There are few feelings better than watching the countdown to your vacation count down. Your flights are booked, your resort is reserved, and somewhere in the back of your mind you’re already picturing yourself lounging beside a pristine beach with a fruity drink in hand. Then reality sets in.
You open your suitcase and find yourself asking the age-old question:
“What the heck am I supposed to pack?”
The good news? Packing for an all-inclusive vacation is actually much easier than packing for most other trips. Since almost everything is already included, you can leave behind a lot of the “just in case” items that weigh down your suitcase. So we thought we’d share our packing guide with a few tips from our Wanderly Advisors to help you pack with confidence and start your vacation the moment you arrive.
First Things First: Pack for the Vacation You’re Taking
One mistakes travelers make is packing for every possible scenario.
- “What if it gets cold?”
- “What if we decide to go to a fancy dinner every night?”
- “What if I need six pairs of shoes?”
Spoiler alert: You probably won’t.
Most all-inclusive vacations revolve around sunshine, relaxation, and comfort. You’ll likely spend your days by the pool, on the beach, exploring the resort, or enjoying an excursion. Comfortable, lightweight clothing is going to get far more use than one of those “maybe I’ll wear this” outfits.
But Remember… It’s Not Just About the Beach
When people picture an all-inclusive vacation, they usually imagine that all they will need is a swimsuit and some flip-flops. And yes… you’ll probably spend most of your trip exactly like that.
But don’t forget that most resorts have incredible specialty restaurants, evening entertainment, live music, and outdoor lounges. Many of the sit down restaurants even have a dress code that requires collared shirts for the men and resort casual attire for the ladies.
That doesn’t mean you need to pack a tuxedo or evening gown. It just means tossing a couple of nice sundresses or a few collared shirts into your suitcase.
The Little Things That Make the Biggest Difference
Ask any experienced travelers what they never leave home without, and you’ll hear some surprisingly simple answers.
- A drink tumbler is perfect to keep frozen drinks cold while you’re soaking up the sun.
- A waterproof phone pouch lets you capture perfect beach photos without risking an expensive swim for your phone.
- A portable charger keeps your phone alive for a full day of taking pictures, navigating the resort, and texting everyone back home that “Yes, it’s absolutely gorgeous here.”
None of these items are essential but every one of them makes your vacation just a little bit easier.
Don’t Underestimate the Caribbean Sun
We’ve all heard someone say: “I don’t usually burn.”
Famous last words but the Caribbean sun doesn’t play around.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be incredibly strong, and the last thing you want is to spend the rest of your vacation hiding in the shade slathering on aloe vera instead of enjoying the beach.
When it comes to the type of sunscreen to use, we always recommend packing reef-safe sunscreen. Not only will your skin thank you, but choosing reef-safe sunscreen also helps protect the beautiful coral reefs you’ll likely be snorkeling around.
It’s one of those small choices that makes a big difference.
Leave a Little Room for Adventure
It’s likely you are planning on spending the week doing absolutely nothing, and honestly that sound pretty amazing, but don’t sleep on the incredible excursions that are available. Some are just too tempting to pass up.
- Maybe it’s ziplining through Costa Rica’s rainforest.
- Swimming in a hidden cenote in Mexico.
- Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica.
- Snorkeling in Curaçao.
- Or taking a sunset catamaran cruise.
Also, make sure to pack a lightweight backpack and comfortable walking shoes so you are ready if an excursion strikes your fancy.
Save Room for the Trip Home
Here’s something almost everyone forgets. You’re probably go home with more than you came with.
It could be locally roasted coffee, handmade artwork, Christmas ornaments, Caribbean rum (10 out of 10 recommend), spices, or gifts for family and friends.
Leaving a little extra space in your suitcase now can save you from playing an Olympic-level game of luggage Tetris before your flight home.
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Packing isn’t really about what’s in your suitcase. It’s about peace of mind.
When you’ve packed using all our tips, you can stop worrying about what you forgot and start focusing on what really matters which is doing a lot of nothing and soaking in every minute of your vacation.
That’s exactly what an all-inclusive vacation is designed for.
Tips from Wanderly Travel Advisors
We could stop there. Here are some tips from our own advisors to get you ready for your trip.
From Suzanne:
It’s amazing to me that airlines can move millions of bags every year, but it’s my suitcase that’s always late. I always pack a swimsuit, medicine and a complete change of clothes in my carry-on so I can still arrive at the resort ready to get my vacation started instead of in the gift shop buy the necessities.
From Courtney:
When traveling with little ones, packing small toys for the pool are a big hit. In our recent trip to Punta Cana, I packed Moana figurines and all of the kids loved playing with them in the splash pad the whole time. Bringing a reusable cup with a lid is also great.
From Josie:
My list always includes an insulated tumbler for drinks, Aloe Vera (make sure to bring your own, much cheaper), a wide brimmed hat and make sure to leave a little room in your bag for any souvenirs
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether your suitcase is already sitting on the bed or you’re just beginning to dream about your next tropical escape, a little preparation goes a long way.
We’ve made it easy by creating a FREE All-Inclusive Vacation Packing Checklist that you can print, save to your phone, or use as you pack. It’s filled with all the essentials—and those easy-to-forget items that can make a big difference once you arrive.
👉 Download Your FREE All-Inclusive Packing Checklist
And if reading this has you daydreaming about turquoise water, ocean breezes, and a frozen drink with your name on it we’d love to help make that dream a reality.
At Wanderly Adventures, we take the stress out of planning by matching you with the right destination, the right resort, and the perfect room for your travel style and budget. Every vacation is customized to you, so all you have to do is pack your suitcase and get ready to relax.
👉 Are You Ready to Plan Your All-Inclusive Vacation? Click Here
Because the only thing better than packing for paradise is knowing paradise is waiting for you.
