Are you going to a tropical all inclusive resort and aren’t sure what to bring? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve created the ultimate tropical all inclusive packing list for you, to help make your vacation as stress-free as possible.
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The tropics are calling!
All-inclusive tropical vacations are among my favorite types of getaways. The sun, the sand, the drinks with little umbrellas… sounds like heaven to me!
My absolute favorite family vacation was when we stayed at an all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia. I very highly recommend St. Lucia as a destination for both couples travel and family trips.
Sometimes it can be hard to know what to bring on vacation with you, especially to a place you’ve never been. Fortunately, we’ve been to quite a few all-inclusive resorts and can tell you everything you’ll need to bring to make your trip run smoothly!
Read on for our list of everything you’ll want to bring with you to an all-inclusive tropical resort. We’ve even provided a free printable all inclusive packing list for your convenience!
If a Punta Cana resort happens to be your vacation of choice, we can help you see exactly how to find the best all-inclusive resort there!
Note: Any of these items would be absolutely perfect to give as a gift for Mom, a gift for Dad, or a gift for teens. Check out our guides for more fantastic gift ideas!
What Is On An All Inclusive Packing List?
Before you pack for any vacation, you need to take into consideration the type of vacation you’re planning on having. For example, a packing list for Las Vegas will require significantly different items than will a trip to Iceland!
If you’re not leaving the resort, there are fewer items you’ll need to bring, but if you are exploring the area and doing excursions you’ll need to be prepared. Hiking boots, refillable water bottles, safety gear: it all depends on your planned activity level, so keep that in mind as you prepare for your trip.
An all inclusive packing list will be similar to a cruise ship packing list, if both locations are tropical. You’ll have a lot of the same essential items on each list, with subtle differences depending on the resort and the individual cruise.
Pro Tip: Join the Facebook group for your specific resort! There you’ll be able to find information on theme nights, parties, activities, and more!
The Attire
Our all inclusive packing list has a few separate sections to make it easier to stay organized. Below is all the various attire you’ll need to pack.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In many Caribbean locations it is illegal to wear anything camouflage. This includes all clothing and accessories, including hats and bags. If you wear camo you will be detained and possibly fined. Do not pack camouflage items when traveling to Antigua, Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, or Trinidad and Tobago.
Casual Outfits
Generally speaking, a lot of hanging out at resorts is done in your swimwear and a coverup. To eat breakfast and lunch you need to at least be covered and not wet. We recommend bringing a few casual shorts and shirts, and/or a couple sundresses.
Casual Shoes
You’ll need casual shoes or sandals to hang around the resort, take a walk, etc. You may want a pair of sneakers if you’re into tennis or basketball. If you’re hiking you’ll want a good pair of hiking shoes with you.
Dressy Outfits
Most resort restaurants require more elegant wear for dinners. Ladies will need either a dress or pants and a nice top. Men will need pants and a collared shirt.
A lot of the time you will not be allowed in to certain restaurants if you don’t meet their dress code. Jeans are typically ok if they are not ripped, but things like flip flops and tank tops are not allowed.
Dressy Shoes
To go along with your evening outfits you’ll need evening shoes. For men this can be a pair of loafers or leather shoes, and ladies can wear a nice pair of sandals or heels.
Undergarments/Socks
At the very least you need one pair of underwear for every day, but we actually recommend bringing another half of that amount in addition. You’re going to wind up changing out of bathing suits for dinner, so bring enough!
For bras, bring whatever styles you may need for your outfits. Sticky bras and petals are a great way to add versatility to your luggage without taking up much space.
Depending on your planned activities for your trip you may only need a few pairs of socks. Most of the time at the resort you’re going to be in sandals of some sort, so socks are not a huge requirement unless you’re going for a hike, playing sports, or need them for your evening shoes.
Bathing Suits and Cover Ups
We always pack at least 3 swimsuits for a week long stay. You can rotate through them, letting them dry out while wearing a different one. They don’t take up much space, so even bringing an extra one or two isn’t going to matter much.
In restaurants you’ll need to be covered, even in the casual ones, so throw a couple cover ups in your bag. You likely will be hanging out in swimsuits and a cover up most of the day so make sure they’re comfortable.
Pro Tip: Bring a wet bag, or even a regular plastic bag, to haul your suits back home!
Flip Flops
Any time you’re in your swimsuit you’re going to want flip flops. Whether you’re walking around the resort or using the bathroom, you’ll need them. Please do not go into a bathroom barefoot!
Sleepwear
Whatever you’re used to wearing to bed works here but keep in mind that room service and housekeeping may need to come in. A couple of pairs of loungewear usually will suffice.
The Accessories
Now let’s move on to the part of our all inclusive packing list that tells you the various accessories you’ll want to bring with you.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Do not forget sunscreen!! Tropical sun is strong and it is extremely likely that you will burn without sunscreen, regardless of your skin tone. It’s also important that the sunscreen you bring is reef-safe if you plan on going in the ocean.
Most tours, like the ones we took to see the world-famous Pitons in St. Lucia, will check that your sunscreen is reef-safe before they let you in the water, and if it’s not you will have to purchase some from them, or go without.
The chemicals in regular sunscreen are extremely damaging to the delicate ocean life so it is essential that your products are safe for the tropical ocean. Make sure your sunscreens do not have the harmful chemicals of oxybenzone, octocrylene, or octinoxate. Just because it says “reef-safe” on the label does not actually mean that it is reef-safe! Bring twice the amount you think you will need.
Bug Spray
Depending on the specific resort, location, and time of year, bugs may or may not be an issue. Save yourself the headache, and throw a bottle of bug spray in your luggage. You may not wind up needing it, but you’re going to be awfully glad you brought it if bugs turn up on your trip!
Hat and Sunglasses
A good hat is essential on a tropical vacation! Not only does it protect your face from the scorching sun, but they look awesome too!
Of course you don’t want to forget sunglasses either! We recommend bringing 2 pairs, just in case you lose one or break one! These bluetooth sunglasses are incredible and allow you to discreetly listen to music without anyone around you hearing it.
Toiletries and Makeup
Generally speaking, you won’t need to bring shampoos, conditioners, and soaps with you to a resort unless you’re very particular about your brands. Most resorts provide these things. We loved the upgraded toiletries they provided to Club level members at Finest Punta Cana!
You will, however, need to bring any hair products you typically use, such as gels, hairsprays, serums, etc. Along with hair products, it’s always a good idea to bring extra elastics, bobby pins, scrunchies, etc. and any hair styling tools you typically use. Some resorts have hair dryers in the rooms, but we’ve found it’s better to just bring your own.
Toiletry bottles are an excellent option, so you don’t have to lug your big bottles with you.
We also always make sure to bring plenty of lotion. Being in and out of pools and the ocean all day and night, along with the beating sun itself, takes a toll on your skin and you’ll definitely want to have a good moisturizer on hand.
Of course you’ll want to have your makeup with you too, if you’re a makeup sort of person. Nighttime is a much more elegant setting, so you’ll likely want to shower and do your hair and makeup for dinner and whatever other nighttime entertainment you’ll be enjoying afterward.
Personal Hygiene Products
If you use it at home, you’ll need it here. Deodorant, dental hygiene products, razor, perfume/cologne, and a good face cleanser are all necessary items.
If you’re a woman, you may want to bring menstrual items just in case, even if you’re not expecting to need them. Pads and tampons can be very expensive on resorts!
If you are a glasses or contact lens wearer be sure to bring a pair of glasses, and enough contacts and contact solution for the length of your stay.
The Comfort and Convenience Items
This next part of our all inclusive packing list details various comfort and convenience items you may want to include in your luggage.
Reusable Straws
Most places nowadays are trying to be more conscious of their environmental impact. One common yet mildly annoying way in which we see companies manifest this is by using paper straws, or by the removal of straws altogether.
I hate paper straws, I’ll be honest here, but I very much appreciate the concern for our ocean life. So, bring a set of reusable straws like these with you for your beverages.
Pool floats
Some resorts provide plenty of floats to hang in the pool, and some don’t provide enough for everyone, if any at all. We typically bring a few with us and blow them up once get there. There are tons of fun floats out there that you could bring, and it really adds a little something extra special to your trip!
Beach Bag
Bring a beach bag with you so you can carry your stuff around the resort easily. Throw in a book, your camera, sunscreen, reusable straws, and anything else you might need during the day.
Pro Tip: Use your beach bag as your carry-on for the plane to pack even more efficiently!
Book
Of course you’ll bring a book or two, right? There’s nothing like sitting on the beach or poolside, book in one hand, drink in the other! Some people prefer paper books, and others prefer an ebook like a Kindle. No matter which you choose, a book is always a good idea.
Games/Cards
It’s always a good idea to throw a couple travel games and a deck of cards in your bag. Whether you’re hanging in your room or by the pool, or lounging on the beach, cards and games are always fun!
Sleeping Mask
A sleep mask is always a good idea to bring on vacation in case the curtains don’t block out as much light as you would like them to. The mask is also excellent for catching some Z’s on the plane! This sleep mask comes very highly rated and doesn’t put any pressure on your eyes.
Headphones
Headphones are a good thing to bring anywhere you go. You can usually buy some on the plane if you forget them, but it’s not always a guarantee. These are our favorite headphones. They’re stylish, comfortable, and best of all, they’re noise-cancelling.
The Important Extras
Important Documents
Easily the most important item to make sure you have is your passport! Along with that, bring print outs (and have screenshots) of any other confirmations you may have – the resorts, the plane tickets, any tours you may be taking, your transportation, etc.
Also bring any pertinent medical information in case of emergency. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, many resorts will require a photocopy of your marriage certificate as proof, in order to get any of the special treatments they may give for special occasions.
First Aid Essentials and Medications
You definitely want to have a few essential first-aid supplies on hand. Bring bandaids for scrapes or blisters, ibuprofen/Tylenol, eye drops, cold and allergy meds, and any prescriptions you have. I usually throw in a couple safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions. You want to be prepared just in case!
Other countries don’t always have the medications we can get at home, and it’s not always easy to get to a store to get what you need, so definitely bring the basics with you.
A First Aid Kit such as this one provides lots of various items you may need. I’m super prone to sprained ankles, so I always bring an ace bandage in case of a rolled ankle, as well.
Waterproof Phone/Money Holder
This is great to have in order to keep your money from getting wet while you’re in the pool. Swim-up bars are a favorite spot to hang out, and while drinks are included in the price of your room, you’ll need cash on hand for tips. You’ll likely want to have your phone nearby for pictures too, so having a waterproof pouch really makes things easy.
These pouches have kept my stuff dry in both the ocean and in pools. They’re absolutely fantastic!
Electronics Chargers
Rarely nowadays does anyone forget their phone and charger. But if you’re bringing any other electronics with you like cameras, smartwatches, laptops, ebooks or anything, make sure to also grab the chargers for those.
Travel Adapter
This will depend on where you’re coming from and where you’re going, so check to see the plug compatibility for your own personal situation.
This particular travel adapter accepts plugs from more than 150 countries, so is a great option for most people. Be aware that this does not convert voltage, however.
Door Lock
Any time we travel anywhere, both in the US and abroad, there are a couple safety items we always bring with us. That is not to say any particular location is inherently dangerous. It’s just that we always want to exercise caution, no matter where we are. All inclusive resorts are no exception to this rule.
One such item we always bring with us is an extra door lock for our room. These just give us a little added peace of mind when we’re away, that our room is secure while we sleep.
This set of two is what we purchased, and bring with us on every single trip, no matter where we go, including all inclusive resorts. They easily attach to your room door, providing extra security and privacy. It takes only seconds to attach, and when you place this lock, the door cannot be opened from the outside.
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What To Pack In Your Carry-On
Now that you know everything you need to bring with you, let’s break this all inclusive packing list down even further into the things within that list that you should put in your carry-on.
Passport/Travel Documents
This one goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Make sure you have your passport and all necessary travel documentation in your carry-on!
Cash/Valuables
This is also a no-brainer. Never put cash, credit cards, or other valuables in your checked bags. Always keep it on your person, or in your carry-on bag.
Medications
Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag. You never know what could happen, and it can be a dangerous decision to put your medications in your checked luggage. Luggage can get lost, leaving you without your prescriptions. Flights can get delayed. Accidents happen and you may need some of the over-the-counter medications you packed.
Use foresight and always pack your medications in your carry-on!
Book
A book is always a good idea to have on hand for while you’re on the plane or waiting in the airport. Whether it be a paperback or an ebook, having one with you is a great way to pass some time.
Headphones
We always throw headphones in our carry-ons for use on the plane. A lot of the times you can purchase a pair from the flight attendants, but it’s not always a guarantee, so we strongly recommend bringing your own pair.
Sleeping Mask
Depending on the time and duration of your flight, you very well may want to get some shut-eye. Throw a sleep mask in your carry-on to catch up on some z’s on the plane.
Snacks
This is the one item we didn’t list above but definitely want to add it here. The selection on airplanes isn’t always what you’re looking for, so do yourself a favor and pack a couple of your favorite munchies. You can either bring them from home or purchase them in the airport before your flight. We never go anywhere without snacks!
Sunglasses
That sun is going to be blinding when you step off that plane. Bring sunglasses, and we recommend to even bring a spare in case you break or lose the first one.
Bathing Suit
Throw a swimsuit in your bag in case you get to your resort and the room isn’t ready yet. You can change into it and start enjoying the resort right away even if you can’t get into your room. In the unlucky situation where your checked bags get delayed, you at least aren’t stuck not being able to swim.
Coverup
For the same reason as bringing your swimsuit, throw a coverup in your carry-on. They’re usually light and barely take up space in the bag, so no big deal but you’ll be happy you packed it if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Sandals
Now, typically we would recommend just wearing sandals to the airport, but depending on where you’re coming from and time of year, that may be impractical. So throw a pair of casual sandals in your carry-on to change into.
Casual Outfit
Along with casual sandals, you’ll want to bring a change of clothes. This serves a dual purpose. First, depending on where you’re coming from you may simply need a lighter outfit. Second, if your luggage gets delayed, you at least have something to wear at the resort that isn’t your airplane clothes. So grab a pair of shorts and a shirt, or a sundress, and throw it in your bag. You’ll be happy you did.
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We have visited all inclusive resorts at many different times throughout the year. If you happen to be traveling during the holiday season, we have the best tips for stress-free holiday travel for you to check out.
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