As of posting (original post date: September 18, 2024), there are only 25 days until we meet in Oaxaca! If you’re like me, you’ll start packing in 24 days. But just in case you need a bit more time, below you’ll find a suggested packing list to get you started —

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PACKING TIPS:

Try traveling with only a carry-on. No need to wait for checked luggage upon your arrival, and it makes for lighter travel.

Can’t travel without a checked bag? Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of any delayed baggage – having something clean to wear is never a bad idea.

Face wipes, lotion, lip balm, hand sanitizer, toothbrush & toothpaste in your carry-on: to stay feeling fresh during your flights.

Pack clothes you actually like! If you never wear it at home, and it sits in the back of your closet, you won’t suddenly enjoy wearing it while abroad. Don’t fall victim to the “Ooohh maybe I’ll finally wear this piece of clothing on the trip.”

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Clothing:

• Cool, lightweight clothes for hot days (~75F°)
• Layers, jacket, pants for cooler nights (~50°F)
• Clothes for physical activities:
  • Hiking in Hierve el Agua
  • City walking tour
  • Tour of Monte Alban
• Clothes for low-intensity activities:
  • Spanish classes
  • Cooking class
  • Group dinners
  • Exploring the city during free time
• Shoes: for both physical and low-intensity activities
• Swimsuit: for Hierve el Agua natural springs
• Towel: for Hierve el Agua natural springs
• Sandals: for showering and/or wearing after natural springs
• Hat: for sun protection during long tours
• Sunglasses
• Underwear & socks
• Sleepwear
• Purse/money belt/small bag/backpack: for carrying around essentials on the daily

Travel Essentials

• Passport and photocopies
• Travel insurance information if applicable
• Emergency Contacts List: Keep a printed or written list of emergency contacts (both for back home and in Mexico), especially if your phone dies or gets lost
• Name & address of the hotel: for your airport transfer
• Credit/debit cards: check in with you bank beforehand about using your cards internationally
• Cash – Mexican pesos: you can also wait until arrival and take out cash at an ATM
• Small daypack or backpack: for carrying your essentials on tours and hikes (think bringing your swimsuit to Hierve el Agua or having your water bottle, camera, keys, phone during the Monte Alban tour)
• Phone & charger: check on your international calling/data plan or Wi-Fi options with your phone provider
• Camera & charger: if your phone’s camera isn’t enough for you.
• Spanish phrasebook/translation app: this could also just be access to a dictionary/translation on your phone – you don’t necessarily need to bring a phrasebook
• Maps/offline navigation: Download Google Maps or another offline map app for Oaxaca in case you don’t have a strong signal – this may come in handy on the free days!
• Notebook and pen: for your Spanish classes and jotting down notes during your trip
• Laundry bag or packing cubes: for separating dirty clothes or organizing luggage.
• Moisturizer & lip balm: cooler evening air can be drying, so pack some hydrating skincare products
• Bringing a Device: Upon arrival in Mexico, you are allowed: “Dos cámaras fotográficas o de videograbación, material fotográfico; tres equipos portátiles de telefonía celular o de otras redes inalámbricas; un equipo de posicionamiento global (GPS); una agenda electrónica; un equipo de cómputo portátil de los denominados laptop, tablet, omnibook o similar; una copiadora o impresora portátiles; un quemador y un proyector portátil, con sus accesorios.” 
  The bottom line on devices: my understanding is that you can bring one laptop, or a tablet, or a similar device, but only ONE (either a laptop or a tablet) without paying taxes upon arrival. Your camera and phone are in different categories. For example, I plan on bringing my laptop, NO tablet, my cell phone, and a digital camera. 

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other basic toiletries
• Sunscreen & insect repellent – you can also buy in a pharmacy upon arrival
• Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner – if you don’t want to use the hotel’s
• Medication: Any prescription medication, along with over-the-counter basics like pain relievers, allergy medication, and digestive aids (there are also easily accesible pharmacies in Oaxaca for over-the-counter medicines).

Non-essential options:

1. Portable charger to keep your phone or camera charged during long days
2. Travel umbrella or light rain jacket: we’ll be transitioning out of the rainy season by mid-October, but there is a still a chance for light rain
3. Facial wipes, hand sanitizer, masks
4. Music, podcasts, books, journals, etc.: entertainment for bus transportation to excursions once in Oaxaca.
5. Waterproof phone case: If you plan to have your phone nearby while at Hierve el Agua
6. Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated during group tours
7. Snacks: you can also buy upon arrival
8. Small first-aid kit: Oaxaca has accessible pharmacies, but some travelers like to be extra cautious and carry basic care products for minor injuries.

Did I miss anything? Let me know, and I’ll add it to the list!