What to Pack for Tulum, Mexico + Art with Me Pre-Cap

T-3 days until I’m off to Mexico!

Ah, I’m going back to Mexico and you guys, I’m beyond excited!! Except excited doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’m exuberant, elated and feeling childlike ha! It may be because I really loved my time in Mexico last year or it may be because  I had basically zero part in most of the planning which if you remember from last year almost ruined the trip before I even went. I talk more about that here. This time around I’m headed to Isla Mujeres for one of my oldest friends 30th birthday celebrations. For three whole days I’ll be soaking up the Mexican sun with some of my closest friends, it just doesn’t get any better than that.

…except it kind of does.

After the weekend with my friends in honor of Daniel’s birthday I’m heading to Tulum to celebrate my own in the best way I could find, Art With Me, Tulum’s Art and Ecoculture Festival. Over 100 art exhibits, large scale installations, interactive art experiences and more all along the beach and jungle of Tulum. Um, SOLD! I saw this large installation (pictured above) last year when I was in town after the festival and was left in awe. I even remember saying “I wish I had been here for the party that took place when this was revealed”, well ask and you shall receive. This year I’m going to that “party”.

What is Art with Me?

Art with Me is a five day long festival mixing art, music, wellness and even food that takes place in Tulum. There will be discussions about wellness, protecting the ecosystem in Tulum and more all alongside a booming art scene on the beach, um yes please. I’ll be sharing a few videos of what to expect from the event on my Instagram so be sure you’re following me now so you don’t miss any pre-event coverage or coverage of the actual festival!

I’m packing a lot of lightweight pieces that can easily be worn over a swimsuit for the most part but wanted to share some of my packing must haves for Mexico.

1. Passport/Passport holder– I’m loving this gold passport holder but investing a few dollars in any holder to keep it safe and easily accessible is key.
2. Beach Throw– This year I’m trading in my colorful beach towels and starting my neutral beach blanket collection. You guys heard it here first.
3. SPF-This is a given as you should be wearing some form of sunblock every single day however the Banana Boat Sport is my usual go-to for beach days and will be coming with me to Mexico for sure.
4. Pool Slides– Easy on, easy off. You gotta have at least one pair for Summer. I plan on bringing my leopard print pair to add a little contrast and pattern to my more neutral looks.
5. Swimsuit(s)-This is a beach trip after all.
6. Sunglasses– Again, this is a given but be sure to pack a few different pairs of sunnies as the sun is always brighter near the ocean it seems.
7. Mophie Portable Charger– It’s festival season so this little nugget is going to come in handy when you’re shooting tons of videos and photos. I love mine, I take it on all vacations or to any event that I know I’ll be using my phone more than average.
8. Phone Fan-They don’t pack too much of a punch but when you’re covered in sweat from all of the humidity this tiny breeze is all you need.
9. Good Read-Every beach/pool day won’t be a rager so taking a book to curl up with on the sand is always a clutch decision. I’m currently reading “Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller.
10. Sun Hat-It’s like double cleansing for your face; wearing a sun hat in combination with your SPF if going to help protect your skin and keep you young looking for longer.
11. Beach Bag– Finally, you’re going to need somewhere to put all of that. My favorite beach bags atm are, big surprise, neutral and fringe covered.

I’ll be sharing complete flatlays of the looks I take on my Instagram as well as tons of BTS of the event so don’t forget to follow along over there! Check out this post for an idea of what I packed the last time I was in Tulum.

Xx Sylvia