What I’m Packing for Mexico

So, all I have to say is–WOW.

The responses to the 2107 GG Survey that I posted yesterday, you guys! They have been so overwhelmingly heart warming. I’ve been constantly hitting “refresh” with one eye open one eye closed being like “ehhhhh eeeekk what are they going to sayyyy!?”

But everything I’ve been hearing so far has been so wonderful. It’s been awhile since our last survey, and I’ve made a lot of changes around here and wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I got such a giddy feeling reading your answers! For those of you who filled it out, you have no idea how much it means to me. Looking back to a short three years ago when I decided to do something with this blog–I never dreamed it would lead me here, with all of you. (Thank you, thank you!)

(Update: A LOT of you are saying my post font is bold-faced and hard to read. I think this must be because of a browser issue, because my font on my end is very standard and easy to read. Can someone who is having those issues take a screenshot and send it to me? You can email it to Jess@thegoldengirlblog.com or send it to me via Insta! I cannot figure this issue out–thank you for bringing it to my attention!) 

What is also great, is that a HUGE amount of you told me that you wanted to see more travel related posts! Most of that majority also rated “style” as their favorite GG subject, so I’m excited to say that today’s post is a sweet little marriage of the two.

I’m sharing what I’m bringing to ME-HE-CO! 

If you missed the news, Neal and I are off to Cancun, on Friday morning! (Errr, or Thursday night, really, depending on how you look at it!) We’re staying at Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort, and could not be more excited.

Neal has never been to Mexico, and I haven’t been to Mexico since I was a teenager. (Fun fact, this is why I can’t drink Tequila. That 18 year old drinking age down there is dangerous for high-schoolers who grow up just across the border in Arizona if you know what I mean. I’d also like to take this time to apologize to my best friend Alex’s dad for getting sick out the window of his Lincoln Navigator after too many tequila shots. Remember Navigators? Parents loved those back then. I’m getting off topic.)

Full disclosure: this will be what is called a “media trip”–where my flight and hotel fees are waived in exchange for documenting my trip and providing candid reviews on my blog and social channels. (However, note, Neal’s was not, but they did give him a really generous and thoughtful media discount! Thank you, Secrets!)

I tell you this upfront it’s my biggest priority to always be transparent with you, and also, so you don’t think they’re paying me to say anything specific. (They aren’t!) So, everything you see about our trip will be 100% candid! I asked on Instagram stories about whether any of you had ever been there, and I’ve already gotten a few responses! All were overwhelmingly positive, so to say that we’re counting down the seconds to get the heck outta [9 degree] Dodge, would be an understatement.

Alright, ready to see what I’m packing?! Alright, I won’t share EVERYTHING I’m bringing, but here are some highlights. (By the way, I walked you through these on Instagram Stories yesterday afternoon, if you’d like a live tour ;-P)

My Mexico Packing List:

Navy One-Piece Bathing Suit

So with my, you know, wedding coming up, it seems there’s a little issue with the whole tan lines showing in my dress situation. I’m not going to tell you any more than that (as Mr. Loftus does like to snoop on this blog from time to time) however, just know, I’ll be avoiding tan lines like the plague.

(Damn. The cover is blown. I’m not wearing a turtleneck wedding dress. Although given my current wardrobe it wouldn’t be that far out of the question. I LOVE TURTLENECKS.)

Luckily, I was able to find this one-piece, which has a low neckline in the front, and is backless. The halter thing will still be an issue, but that can be untied when laying in the sun. (SPF 75 is in my future.) Also, I really like that it’s navy and this cool pique fabric–I know sometimes these trendy one-pieces can seem scandelous, but I think these two features make it a little more “everyday” and “classic,” you know what I mean?

If you’re looking for more one pieces, I also love this one, which I wore to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! (More on that here!)

Bright Flowy Maxi

This bright yellow maxi dress comes in so many different colors and is only $92! I know I will get so much use out of it when the summer months roll around. It can be worn during the day as a cover up, or paired with heels and fun jewelry at night for dinner. I love breezy, versatile pieces when the weather is warm. Plus, you can’t beat the sunny color!

Pink Ruffle Tassel Dress

I think this dress is SO much fun! I love the light peachy-pink color, the bell sleeves, ruffles on the bottom, and the cutest part–the back with beaded tassels. If this doesn’t scream Mexico, I’m not sure what does. It comes in a bunch of color combinations, too! Honestly, it’s a little out of the box from what I typically wear, but when I’m on a tropical vacation, I like to dress tropical–know what I mean!?

Blue Gingham Off The Shoulder Dress

Remember this little red off the shoulder dress? When I saw it in blue gingham I knew I had to get it for this trip! It’s made of a woven cotton-linen-like fabric, so it’s cool enough for the beach. The best part is that it’s only $43! (This was Kelly’s favorite of the bunch. Shocking ;-P)

Casual Medium-Height Sandals

Our resort has tons of different restaurants, many of which are a bit more upscale, so having a really versatile dress-me-up or dress-me-down pair of sandals is a must. (Because, you know me, I pack light–my footwear needs to be able to do double duty!) I’m bringing along this pair, but also love this pair, and this pair, too!

Boater Hat & Beach Hat

Girl’s gotta cover up! It seems like forever since I’ve been able to wear my boater hat and a big ole’ beach hat (I love one with wide stripes, like this one!) so to say I’m excited would be an understatement.

Tortoise Sunnies

I just got these tortoise sunnies from Tuckernuck and I love them so much!

Trusty Carry-On

I never shut up about how much I love this suitcase! If you’re looking for a great carry-on, I wrote a whole review about it right here!

Reading Material

Per mention in this post (and per my New Years Resolutions!) I’m looking forward to doing some reading on the beach! My mom gave me “A Thousand Days in Tuscany” when I was home for Christmas, and I’m about halfway through it right now. If there are any Italy lovers who are looking for an easy read, I’d definitely recommend it!

My Camera Bag:

I love my Lo & Son’s camera bag! It’s so classic, stylish, and very roomy. If you’re in the market for a camera bag, it’s tough to beat! It’s roomy enough that I can fit my camera and lens inside, and still use it as a purse with a few lipsticks and my credit cards!

The Perfect Carry-On:

I can never stop talking about how much I love this suitcase. It’s not only beautiful, but it fits more than many of my big suitcases have! Neal calls it the “Mary Poppins” bag. It’s lightweight, is hard on the outside, so easily wipes clean (so don’t worry about the white!) and it even has locking wheels so your bag doesn’t roll away in the airport! I did a whole review on it here. It also comes in several different sizes and colors!

What are your vacation packing essentials? Make sure to follow along on our trip on Instagram!