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For many of us, vacations are the best part of life. However, packing for the vacation can be stressful as you worry you will forget something important. If you plan a vacation to an all-inclusive hotel, I have the ultimate resort packing list below. Furthermore, I split it between what should be in your carry-on versus your main luggage in the free printable below. Lastly, I explain why some items are or are not on my list.
Don’t miss out on my free printable all-inclusive resort packing list later in the article!!
Why choosing an all-inclusive resort
The number one reason for choosing an all-inclusive resort is simplicity. You do not have to clean, tidy, cook, or even make decisions for the most part. You can do activities if you wish but can choose to sit by the ocean all day if that is what you prefer.
Secondly, all-inclusive resorts are the best if you are traveling with a group. Nobody ends up having to pick up after others or spending the whole vacation thinking about meals and preparing food. You can choose to spend as much or as little time with the group.
Why a complete resort packing list matters
Having a complete resort packing list is important to ultimately have everything you need. All-inclusive resorts are often secluded. While many of them have a store where you can purchase items you forgot, it will be quite expensive. If you have not been to an all-inclusive hotel before, you may find that the “must-have” can vary from a traditional beach trip packing list.
Before you pack
Before you start packing, I recommend that you do a few things.
First, look to see if the resort you are going to has a dress code for restaurants. Many resorts do this for some of their evening and more formal ones. The dress code usually applies to men and you don’t want to find out after you’ve arrived. For example, many places require long pants, and closed-toe shoes for men.
Second, consider what activities you might do. This is a really important step, don’t skip it. As an example, if you are planning an excursion with a lot of walking, you will likely want to bring sneakers and at-leisure clothing.
The ultimate resort packing list (for a 7-day trip)
Clothing
- Swimsuits (at least 2)
- Coverups (at least 2)
- Flip-flop/waterproof sandals (these are my favorites. I’m on my 3rd pair!)
- Underwear (for every day plus a few extras)
- Bras
- Sock
- Shorts (2 or 3)
- T-shirts/tank tops (2-3)
- Athletic clothing if you plan on working out
- Evening outfits (at least 3)
- Evening shoes that go with your outfits
- PJ
- Travel day outfit
- Light sweater or jacket
- Hat (I love a straw hat for women)
- Sneakers as needed (I like to wear them on travel days) These are the best I have owned!
Toiletries
- Sunscreen (including reef-safe sunscreen for the ocean. Many excursions in the ocean require it)
- Make-up/skincare products
- Glasses/Contact lenses/Solution
- Toothpaste/toothbrush/Floss
- Brush and hair accessories
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Aloe lotion
- Medication
- First aid: tweezer, bandaids, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol
- Feminine products
- Sun protection lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
Others
- Beach bag
- A Small purse for women
- Jewelry or accessories
- Ziploc or waterproof bags
- Bag for dirty laundry
- Sunglasses (I purchased these Ray Ban knockoffs last year, they are totally worth it)
- Camera as needed
- Phone/tablets/chargers
- Travel adapter as needed (travelers from Canada and the US don’t need an adapter for Mexico and most Caribbean countries, However, you should always double-check before you go.)
- Book/Kindle
- Wallet/credit card/money for tipping
- Passport as needed
- Travel reservation
- Hotel transfer information
- Mask (while Covid is present)
Not necessary but nice to have
- Laundry soap (if you are only bringing 2 swimsuits, you can wash up the one you wore at night and alternate clean swimsuits. Pro Tip: Use a small plastic shampoo bottle and pour some laundry soap into it for the trip.
- Tide stick (if you accidentally drop something on an item of clothing you planned to wear again)
- Reusable water bottle or tumbler (to keep your drinks cold while saving the planet)
- A power strip (some older hotels do not have very many outlets especially if you have an entire family in a room)
- Towel clips or towel bands to secure your towel to your chair and mark your spot. Pro Tip: the towel bands can be used for light resistance training too!
- Wireless headphones (to listen to music or a book on the plane or by the pool)
- Wireless speaker (to listen to music in your room)
- Chewing gum (always good to have on planes to help with ear pressure)
- Curling/Flat iron (self-explanatory)
- Anti-frizz (because it’s HUMID in tropical locations!)
- Bug spray (this depends on where to go. Check the reviews and what others are saying for the time you will be there)
Not necessary/provided at the resort
- Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Towels
- Hair dryer
- Valuables
In conclusion
I hope this was helpful to you before your all-inclusive vacation. You can use this as your complete all-inclusive resort packing list or as a supplement to your basic beach trip packing list. Be my guest and download my free resort packing list here and go have your best vacation yet.
Bon voyage!
Cat xx