The Ultimate All-inclusive Resort Packing List

Before packing (or buying) anything, look over the resort's dress code. While you can expect daytime clothing and pool apparel to be pretty lax, some hotels have rules about what you can (and can't) wear in restaurants and lounges. For instance, men might need to wear collared shirts or long pants to dinner. Here's what we suggest.

Clothing for Women

Best Swimsuit

Andie The Amalfi

View on Amazon $112 at Nordstrom $98 at Andieswim.com

We tested many women's swimsuits, and Andie’s The Amalfi One Piece was a clear winner. It has adjustable straps and a built-in bra that offers decent support, even if you remove the padding. This swimsuit runs true to size and comes in multiple torso lengths and back coverage options. We found it comfortable to wear dry or wet, and it air-dried remarkably fast after taking a dip.

Best Swimsuit Cover-up

Elan Jordy Dress

$58 at Nordstrom View on Shopelan.com View on Lyst.com

This flowy cover-up dress has a billowy, slightly oversized silhouette that covers you from armpit to ankle while padding around the pool or hanging out on the sands. The slip-on style features adjustable spaghetti straps, allowing you to customize how low-cut the neckline is. You can rock it long or wear it tied up on one side to show a little skin or prevent it from getting wet when you walk along the beach.

Best Casual Dress

Loveappella Maxi Dress

$48 at Nordstrom

You should also bring a casual dress to throw on — something you can wear to breakfast, lunch, or while exploring the resort shops. This maxi is just the thing. The easy-breezy design is soft and stretchy with a rounded V-neck and a swishy A-line skirt. Just a heads up, it runs slightly large, so you might want to order a size down from what you normally wear.

Best Fancy Dress

Aje. Sway Panelled Midi Dress

View on Ajeworld.com View on Loladre.com

If you're heading to one of the resort's fancier restaurants or plan to have dinner off property, you might want a dressier frock. We like this one from Aje, with its fitted bodice and midi-length, flouncy layered skirt. It has a put-together aesthetic while still being comfortable and appropriate for warm weather.

Best Shorts

Everlane The Linen Easy Short

$58 at Everlane.com

Nothing says resort wear quite like breathable, billowy linen. But that's not the only thing I love about Everlane's Easy Short. With a pull-on waistband and a modest, flattering silhouette, I can dress the laid-back look up or down and wear it with flat sandals, flip-flops, wedges, or even sneakers.

Best Shirt

Rails Linen Blend Shirt

View on Nordstrom $37 at Neiman Marcus $45 at Saks Fifth Avenue

You'll be glad to have this button-down on hand during your warm-weather vacation. The boxy cut and cuffed short sleeves lend to an easy-going vibe, while the linen-rayon blend offers lightweight breathability. You can wear this shirt with shorts, a sarong, a crochet maxi dress, or flowy pants.

Clothing for Men

Best Swimsuit

Vuori Banks Short

$47 at REI $68 at Nordstrom $68 at Vuoriclothing.com

Out of all the men's swimwear we tested, these Vuori shorts were an all-around favorite. We appreciated the versatility of the swimsuit-shorts hybrid and were impressed with the high-quality materials. These trunks also have a small zipper pocket for stashing a room key, cash, or cards.

Best Shorts

Lululemon Bowline Short 5" Stretch Cotton VersaTwill Shorts

$78 at Lululemon

Designed for casual wear, these laid-back Lululemon shorts are a good choice for exploring the grounds, having brunch, or even hanging out by the pool. The twill-like performance fabric is not only quick-drying and sweat-wicking but also treated with No-Stink Zinc to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Extra points for the zippered pockets.

Best Tank

J.Crew Broken-in Tank Top

View on Jcrew.com

Our favorite tank for guys comes from J.Crew. This comfy, practical top is made of naturally breathable and moisture-wicking cotton — perfect for warm, sunny days at the beach. It's prewashed and garmented-dyed for immediate softness and a lived-in look and feel.

Best Collared Shirt

The Normal Brand Freshwater Short Sleeve Button Up Shirt

View on Thenormalbrand.com

A collared shirt might be required for men in some restaurants and lounge areas at the resort. We like this short-sleeve one, which has a classic fit, button-down closure, and a front chest pocket. The cotton weave gives it a light, airy feel you'll appreciate in hot, humid weather.

Best Pants

Tommy Bahama Beach Coast Linen-blend Elastic-waist Pants

View on Amazon $78 at Zappos View on Tommybahama.com

As previously noted, some areas of the hotel might call for long pants in the evening. If so, we recommend this pair from Tommy Bahama. Loomed from linen and cotton with a hint of spandex, these casual yet polished pants are comfortably airy with the perfect amount of stretch.

In addition to clothing, some resorts have specific rules about what shoes you can wear in different areas, such as the pool, restaurants, and lounges. Here are a few versatile footwear suggestions for your stay, including closed-toe styles for women and men.

Shoes for Women

Best Flip-flops

Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop

$33 at Amazon $33 at Zappos View on Shoppremiumoutlets.com

After trying three dozen pairs of flip-flops, this is our number one pick for women. We found these thong-style sandals exceptionally comfortable and supportive, thanks to the cushioned footbeds. They're a stellar choice for the pool, as the high-traction outsoles help prevent slips. We also love how the adjustable straps offer a custom fit, which is rare with flip-flops.

Best Sandals

Naturalizer Soul Jayvee Sandal

View on Kohls.com View on Dsw.com View on Naturalizer.com

You're wise to also bring comfortable sandals with ankle straps, as some areas of the resort may not allow flip-flops — plus, the strap offers greater security when walking longer distances. We like this pair from Naturalizer, which provides arch support with contoured footbeds. These sandals also have an antimicrobial lining to help keep sweat-causing odors at bay.

Best Dressy Shoes

DREAM PAIRS Pump Sandals

$32 at Amazon View on Dreampairshoes.com

For something dressier to wear in the evening, we recommend these block-heel sandals. After trying them firsthand, we were thrilled to find there was no break-in period and thought the nearly three-inch heel height was perfect for multiple occasions —  not to mention, we think these are some of the most comfortable heels around. Not only that, but the suede held up well with ongoing wear.

Best Water Shoes

Dlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

$30 at Amazon

These are the best women's water shoes we tested. The full-coverage design helps prevent scratches and pokes when swimming or wading in the ocean, and the anti-slip rubber soles keep you from slipping on wet terrain. With mesh uppers and drainage holes on the soles, they also dry extremely fast.

Shoes for Men

Best Flip-flops

Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops

$28 at Amazon $28 at Adidas.com View on Footlocker.com

This Adidas pair stood out among all the men's flip-flops we tested. The sandals are lightweight without being flimsy. They have plush, supportive footbeds and thick rubber soles with excellent traction around slippery surfaces like the pool deck or tile floors. There was no break-in period, so you can wear them right out of the box without worrying about blisters or chafing.

Best Sandals

Ecco Men's Cozmo 2.0 Two Band Slide

View on Amazon $120 at Nordstrom $88 at Zappos

We also like the Ecco Cozmo Sandal. The simple Scandinavian-inspired style features two wide, adjustable velcro straps on top, and the soft suede or nubuck leather uppers and responsive footbeds keep you comfortable for hours on end.

Best Closed-toe Shoes

OluKai Lae'ahi Lauhala Woven Leather Shoe

$165 at Amazon $165 at Nordstrom $165 at Zappos

You might need closed-toe footwear to get into some slightly fancier restaurants at the resort. We suggest this versatile pair from OluKai. These handwoven leather shoes are casual yet  put-together enough for eating a nice meal. Beyond being extremely comfortable, they have a drop-heel design that folds down, allowing you to slip them on while standing up.

Best Water Shoes

Olukai Moku Pae Shoes

$120 at Amazon $120 at Nordstrom View on Nordstrom

We tried 14 pairs of men's water shoes, and this one was an overall winner. We like how these kicks look like sneakers but are easy to put on with no-tie laces and drop-in heels. The mesh uppers dry quickly, and the grippy outsoles keep you steady on slick surfaces.

The right accessories are crucial for resort vacations. But to avoid overpacking, be mindful that you don’t bring more than you'll actually need, especially if you don't plan on leaving the hotel grounds. 

Best Beach Tote

Calpak Compakt Tote Bag

$30 at Calpaktravel.com

You'll want to bring a bag for carrying essentials like body, face, and scalp sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a book down to the beach or pool. We like the Compakt Tote Bag from Calpak. Available in several colors and prints, from daisies to dots, it's made of a water-resistant ripstop fabric and features an inner zippered compartment for stashing headphones, room keys, and other small items. What's more, it folds up into itself for easy packing and storage.

Best Belt Bag

Cincha Travel Belt Bag

View on Cinchatravel.com

Cincha's belt bag is the perfect on-the-go carrier to replace your purse or wallet while traveling. The gender-neutral design is compact while still offering a spacious interior with room for your phone, cards, passport, and anything else you want to keep on hand while out and about. The best feature might be the pass-through part of the belt that slips onto the handle of a wheeled suitcase on travel days.

Best Sun Hat for Women

Columbia Global Adventure Hat

View on Amazon $10 at REI $27 at Backcountry.com

For ladies looking for a resort sun hat, we highly recommend this packable design from Columbia. It can roll up to a compact size that can easily be stashed in your suitcase or bag without becoming misshapen. Meanwhile, the wide brim and UPF-30 material safeguard your face and neck from the sun's damaging rays.

Best Sun Hat for Men

Quiksilver Lifeguard Beach Sun Straw Hat

$32 at Amazon $25 at Zappos $22 at Dick's

For men, we like the Quiksilver Pierside Hat. This lifeguard-inspired hat has an extra-wide brim that shades your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. And unlike more rigid designs, it's "crushable," allowing you to pack it wherever there's space in your suitcase.

Best Waterproof Phone Pouch

Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Case

$10 at Amazon

If you plan on swimming in the ocean or spending lots of time in the pool, consider bringing a waterproof phone pouch. This one boasts a universal fit that works with virtually all smartphones, with or without a case. Not only does the thermoplastic material keep your phone totally dry, but it also allows you to use the touch screen, so you can text, answer calls, or take photos in the water.

Best Travel Jewelry Case

Benevolence LA Travel Jewelry Box

$20 at Amazon

It's good to have a mini jewelry box anytime you're heading to a hotel or resort. The portable case makes it easier to pack and organize your valuables, then when you arrive, you can place the whole thing in the hotel room's safe. This velvet-wrapped zippered box is lightweight and compact, with designated slots and compartments for your rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Best Sunglasses for Women

Longchamp Tea Cup 54mm Sunglasses

$190 at Nordstrom

I have these sunglasses and can tell you they're ideal for resort life. The lightweight design packs easily, while the teacup shape complements a wide range of outfits. I also appreciate that the scratch-resistant lenses provide 100-percent UV protection.

Best Sunglasses for Men

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic

$180 at Backcountry.com $119 at Walmart $180 at Dick's

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers are bestsellers for a reason. These classic shades are great for casual daytime ensembles as well as early-evening looks, such as chino shorts and a short-sleeve button-down. And the polarized lenses are easy on the eyes while making vacation views a little bit better.

Most all-inclusive resorts charge a pretty penny for toiletries and other basics, so be sure to pack these essential items. You'll want to have plenty of sunscreen on hand, along with gear for various activities, tech gadgets, and something to pass the time while lounging around.

Best Snorkel Set

Greatever Classic Exploration Snorkel Set

$36 at Amazon View on Greatever.com

If you sign up for a snorkeling excursion, you can usually count on the resort or activity host to provide gear. But if you're concerned about fit, prefer not to stick your face into a used set, or want to snorkel on your own at the beach, we suggest bringing your own. With adjustable straps, tempered glass lenses, and a flexible breathing tube, this snorkel set promises a customized fit, a leak-free seal, and fog-free underwater views.

Best Sunscreen

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

$19 at Amazon $19 at Ecosmetics.com View on Beautifiedyou.com

After testing 20 different travel-size sunscreens, this one is our top pick. The sheer mineral formula absorbed quickly and didn't transfer at all onto clothes or towels. Suitable for sensitive skin, this sunscreen can be applied to your face and body. And the three-ounce tube is TSA-approved for carry-on liquids.

Best Towel Clips

OkeyCosy Beach Towel Clips

$10 at Amazon

All-inclusive resorts typically have plenty of towels to grab when you're down at the pool or beach. But you might want to bring clips to secure them to your chair and claim your spot for the day. This eight-pack provides a reliable grip, even on the windiest days. The clips can also double as clothes pins for drying wet swimsuits or sink laundry on a portable clothesline.

Best Portable Pool Float

Aqua Leisure Pool Float

$15 at Amazon

Resorts often have some pool floats and toys, but not enough for all guests. If you want to bring your own, look for a packable design that can fold up into your suitcase, like the Aqua Leisure Monterey Hammock. This four-in-one float can be used as a hammock, chair, drifter raft, or exercise saddle for water aerobics — and it'll take up hardly any space in your luggage.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$23 at Amazon $30 at Target View on Mythermoflask.com

You might also want to bring an insulated water bottle not just for the plane but also for keeping unlimited cocktails and drinks cold while hanging out by the pool. We tested this ThermoFlask option, and the double-walled insulation kept the temperature steady for several hours. It also held up to its leakproof promise, so you can toss it in your beach bag without a second thought.

Best Collapsible Water Bottle

Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle

$44 at Amazon $38 at REI View on Cabelas.com

Contaminated water could be a concern at your destination. With this in mind, you may want to bring a water bottle with a built-in filter, like this one from LifeStraw. It has a compact filter that protects against bacteria, parasites, silt, sand, and cloudiness. This bottle is also conveniently collapsible, making it easy to pack in a tote, backpack, or suitcase.

Best Playing Cards

Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards

$7 at Amazon $7 at Walmart $6 at Farmandfleet.com

Resorts are all about slowing down and, sometimes, going screen-free for a good portion of the day. To pass the time, consider packing a deck of playing cards, like this waterproof set from Hoyle. You won't have to worry about the cards getting soggy or tearing if they get wet, and you can even rinse them off if they get sandy.

Best Portable Power Bank

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

$33 at Amazon View on Gonimble.com

Bringing a portable power bank is always a smart choice when traveling, no matter where you're headed. We recommend the Nimble CHAMP, which weighs less than half a pound and boasts ultra-fast charging that takes your phone or tablet from zero to 80- percent battery life in as little as 30 minutes. This on-the-go charger can even power up two devices at once.

Best eReader

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

$190 at Amazon $190 at Best Buy $191 at Macy's

The Kindle Paperwhite is not only travel-friendly but also ideal for resort vacations. The glare-free screen text, even in direct sunlight, while the waterproof design protects your device if it gets splashed or accidentally dropped in the pool.