Whether you’re a first time traveler or it’s your hundredth time, a guide is always better than none.

In this guide, I’ll be discussing clothes, shoewear, beach essentials, self-care essentials, tech, toiletries, travel documents, and some questions to ask yourself to know what other essentials you should bring.

Let’s get started!

What to Wear in Tulum – A Simple Guide for Clothes

Tulum’s weather can vary – from sweltering dry heat to chilly breezes and rain. It’s best to pack light, airy clothes but in case of a light drizzle or cool winds, something warmer for the early mornings and late nights.

Dresses and Skirts

Warm beaches, sunny skies – flowy dresses and skirts will help keep you cool and comfortable during trips to the beach and meditation.

Pack dresses that are lightweight, breathable and easy to walk around in (and also to take up less space in your suitcase). The weather in Tulum can get very humid, so my highest recommendation is to put comfort above style.

Tops and Bottoms

But what if I don’t like dresses or skirts, you might be wondering.

No problem!

A casual top and a pair of bottoms will be just as valuable during walks, beach trips, meditation, yoga and all the other self-care activities you might have planned for your trip.

Make sure to bring more than one outfit! If you’ve ever traveled, even just a road trip – you know how important it is to have a few of each item of clothing and maybe even extras just in case.

Look for something that isn’t too restrictive, tight or form fitting. Humidity and sweat don’t mix well.

We want to make sure our skin can breathe and that moisture doesn’t accumulate and then turn into rashes, chafe marks and other painful skin related things.

No one likes chafing in the inner thighs!

(But if that is a problem for you, use your antiperspirant to make sure your thighs stay sweat-free!)

Cardigans and Jackets

The weather in Tulum can either be on our side or against us.

Make sure to pack a light cardigan or a jacket. It can be cold during the early mornings and at night, especially on the beach and we might get a light drizzle.

You’ll be glad you packed a cardigan or a jacket when it gets chilly!

Also, a cardigan can easily be worn over a swimsuit in case you want to cover up on the beach. Speaking of which…

Cover-ups for Swimsuits

For some women who might not be comfortable walking around in swimsuits at the beach – I’d recommend bringing along a cover-up.

It doesn’t have to be something elaborate or expensive – a sarong or pareo will be sufficient enough and if you really don’t want to go out and buy something, a light, airy scarf can work as a DIY wrap.

What Shoes to Bring to Tulum

Shoewear can be intimidating – which pair do you bring, how many do you bring, how will you know which will be best for different activities…

You probably have a lot of questions.

Shoes are a very important part of travel and like clothes – it’s important to bring more than a single pair, especially when traveling to a tropical location.

Remember: comfort is key.

I’d recommend:

Water Shoes
Sandals
A pair or two of your favorite walking shoes

Water shoes will be very useful in case your feet get wet during walks, and sandals will obviously be best for the beach.

Most importantly – comfortable walking shoes for meditation, yoga and outings.

Beach Essentials for Tulum

Do not forget:

Sunscreen
Beach bag/day bag
Hat
Sunglasses
Swimsuits
Towel

I repeat: do not forget sunscreen!

The heat in Tulum can get uncomfortable and the sun can get intense, to avoid nasty sunburns and awkward tan lines, make sure you bring your sunscreen.

(Bonus point if you get reef safe sunscreen or lotion!)

Crossbody bags are also super helpful for carrying your stuff so you don’t have to keep everything in your hands and worry about losing something or forgetting it behind. You can have your swimsuit cover-up in there, phone, book, sunscreen or sunglasses and also an extra pair of clothes.

To make the most of your outings, it’s vital that you don’t forget these essentials for your own comfort.

Self-Care Necessities

What should I bring on a self-care trip?

Depending on the type of self-care you will be doing, you might need different things. For instance, if you are planning on doing yoga, don’t forget your yoga mat.

There might be some self-care routines & rituals that you enjoy doing at home that you’d like to continue during your trip.

Self-care looks different for everyone – so don’t abandon your morning ritual/routine or your nightly one.

You might want to bring along your crystals, essential oils, herbal tea, journal or anything else that you use in your self-care routine – it might even be books that you want to read on the beach.

Whatever it might be, feel free to bring that along with you to help you settle in and make your days the best you can make them.

Clothing Essentials Aside, What About Tech for Travel?

Should I bring a camera?

Some tech is optional. I’d say you don’t have to stuff a photographer’s camera in your suitcase and haul it with you if that’s not something you’re interested in doing. If you’re perfectly satisfied with your phone’s camera, then that’s what’s right for you. But if you’re someone who is passionate about photographing the locations you visit and travel to, then bring as many cameras as you want.

Tulum is beautiful with many sights to see, gorgeous beaches, the Mayan ruins and during your outings – you might be inspired to snap a few shots – whether that be with your phone or an actual camera.

It’s up to you, but be mindful of the space you’re using in your suitcase(s).

What about laptops and tablets?

The purpose of a self-care trip is to put your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing above everything else. Meaning, creating as few distractions as possible.

But, if you’d like to bring your laptop and/or tablet along because it’s essential for YOU, then do that.

Make sure not to forget any chargers or outlets, whether it be for your phone, laptop, tablet, camera, and headphones.

Vital Toiletries to Bring On International Travel

When you go traveling, one of your most important bags will be your toiletries bag, so let’s go over some essentials to make sure you’re prepared and don’t forget something.

Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss
Shampoo + Conditioner
Makeup bag
Bug spray
Prescription glasses or contacts & eyedrops
Deodorant
Lotions + balms
Mosquito balm
Pads + tampons + cups

And most importantly, if you’re on medication – do not forget your medications, other prescriptions and vitamins!

Travel Documents and Valuables to Bring For Travel

This one should be obvious:

Your passport.

Do not leave behind your passport and end up having to drive all the way back from the airport to retrieve it.

Make sure you have all of your IDs or identity identifying documents in a carry-on or on your person somewhere.

This includes driver’s license, state ID, wallet with credit cards + emergency cash, your travel insurance and of course, the passport.

I also recommend that you carry your emergency contact numbers on you just in case and a charger in case your phone dies at the airport.

Recap of a Guide to Self-Care Travel in Tulum

There are a lot of things not to forget for any trip, but when it comes to a self-care trip, you really want to make sure that you don’t forget your self-care essentials.

Ask yourself the following questions (& you’ll know what not to forget!):

What is my morning & night routine? What do I use during those?
What are my 3 favorite self-care practices I want to do during my trip? What do I use during those practices?
What are 3 new self-care practices I want to start during my trip? What would I need to start those practices?

The Ultimate Guide for Self-Care Travel in Tulum