THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN - WHAT TO BRING

CLIMATE
The climate in the Mexican Caribbean area is much the same as Cancun or Cozumel, with hot humid summers and several rainy seasons. There's one from April to July and another from October-January. Check out theweatherchannel.com for up-to-the-minute weather conditions.

• September is the best time to go
• The average temperature is about 78 degrees (hotter in the summer)
• Hurricane season is from September through December
• Mosquito season is July through September
• Humidity level is at about 90 percent all year round
• Water temperatures range from 79 to 85 degrees

WHAT TO BRING
In general, a passport is probably the best document to have when traveling outside the U.S. See below for more travel-related information, or go to the Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Board at rivieramaya.com.

Documents:

• U.S. Citizens traveling by air will need a passport to re-enter the United States.
• Those traveling by land or sea will not need a passport until June 1, 2009. These travelers will need two forms of identification issued by a state or government agency.
• If you think you need a visa, go to the Mexican government website for visa information.
• For information on travel to Mexico for U.S. Citizens, contact the U.S. State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov.

For tips on traveling outside of the United States, the U.S. State Department also has a list of things to keep in mind, and for information about obtaining a U.S. passport, go to the State Department's website.

WHAT TO PACK
The typical tropical climate gear is in order for the Mexican Caribbean. If you plan on hitting the nightlife scene in Cancun during your visit, you'll want to pack appropriate clothing for dining and clubbing. Otherwise, casual is key … and comfortable clothing is essential.

Note: Your sunscreen will have to adhere to the strict eco-friendly standards of the area in order to protect the fragile ecosystem. Certain oil-based sunscreens are prohibited, so either purchase eco-safe sunscreen before you go or you can purchase it while in Mexico.

• Sunscreen (eco-safe)
• Hat
• Rain poncho during rainy seasons
• Bathing suits
• Cover ups
• Sandals and comfortable shoes if you plan on walking
• Closed-toe shoes if you plan to rent a bike or motorbike
• Backpack to carry supplies if you plan to hike to the ruins
• Lip gloss with sunscreen
• Disposable cameras
• C-card
• Comfortable loose clothing that breathes
• Passport
• Bug repellent with DEET
• Change and $1 bills for tipping