What to Bring to an All-Inclusive Resort
Food and drinks are covered. The resort shop is not, and it knows you have nowhere else to go. These are the 25 things that are cheap at home and expensive, or missing, once you arrive.
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Still choosing a resort? See the All-Inclusive Award Map →Pool and beach
- Insulated tumbler with a lidResort cups are small and the ice is gone in ten minutes. Bartenders will happily fill your own.Shop ↗
- Mineral reef-safe sunscreenThe resort shop sells it at several times the home price, and some marine parks ask for mineral formulas.Shop ↗
- Waterproof phone pouchFor the swim-up bar, the catamaran and the one wave you did not see.Shop ↗
- Water shoesRocky entries, hot sand and boat excursions.Shop ↗
- Rash guardHours of snorkelling without reapplying sunscreen to your back.Shop ↗
- Beach towel clipsStops the towel leaving the lounger every time the wind picks up.Shop ↗
- Floating sunglasses strapCheaper than a second pair of sunglasses.Shop ↗
- Your own snorkel setFits properly, and nobody else has used the mouthpiece.Shop ↗
In the room
- After-sun aloe gelSomebody in the group will need it by day two.Shop ↗
- Insect repellentDusk at a beach resort belongs to the mosquitoes.Shop ↗
- Electrolyte packetsSun, salt water and an open bar. Start the morning with one.Shop ↗
- Compact USB charging hubResort rooms never have enough outlets by the bed.Shop ↗
- Laundry detergent sheetsRinse swimwear in the sink and pack half as much.Shop ↗
- Wet bagFor the swimsuit that is still damp on checkout morning.Shop ↗
Out and about
- Dry bagBoat days and cenote trips, where everything you carry gets splashed.Shop ↗
- Packable daypackFolds to nothing in the suitcase, carries the whole excursion.Shop ↗
- Small cash envelope or walletSmall bills for tips are hard to get once you are on property. Bring them from home.Shop ↗
- Wide-brim hat with a chin strapThe strap is the difference between a hat and a donation to the sea.Shop ↗
- Motion sickness bandsFor the catamaran and the transfer from the airport.Shop ↗
Travelling with kids
- Swim diapersMany resort pools require them, and the shop price reflects that.Shop ↗
- Kids swim vestResorts rarely lend them and never in the right size.Shop ↗
- Inflatable pool floatPacks flat, and the gift-shop version costs a dinner.Shop ↗
- Waterproof playing cardsPoolside, rain delay, or the wait for an à la carte table.Shop ↗