Ultimate All-Inclusive Resort Packing List & Vacation Guide – Printable

Planning a vacation at an all-inclusive resort can be a fantastic way to relax and enjoy a hassle-free getaway. From luxurious accommodations to endless dining options, these resorts are designed to offer you everything you need for a memorable trip. But before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand what staying at an all-inclusive resort entails, how to choose the best one, and everything you need on your all-inclusive resort packing list for the ultimate experience.

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I have visited many all-inclusive resorts, and they are all fantastic in their own way. Deciding on a location, then your must haves at a resort, will lead you to the right place for your relaxing, all-inclusive vacation. 

If you already booked your vacation and are simply looking for the resort packing list, scroll down to the bottom to see everything you need to know! 

If you are still debating if an all-inclusive is right for you, read on to determine if it’s the style of vacation you want to take and then check out the recommended resort packing list! 

What Is an All-Inclusive Resort?

An all-inclusive resort is a vacation destination where your stay, meals, drinks, activities, and entertainment are bundled into one upfront price. This eliminates the need to budget for individual meals or activities, as most of your expenses are already covered.

Depending on the resort, inclusions may also extend to:

• Alcoholic beverages – with various types of alcohol. Some resorts may include standard options, while premium liquors could cost extra. Or maybe you are limited to a specific number of drinks per day before being charged. Other resorts will serve drinks one at a time and charge for full bottles. It’s helpful to look into the options in advance! 
• Airport transfers – this is a major perk in my opinion. Not having to arrange private transportation from the airport is ideal. We have had a few different experiences, one where we were escorted from baggage claim to a branded suite with a bar and then to a shuttle, another where we met the shuttle outside, and other experiences where we booked the transportation upon arrival. It all depends on the brand of the resort and the country. 
• Non-motorized water sports (like snorkeling or kayaking) – these are fairly standard for all-inclusive resorts. If there are water sports available without a motor, they are usually included. However, power boats or jet skis will likely be an additional cost. 
• Kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities – many resorts have an option for a kids’ club, but it’s not always included in the cost of the resort. 
• Nightly entertainment – there may be some entertainment options not included in the overall cost. While most entertainment is usually available, it depends on the size of the resort. 
• Premium Dining – you may find that there are nicer restaurants or meals not included in the upfront cost of the resort. This is typical and not required to partake. For example, we went to one restaurant where more of the food was included, but if we wanted an additional lobster tail, there was an extra fee. 

Luxury all-inclusive resorts, like Sandals Resorts, may even include spa treatments, fine dining experiences, and private excursions. 

Things to Look Out For When Booking an All-Inclusive Resort

While the all-inclusive model is appealing, there are key factors to consider when selecting a resort to ensure you get the best value for your money. 

1. Is an all-inclusive resort right for you? This argument is as old as all-inclusive resorts have been in existence. Some people are against them because they lack “adventure”; others don’t like how commercial some resorts can be.

Personally, I love them. I do not shy away from any style of vacation, including all-inclusive, backpacking trips, cruises, and adventurous vacations. I think there is a time and a place for all types of vacations and sometimes you just need a chill trip to enjoy and relax. If this sounds appealing to you, don’t let anyone stop you from fully enjoying the experience of an all-inclusive resort! 

Out of all of our all-inclusive resort experiences, we have enjoyed Excellence Resorts the most—especially the Excellence El Carmen in the Dominican Republic.

2. Understand What’s Included. As mentioned above, not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. Some may charge extra for premium dining experiences, motorized water sports, or certain excursions. Always read the fine print to understand what is and isn’t included.

3. Choose the Right Location: Location can significantly impact your experience, so you want to look into a few things before landing on a location. For example:

• Beach resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico are known for their stunning water and beautiful beaches. They also usually have swim-up bars, which is a must for me 🙂 
• Resorts in Europe might emphasize cultural excursions and regional cuisine.
• Adults-only resorts cater to couples or groups seeking a quieter experience, while family-friendly resorts offer activities tailored to kids. 

4. Read Review of Similar Style Travelers. Look for recent reviews on trusted travel platforms. Pay attention to feedback about food quality, cleanliness, staff friendliness, and the condition of the facilities. If you are traveling with kids, look for reviews about the kids club, if you are traveling as a couple, look for reviews about the accommodations for couples. 

5. Consider the Size of the Resort. Large resorts often have multiple restaurants and activities but may feel crowded or require long walks. Smaller resorts provide a more intimate experience but may have fewer dining and entertainment options. We have stayed in all sizes of resorts and truly had a great experience in both. There are pros and cons to either size! 

6. Check the Dining Options. If food is important to you, explore the resort’s dining options in advance. Do they offer a variety of cuisines? Are there à la carte restaurants, or is it primarily buffet-style dining? If you require an allergy-friendly menu, definitely do your research on specific options in advance, some resorts make accommodations better than others. 

7. Examine the Entertainment and Activities. Whether you’re looking for nightly shows, yoga classes, or scuba diving, make sure the resort aligns with your interests. If you’re traveling with kids, ensure there are plenty of age-appropriate activities.

8. Look for Hidden Fees. Beware of additional charges for services like Wi-Fi, premium liquors, or babysitting. Ask about resort fees or taxes that might not be included in the advertised price.

9. Consider the Weather. Depending on where you plan to visit, it’s important to look into things like hurricane season and if the area you are visiting could be impacted, avoiding the wettest months in your desired location, and consider the weather overall (some places don’t get very warm in the winter!), and think about weather-related travel delays depending on where you are leaving from. 

All-Inclusive Resort Packing List

Proper packing is essential for a smooth and enjoyable stay. I try to pack as light as possible, though it doesn’t always happen. Depending on the length of your stay, I suggest following the resort packing list below but keep in mind the length of your vacation. 

This list is suggested based on a beach vacation for 6-7 days, where most of the items can fit in a carry on suitcase and a personal item. Don’t forget to look into theme nights before your vacation! Many resorts will have a few themed nights each week. It’s also helpful to look into the dress codes of the resort and restaurants. 

If you are in the market for a new carry on, I highly recommend this one. I have used it for years and it’s held up extremely well. I also love this personal item if I want a bag or this backpack if I need to bring my laptop and work items.

Here’s a comprehensive all-inclusive packing list with all the travel essentials for your resort vacation:

Clothing

• At least 2-3 bathing suit options. I love this black bathing suit with a bow or this one if you want one that will last for many summers.
• Cover-ups or sarongs. This brown cover up and this blue and white sarong are my recent favorites.
• Casual daywear
  • 5 t-shirts that can be used for working out, throwing over a bathing suit for lunch or as an outfit with shorts or a skirt 
  • 4 sundresses
  • 3 pair of shorts (linen, jeans, and patterned)
  • 2 skirts (I like to bring a shorter option and a midi or maxi option)
• Evening wear. Pay attention to the dress code for fine dining evenings. I love this lightweight dress.
• Undergarments to your preference: I usually bring a pair of these shorts in addition to bras and underwear
• Lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. I usually bring a jean jacket and a sweater. Depending on the location and time of year, you may also want to consider a rain jacket. 
• Comfortable sandals and flip-flops. I always have flip-flops for walks to the pool or beach, as well as nicer sandals to wear in the afternoon or evening. 
• One pair of wedges or high heels. This is not necessary, but I like to bring them to feel a little fancy after a day at the beach when we are going to a nicer dinner on the property. 
• Water shoes for rocky beaches or water activities. Closed-toe shoes are sometimes required for specific excursions! 
• Workout clothes, if you plan to use the gym or join fitness classes
• Some people may want to consider a rash guard, depending on the destination and planned activities 

Pro Tip: Look into using a service like Nuuly for your vacation! You can borrow designer clothing, perfect for the tropical vibes of an all-inclusive vacation, for a fraction of the cost! I use it for nearly every vacation! 

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Sunscreen and plenty of it because the tropical sun is very strong! Be sure to buy reef-safe sunscreen if you’re visiting an eco-friendly resort or plan to snorkel. 
• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion, again the sun is strong. I usually bring after sun lotion with some shimmer to it to really bring out that glow. 
• Insect repellent, you may or may not need this depending on the location, however, I like to always have it on hand. 
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash if you like to use specific brands. All resorts will supply this if you don’t mind using what they have! 
• Dental hygiene products: toothbrush, floss and toothpaste
• Razor and shaving lotion. I don’t always use a shaving lotion at home, but when I am in and out of the pool and ocean, I try to use it while shaving. It helps with irritation and I want to avoid that as much as possible while on vacay! I use this razor set and really like it! I have one in my travel kit and another at home.
• Makeup and makeup remover. I tend to stick with just the essential items for my makeup; most of the time, I go without, but it’s nice to have for dinners and evening shows. 
• Hairbrush, hair ties, and hair clips. I love these clips so much! I use them every day, especially when on vacation. I can toss my hair up into the clip and it looks done. I also love this hair brush, especially for a vacation to a place where I am constantly swimming or out on the beach. 

Beach and Pool Essentials

• Beach bag or beach tote. I have two favorites, depending on if you are taking an adults only vacation or if kids are coming along as well. If this is an adults only trip where you can focus on relaxing, reading and lounging, I suggest this beach bag. If kids are joining for the vacation, I love this bag– it has a ton of pokets and room for everything. 
• Sunglasses are the most important thing to pack in my opinion. I usually bring a few pair just in case I forget mine somewhere, or I want to change up my outfit. 
• A small purse or clutch to carry to dinner. I have two that I rotate between: this one if I want to go for a more simple vibe or this woven purse if I am going full resort mode.
• A wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap. This packable beach hat with a bow is my absolute favorite (Amazon version if you want to grab a cheaper option), I usually bring a baseball hat as well. 
• A reusable, refillable water bottle is a must! I try not to fill up water from the sink, but I do ask for cups of ice and water bottles from bars and restaurants. I love having cold ice on hand during warm days. You can also use this for drinks at the bar, just make sure it’s an insulated water bottle! 
• ​Some people bring their own yeti or other insulated cup if you want to keep your bar drinks separate from your water bottle 🙂 I recommend this style or this style. 
• Waterproof phone case or waterproof phone pouch so you can take photos and videos even when snorkeling! 
• Snorkel gear (optional as some resorts provide it) I always bring goggles for my daughter (these are her favorite!). 
• Kindle or another e-reader, or a book. I love my Kindle and always load it up with books from Libby before heading out on vacation! 
• Beach towel clips (to secure your towel to a lounge chair by the pool or onto a beach chair)
• Dry bags to hold your wet swimsuits after an excursion and to keep your dry items dry. I have several of these and love them! The mid pouch size is my favorite but I use the small and large as well. 

Travel Documents and Essentials

• Passport and copies of it as well. It may be overboard, but I usually have a copy in my carry on, another in my personal and I send a photo to my mom. Just incase something happens, I want there to at least be a copy of my passport available. 
• Travel insurance information. I highly, highly recommend travel insurance. There are usually options provided by the resort but I usually opt for separate insurance that covers the entire trip and not only the resort portion. I have used this company and have had a good experience!
• Resort confirmation and contact details. I have this information saved in my notes app and shared with my mom- I love the easy access in case I need it. You will likely need the address when going through immigration as well. 
• Credit cards and some cash in local currency. I usually bring one credit card for incidentals plus cash for tips. While many resorts don’t require tipping, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand for excellent service. Especially if you plan to have room service or other deliveries to your hotel room. 
• I always bring my drivers license as well, thought passports are usually enough. Be sure to have your real ID by mid-2025! 

Electronics

• All the chargers! I bring my cell phone charger, laptop charger, kindle charger and a portable charger.
• Universal adapter (if traveling internationally). This adapter is my favorite universal option and this is my favorite international power strip. 
• Camera if you like to take photos. I’ve recently been loving this camera for a non-digital option! 
• A portable speaker is a game changer, while you don’t want to put it on full blast while you are on the beach with other guests, it’s ideal for when you are hanging by your private pool, or even getting ready in your room. 
• Travel sound machine. This is great for the whole family! I initially purchased this for my daughter, but I have come to love it as well! 

Health and Safety

• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness medicine, etc.) While the resort will likely have most of this, I prefer to have it on hand in my room. 
• Any prescription medications, make sure your name matches what is on the bottle
• Hand sanitizer to keep on hand. This spray is a great idea! 

Miscellaneous

• Small backpack or crossbody bag for excursions
• Snacks (especially if you’re traveling with kids). We bring 2 stasher bags full of snack options. 
• Travel laundry detergent packets
• Playing cards or travel-sized games are great for the airport! 
• We love these compact floats! We have brought them on cruises and to all-inclusive resorts on multiple occasions and they have held up extremely well. 

Final Tips for Enjoying Your All-Inclusive Resort Stay

1. Take Advantage of the Amenities: Explore the resort’s offerings and try something new, like paddleboarding or a cooking class.
2. Plan Your Meals: Popular restaurants may require reservations, so book as soon as possible.
3. Tip When Appropriate: While tipping policies vary, a small gesture of appreciation for excellent service is always welcome.
4. Stay Hydrated: Between the sun and tropical cocktails, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Keep a reusable water bottle handy.
5. Enjoy Yourself: Don’t over-schedule. Relax and soak in the experience of having everything at your fingertips.
6. Look Into Inclusions: Think about items like life vests, floaties, etc. Will your kids need these? If yes, are they supplied by the resort? 
7. Think About Excursions: While you may be focused on everything the resort has to offer, think about what you may need for an excursion! I always bring a change of clothes, water shoes and bottles of water. 

With these tips and packing essentials, you’re ready to make the most of your all-inclusive resort vacation. Bon voyage!