What to Pack for Mexico in April & May … On Weekend Meanderings

Today on Weekend Meanderings, what to pack for Mexico in April and May. A peek inside my carry-on bag for our whirlwind anniversary trip.

Happy weekend, friends!

It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for Weekend Meanderings.

Our weekly roundup of inspiration and goings on.

This post includes affiliate links for your convenience at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Last night Jim and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in LA.

Today we’re winging our way to Mexico for a whirlwind 4-day trip.

I challenged myself to pack a carry-on.

That’s not true, Jim told me to pack a carry-on.

As a professional traveler he once visited three continents in 10-days with a carry-on.

He has zero tolerance for my overpacking.

I didn’t kick up a fuss, this time.

We flew through LAX which means on the return trip I’d have to retrieve my luggage to go through customs,

and recheck it in time to make a tight connection.

When we go to Italy in June you can be sure I’ll be traveling with full regalia.

Consider yourself warned, Jim.

On that note, let’s get to what I’m packing for Mexico in April and May.

 

GETTING THERE

On the plane I’m wearing this Jenni Kayne seersucker dress and new Paige cropped denim jacket.

It’s made of the softest denim so it’s super comfy for travel.

I’m wore my Adidas Superstars and brought along a pair of ‘plane socks’ to keep my feet warm. And, because I’m always cold on planes, I carry a warm scarf. I also brought my favorite hat and I’m trying out this travel hat clip for the first time.

 

 

As far as luggage, Jim’s gallantly offered me the larger of his two soft-sided Tumi carry-on bags, the Continental. He’s using the slightly smaller International version. And he’ll bring along his at-least-30-year old Tumi leather carryall. They don’t make it anymore which is a shame. It’s a classic. Anyway, that bag is a bottomless pit and he’s gracious about letting me toss in some of my things if need be. I’m also bringing my newer Tumi nylon carry-all holding all my toiletries, electronic gadgets, wallet, passport, plane socks, scarf and all the things that would normally be in my purse. It’s full, but not overstuffed which is a miracle.

 

When it comes to packing, packing cubes are game changers. They make packing, and unpacking, a breeze. Jim, on the other hand, turns up his nose at my packing paraphernalia and uses his own tried and true packing method. You can’t argue with success. Anyway, I’ve had this toiletry bag forever and all other cosmetic related items go into zip lock bags. Most hotel rooms have magnifying mirrors, but I pack my own travel size mirror just in case. As for jewelry, this is a great travel case.

Apparently Oprah likes this one. I was late to the cord organizer game, but now I consider it essential. Oh and I almost forgot until I was packing, I slip my shoes into covers to protect them.

 

We’re traveling to an area of Mexico that is very hot and humid now. And you know how hotels and restaurant in hot climates tend to overcompensate by air conditioning to arctic temps. Why do they do that? So, in addition to my new denim jacket, I packed a light-weight cardigan … and a second pair of ‘plane socks‘ for the hotel.

I’m counting on our room having a nice bathrobe, slippers and a hairdryer. I’ll probably let my hair air-dry and I brought my curling wand to tame the wild waves.

Here’s what else is in my bag. I’ve mentioned before that I keep a collapsable rolling rack in the garage that’s so helpful getting organized for trips.

 

SWIMWEAR & COVERUPS

Let’s get to the heart of the matter. Swimwear. I dread getting into a swimsuit. That said, I have four new ones. That’s right. Four.

Fit in swimwear is interesting and I usually size up. I ordered all four suits in size six and the fit is perfect on each suit … not too tight, just right. My new suits came from J.Crew, Summersalt and Andie Swim … all wonderful swimwear sources. And at the last minute I threw in an older Bleu/Rod Beattie suit that I forgot was in my drawer (also a wonderful swimwear brand) … an updated version here.

 

I’m bringing two older tunic-style coverups from J. Valdi, and a 10-year old version of this one, this blue maxi dress and this convertible sarong. I’m also bringing this stripe shirt cover up, but I think the long sleeves aren’t going to be great for the hot, humid weather. We’ll see. I wish I’d ordered these palazzo pants and this black maxi skirt … I waited too long and couldn’t get them here in time. Ugh.

 

While I don’t anticipate wearing anything aside from swimwear and coverups during the day, I packed these white shorts. And a pair of boxer-like striped shorts that I adore. They’ll be great hanging out on our patio and traipsing around the resort. Similar striped shorts here and here.

Jim even bought a couple new bath suits, The Anchor Short from Fair Harbor and the Peak Boardshort from Vuori.

 

EVENING CASUAL

I packed three dresses for evening … including this blue and white striped J.Crew mini dress, my WARM blue and white stripe tiered midi dress (similar here and here) and a slip-style maxi dress I bought on Amazon or Instagram last year.

 

I went to Nordstrom in search of a strapless bra … specifically the Wacoal Red Carpet convertible strapless bra I’ve seen several influencers rave about. It was so bulky and uncomfortable I just don’t get it. Truth be told I’ve never owned a strapless bra that was comfortable, fit well or I didn’t have to tug on. A lovely salesperson at Nordstrom recommended this Natori strapless bra and it felt more comfortable and less bulky … in the dressing room. I don’t have high hopes but we’ll see how it works. I’m also bringing True’s Scoop Neck bra which I think is great for under dresses with thinner straps.

 

Depending on how I feel I can wear any of the sandals I packed with each dress. And if needed, my new denim jacket and light-weight, open front cardi works with all three too.

 

SANDALS & ACCESSORIIES

I wore these sandals on the plane. They go with everything. These block heeled cork and vinyl sandals do too. My chunky low-platform raffia sandals were a purchase last summer and I brought them along too. All three will work with everything I packed. Since I didn’t bring any workout wear there was no need for bulky sneakers taking up room in my limited luggage space. One must make sacrifices.

 

As for bags, I already mentioned my J.Crew straw tote which is great for daytime … as well as this raffia clutch. I recently purchased this Longchamp’s Le Pliage fishnet bag, which makes a great beach bag.

 

My Panama hat is a favorite and if I feel the need for a wider brimmed hat, I can buy one in Mexico. I brought two pair of sunnies … Burberry aviators and these inexpensive tortoise pair from Tuckernuck.

 

I’m not bringing many accessories, mostly earrings. My good jewelry will stay home, and I’m wearing faux diamond studs which are great for daytime. I brought these white raffia lantern earrings (they come in natural and other colors too) and these fun raffia drop earrings for evening. And a pair of gold hoops. I did bring the paperclip chain necklace from this set to wear during travel.

 

When I see chic woman lounging around the pool and beach wearing pretty necklaces and bracelets I get accessory envy. But I just can’t handle the feel of jewelry laying on my hot and glowing (read sweaty) skin. I just can’t. Same thing goes when I’m wearing real clothes and it’s hot … day or night. Along the same lines, I want my hair off my neck and not clinging to my glistening skin. I packed plenty of headbands, ponytails and claw clips.

 

POTIONS & LOTIONS

We’re only gone for four days and I’m not making room in my carry-on bag for the full – skincare and makeup – monty. I’ve pawed through my drawers for store samples of moisturizes and lotions that meet TSA size requirements.

I did buy new sunscreen … Supergoop Play and Supergoop Glow Screen. And I packed Colore Science Unforgettable Brush On Shield, 50 SPF. I haven’t used it before, my dermatologist’s esthetician recommended it. Otherwise, I brought minimal makeup and if I need more of anything I’ll buy it there.

 

Ta da … our carry on bags!

What’s on our agenda this trip?

Absolutely nothing.

Other than to eat a lot of chips and fresh pico de gallo.

And throw back a margarita.

Or two.

Read a good book.

I downloaded this one and this one.

Jim’s not golfing and the only plans we’ve made are for dinner and the spa.

Ah, the spa.

So there you have it, what to pack for Mexico in April and May.

I made a video of everything that went into my carry-on bag here.

When I get back I’ll update the post with photos from the trip.

Post Update: We’re back! We had the most amazing time.

Read what I packed for Mexico versus what I actually wore here!

I may be slagging off this weekend, but Kim and Elizabeth are not.

Let’s go see what they’re up to …

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you missed last weekend’s post, you can catch up here.

You’ll find all my Weekend posts collected here.

As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.

Salud from Mexico!