What to bring?  What not to bring?
Can I drink the water there?
How strong is the Mexican sun?
Do I need to take notes the whole trip?
Health Insurance - Am I covered?
How do I Act in a Foreign Country?

WHAT TO BRING:

O.k….folks…it’s a four-night, five day field trip so no need to bring very much!

I recommend that you take one small bag (back-pack or purse) and one "Checked" piece of luggage (For carry-ons, NOTE the restrictions on gels and liquids:  http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm).  Security will take pointy metal objects from you at the airport (plan accordingly. Every bag should have your name and address on it.

As you will learn, this part of Mexico is warm (80 degrees F) and tropical (can be humid) but evening temps in December may be balmy (low 70s!).  Pack accordingly.    

Your carry-on bag should have:

Any medications or vitamins you need

Glasses or contacts
Basic toiletries (such as deodorant, toothpaste and brush, shampoo, dental floss, aspirin) in a pint-size zip-lock baggie
If you are prone to colds bring decongestant for flying
All your travel documents (ID, passport, credit card)
Your money (some US cash, an ATM card or/and travelers checks)
Camera with extra batteries and film (or extra digital card)
Change of clothes perhaps

Suggested clothes:

Shoes with sturdy soles (broken in)
Cotton socks (two pairs if your feet sweat easily)
TEVAS, Reef-Walkers, or similar sturdy water immersible footwear
Sandals, flip flops
Daypack
Nalgene Bottle for Water
Windbreaker that is waterproof
Travellers umbrella
T-shirts or cotton shirts
Shorts or light weight cotton pants
Notebook
Several pens/pencils
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Moisturizer for you skin and for sunburn
Lip protection
Hat with a brim (not a baseball cap)
Two bathing suits (suggested)
Longsleeve T-shirt or rash shirt (for sun protection when snorkeling)
Towel
Mask, fins and snorkel (if you already own them or you’ll be able to rent them)
Disposable underwater camera
Nice but casual/tropical dress clothing for dinner in Playa del Carmen
Underwear

Questions on Spending Money

You could spend $500 per day or $5 per day in Mexico depending on your lifestyle. We recommend taking about $50 to 100 and exchange this for pesos at the airport.  Shops in Playa del Carmen will accept credit cards and there are ATMs (though not as common as in the US).  Market stalls, where some to best deals and traditional crafts may be purchased, accept pesos and US dollars.  Some items to consider when deciding how much money to bring:

Souvenirs for family and friends (US$100—again depends on how many people)

Entry/Exit Visa required to enter/leave the country at the airport (~US$20)

Misc. (such as extra film, toiletries, camera battery---these are all more expensive in Mexico)

Extra Beverages and Food