The Best All-Inclusive Vacation Packing List

All-Inclusive vacations are unlike any other getaway. They are designed to be a truly relaxing experience so you can maximize your vacation days once you arrive. Popular all-inclusive destinations include Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. An all-inclusive vacation typically includes your flights, transportation to and from the airport and resort, all meals and beverages and occasionally some excursions.

In order to fully take advantage of the all-inclusive life, you need to pack for it. And to do that, we’ve come up with the ultimate packing list to make things easier for you. The average resort vacation runs 5-7 days and you want to ensure these precious vacation days are spent relaxing and not spent buying things you forgot to pack. Mike and I have had fabulous all-inclusive vacations to both Mexico and Cuba. If this is your first time planning an all-inclusive vacation, we’re here to help! Follow along for our ultimate travel essentials packing guide. Our goal is to reduce your trip anxiety and get you onto the best part, beach time and soaking in the sun.

Here is our Ultimate All-Inclusive Vacation Packing Guide:

Choosing Luggage for your All-Inclusive Vacation

You have a few choices when it comes to the luggage you bring to your resort vacation. Depending on the length of your stay will also dictate how many pieces of luggage will be required. A suitable carry on is a non-negotiable as this will hold all of your important documents, emergency backup outfits and swimsuits in case your checked bag gets lost (fingers crossed it doesn’t). Your checked bag can hold your larger liquids, aerosols, clothing and souvenirs to bring back home. The size, durability and features of your luggage are reflective of what you find important while travelling.

Our favourite carry-on has definitely been the Samsonite Freeform. You can never go wrong with a reputable brand like Samsonite. PLUS, it comes in a variety of fun and unique colours for you to choose from.

If you’re looking to purchase new luggage, here are the best hardside luggage sets you can buy.

Travel Documents

Before you board the plane to your sunny beach destination, take the time to get your important documents in order. With all of the excitement to get on a beachside lounger, sometimes crucial documents can get forgotten altogether! Below is a list of essential travel documents to bring with you on your all-inclusive trip. Keep them in a folder for easy access at the airport or on the plane:

• Passport
• Drivers License
• Health Card
• Travel Insurance
• Vaccine Card
• FFM (Mexican Tourist Card given on the plane before arrival in Mexico)

Packing for the Plane

Your flight to sunny paradise usually falls in the mid-range category. Definitely not a long-haul flight but more than a puddle jumper. To make the journey as enjoyable and stress free as possible, I’ve come up with the ultimate on-board packing list for your carry-on and personal item. 

• All the travel documents listed above
• Cell phone and portable charger
• Headphones (noise canceling for the win)
• Gum
• Headache medication
• Water bottle
• Eye mask
• Disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer
• Snacks
• Book/crosswords etc.
• Cell phone plane mount
• Pro tip: Emergency clothes in case your luggage gets lost by the airline (swimsuit, flip flops, hat, underwear, and an outfit of choice)

Essential Items for your Beach Bag

Once at the resort, you will exit plane mode and enter beach mode. The real world will cease to exist and the only matters of importance become the weather, beach chair positioning and sun tanning to water ratio time. Your beach bag will be your best friend for the trip so pack it up good!

Swimsuits

Now depending on what kind of person you are will dictate how many swimsuits you bring. I personally must have a different bathing suit for each day of vacation. I also consider tanning swimsuits versus active swimming bathing suits.

Travel Tip: Always rinse out your bathing suit after swimming in the ocean to wash off the salt. This will preserve the elastic and lifetime of your favourite outfit! This is my favourite bathing suit wash.

Sun Hoodie

This might sound ridiculous to you, but a sun hoodie can be one of the best things you pack! If you’re going to one of the beautiful beaches in Mexico from the middle of a Canadian winter, think about the lack of vitamin D your skin has been suffering from. One day of Mexican sun could result in a catastrophic sun burn. Truly, the last thing you would want on a well-deserved vacation! A sun hoodie is made of ultra-light material to protect you from UV rays to prevent sun stroke and heat exhaustion.

Sunscreen (reef safe)

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for any sunny beach destination. It is imperative that you protect your skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Bringing both face and body sunscreen between 30 and 50 SPF will ensure you protect your skin’s health while on vacation. It is also important to consider the health of the ocean as well. The ocean ecosystems you will be swimming in are quite fragile and are negatively impacted by some ingredients in traditional sunscreens. Consider purchasing reef-safe sunscreen to help protect both yourself and the environment as a good option. Retailers such as Mountain Equipment Company have a reef safe category on their website to help you make informed decisions.

Sun Lip Balm

Just as the rest of your skin should be protected, so should your lips! Getting a lip sun burn has got to be one of the worst places to burn. The skin is so sensitive on your lips that a bad burn can result in blisters, chapped and cracking lips and sensitivity. Wearing and reapplying SPF lip balm is a great way to save those lips from burning!

Rash Guard

Sunlight reflects off the water and can give you a worse burn than simply laying on the beach. That’s why swimmers often opt to wearing rash guards in the water, especially if they are participating in water sports. An added benefit of wearing a rash guard is to protect you from jellyfish and other ocean friends that you may encounter.

Dry Bag

A dry bag is a step up from a day pack or travel backpack. It will be instrumental in your success on the beach. It is the best way of keeping all the sand and moisture out of your stuff providing you with your sanity later. You’ve probably seen pictures of us using ours and we love it! There are so many dry bags to choose from and we highly recommend it.

ZipLocs

Good quality ZipLoc bags are irreplaceable for the beach. They provide instant protection from sand and water and leakage of products. Some of most important items to zip up are sunscreen, lip balm, phones and money. 

Waterproof Phone Case or Bag

If you are keen on taking photos and videos at the beach, it is good practice to have a waterproof phone case or bag. This will prevent a sand or water disaster from happening if you drop your device or get it splashed. 

Waterproof Camera

If snorkelling is on the agenda, a great idea is bringing a waterproof camera. This way you can leave your cellphone in the safety of your dry bag on shore and have worry free photos taken on the camera. Our favourite underwater camera is the GoPro Hero which is great for both video and photos. It’s been our go-to camera whenever we’re in or around water.

Water bottle

This is an obvious one but needs to be reiterated. Always bring a water bottle! This will ensure you have filtered, cold and clean drinking water at all times. This will also eliminate the need for single use plastic bottled water. MODL bottles are a fabulous system that have MODs that turn your bottle into a filtration system, hydration pack and portable shower! (Not to mention they are also members of 1% for the Planet and Climate Neutral Certified).

Water shoes

Depending on where you’re swimming or what water activities you are participating in; water shoes might be the perfect addition to your beach bag. Sharp rocks, slimy rocks, shells and muddy bottoms are all situations that would benefit from water shows. The bottoms of your feet will stay protected in the case of stepping on something sharp or spiky (such as a sea urchin).

Quick Dry Towel

Most all-inclusive resorts have towels available to use. However, bringing a good beach towel makes a huge difference. Quick dry towels that sand doesn’t stick to is a 10/10 upgrade for you beach life. Traditional towels stay wet for long periods of time and harbour tons of sand. It can be nearly impossible to shake them out and have them ready to go swimming for a second time in the same day! We personally got Dock and Bay beach towels. They come in a bunch of fun colours and designs as well as a carry bag. They are also made from 100% recycled materials which is something great for our planet. If you’re looking for more eco-friendly choices you can make while travelling, check out our blog post.

Hat

School aged children in Australia always hear the “no hat, no play” rule. UV protection is no joke! These are wise words to live by and that same rule can be suggested when on vacation. Wearing a hat at the beach will save your scalp, ears and face from that unwanted sun damage. Tons of people don’t think about the intense UV radiation and the risk of burning the top of their heads. A hat of any kind will protect you from sunburning your head and ruining the rest of your vacation. Ball caps will protect the top and front of your face, whereas bucket hats and sun hats will provide 360-degree coverage.

Sunglasses

It’s important to protect your eyes with 100% UV protection sunglasses. Always check the sticker on the front of the sunglasses to make sure they offer 100% UV protection before purchasing them. Also, polaroid lenses will enhance colours and reduce the glare out on the water. Bring a case though to make sure sand doesn’t scratch them up while travelling in your bag!

Sandals

I’m a huge fan on minimalistic sandals that are light, flat and easy to throw in my beach bag. I usually opt for cheap flip flops that can be crammed into my bag that I don’t have to worry about ruining. Sand doesn’t stick to them, they dry immediately and are cheap for the beach.

Bug Spray

Depending on where you’re sunning yourself, you may be contending with black flies, horseflies or sand flies. These bugs are a quick way to ruin a day on vacation. Non-greasy bug spray will be a lifesaver and make your day infinitely more enjoyable.

All Inclusive Excursions

If you’re planning an excursion to visit those amazing beach towns or any of the multitude of outdoor activities available to you, you will need to add additional items to your beach bag. Popular Mexico vacation excursions include visiting the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Along with the previously mentioned items from above, it would be a good idea to add a travel sized first aid kit and anti theft money belt/purse. Also, your choice of footwear will depend on what activity you are participating in. 

Resort Wear

Every resort has a different vibe and dress code. Sometimes this can even vary by restaurant. It is helpful to read up on the resort website so you can pack appropriately. 

Linen

Light, natural fibers are traditionally the best fabric for the warm weather at your all-inclusive resort. Those light linen pants are more than a fashion statement! Linen is a breathable fabric that will keep you cool and dry even on the warmest of muggy evenings. Opt for flowy cuts to allow for air flow and wick the sweat away.

Warm Layers

Wind, rain and even tropical storms can be a contender on your vacation. Be prepared with a light sweater, light jacket, wind breaker and something with a hood. You’d rather be prepared and warm, than wishing you didn’t leave that cardigan back in your closet at home! Not only does this come in handy during the summer months, this is especially important during the rainy season. (That being said, we surely hope you’re avoiding hurricane season 😉)

Evening Wear

Many all-inclusive restaurants have strict dress code policies when it comes to dinner. These often include collared shirts, no jeans, shoulders covered and no flip flops. You may want dress sandals, boat shoes or high heels if you want to have an elegant evening out. This is a general rule of thumb and of course it varies by resort. It’s always best to check with your specific resort ahead of time.

Comfortable Shoes

Nothing feels better on your feet than a comfortable set of footwear. That being said, you may want a few different types of footwear. Whether it be those comfy beach slides, swimsuit matching flip flops, fancy high heels, or just a pair of classic sneakers, you’ll be happy you came prepared.

Money

Credit Card

Consider which of your credit cards has the lowest surcharge for foreign currency conversions. Also, some cards come with trip interruption and cancellation insurance. Most resorts will require a credit card on file when it comes to booking your accommodation so you won’t want to forget it.

Cash

A good rule of thumb it to always have cash handy. US dollars is the most preferred currency when it comes to Mexico, Cuba and other Central American countries. (Most all-inclusive resorts would prefer US dollars if you are paying in cash or wanting to leave tips). Be sure to check the preferred local currency before arriving at your resort.

Debit Card

I suggest taking out cash before you get to the resort but having your debit card as a backup form of payment is good forward thinking. You can never be too safe!

Items for your All-Inclusive Vacation Hotel Room

Door Alarm

A hotel door alarm may seem excessive, but the added peace of mind for safety is a big plus for many travellers. This door stop alarm is an inexpensive purchase from Amazon. It can be placed beneath the hotel door while you sleep. If the door gets opened it will put pressure down on the door stop and sound the alarm waking you to an intruder. You can adjust the volume and sensitivity to your preference. 

Toiletries

Other than your basic body wash, shampoo and conditioner, don’t rely on the hotel for toiletries. Bring what you need and rest easy. Floss, toothbrush and toothpaste, contact solution (and a backup pair of contacts), face/makeup wipes, skincare items etc.

Ear Plugs

If you’re a light sleeper don’t risk your sanity, ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Bring ear plugs in case of noisy neighbours, traffic or music. If traditional ear plugs irritate your ears, opt for wax ear plugs that seal the outer ear canal rather than the inner ear canal. Happy Ears also creates amazing sleeping ear plugs. You can read more on those here.

Noise Machine

Along with ear plugs, noise machines can be a lifesaver when the resort is a bit too lively for your liking. The DreamEgg brand sound machine is portable which makes travelling a breeze. It’s got a variety of sound settings to help you sleep like a baby.

Aloe Vera

Any beach vacation is incomplete without aloe vera. Hydrating your skin every day after the sun is one of the most important things to do when you get back to the hotel room! Aloe vera will keep your skin from drying out and peeling helping you avoid being itchy and uncomfortable. 

Stomach Medications

Travellers stomach gets the best of us. It could be something you ate or drank. It may even be anxiety or stress. But when your stomach is off, there’s not much you can do that’s any fun. Being prepared with stomach medications is a must. Look for GasX for gas and bloating, Pepto-Bismol, Gaviscon for heartburn, and charcoal pills for food poisoning. 

Headache Medications

Long days out in the sun (especially if you are dehydrated) can result in a bad headache. Be prepared with Advil or Tylenol and a bunch of water and Gatorade. Getting your electrolytes back up, getting rehydrated and taking some headache medication will get you back on your feet and enjoying your vacation. 

UV Hair Treatment

UV radiation not only affects your skin and eyes, but your hair as well! To prevent breakage and damage, a great option is a UV spray or serum for added protection against the elements.

Are you looking to travel Europe this year? Need help packing?

Check out our Ultimate Packing List for Europe guide to help get your packing started.

All-Inclusive Vacation Destinations

To name a few, here are some of the best places to enjoy an all-inclusive vacation:

• Mexico
  • Puerto Vallarta
  • Cabo San Lucas
  • Cancun
• Cuba
  • Havana
  • Varadero
• Domincan Republic
  • Punta Cana
• Bahamas
  • Nassau

The good news is, the list just goes on and on. But by doing some quick research, you are sure to find the perfect resort for your next vacation!

There you have it! We hope our ultimate all-inclusive vacation packing list was of some help to you. So next time you’re planning a family vacation, traveling for spring break, or escaping the winter months; keep this list of things in mind. And if you do, your all-inclusive resort vacation is going to be a great time! Have a wonderful time and let us know on social media how our blog helped you!