The Ultimate All Inclusive Beach Packing Guide
If you have never been on an All Inclusive Vacation, it can be hard to know where to start with packing. You may be surprised at how little you need to enjoy your wonderful vacation! Here are my expert packing tips.
Bathing Suit - This one is obvious, but its hard to enjoy a beach vacation without a bathing suit. I recommend bringing at least 2 so they can take turns drying (there is nothing worse than putting on a wet bathing suit in the morning). Also as my number 1 tip - if you are checking your suitcase, make sure to pack a bathing suit in your carry on/personal item in case your luggage gets lost! While the airline sorts out your lost luggage you can still relax by the pool worry free!
Bathing Suit Cover Up - Pack something you can throw over your suit to grab breakfast or lunch. I recommend bringing 2 to switch between.
Active Wear - All Inclusive Resorts have all sorts of activities to participate in and active wear is typically the best attire for these. I recommend 2 shorts and 2 tops.
Daytime Wear - Opt for 1 or 2 daytime outfits for exploring the town, going on an excursion, or for a day not spent at the pool/beach. It’s easy to go overboard here, but trust me you don’t need more than 2. If you are leaning toward a 3rd outfit instead throw in an extra bathing suit!
Dinner Outfits - Check your resort’s dress code for dinner. Most of the time you don’t need anything too fancy but often some restaurants require men to have collared shirts! Feel free to repeat outfits here since you will only be wearing them for a couple hours each evening.
Shoes - Don’t go overboard. Bring a pair of flip flops for the beach/pool and 1 or 2 pairs of sandals for dinner. If you know you will use the gym or be participating in activities that require tennis shoes, bring those as well. Finally, 1 pair of water shoes for water activities. Note that some resorts have higher end options for dining and may require men to have closed-toed shoes that are not tennis shoes.
Hat, Sun Shirt, and Sunglasses - The sun can get really intense so take precautions and protect yourself.
Reef Safe Sunscreen & After Sun Lotion - As previously mentioned, the sun is intense and we want to protect the ocean, so make sure your sunscreen is reef safe! I also love using lotion after a long day in the sun.
Beach Tote - Use this as your personal item for the plane and then your day bag for storing items at your lounge chair.
Insulated Water Bottle - I love my Hydroflask for every day use but I especially love it on beach vacations to keep cold water available at the pool. (This is obviously back up for all the included pool side drinks!)
Dry Pack - Protect your valuables during water activities!
Books/magazines - I know it’s the digital age, but sometimes a physical book or magazine is a good choice, especially for a day at the beach to avoid any mishaps with the sand and electronics. If you aren’t concerned about the sand a kindle is great for many options.
Camera - Don’t forget your camera to capture all the fun you’ll experience. Consider a waterproof camera or go-pro for any water activities you want to capture. If you are going to rely on your phone as your camera make sure you have enough storage space before your trip!
Headphones - Use them on the plane and while relaxing by the pool/ocean.
Here’s What Not to Bring!
Towels - All inclusive resorts provide all the pool/beach towels you need.
Don’t overpack shoes - You don’t need them, trust me!
Don’t over pack clothes - You don’t need as much as you think.
Snacks - The benefit of all inclusive is you can get food at any time! Only bring snacks for the travel days.
For more packing tips check out Long Haul Flight Essentials and Travel Essentials.
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