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Before you leave Make a copy of your passport, and of your valid visas if you have some. Also make copies of your credit cards. Take a copy with you, and leave a copy in a sure place, preferrably with somebody that you can contact in case of need (i.e., loss or theft, we hope this does not happen !). Hand luggage Generally, you can take with you a small hand luggage, plus a personal item (handbag, laptop, etc.). Check with your airline before leaving. Liquids and gels in hand luggage must be in a container of 2 ounces or less. Note that it’s 3 ounces in the USA, but only 2 ounces in Mexico. They look at the size of the container, not the effective content. All liquids must be stored in a 1 quart-sized (or smaller) zip-top bag. Larger liquids must be placed in checked bags. Checked luggage Don't forget that your luggage must have a luggage tag with your name and a way to contact you. Little practical advise : try to personnalize your bag in order to facilitate its identification and therefore avoid picking up the luggage of someone else... or having your picked by someone else ! All luggages look alike. A sticker, a little color rope, will do the trick. If you transit through the USA, the usual procedure is to collect your luggage, go through customs, and check your bag again. In certain airports this procedure has been cancelled and your bags will fly to your final destination (this is the case in Houston for instance). Pay attention to the pre-landing instructions. Some airlines now require an additional fee for the second checked luggage, and even sometimes for the first one. Again, check with your airline before departure. | US Credit Cards holders... You have an international credit card ? Yes but... don't forget to call your credit card company and advise them you're gonna be abroad, and for how long ! Otherwise, your card will be locked after the first use... and you will have to call them from Your cell phone will work but it can cost up to 5$ a minute ! Also call your cell operator before leaving... Don't forget... - passport - travel documents - water shoes- the beach can be rocky - sunscreen - sunglasses - swimsuits - hat - wedding outfit (sundresses, skirts, linen pants, cotton shirts, sandals or other shoes for sand, etc. No tie or blazer needed) - lightweight jacket - it can get cold at night - single ones for tipping - camera /underwater camera (if you plan to snorkel or scuba dive) - extra batteries for cameras - camera charger & extra memory cards - outlet adaptor, if your plugs are 3 prong - the outlets in Mexico are like the 2-prong outlets in the US. - mosquito repellant - medication for head aches or stomach pain, dramamine- if you get motion sickness, etc - comfortable shoes , sneakers for excursions - a good book - calling card - if you plan on making phone calls - addresses if you plan on sending postcards |
