As of posting, there are only 15 days until we meet in Oaxaca! If you’re like me, you’ll start packing in 14 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 and any necessary medications 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 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 warm/hot days (~70-75F°)
• Layers, jacket, pants for cooler mornings/nights (~50-60°F)
• Light rain jacket/travel umbrella: the weather app shows rain! – updated 10/6
• 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 high and low-intensity activities
• Swimsuit: for Hierve el Agua natural springs
• Towel: for Hierve el Agua natural springs
• Sandals: for showering and/or wearing at the natural springs
• Hat: for sun protection during long tours
• Sunglasses
• Underwear & socks
• Sleepwear

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: your transfer will be organized for you, but it’s never a bad idea to know where you’re going!
• Credit/debit cards: check in with you bank beforehand about using your cards internationally (may or may not be necessary – ask your bank).
• 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 (for example: swimsuit & towel for Hierve el Agua, water bottle, camera, room key, phone, etc. during tours)
• 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.
• Language / dictionary app: 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 free days!
• Notebook/journal & pen: taking notes on new Spanish words/phrases
• Laundry bag or packing cubes: for separating used 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 the following: “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
• Small packs of tissues/toilet paper – some public restrooms may not have any
• 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. Facial wipes, hand sanitizer, masks
3. Music, podcasts, books, journals, etc.: entertainment for bus transportation to excursions once in Oaxaca.
4. Waterproof phone case/water bags: If you plan to have your belongings or phone nearby while at Hierve el Agua
5. Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated during group tours
6. 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!