All-inclusive resort packing list

Packing for an all-inclusive vacation should be easy. Most of your days will revolve around the pool, beach, meals and relaxing, with perhaps a few excursions or evenings out. The goal is to bring enough without filling your suitcase with things you’ll never use.

This 7-day all-inclusive resort packing list covers the practical essentials for a warm-weather vacation, plus a few things that are especially useful at a resort.

Download PDF version HERE

Clothing

For a typical 7-night warm-weather resort vacation:

5–7 lightweight tops
3–4 pairs of shorts, skirts or casual bottoms
2–3 sundresses or casual outfits
1–2 nicer outfits for dinner
1 light sweater, cardigan or wrap
Underwear and bras
Sleepwear
Workout clothes if you plan to use the resort gym

You probably don't need a completely different outfit for every day. Pieces that can be mixed, matched and worn more than once make packing considerably easier.

Swim & Beach

This is where you'll likely spend a good portion of your vacation, so having more than one swimsuit is useful.

2–3 swimsuits
1–2 cover-ups
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Beach tote
Water shoes if your beach or excursions require them

Most all-inclusive resorts provide beach and pool towels, so check before using valuable suitcase space for one.]

Shoes

Shoes take up a surprising amount of luggage space. For most resort trips, three pairs are plenty:

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Sandals or flip-flops
Dressier sandals or shoes for dinner
Excursion-specific footwear only if needed

Toiletries & Health

Resorts usually provide basic toiletries, but bring the personal products you know you'll want.

Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental care
Deodorant
Hair products and styling items
Skincare
Makeup
Razor and shaving products
Prescription medications
Personal over-the-counter medications
Motion-sickness medication if needed
High-SPF sunscreen
After-sun lotion or aloe
Insect repellent
Personal or feminine care products

Sunscreen can be considerably more expensive at a resort, so this is one item worth bringing from home.

Travel Documents & Money

Keep the things you can't easily replace together and accessible while travelling.

Passport and any required entry documents
Travel insurance information
Flight confirmations
Airport transfer information
Resort reservation
Credit and debit cards
Small amount of cash
Driver’s licence if needed
Copies or secure photos of important documents

Tip: Check the current entry requirements for your destination before you leave. Requirements can change, so this is something to verify for every trip.

What to Put in Your Carry-On

Don't put everything important in your checked suitcase. Pack enough in your carry-on to get through the first day if your luggage is delayed.

Passport and wallet
Phone
All medications
Phone charger
Portable power bank
Swimsuit
Cover-up
Sunglasses
Travel-size sunscreen
One change of clothes
Valuables
Empty reusable water bottle

Putting a swimsuit in your carry-on also means you can head to the pool even if your room isn't ready when you arrive.

Electronics

Keep this category simple:

Phone and charger
Portable power bank
Earbuds or headphones
E-reader or tablet if you'll use one
Camera if you prefer one over your phone
Travel adapter if required for your destination

Check the electrical outlets used at your particular destination rather than assuming you'll need an adapter.

Useful Extras

These aren't essential, but they can make travelling and living out of a suitcase easier:

Packing cubes or organizers
Small laundry bag
Wet bag or zip-top bags
Reusable water bottle
Luggage tag
Small first-aid kit
Pen
Secure copies of important travel information