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What to Pack For An All Inclusive Resort: 31+ Items (FREE Download)

ByJoanna Neander

You have booked an all inclusive Caribbean vacation. Congratulations, you have unlocked the most relaxing week(s), and I am JEALOUS.

Now, the only question is, what to pack for an all inclusive resort?

I have been to all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean 12 times now, therefore, it is safe to say I have a pretty good handle on what things to bring and what can be left at home! 

These items are what I use for a packing list for Dominican and Cuba all inclusive vacations.

The Caribbean has a wet season from May – November, as well as a dry season, from December – April. Therefore, for more warm & sunny days opt to visit for the latter and if not, pack accordingly (ie. more rain friendly clothing).

This packing list for Caribbean all-inclusive vacations will have the essentials you need for your 7 days of fun in the sun. 

Some links in this post on what to pack for an all inclusive resort are affiliate. If clicked, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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How to prepare for a Caribbean Vacation?

1. Baggage

  • Checked Baggage:
    • Most airlines with all inclusive packages include 1 checked baggage to their maximum weight. I advise using this. 
    • Baggage issues (loss, delays), continue to be a thing, so pack half of your stuff in your partner’s/friend’s/family’s luggage and vice versa.
  • Carry On:
    • Many all inclusive packages do not include free carry-on luggage anymore.
    • Ie. Sunwing is charging $25.00 per carry on. 
    • If you prefer to know where your luggage is at all times, pay the money for peace of mind. If not, opt for the check in.
  • Personal Item / Beach Bag:
    • Personal bags are free as long as you fit your airline’s size requirements.
    • Do yourself a favour, and use something that can double as your beach bag while there!
    • Check out this XL beach bag that can be used as a travel tote and has many compartments for all of your packing needs!

2. Documents

  • Passport
    • Do NOT forget this, mandatory for entry 
  • Insurance
    • Basic health / travel insurance is beneficial to have when visiting any country, I do not travel without this.
    • Some Caribbean countries require proof of health insurance upon entry, make sure you do your research ahead of time and have a copy of your travel insurance or your insurance card 
  • Visa
    • Some Caribbean countries require a tourist visa, one example of this is Cuba. For a Cuba visa, they give this to you on the plane to be filled out (so bring a pen). 
    • If you make an error on the visa, you will be charged $20.00 (in the plane) or $50.00 in Cuba for a replacement.
  • Health Screening
    • Some countries require a health screening form to be filled out, indicating no symptoms of COVID-19
    • This form can be filled out ahead of time when checking in for your flight or filled out on the plane in paper copy

3. Airport Outfits

  • I wear one & pack the other
  • Comfy clothes, running shoes & a jacket

What to Pack For An All Inclusive Resort

4. Beach Attire

  • Bathing suits: (5+)
    • Depending who you are (are you a beach bum like me?) I bring one per day (I love a good photo-op), you can bring less or more 
    • If you are my husband you are bringing 3 and reusing them
  • Hats: (1-2)
    • Protect your head people
    • Baseball cap, sunhat, your choice
  • Bathing suit coverups: (2-3)
    • Also dependent on your preference 
  • Beach shoes: (1)
    • Flip flops or slides
    • Water shoes (most beaches are soft sand with minimal debris, however, if you are worried about hurting your feet, I suggest a pair of water shoes)
what to pack for an all inclusive resort: sun hat and waterproof phone case
Arujan wearing a sun hat and a lanyard with waterproof phone case (see below)

5. Water Supplies

  • Snorkel gear (most hotels have their own to use but if you want to bring your own, feel free)
  • Water toys for kids (most hotels have these to use/rent out)
  • Lifejackets (if needing, purchase inflatable ones for better packing)

6. Clothing

How many outfits you need depends on how many excursions or day activities you plan to do, otherwise you just need outfits for the evenings! Pack accordingly.

  • Undergarments: (amount per days)
    • Undies, bras, boxers, whatever you wear
    • I usually bring 1.5-2x the amount of days just in case (been doing this since I was a kid and it has never let me down)
  • Pajamas: (3)
    • I usually just pair a large t-shirt and undies
    • You do you!
  • Socks: (5)
    • You probably won’t need many pairs of socks as you will be having some beach/swim days
  • Jumpsuits / Rompers / Dresses (mini, midi, maxi dresses): (4-5)
    • My favourite outfit to wear, I usually wear a dress per dinner, so I choose to pack more of these than shorts/skirts
  • Shirts: (7)
    • Tank tops, T-shirts, blouses
    • Tops that make up an outfit with your favourite skirt or shorts 
  • Bottoms: (5)
    • Shorts / Skirts
    • I usually pack less bottoms than tops as they are easier to re-wear 
  • Long Pair of Pants: (1-2)
    • A lot of a la carte restaurants in Caribbean resorts prefer people to dress up. Ie. long pair of pants, nice top, dress, skirt etc.
    • Also make sure you have something to wear on the plane back home 
  • Shoes: (1-2)
    • *You already packed your beach shoes so think about what you plan to do on vacation*
    • Running shoes (double this by wearing them on the plane): If you are doing land excursions
    • Nice sandals or heels 

7. Toiletries 

Get these travel sized bottles and containers to make sure you can take your liquids through security (if in carry on), or so you can save more space for your snorkel masks, haha!

My trick is to go from head to toe so I don’t forget anything.

  • Hair:
    • Shampoo & conditioner, other products you need
    • brush/comb
    • hair dryer (if you can live without, this saves a lot of space and some hotel rooms have for your use).
  • Eyes:
    • Contacts
    • Glasses & sunglasses
  • Face:
    • Cleanser
    • Moisturizer
    • SPF (very important)
    • any other products used for skin care (vitamin C, retinol, etc).
  • Nose:
    • I always bring a saline flush for my nose.
    • A stuffy nose on a trip is worse than wet socks in shoes, TRUST ME ON THIS. I refuse to leave without some type of nasal spray.
  • Mouth/teeth:
    • Tooth brush
    • Tooth paste
    • Floss
    • Mouth guard
    • Chapstick
  • Body:
    • Deodorant
    • Body wash OR soap bar
    • Moisturizer
    • Razor
    • Loofah (I use loofahs, if you don’t, forgo it, it takes up a lot of space)
    • Baby wipes (I do not go anywhere without baby wipes, never know when you’ll need them).
  • SPF:
    • Face & Body!
  • Makeup:
    • Anything you want or use regularly.
    • I would bring minimal amounts on a trip like this as I personally would only use for dinners.
  • Bug Spray:
    • We use OFF Deep Woods Insect Repellent, mosquitos love me and I think this stuff actually works. Get this Deep Woods 2 pack.
    • Depending on where you go, you may not need a lot of this

Toiletries Tip

Buy travel sized containers to put shampoo, conditioner and body wash in, this saves so much space and 100ml will last you quite a while.

You also don’t have to worry about where you pack it – it can go in carry-on or checked baggage if it’s less than 100ml.

8. Medications & First Aid

Anything listed here is not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please only take what you feel comfortable with and/or are prescribed.

  • Prescription medications: do not forget to pack any prescription medications you take
  • Pain: ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergy treatment, if having any
  • Nausea: Dimenhydrinate (Gravol, etc).
  • Injuries and First Aid:
    • Polysporin or other antibacterial creams
    • Bandaids, medical tape, gauze
    • Saline (to clean wounds, water would also work). 

Packing List for Cuba All Inclusive Specific Fact

Please consider bringing items for donation or gifts for Cuban locals and resort workers. It is hard to get a lot of items there.

If you bring extra toiletries, medications, clothing, first aid supplies, etc., leave them for a new friend!

9. Electronics

  • Phone: I mean… who lives without their phone these days? They also double as a camera when you don’t own one.
  • Waterproof phone case: Works wonders, is inexpensive, and you can take your phone into the water with you. My husband and I use these every time we visit Cuba.
  • Camera: If good quality photos are important to you.
  • Kindle: I am a reader and prefer to save space with my Kindle Paperwhite, I take it EVERYWHERE.
  • Headphones/AirPods: so you can look out the window of the plane or car and pretend you’re in a music video
  • Chargers/batteries: If you don’t want your stuff dying on you within a day bring your chargers for all electronics. Also, bring extra batteries for your camera.
  • Adapters:
    • Many Caribbean countries have 120 V (standard Hz of 60), which is the same as the United States and Canada. Including plug types: A & B. 
    • Some Caribbean countries have 230-240 V (Hz of 50)
    • Depending on which country you visit and where you’re visiting from, look this up ahead of time and bring an adapter accordingly   
    • This universal travel adapter is great to have for any country and vacation.

10. Miscellaneous Items

  • Water bottle:
    • Fill up and stay hydrated!
  • Jewelry:
    • Only bring what you plan to wear 
    • Nothing too valuable, leave that at home
  • Games:
    • Card games
    • Dominos
    • Board games

Personal Note

I tend to overpack and end up freaking out at the check in counter when my luggage weighs a little bit extra (weigh your luggage before you leave home please). Keep the above mentioned in mind when reading my packing lists. Use them as a very detailed guide and make them your own!

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Final Thoughts on your Packing List for Caribbean All-Inclusive

Packing for a Caribbean all-inclusive vacation can be a breeze if you have the right items on hand. Remember to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfy shoes and ALL the sunscreen you need!!

Don’t forget the waterproof phone cases, they’re inexpensive and super helpful, but the most important is a reusable water bottle! 

Whether you plan to lounge on the beach, explore local attractions, or participate in water sports, having the right gear will make your all inclusive getaway even more enjoyable.

So, take this packing list as a starting point and tailor it to your needs.

Enjoy paradise and happy packing!!!

I have other packing lists you can check out in case you want something else. Head over to my Costa Rica packing list for some more warm weather inspiration.

Joanna Neander is the author and creator of Plan Before Land. She is dedicated to creating detailed travel itineraries to help the travel planner in you! Joanna's most visited continents include, North America, Central America & Europe. Asia coming soon! Join along on Joanna's travels.

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