This is my next to last day at home for awhile, so it’s been busy. This is our fourth trip to Emerald Bay, so we’re getting pretty efficient in our packing. Also, the airlines are charging more for additional baggage, so we’re cutting back on things we tend not to use as we believe in saving a buck here and there when traveling.
I am taking two bags, one will be checked and the other will be a carry-on. Angel found me a nice rolling bag that will hold my photography kit and electronic gadgets, as well as a pair of shorts and a shirt, in case my checked bag is lost. I take medicinal items like aspirin, cough drops, Imodium tabs, Pepto-Bismol tabs, and any non-liquid prescription meds in a baggie inside my carry-on. My laptop will travel in a thin computer carrier with shoulder strap. At this time most airlines will allow you to bring onboard both your carry-on bag and a laptop. The laptop bag also serves as storage for my passport, boarding pass, Spanish language phrasebook, iPod, headphones and important papers. I pack all liquids and gels in my checked bag. The TSA currently allows up to three ounces each, of most personal care items, to be in carry-on if it all fits in a quart sized baggie. Liquids and gels must be out of your carry-on and available for inspection when you are screened. I just choose to put that stuff in my checked bag to avoid the hassle.
My checked bag will have a couple of nice “Aloha” style shirts; four loose fitting, quick-dry, stretch poly/spandex exercise shirts from REI; several pairs of shorts for walking, lounging at the pool, or casual dining; TEVA sandals; swim trunks; a pair of sweats; a couple of cotton t-shirts; underwear; cotton socks; windbreaker; baseball cap; shaving kit; sunscreen, portable water filter; a bag of trail mix; a few bags of tea, and a package of ramen noodles to get me by the first evening.
We do not pack for formal affairs in Mazatlan. Many tourists that stay at Emerald Bay do. It is purely a matter of choice and you will not be significantly limited in your dining or entertainment experiences if you choose to go “casual”. That being said, I personally feel that the locals like to see visitors demonstrate a certain amount of decorum, so we try not to appear too shabby.
Angel and I tend to be active recreational walkers and enjoy exercise several times a day. We take advantage of the beach, gym and beautiful pools at Emerald Bay, or venture into town for a long walk. Therefore, our packing list may not suit those less enthusiastic about getting out and about. Pack according to your needs and desires. There are many opportunities to dress up and be formal if you like.
We prefer to exchange dollars for pesos when in Mexico. Many visitors just use dollars or a credit card. Most, if not all, card companies charge a 1% to 3.5% international exchange fee when using a credit card in Mexico. Some card companies will also “freeze” your card if you have not contacted them prior to going to Mexico and then attempt to use your card. We take traveler’s checks that cost us nothing, and exchange them in $100 denominations at local banks, hotels, or private money exchanges. The current bank exchange rate is about 13.45 pesos to the dollar.
Last, but definitely not the least, a passport from your country of origin is now required for entry into Mexico. Don’t ruin your plans by waiting too long before obtaining or renewing your passport.
I am taking two bags, one will be checked and the other will be a carry-on. Angel found me a nice rolling bag that will hold my photography kit and electronic gadgets, as well as a pair of shorts and a shirt, in case my checked bag is lost. I take medicinal items like aspirin, cough drops, Imodium tabs, Pepto-Bismol tabs, and any non-liquid prescription meds in a baggie inside my carry-on. My laptop will travel in a thin computer carrier with shoulder strap. At this time most airlines will allow you to bring onboard both your carry-on bag and a laptop. The laptop bag also serves as storage for my passport, boarding pass, Spanish language phrasebook, iPod, headphones and important papers. I pack all liquids and gels in my checked bag. The TSA currently allows up to three ounces each, of most personal care items, to be in carry-on if it all fits in a quart sized baggie. Liquids and gels must be out of your carry-on and available for inspection when you are screened. I just choose to put that stuff in my checked bag to avoid the hassle.
My checked bag will have a couple of nice “Aloha” style shirts; four loose fitting, quick-dry, stretch poly/spandex exercise shirts from REI; several pairs of shorts for walking, lounging at the pool, or casual dining; TEVA sandals; swim trunks; a pair of sweats; a couple of cotton t-shirts; underwear; cotton socks; windbreaker; baseball cap; shaving kit; sunscreen, portable water filter; a bag of trail mix; a few bags of tea, and a package of ramen noodles to get me by the first evening.
We do not pack for formal affairs in Mazatlan. Many tourists that stay at Emerald Bay do. It is purely a matter of choice and you will not be significantly limited in your dining or entertainment experiences if you choose to go “casual”. That being said, I personally feel that the locals like to see visitors demonstrate a certain amount of decorum, so we try not to appear too shabby.
Angel and I tend to be active recreational walkers and enjoy exercise several times a day. We take advantage of the beach, gym and beautiful pools at Emerald Bay, or venture into town for a long walk. Therefore, our packing list may not suit those less enthusiastic about getting out and about. Pack according to your needs and desires. There are many opportunities to dress up and be formal if you like.
We prefer to exchange dollars for pesos when in Mexico. Many visitors just use dollars or a credit card. Most, if not all, card companies charge a 1% to 3.5% international exchange fee when using a credit card in Mexico. Some card companies will also “freeze” your card if you have not contacted them prior to going to Mexico and then attempt to use your card. We take traveler’s checks that cost us nothing, and exchange them in $100 denominations at local banks, hotels, or private money exchanges. The current bank exchange rate is about 13.45 pesos to the dollar.
Last, but definitely not the least, a passport from your country of origin is now required for entry into Mexico. Don’t ruin your plans by waiting too long before obtaining or renewing your passport.
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