What to pack for an All Inclusive vacation

Last Updated on September 24, 2016 by Jane

Later this month my husband and I are going on our first adults only vacation in 5 years. The last time we flew off somewhere warm to escape the everyday for a week was when I was pregnant with our daughter. To say that I am super pumped is an understatement.

But right now I am thinking about packing. In fact I already have my suitcase out on the floor filled with potenital items for the trip.

Actually my husband joked that I would have had us both packed by now before kids, but I find it harder to dedicate the time I need.

So I am working through a plan. A guideline if you will of exactly what to pack for an all inclusive vacation.

Black lace dress/boho dress/lightning dress/cover up/bikini/one piece/red dress

I put together a quick video of my packing philosophy as it comes to clothing. Basically what it all comes down to is that there are two main buckets that you need to pack for when it comes to an all inclusive vacation; DAY and NIGHT.

What to pack for an All Inclusive Vacation – DAY

For me what to pack for an all inclusive vacation for day revolves around soaking up the sun, reading on the beach, swimming in the ocean and in the pool. Which means BATHING SUITS. I pack every one I own. But I could get by with just 2. One for the morning, change at lunch and one for the afternoon. This way I am not sitting in a soggy bathing suit at lunch. Having more than 2 bathing suits ensures you are not putting on a damp bathing suit the next morning.

In addition to bathing suits for day you need some sort of cover up. I prefer to have cotton sundresses as a coverup as they make you look more put together when you go for lunch or as you wander the resort. I will also be bringing my Theodora & Callum scarf with me and taking some inspiration from their ways to wear videos as their scarves are big enough to tie in a number of interesting ways that allow them to pass as an actual dress not a flimsy sarong.

And that is it for me for day. Bathing suits and coverups.

cover up/one piece/maxi cover up/two piece/hat/tee/shorts/sneakers/dress/dress/pants/shirts

 What to Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation – NIGHT

The evening is where it gets a bit more complicated. For me part of the fun of an all inclusive vacation is getting dressed up for a night out. Or at least a dinner at a sit down restaurant. I like to pack dresses as they are just one peice, the outfit is already all figured out for you! Plus you instantly look dressed up even if you are going the day dress route as opposed to a cocktail dress.

I know many cruises ask that you dress for dinner and if there is some sort of event night at the resort you might want to up your game a bit.

Think about it this way. You aren’t going for dinner at McDonald’s or sitting at home with your family. You are going out for dinner at a fancy restaurant. In public. It is no different than going downtown to a 5 star restaurant.

Get dressed for dinner.

Cut off shorts and a plain white tank top just don’t cut it. They are great for the beach or an excursion but think Event Dressing for dinner not beach bum. That doesn’t mean you have to pack like me and take dresses. A great pair of black pants, or even jeans can be dinner appropriate. Make sure to wear them with heels or fancy flats, add a necklace or a jeweled sweater or a fantastic blazer. Something to amp up trousers for evening.

In fact many of the a la cart restaurants will require that men wear a shirt and trousers. Also remember that for lunch you need to wear a sundress or something to cover up your bathing suit unless you are eating at a beach bar.

Now if you plan on sitting on the beach reading all week this is where you could stop packing for clothes.

What to Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation – OTHER

But you might want to go on an excursion, or work out every day, or play tennis or go for a bike ride.

The key is to be honest with yourself about what you plan on doing on your all inclusive vacation. Then you can pack appropriately. If you pack for every what if you will over pack.

This is what else could end up in your suitcase.

fedora/shorts/sports bra/sports bra/shorts/track pants/stripe tee

Once you know what your plan is for vacation you will have a better idea if you need outfits for excursions, work out gear, or sportier bathing suits for scuba diving. Ask your travel provider for details about the types of excursions so you can get a better idea on what to pack. The few times I have gone on excursions both running shoes and a bathing suit were required.

I have spent too many vacations packing for events that don’t happen. Still I tend to pack one set of shorts and a tee just in case. Plus this can double as a beach cover up if we don’t end up going anywhere. On the flip side if you have packed a day dress for one of your dinners it can do double duty just down play the accessories and pair with a hat.

Obviously if you go to the gym regularly at home you might want to spend some time at the gym (or on the court, on a bike etc) while on vacation. You don’t have to break these good habits while on vacation!

All Inclusive Vacation Clothing Packing Guide:

aka What to pack for an All Inclusive Vacation.

• at least 2 bathing suits
• 3 coverups
• 5 dresses or dinner appropriate outfits
• excursion outfits (shorts & tee or re-purpose one of your dresses) optional
• athletic wear optional
• hat
• 7 days of underwear
• 2-3 bras (include any specialty bras you might need)
• sleepwear (at least 1 set of pjs, 2 if you sweat quite a bit)
• extra t-shirt for the return flight

I plan on tackling shoe packing, what to wear to the airport, packing your carry on, toiletries & beauty products all in their own post. I haven’t mentioned jewellery. That is up to you. It doesn’t really take up alot of space nor weigh alot so go crazy. I would bring things that wouldn’t break your heart if they go missing. I also tend to pack a few scarves that can dress up an outfit or be worn instead of a hat.

Other packing resources I tend on consulting include Hitha on the Go & Travel Fashion Girl. Both have excellent packing guides that they will send you for free for signing up for their newsletter.

What do you think? Are there items I have forgotten? How do you attack packing for an all inclusive vacation? What do you over pack? What do you underpack?