All-Inclusive Resort Packing List: 20 Must-Have Items To Bring

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I have been going to all-inclusive resorts for years. Over time, I’ve learned through trial and error what can make or break your holiday. Putting a little bit of thought into what you pack can save you a lot of hassle and avoid unnecessary stress once you arrive at the resort.

As I pack for my latest all-inclusive vacation, I thought I would share the 20 must-have items that I always bring with me.

This curated list is designed for warm-weather, beach and pool-focused all-inclusive resorts (think Mexico and the Caribbean). These items make all-inclusive vacations easier and more enjoyable, giving you more time to relax on the beach!

20 Must-Have Items For Your All-Inclusive Resort Vacation

I’ve been going to all-inclusive resorts for over 20 years and have learned the hard way what I can’t leave home without:

Must-Have Items For The Plane

1. The Right Type of Carry-On Bag

There’s nothing worse than hauling an awkward, heavy bag that weighs down your shoulder as you walk through the airport.  On my last trip, I finally found a lightweight yet roomy carry-on bag.

What makes this bag work is that there are multiple compartments, including a wet bag, which makes a huge difference. It holds a lot, keeping your laptop, toiletries and snacks organized yet separate.

A key feature of this bag is its suitcase sleeve that slips over your rolling luggage handle, which makes navigating the airport much easier on your body. Despite its size, the bag fits well under the seat in front of you. No more getting up constantly mid-flight to grab your bag from the overhead bin.

2. Chic & Compact Travel Purse

Traditional travel fanny packs are being replaced by chic compact travel purses, and this one is my go-to. It’s just the right size and comfortably holds your passport, wallet, phone, and lip balm, without feeling bulky or awkward.

The material on the outside is really soft yet durable and the adjustable strap allows you to wear it crossbody for security while traveling.

The best part? The strap is removable so it can easily double as an evening purse and no need to pack an extra one. It’s practical, stylish, and better-looking than a standard fanny pack.

3. Pack A Bathing Suit In Your Carry-On

Slip a bathing suit into your carry-on just in case your checked luggage gets delayed. There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at a resort without one and spending a lot of money on expensive ones at the resort that don’t really fit.

I have received many compliments on this bathing suit. So much so, that I have bought it in several different colors. I like the bathing suit’s one-shoulder design and the tummy control (midlife is hitting me there too!).

When you find something that works, why not buy it in every color?

➡️ Savvy Tip: Pack a pair of shorts and a t-shirt in your carry-on as well. You can change before landing and start enjoying the warm weather immediately.

4. Lip Balm With SPF

Airplane cabins are incredibly dehydrating, especially for your lips, which are the first to feel it. I always carry multiple lip products but this Aquafor lip balm consistently works the best and keeps your lips from drying out.

It also has an SPF so it protects your lip from sunburn while sitting in the sun once you get to the resort. This might seem like an unnecessary item but it’s one you’ll reach for repeatedly during travel days.

5. Snacks

Airplanes don’t always have the best food selection and I’ve learned not to rely on them so bringing your own snacks is a must. I like to bring protein bars, beef jerky, and baked fruit chips that will fuel you until you get to the resort restaurant.

Avoid bringing produce on the plane as it’s against customs regulations if you are entering a different country.  Having snacks on hand is especially helpful if your flight is delayed.

Must-Have Items For The Resort

6. eSIM For When You Travel Outside Of The Resort

While most resorts have WiFi, there are times on your vacation when you won’t have access to it but still need to stay in touch. For example, when you need to let your airport car transfer know that you have arrived or if you leave the resort for an excursion.

An eSIM is a reliable backup that also helps you avoid expensive roaming charges. I find Airalo’s eSIM to be affordable and easy to set up before your trip.

Having mobile data to stay connected when you need it most will save you a lot of unnecessary stress and make navigating unfamiliar places much easier.  

7. USB Wall-Charger With Multiple Ports  

While most modern resorts have USB ports to charge your devices, there never seem to be enough outlets. This is especially true if you’re traveling with more than two people, such as your kids or teens. Phones, tablets, and earbuds all need charging, and outlet competition can get real.

This multi-port USB wall-charger is a lifesaver. It has 4 USB ports for charging all types of devices and is also a travel adapter with attachments that work all over the world. I never leave on a trip without it.

8. Tinted Sunscreen For Your Face

As we get older, the effects of sun exposure become more noticeable, especially on our face. To get a natural, sun-kissed look on your face without the consequences, apply a tinted sunscreen with SPF.

There are several good ones on the market but Colorscience’s Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 adapts the colour of its tint to match your skin tone, leaving your face glowing. It works like a primer, requires very little product and is a resort favorite for creating the ‘no make-up’ look. I like to order their ‘light’ colour.

Colorscience also has a tinted SPF powder brush-on sunscreen for touch-ups throughout the day.

9. Sunscreen For Your Body

Speaking of sunscreen, if there is one item that you should avoid buying at a resort, this is it. Sunscreen at all-inclusive resorts is outrageously expensive. It feels like you are literally throwing away money when you could have just brought sunscreen in your suitcase.

I recommend bringing one large bottle or spray per person per week. That way you won’t run out and everyone can carry around their own bottle.

The sun in the south is very strong and the last you want is a severe burn that will spoil your vacation. Reapply often, especially after swimming.  

10. Foldable Sun Hat

I used to wear hats on the plane to avoid crushing them in my suitcase until I found this foldable sun hat. It packs easily, unfolds nicely, and still holds its shape.

It offers excellent sun coverage, which is especially important when spending long days by the pool or beach.

This is one of those practical items you’ll use every single day on your vacation, and it takes up very little space in your suitcase.

11. Over-The Counter Medication & Organizer

I always travel with a variety of over-the-counter medications, neatly stored in a pre-labeled organizer. This saves space and keeps everything easy to find. This is one of those “hope you don’t need it, but you’re glad you have it” items.

Trust me. You don’t want to have to rely on taking a taxi to the local pharmacy, which can be a long drive away. The journey will often cost more than the medication itself and it will be a huge inconvenience for you.

My over-the-counter medication checklist includes:

Must-Have Items For The Pool & Beach

12. Waterproof Phone Case

This is one item I never knew I needed until I got it. A waterproof phone case is essentially a dry pouch for your phone and allows you to use it while keeping it protected from water.

It’s perfect for pool photos, water parks, snorkeling, or wanting to stay in touch while kayaking, all without having to worry about water damage.

There’s just enough room to slip in cash or a credit card. Once you use one, you’ll never go to a resort without it again.

13. Pool Floaties

If you like to be in the pool with minimal effort, pool floaties are key to lazy days at an all-inclusive resort. They sell them in the resort gift shop but are super expensive. You will be kicking yourself for not having brought one for home.

You can buy a single one, a pack of two or four, so if you have kids coming with, everyone can hang out in the water together. You can lay on it or sit on it in the water as you chat with other guests at the swim-up bar.

➡️ Savvy Tip: Most resort gift shops will inflate them for you free of charge. Then at the end of the day, you can store them on your balcony to dry and it doesn’t take up space in your room.

14. Power Bank Portable Charger

Using your phone for music, photos, or for facetiming when you’re not in your resort room drains the battery quickly. This slim travel power bank charger has built-in cables compatible with most devices. It replaces the need to plug in your device to an outlet to charge and is especially helpful when you find your phone on low battery at the pool or beach.

It’s airplane-safe and dependable for long travel days. It also avoids the risk of plugging your device into public USB ports, which isn’t recommended for security reasons.

15. Swim Cover-Up

A swim cover-up is an essential piece of clothing that takes you from the pool to lunch effortlessly. I pack several colours of this CUPSHE swim cover-up and rotate them throughout the trip.

It dries quickly and keeps you presentable without needing to fully change. Some cover-ups are stylish enough to double as a dress. I have been known to wear them to dinner!  

It’s one of the most versatile items you can pack for a resort vacation.

16. Towel Chair Clips

Resorts provide towels to dry off after swimming but they all look identical. These towel chair clips serve a dual purpose – they keep your towel in place so it doesn’t blow away and help you easily identify which beach chair is yours.

This is extremely useful at busy resorts when chair hawks are circling, looking for an open spot. Your towel clips clearly mark your chair and help you hold onto the spot you woke up at 7 a.m. to reserve.

17. Beach Bag

A well-designed beach bag to hold everything you need for the day is important. Look for ones like this beach bag that are waterproof and have exterior pockets for your water bottle and flip-flops.

It should also have a zippered interior pocket to protect your phone and other valuables.

Some people use their carry-on as a beach bag, but I don’t recommend it. The beach bag inevitably gets wet and sandy, and that’s the last thing you want to bring home on the plane.

Also, avoid using beach bags provided by the resort. They all look the same, and inevitably, another guest will mistake yours for their own.

18. Earbuds

When there’s too much noise at the resort and you are looking for piece and quiet, slip on some earbuds. This pair of Soundcore P30i earbuds will do the trick and are much more affordable than some of their higher-end competitors.

Noise-cancelling ear buds allow you to tune out your loud pool ‘neighbours’  while you listen to music or an audiobook. They are comfortable and they’ll even stay in your ears for early morning yoga on the beach.

Choose a white or bright color so they’re easy to spot if dropped.

19. Insulated Cup or Tumbler

With unlimited drinks at all-inclusive resorts, an insulated cup keeps beverages cold longer and reduces trips to the bar. This Yeti insulated cup is stainless steel and comes in three different sizes.

You can bring one for the bottled water and another for cocktails or coffee. You’ll be able to stay well-hydrated for the day or get an extra large pina colada!

20. Flip-Flops

While taking flip-flops to a resort with a beach or pool seems obvious, I can’t tell you the number of times people forget to bring them.

Everyone in my family has these flip-flops. They’re comfortable, stylish and very light. They will barely take up a spot in your suitcase or beach bag.

Your feet will thank you, especially on the days when the sand is too hot to walk on with your bare feet.

If You Have Room…

If you have extra space in your suitcase, these items are nice to have on hand:

21. Games

Games are great to bring for evenings when there isn’t much resort entertainment or when you just want to unwind. Popular options include travel-sized Scrabble, UNO, and Rummikub.

They come in compact versions designed for travel so perfect size to even slip it in your beach bag.  If you’re traveling with a group, you can even run a nightly tournament.

22. Sports Camera/Camcorder

I try to leave my phone in the room safe as much as possible but that often means missing the chance to capture special moments.

This sports camera records both photos and videos and is good for any excursions you might take such as zip-lining.

You can attach it to your helmet or gear and record hands-free, without having to use your phone and risk damaging it.

It’s also waterproof so you can snap underwater photos while snorkeling or on boat trips.

23. Golf Balls

if your resort has a golf course and you plan to play, bring your own golf balls. You go through more balls than you expect while golfing and the cost adds up  quickly when you have to keep buying them at the resort.

All-Inclusive Vacation? Don’t Forget To Pack These Items!

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FAQs

What’s Included In All-Inclusive Resort?

Typically, accommodation, food, drinks, pools, beaches and entertainment are included. Sometimes there are extra fees for activities or premium alcohol. Make sure to check with the resort before you book.

Do I need to tip or is that included in the price?

It is not mandatory to tip at all-inclusive resorts as you pay for everything upfront when booking. After going to resorts for years, I have found that tips are appreciated and sometimes lead to better service.

Can I Buy These Items Once I Arrive At The Resort?

Some items are available at resort gift shops and others are not. What you will find at all-inclusive resort stores are inflated prices for items you can get for much cheaper at home. You don’t want to rely on buying essential items at a resort.

Savvy Summary

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to all-inclusive resort travel. From a smart carry-on and travel purse to sunscreen, a packable hat, towel clips, and a waterproof phone case, these are a few of the must-have items that will take your vacation from good to great.

Packing the right items for your all-inclusive resort vacation means fewer inconveniences and more time to relax by the pool, float in the ocean, and fully enjoy your vacation.

If you are still trying to figure out which resort you should book for your next trip read my tips for choosing an all-inclusive family resort.