dress or a shorter version!
I also packed a few pairs of shorts and tank tops, which came in handy when we ventured into town for souvenirs or for casual buffet dinners. These could have also been useful for any excursions.
When it came to shoes, I wore my Keen sandals for excursions. Otherwise, flip-flops were my go-to, even at night when I would skip the dressy sandals I had brought along.
I packed workout clothes as well, but let’s just say they stayed in my suitcase! My pre-trip optimism about keeping up with exercise didn’t quite pan out.
A short-sleeve rashguard, sun hat, and sunglasses were essential. I wore the rashguard on one day when I felt like I’d overdone it in the sun. For a sun hat, I used an old ball cap, but these packable options are also great choices. As for sunglasses, I swear by Goodr—they’re affordable, stay in place, and are comfortable enough for all-day wear.
3. Men’s Clothing & Toiletries for Family Vacation Packing List
Dan keeps it simple when packing! He brought two pairs of zip-off pants—ideal for travel and chilly mornings. For dinners, he opted for shorts, choosing pairs that are slimmer and more modern, avoiding the typical bulky zip-off style.
T-shirts were his go-to for most days, and he packed a couple of collared shirts for dinners, like this one and that one. They offered a more polished look without taking up much space in his bag.
For footwear, Dan wore his Keen sandals on the flight to Mexico, but he mostly lived in flip-flops throughout the trip. They were comfortable, easy to slip on, and perfect for the laid-back vacation vibe.
4. Kids Packing List for Beach Vacation
Traveling from the cold winters of Canada to a sunny beach destination with two pale-skinned kids meant extra attention to sun protection. For our daughter, we packed an adorable long-sleeve swimsuit along with a rash guard to wear over her other swimsuits. Our son got swimming trunks and a rash guard as well to keep him covered.
Both kids wore Keen sandals but, just like us, lived in flip-flops for the majority of the time. We’ve been using Sunday Afternoons sun hats for years, and they’ve always been a hit. The kids have worn versions of this hat since they were toddlers, and it never fails to stay on, dry quickly, and shield their faces and necks from the sun.
We also packed sunglasses , though they didn’t wear them much—probably due to the sun protection their hats provided.
For swimming, we brought goggles and a swim vest for our son, who’s just getting comfortable in the water. A swim vest is easy to pack and gives kids confidence, especially after a break from swimming (thanks to two years of no pool time due to the pandemic). With the swim vest, our son was swimming on his own throughout the trip.
Clothes for the kids were simple, with a few pairs of shorts and t-shirts. Our daughter had a sundress and jumpsuit for evenings, and our son had a couple of collared shirts .
We didn’t pack much in terms of entertainment for the kids, as we spent most of our days at the beach, pool, and kids’ pool. By the evening, they were so exhausted that they fell asleep in no time.
The mornings were cool in Cabo San Lucas, so the kids wore hoodies each day. I had a jean jacket that worked well for me, and we were glad we had them on our packing list for the kids!
One last important thing to consider when staying at an all-inclusive family beach resort is your sleeping arrangement. At our resort in Cabo San Lucas, we shared a room and beds with the kids. The resort had two beds pushed together, making a giant family bed, which was perfect for us since one of our kids is a restless sleeper. To avoid him falling off the bed onto the hard tile floor, he slept right in the middle.
Inflatable bed rails are an excellent solution for keeping kids in bed if this is a concern. Alternatively, packing a small inflatable air mattress is a good idea, especially if you have night kickers. It’s worth the space to make sure everyone gets a better night’s sleep during your beach vacation.
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- 11 Family-Friendly Resorts in Zanzibar You’ll Love.
Getting Kids to Do Their Packing
I always appreciate when the kids get involved in packing. Not only does it make my job easier, but it also makes the process more enjoyable for them. I usually set up a designated area in the house where we place everything that’s going to be packed.
To keep them organized, I create a packing list for each child. For the younger ones who can’t read yet, I use pictures to help them identify what they need to gather. They can pick out their own clothes, with a few general suggestions from me to keep things on track. I still monitor their choices to make sure their selections are suitable for the trip’s activities.
Incorporating this into your trip prep can be a real time-saver and makes the packing experience a lot more fun, especially when preparing for family vacations like an all-inclusive getaway to Mexico!
