I just got back from a month of solo travel around Mexico and Central America, and all I brought with me was a school backpack. I learned a lot on my journey, and I definitely took away the value of traveling with less. Even though I was traveling with very little, I still found there were some things I brought that I could have gone without. There wasn’t a packing guide or packing tips list on the internet that could answer my questions.

Under-packing is a golden rule of travel, but sometimes it’s nice to have guidance on exactly which categories to under-pack in. We all know not to skimp on underwear but may be unsure about how many Hawaiian shirts you can get away with, and hopefully, this guide will help you sort that out.

I had a lot of questions when I was preparing for my trip. I had been to both places before, but never on my own or with as limited space as I was attempting. Without any clue what to pack for a solo backpacking trip, this guide would’ve answered ALL of my questions, and I hope it can do the same for you.

What to Pack for Mexico and Central America

Mexico and Central America have many climates and cultures, so your options need to be varied. If you’re heading to Mexico, Central America, or somewhere similar, this guide will get you on the right track. If you’re more interested in more solo travel packing tips seeing what I packed into my school bag on my trip, check out Pack With Me: One Month & One Backpack in Mexico and Central America.

I’m separating what TO bring and what NOT TO bring into two categories: clothes & things. This guide is from my perspective as a female foreigner from California, and it is meant to be a quick outline that will help answer some questions and get you underway on your upcoming adventure!

Packing Tips: Clothes

What TO Bring:

• Long clothes. If you’re traveling to a city, you will want to dress more conservatively. Locals wear longer clothes even if it is hot out, which is something I’m not used to at all. Furthermore, if you’re a woman, opting for more coverage helps minimize catcalls and uncomfortable interactions. I don’t like being told how to dress any more than the next so take this as a suggestion. I did end up wishing I had more than just 1 pair of pants. Linen is a great material for keeping cool while staying covered and doesn’t take up too much space; it is also very thriftable. I thrifted my favorite white linen pants and bring them everywhere I go.
• Capsule wardrobe. I get into more detail on this in my packing list, but you want all of your clothes to work together. The easiest hack for this is to bring all solid colors and choose between tight tops and loose pants OR loose tops and tight pants; you’ll find that you can mix and match all of your options into an endless number of combinations.
• Sneakers. You can’t get away with wearing flip-flops everywhere you go. Make sure you pack an appropriate amount of socks to compliment them, too.
• Raincoat. If you’re traveling in the wet season, bring a shell. I skip this because I like to feel the rain.
• Favorites. When you’re traveling with less, having your favorite well-made staples makes the mixing and matching a lot more enjoyable.

What NOT TO Bring:

• For surfers:
  • Multiple rash guards. One long-sleeved guard works for the times you want one, and you definitely will if you’re coming with fresh skin cooking it in the sun all day. Remember to rinse it when you come out of the ocean to keep it fresh-ish.
  • More bikinis than one-pieces. You’ll wear your one-pieces a whole lot more, so invest your variety in those.
• Scizzors. My little eyebrow scissors got confiscated twice, so I can’t imagine the trouble you’d get in with the real deal.
• Charging adaptor. If you’re coming from the Americas, you’re fine. If you’re coming from a different continent, bring your convertor.
• A coat. The cities and high-altitude places can get chilly, but a light fleece or sweatshirt is all you need if you aren’t planning any hikes or activities requiring something warmer.
• Hiking boots. Unless you’re traveling specifically for an extreme hike, you can double your running shoes or your walking sneakers for your off-road activities. I was fine with slip-on Vans, but that’s just me.
• Denim. Jeans and jean shorts are too bulky and take up unnecessary space in your bag. Linen and cotton are better materials for both the climate and storage. 
• Nice shoes and clothes. Unless you know you’re attending nice events or meals, you can get away with decent clothes instead of designated nice clothes. As a backpacker, I didn’t bring anything nicer than the cotton shorts I wore daily. Having something slightly social for those unexpected special occasions could be a good call, but if you’re a backpacker on a budget, you can get away without.
• Options. You will not rotate your clothes the way you do when you’re living at home. Some materials catch sweat and dirt more than others and can’t be worn more than once without washing. Bringing different styles of the same type of clothing just to have the option will become more of a burden than liberation when you’re actually on your trip. 

Packing Tips: Things

What TO Bring:

• Water filter. Sanitizing your own water is KEY. Most hostels have filtered water which is amazing, but for the places that don’t, having to buy water by the bottle just for it to end up in the landfill sucks. I have a rechargeable Steripen that I used everywhere and had no issues. It purifies my entire 1L/32oz water bottle in 90 seconds. People were always skeptical when they saw me fill up my bottle in the sink and only “wave a flashlight through it” but it actually works and is 100% worth the investment. There are also water bottles with built-in filters you can check out, but I can’t speak to their effectiveness.
• Shark watch. So necessary to know what time it is without having to pick up your phone. Use my code EARTHANDEMMA10 for 10% off.
• Reusable water bottle. The bigger the better, but make sure it fits in your backpack. Mine’s a 1L/32oz with a straw and it’s perfect.
• Sunscreen. Beach towns definitely up the price, so having a travel-sized sunscreen with you will save you some money. Make sure it’s reef-safe!!
• Apps. Download your city on Google Maps to use offline. Especially if you don’t have service in the countries you’re going to. Download Spanish on the Google Translate app to use offline so you can look up a translation even if you are away from service. I used this currency app, to familiarize myself with any currency I didn’t have memorized.
• Safety noise maker. Mainly for the solo girls, but important for everyone, something like a Birdie to carry in or on your bag. This is mainly for my peace of mind since I’ve never actually had to use it, but it is so important to have some type of protection when you are traveling.
• Bandaids. I didn’t bring any and wish I had some.
• Phone plan. Figure out your phone ahead of time if you want to have service away from Wi-Fi.
• Bank plan. Figure out if your debit and credit cards have transaction fees in foreign countries. Some fees can be up to 5% on each transaction. Also, let your bank know which countries you’re gonna be in so they don’t ghost you. If your bank doesn’t know that you’re in Mexico and you start using your card in Mexico, they’ll think it’s fraud and likely cancel your card.
• Passport. Keep some scanned copies on your phone in case something happens to it.
• License. Some bars and other places ask to see ID for entrance or drinks, as they do, so having something less valuable than your passport is wise.
• Emergen-c and Vitamins. Bring whatever you are used to taking and something for just in case you get sick.
• Chapstick with SPF. There is a lot of random altitude that can sneak up on you so chapstick is very helpful.
• Shampoo and conditioner bars. Shampoo and conditioner bars take up zero liquid space in your bag which is a score, and they don’t use any plastic so they’re great for the environment.
• Refillable toiletry bottles. If you don’t like the bars for your hair, get some mini bottles or use some you probably have from hotels and fill them at home. Refill them as you go at hostels that provide products in the showers. The volume in those bottles lasts surprisingly long.
• Powdered toothpaste or toothpaste tablets. I used powdered toothpaste on my last trip to Europe since it also didn’t take up any liquid space. I wish I did the same for this past trip since it lasts way longer than a travel toothpaste tube in addition to its other benefits. Another plastic-free, environmentally-friendly travel option.
• Wet wipes. I opted out of these to be environmentally friendly, but I wish I had some every once in a while to sanitize potentially sick-causing germs in the less-ideal hostels.
• Journal and pen. A thin journal that doesn’t take up too much space and is necessary to get the most out of your travels. Writing out your thoughts and the things you’ve learned is so special and valuable. A pen is also helpful for the random forms you need to fill out at times.
• Little lock. This is one of the best things you can bring for safety and peace of mind. Many hostels don’t provide locks for their storage lockers so bringing one is important. When you aren’t locking up your locker, you can use it to lock your backpack zippers when in-between places.
• Bug spray. I brought a little one for the beach ants and mosquitos.
• Hand sanitizer. Keep it in your backpack.
• Hat. If you clip or loop it on the outside of your backpack, it won’t take up any space.
• Detergent sheets. See my video on how to use these to do your laundry.
• Tote bag. Having a bag that folds up to nothing and can double as a beach bag, miscellaneous bag, or whatever is key for me. A bag with a zipper is safer if you’re traveling to crowded cities with more chances of theft. I’ve just brought my plain canvas tote bag for all my travels over the past few years, and I have never had any issues. However, I’ve used the same one so often that it’s starting to grow a hole in the bottom, so that may be a forthcoming issue.
• Laundry bag. The same deal here: a bag that folds up to nothing when you don’t need it but can serve to separate shoes and dirty clothes when you do. A random bag you already have and don’t love is perfect. To save space, I’ll double-knot mine to the outside of my backpack for flights.
• Fanny pack. I don’t have one of these, and I’ve always been fine with my tote bag. However, I’m pretty cautious of my belongings, so a safer bag like a fanny pack hasn’t been super necessary for me. Regardless, if you’re a new traveler, I would recommend it.
• Menstrual cup. For the girls. This one is a must; I can’t recommend it more. With a menstrual cup, you spend nothing on period products, free up bag space, add nothing to the landfills, and you’ll never be in a stranded-from-tampon situation. I got mine for free on my college campus, so check and see if there are free ones near you. If there aren’t, it’s still worth the investment, and you’ll pay it off in no time. Getting one before your travels so you can try it out and get comfortable using it is a good idea. I use mine day and night with no issue, but bring some pads with you just in case of leaks if you are getting used to yours.
• Shower shoes. For all the places without an outdoor shower, this one is a must for me. If your flip-flops are rubber, skip the shower shoes and double up on your flip-flops. Unfortunately, my nonnegotiable flip-flops are Rainbows, which are not waterproof, and I absolutely refuse to trade them for rubber and thus waste space by bringing shower shoes.
• 1 multipurpose microfiber towel. I use my towel for the beach and shower. You get used to a bit of a bum life using the same towel for multiple things but I keep it as clean as I can and wash it everytime I wash my clothes. If you’re staying in hostels, most charge for towels, if they even offer any, so bringing your own is a must.
• Sleep mask. For the hostel survival and enjoyable guide, bring an eye mask. I sleep with one everywhere I go, and it’s allowed me to have way more control over when I fall asleep and wake up. Add earplugs to this if those work for you.
• Something you can’t live a typical day without. To help sustain travel without burnout, incorporating things from your basic life will help make you feel comfortable and thus retain your energy throughout your trip. An example of this for me is journaling, a practice I do every day, and I don’t need to anticipate my trip ending in order for me to feel the comfort it brings me.

What NOT TO Bring:

• Drone. Unless you aren’t traveling to Mexico and it’s under 250g (I think), don’t bring it. Tourists can’t fly drones anywhere in Mexico, but if you’re going to Central America, check the rules for your specific country before you go.
• Nice sunglasses. This ends up being another thing you wish you didn’t have to worry about. Plus, sand winds up everywhere when all your stuff is in one central location, and sand is a silent killer to lenses. 
• Cash. I strongly recommend waiting to get your cash until you’re at each destination and using an ATM when you get there. Planning the best way to get cash before a trip is unnecessary stress that I won’t dabble in ever again. Each ATM will have different transaction fees which is something to consider. My bank waves ATM fees which is nice because both of my cards have fees for direct transactions. 
• Makeup. Ditch the cosmetics unless you wear them every day. Who needs makeup when you’re glowing from happiness and the sun? This is a great way to save some space if you’re used to bringing a designated makeup bag with you. You’re beautiful without it, and everyone you meet will likely be a stranger anyway who’s never seen you with or without makeup, so why not rock what you’ve got?
• Jewelry. Again, unless you wear it every day, leave it at home. I wear the same earrings, nose ring, and necklace every day regardless of where I am in the world, so this is easy for me to dish out advice on. You’re also more of a target for theft with stealable stuff on you. I challenge you to pick a set to wear for the trip, leave the rest at home, and see if you even miss it while you’re away.
• Hair tools. I’m not trying to nix the whole beauty industry, but you can definitely leave these behind. As you know, your hair changes in different climates. I challenge you to embrace your hair’s reaction to your new location and use slower techniques to style your mane and, in return, save space in your bag.
• A normal wallet. If your wallet is big, get a small one that fits a few cards, cash, and coins, and leave the rest at home.
• Nice headphones. Bring wired headphones for both your phone and computer. The pros of these are that you don’t have to charge them, they aren’t worth much, and they don’t draw attention to you when you’re using them. They also take up way less space than over-the-ear headphones and zero sweat if they end up lost or stolen. I lost one of my wired headphones on this trip, but they were only worth a few dollars so I was able to replace them.

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident and gets you excited about your upcoming travels. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with my next adventure.

If you have a suggestion to add to my list, please add it in the comments!