What to Pack for an All-inclusive Beach Resort Getaway
Are you wondering what you should pack for an all-inclusive beach resort vacation? Sure, you may already know the basics…swimsuits, flip-flops, and resort casual clothing. Here are some of my suggestions for things you may not have thought of to take along on your trip to an all-inclusive beach resort!
1. PASSPORT
If you are traveling to an international resort, this is the number one thing to remember to pack…otherwise, there won’t be a trip!
Purchase a passport cover to protect your passport from getting bent or damaged in your bag. Some covers even have extra space for your credit cards and ID.​
2. LIGHT-WEIGHT TOTE OR BEACH BAG
You’ll want to have a bag to carry your things back and forth to the beach or pool each day. You can either use a tote as your personal item on your flight and repurpose it as your beach bag during your stay, or pack an extra bag that can fold up and fit into your suitcase to pull out once it’s needed at the resort.​
3. BELT BAG
Belt bags are a great hands-free way to carry your everyday essentials, like your phone, wallet, and chapstick, while roaming around the resort or doing some vacation shopping. This belt bag can be worn as a crossbody or a fanny pack, and it comes in a lot of fun colors. You could get one to match every outfit!
4. WATER SHOES
Things like conch shells, sand spurs, rocky shorelines, and sea urchins can be common along the beaches in the Caribbean. I love wearing my water shoes while I’m walking on the beach or wading in the water. They stay on better than flip-flops, and protect my feet should I happen to step on anything hard or sharp.
5. SUNSCREEN
Nothing can ruin your vacation faster than a horrible sunburn. When you visit an all-inclusive beach resort, chances are you will be spending most of your time outside. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of good sunscreen so you can keep reapplying throughout the day. In a pinch, you could buy some when you arrive at the resort, but the prices are likely to be much higher than if you just bought it at home.
I also love this scalp sunscreen spray. Unless you plan to wear a hat the whole time, you’ll want to make sure your scalp is protected! The spray makes it super easy to apply.
6. HATS
Speaking of hats, a good sunhat, or even a baseball cap is essential to shade your face from the sun. A cute sunhat or a fishing hat can provide some protection for your neck and ears, as well.
7. SUNGLASSES
Protect your peepers with a pair of shades. Bonus: You’ll prevent wrinkles by not having to squint!
8. BUG SPRAY
Because of the moist, warm environment, many islands are ideal habitats for biting insects like mosquitos and no-see-ums. Be sure to take along a bug repellent so you don’t spend your trip itching and swatting! This DEET-free spray is made with essential lemon and eucalyptus oils, which are natural insect repellents.
9. ANTI-CHAFE STICK
When it’s hot and sticky outside, and you start developing the dreaded “chub-rub”, you can use an anti-chafe stick like this one from Gold Bond. The unscented and non-greasy stick is easy to apply and works like a charm on thighs, arms, bra-line, and even heels to reduce friction and prevent rashes and blisters.
10. UNDERWATER CAMERA
I love the Akaso Brave 7 for those cool underwater photos and videos. You can take it to the pool without worrying about it getting splashed, or even take it all the way under the surface of the ocean while snorkeling. The images are vivid and clear and you’ll capture amazing memories! Be sure to pack an extra battery so you don’t miss a moment!
11. WATERPROOF PHONE CASE
If you like to have your cell phone with you at all times, safeguard from accidentally dropping it in the pool or ocean with one of these waterproof cell phone cases. You can put the adjustable lanyard around your neck so it is accessible at all times and you can even use your phone through the clear protective plastic cover. If the case happens to get away from you, it floats to make it easier to find.
12. EXTERNAL PHONE POWER BANK
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. An external phone power bank is a must for any type of travel! My travel nightmare is my phone running out of battery halfway through the day, preventing me from taking photos and videos of all the things. There has never been a time that I regretted packing a power bank. Just be sure to keep it charged!
13. SWIMSUIT COVERUP
If you want to pop into one of the resort restaurants for lunch in the middle of your pool or beach day, you’ll want a nice swimsuit coverup that you can throw on quickly. Many restaurants won’t allow you to dine wearing just a swimsuit, so you’ll need a semi-modest coverup in order to sit down and eat.
14. HAMMOCK POOL FLOAT
Picture yourself in the resort pool, listening to the breeze, and floating along with a drink in hand. While some resorts have floats for guests to use, they can be few and far between. Ensure you always have a place to relax by taking your own hammock float with you. You can sit on it, lay flat to rest your eyes, or just use it for something to hold onto as you drift along in the water. They pack flat in your luggage and inflate easily when you’re ready to float.
15. TOWEL CLIPS
Don’t let the sea breeze steal your towel! Use towel clips to keep it secured to your pool or beach chair. These clips also come in handy if you need to hang your swimsuit or towel out to dry on your room’s balcony.
16. INSULATED WATER BOTTLE
Between all the sweating you’re bound to do in the hot weather and the unlimited alcoholic beverages offered at the resort, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying well hydrated. You can toss this leak-proof Owala water bottle into your beach bag and keep it refilled during the day. It is insulated so it will keep your ice and water cold and refreshing for up to 24 hours!
17. KINDLE PAPERWHITE
If you’re a bookworm, a Kindle Paperwhite will be your best friend for your resort vacation. You can bring along multiple books for your beachside reading enjoyment without having to cram several paperbacks into your luggage.
18. FULL-FACE SNORKEL MASK
Ok, this will take up some space in your luggage….but it’s worth it! Even though resorts typically have snorkel equipment for guests to use, this one-piece snorkel mask is much more comfortable and functional than the goggles/mask/nose plug/snorkel tube combo. The mask doesn’t leak or fog up, the tube automatically seals to prevent water from entering if you dip a little too far under the surface, and it even has a place to mount your underwater camera! Plus, you won’t have to worry about whether or not the person who used the equipment before you cleaned it thoroughly.
19. US DOLLARS
The U.S. dollar is accepted at many Caribbean resorts. If the resort you are going to allows tipping, you’ll want to make sure you have small bills (ones and fives are great) on hand to tip drivers, luggage porters, bartenders, and staff members who go above and beyond to make your vacation extra special.