What to Pack for an All Inclusive Resort: 25 Essentials for an Unforgettable Vacation
You’re counting down the days until your dream vacation or destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort. Maybe you’re heading to Cancun, Mexico or the south coast of Jamaica. You can already picture the sundrenched mornings, incredible gourmet meals, and stunning ocean views.
But before you can head to the airport, there’s one last thing on your to-do list: packing your suitcase.
While you’ve probably packed for other trips before, an all-inclusive resort has its own unique essentials. What should you bring to ensure your vacation is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible?
Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.
As the owner of Sunlover Travel, I’ve planned hundreds of Destination Weddings across the Caribbean and Mexico as well as exotic honeymoons and romantic vacations to far flung places like Bora Bora and Maldives.
Drawing on my experience traveling to numerous resorts, I’ve crafted a comprehensive guide with twenty-five essentials to help you pack like a pro and have an unforgettable getaway.
You can use this as a checklist to make sure you don’t leave anything important behind.
Let’s dive in.
Packing Checklist for an All-inclusive Resort
Travel Documents and Money for Tips
Before you start packing your clothes, make sure you have all your necessary travel documents together, including your passport and ID for international travel.
Here are several items that will help you make your travel a breeze.
1. Passport Holder: A passport wallet and holder like this one will keep all of your documents (passport, IDs, credit cards, travel insurance details, and reservation details) in one easy to access place.
2. Money for Tips: Even at a no-tipping all inclusive resort, you may need to give tips to tour guides and drivers. Be sure to bring lots of one dollar and five dollar bills with you for tipping.
Health, Safety, and Toiletries
Of course, you’ll want to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other usual toiletries. Here are some more items that I recommend.
3. First Aid Kit (You can keep this stocked with pain relievers, chewable tablets for upset stomach and seasickness, sunburn relief gel, band-aids, and any necessary medications your doctor recommends, etc.)
4. Your favorite sunscreen (Make sure to also bring an SPF lip balm!)
5. Insect repellant
6. A toiletries bag (For storing toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, hairbrush, hair ties, nail clippers, makeup, etc.)
7. Zip lock baggies (These are great to use for storing personal items and also to keep items dry when you go to the beach.)
Clothing for the Resort
Your travel wardrobe can make or break your trip, and the season and destination play a big role in what you should bring.
Here’s a list of must-have essentials to pack for your ultimate getaway wardrobe. You can also check out this guide I put together on what to pack for a honeymoon in the Caribbean.
8. Multiple swimsuits (This way you’ll always have a fresh swimsuit to wear while the other one is drying.)
9. Beach coverup
10. Water shoes or flip flops (These will keep your feet happy so you don’t have to walk barefoot on sharp shells or get burned by hot sand. Bring an extra pair in case you lose one.)
11. Lightweight, casual outfits (This includes sundresses, shorts, breezy t-shirts, and sunhats, though you don’t have to jam-pack your suitcase with too many outfits because you’ll probably be wearing a swimsuit most of the time.)
12. Multiple cheap sunglasses (in case you lose a pair!)
13. Comfortable sneakers or other walking shoes (These are essential for long walks while sightseeing.)
14. Activewear and activity-specific gear (Bring activewear in case you want to use the gym at your resort or if your resort offers sports activities. For example, if your resort offers golfing you may want to bring your golf shoes and clubs.)
15. Fancy outfit (Always pack one outfit you could wear to a fancy restaurant that doesn’t allow beachwear: a dress, skirt, nice blouse or polo shirt, dress shorts, slacks, heels, elegant sandals, or dress shoes, etc. This is also essential for a destination wedding. Make sure to check the dress code for any events you’re attending and also if your resort has any themed nights.)
16. Long sleeved sweater or sweatshirt (Evenings can still get chilly, especially if you’re traveling during a colder season.)
17. Rain gear: poncho and portable umbrella (Better safe than sorry!)
Accessories and Extras
This is my favorite section. These are a few unique essentials that can make your trip even more enjoyable (some of these might not be immediately obvious).
18. An insulated tumbler and reusable straw
19. Lots of bags (A beach bag, plastic bags for wet clothes and towels, a crossbody bag or waist bag, a backpack for longer excursions, etc.)
20. Pool Floats (Look for ones that are lightweight and can be packed easily.)
21. Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen (Just in case you get a stain on your clothes!)
22. Towel clips (These will make sure your towels don’t fly off your beach chair in a strong breeze!)
23. Portable clothesline with suction cups (You can hang this up in the bathroom to dry swimsuits, etc.)
24. Your favorite snacks (Snack food at resorts can be expensive so bring your own favorite snack foods in your luggage.)
25. Tech and Entertainment (Make sure to bring several portable chargers in case you lose one. And, of course, you’ll probably bring your favorite electronics, like an iPad or e-reader, but non-tech options can be fun to bring too, like a pack of playing cards and other portable games, especially for the long plane flight.)
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading! May this guide be your ticket to an unforgettable vacation filled with amazing memories.
And if you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, I’d love to help.
Whether you are looking for a destination wedding, honeymoon, elopement, vow renewal or just a get away with your besties - I am your tropical travel girl!
Find out how I can help you here: Escape to Paradise: Tropical Travel
Safe travels and happy adventures!
