Are you wondering what to pack for an all-inclusive resort? For many travelers, going to a resort is unlike any other vacation experience they’ve had. So, it makes sense that packing for one would be a little different as well. Deciding what to pack for an all-inclusive resort shouldn’t take you hours (we’ve taken care of that part). After reading this article, you’ll be set with a packing list for an all-inclusive resort and can put your mind at ease, knowing you didn’t forget anything important. You’ll even have room to spare for souvenirs!
Packing List for All-Inclusive Resort
We’ve put together this packing list for all-inclusive resorts that will help you bring the necessary items from home, while still leaving your suitcase with enough room for some of those unique souvenirs. After plenty of our own experience in packing for vacations, we’ve compiled this packing list to help you get started.
Packing List Essentials
- Passport
- We recommend leaving this in your room safe as soon as you check in. Just don’t forget it on the way home.
- Travel Documents
- This includes Visas, a printed copy of your resort reservation, printed boarding passes for flights, and even a copy of your Passport, all to be left in your room safe upon check in.
- Credit Card and Debit Card
- You won’t be needing these at your all-inclusive resort, but it’s best to have them with you for your journey to and from.
- Cash – just a few hundred, in case of emergencies.
- Sunscreen
- If you’re flying to your all-inclusive resort and want to stick with carry-on luggage only, make sure your bottle(s) of SPF are 3.0 fluid oz or less. Buying sunscreen at the resort will always cost you more than bringing it yourself.
- Sunglasses
- Of course you’ll want your sunnies for the beach and splashing in the pool. We recommend packing two pairs, in case one breaks or gets lost.
- Electric Adapter(s)
- If you’re leaving the country, you’ll want to bring an adapter. Chances are your phone charger won’t work if you can’t plug it in to another country’s outlet, and you’ll want to be charged up to take those selfies later. Remember that the US, Canada, and Mexico all have the same electrical outlets, so if you’re traveling to or from anywhere else, bring your adapter!
- Pens
- You may be wondering, “Why are pens essential?”. Traveling to and from your all-inclusive resort might require you to fill out a lot of paperwork i.e. customs documents. Be the hero that’s prepared by bringing a few pens to share with the passengers around you.
- Toiletries
- These include your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, condoms, medications (both prescribed and non), and lip balm.
- Other toiletries could include contacts, contact solution, hair ties, hair clips, earplugs, hand-sanitizer, motion-sickness pills, bug repellent, and band-aids.
- Your all-inclusive resort should provide you with shampoos, body soaps, and lotions, but if you prefer your own, be sure to pack them in 3.0 fluid oz bottles unless checking a bag.
- BYOCup
- Bring Your Own Cup! Remember to pack your favorite tumbler or reusable bottle. This will help to keep your bottomless beverages cold while you sip and sunbathe the day away. Depending on how large your container is, you may save yourself multiple trips to the bar for refills, which means more time to relax!
- Books
- Depending on how avid of a reader you are, you should bring a book, or several! Some resorts have a free book exchange, but most vacationers bring their own books, often the ones that have been on their “to-read” list. You’ll finally have the time to read that novel everyone’s been raving about!
- Clothes
- Underwear – enough for each day you’re staying, plus a few extras!
- Socks – enough pairs for each day of your vacation, but you’ll probably be sporting sandals or flip flops the majority of the time, so don’t worry about packing too many additional pairs.
- Shirts – We recommend tank-tops and/or light t-shirts, one for each day of your vacation. If you’re worried about not having enough room, check out our packing list for light packers to help you save room in your suitcase.
- Sweater/Sweatshirt – It may be sunny and sweltering outside, but all-inclusive resorts tend to blast the Air Conditioning indoors. You’ll be glad you packed that comfy sweatshirt when you’re curled up in your room for the night.
- Shorts – You’re probably heading somewhere dreamy and tropical, so you’ll want to have enough pairs of comfortable shorts.
- Ladies, you can switch out a pair or two of shorts for a skirt, too!
- Pants – We recommend bringing at least one pair of pants. This can be anything from yoga pants, a pair of slacks, or even a pair of jeans.
- Hat – Be sure to pack your favorite baseball cap or big sun hat for when you’re lounging by the pool or strolling down the beach. This will be one accessory to your wardrobe you’ll be glad you packed.
- Swimsuits
- We recommend bringing at least two swimsuits so that one can be drying while the other one is being worn. This will probably be what you wear the most during your week in paradise, so be sure to pick ones you’ll feel confident and comfortable wearing!
- At least one formal dining outfit
- Ladies, don’t forget to bring that Little Black Dress. You can also make the most out of a sun dress or maxi dress by wearing it during the day as one outfit, and by night as your dinner attire.
- Guys, this means a pair of slacks and a collared shirt. Most high-end restaurants at resorts enforce a dress code, and you won’t want to miss out on the dishes they have to offer.
- Shoes
- Try finding something that can be comfortable to walk around the resort with. You’ll be walking from your room to the open bars, restaurants, spa treatments, the beach and back, so packing a pair of cheap flip-flops is a great idea.
- You may also fancy putting on those dancing shoes and staying up late into the evening at the resort’s club. It’s best to pick a shoe that can be versatile, so that you have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs on the way home!
- Many resorts have a close-toed shoe policy at their high-end restaurants. Be sure to do your research and check out your resort’s dress code prior to packing.
A Quick Look at What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Resort
- Passport
- Travel Documents
- Credit & Debit Card
- Cash
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Electric Adapter
- Water Bottle(s)
- Pens
- Toiletries
- Tumbler/Reusable Cup
- Book(s)
- Clothes
- Swimsuits
- Formal Dinner Attire
- Shoes
We hope this quick list will help you know what to pack for an all-inclusive resort. If you’re a lighter packer, or always find that you’ve over packed for vacations, be sure to check out our packing list for light packers. When it comes to packing for vacations, we know that men and women require different vacation essentials. Ladies, check out this women’s packing list for more tips and tricks on what to pack. Gentlemen, feel free to peruse our men’s packing list for additional items on what to pack for an all-inclusive resort. If you’re traveling with the kids, be sure to read about what to pack for an all-inclusive resort with kids before you grab those suitcases.
We’d love to hear about your own packing lists and essential items that you’ve brought with you on vacations. Leave a comment below to include anything we may have missed. Happy packing!