All-Inclusive Resort Packing List: Minimalist Family Edition

Written By Nataliya V.

The tickets are booked. The resort is dreamy. But now comes the part I love and hate at the same time — packing.

The model of All-Inclusive resort allows travelers to relax and enjoy their stay without worrying about additional costs, planning details, or arranging separate bookings. You just need to pack your luggage.

If you’re heading to an all-inclusive resort with your family, the temptation to overpack is real. You imagine every scenario: beach days, dinners, excursions, naps, tantrums, spills. Suddenly, each family member has their own full-size suitcase... and you haven’t even zipped up yours yet.

But what if you could pack smarter — not heavier?

This guide will help you confidently pack only what you truly need for a family of four, find resort outfits for kids in the list without sacrificing comfort or style. And yes, it includes the unspoken resort rules no one tells you about until it’s too late.

Why Minimalist Packing Works for All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive vacations are designed to simplify life: no cooking, no planning, no hauling beach gear. So why do we overpack?

Because we imagine we’ll need more than we do.

In reality, minimalist packing leads to:

  • Fewer decisions while on vacation

  • Less to unpack (and wash!) when you’re home

  • More room for souvenirs

  • A lighter, calmer travel experience

Minimalism isn’t about going without — it’s about packing with purpose.

The Unspoken Rules of All-Inclusive Resorts

Before we dive into the checklist, here are a few low-key truths that’ll save you from rookie mistakes:

1. Dinner dress codes are real.

What is considered resort casual for dinner? Even if the vibe is casual, most resorts expect smart attire in the evenings. Think sundress, linen shirt, or collared top. No beachwear or flip-flops after sunset.
Tip: Focus on Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics. Linen, cotton, and jersey are excellent choices. They are comfortable in the heat, pack well, and often dry quickly.

2. You won’t need 10 outfits.

You’ll live in swimwear and rotate the same 3–4 outfits. Prioritize lightweight, mix-and-match pieces.

Tip: Choose 2–3 neutral colors (like navy, white, black, or beige) and 1–2 bright ones that all mix and match well together (like a bright blue, coral, or red).

3. Laundry will happen (and that’s OK).

Bring a bar of soap or a laundry sheet. Quick rinses in the sink = fresh clothes and less bulk in your bag.

4. Roll, Don't Fold. 

Rolling clothes saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.

5. Shoes: max out at 3 pairs.

One for the beach, one for walking, one for dinner. Anything more rarely gets worn.

6. The resort is the playground.

You don’t need to pack 100 toys. The pool, sand, and buffet dessert or fruit station are more than enough entertainment.

7. Baby gear? Call ahead.

Do resorts provide towels and baby gear? Many resorts provide cribs, high chairs, and even strollers. Don’t assume — ask. It could save you a ton of space.

How to Create a Fashionable Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe

Here’s how to create the ultimate summer vacation capsule wardrobe, inspired by To the Travel and Back’s minimalist experience and tested during a real all-inclusive vacation.

Big advice is to pack for versatility. Can a dress be worn as a beach cover-up and then dressed up for dinner? Can a pair of shorts be worn for a casual lunch and also for a resort excursion? I've created a full list of what you can take for 10 10-day vacation.

Capsule Wardrobe for Adults (Per Person)

This list is designed for a 10-day trip, with the ability to create multiple outfits.

Tops (4–5)

  1. Basic T-shirts or tank tops: x1-2
    - Neutral colors that can be layered.

    - One can be bright with an accent color.

  2. Nicer tops or blouses: x1-2
    - Can be dressed up with a skirt or pants for dinner.
    - A linen button-down is a great choice, as it can also serve as a light layer or cover-up.

  3. Polo or collared shirt (for men):
    - Often required for dinner at resort restaurants.

Bottoms (3-4)

  1. Shorts: x2
    - Comfortable, non-denim pair for daytime activities.
    - Denim for excursions, city walk, or evening styled with a top and a cardigan.

  2. Skirt or flowy pants (for women) / Linen pants or chinos (for men):
    - Suitable for a nicer dinner or cooler evening.

  3. Extra shorts:
    - For casual lunches and poolside wear.

Dresses / Jumpsuits (4)

  1. Casual day dress or romper (for women):
    - Easy to throw on for breakfast or lunch.

  2. Nicer dress or jumpsuit: x2-3
    - For evenings. Choose silk and linen clothes to pack light.

Swimwear (2-3)

Swimsuits: x2-3
- This allows one to dry while the other is in use.

Cover-ups (1-2)

  1. Beach dress: x2

    - Breathable and elegant: one in ivory or a pastel color, one in elegant black.

    - Used for walking to and from the pool or a casual poolside lunch.

    - Used some of them for dinner or an evening promenade.

  2. Long shirt:
    - Linen or very light soft cotton.
    - As a cover-up for the beach, a city walk, or a cooler evening..
    - Layer above dresses, tops, pair with shorts.

Outerwear (1)

  1. Lightweight layer: 
    - A cardigan, a light jacket, a stylish sweater, or a button-down shirt
    - Good for cooler evenings or air-conditioned restaurants.
    - Can be worn on the plane.

      

Travel Wear & Sport (2–3 pieces)

  1. Leggings:

    - Breathable, quick-dry fabric, with pockets.

    - Comfortable for airplane or bus transport.

    - Doubles for yoga, light workouts, or hiking.

  2. Long, relaxed T-shirt: x1-2

    - Soft, lightweight material.

    - Stylish enough for travel, functional for sports activities.

    - Can layer with leggings or shorts.

Shoes (3)

  1. Sandals or flip-flops

    - For the pool and beach.

  2. Walking shoes or sneakers

    - Essential for excursions or walking around the resort.

  3. Dressier shoes or sandals, loafers (for men):

    - For dinner or an evening out.

Accessories

  1. Wide-brimmed sun hat
    - For sun protection.

  2. Sunglasses (1–2 pairs)
    - Always good to have a backup in case one gets lost.

  3. Large beach tote
    -Doubles as your personal item on the flight.

  4. Small clutch or crossbody bag
    - Perfect for evenings.

  5. Jewelry
    - Keep it minimal and avoid bringing expensive pieces.

  6. Scarf, headband

    - Small accessories to change the look

Capsule Wardrobe for Kids

Kid (4–10 years)

  1. 2 swimsuits

  2. 3 play outfits

  3. 1 “nicer” dinner outfit

  4. Pajamas

  5. Hoodie or sweater

  6. Water shoes + sandals

  7. Hat, sunglasses

  8. 1 favorite toy or book

Toddler/Baby

  1. 3–4 rompers or bodysuits

  2. 2 swimsuits or UV suits

  3. 1 sun hat

  4. Pajamas + 2 extra outfits

  5. Diapers/wipes for the first 2-3 days (you can buy at a hotel)

  6. Blanket or comfort item

  7. Baby sandals or barefoot-friendly shoes

Family Packing Checklist

What should a family pack for an all-inclusive resort?

Essentials

  •  Reef-safe sunscreen

  •  After-sun lotion or aloe

  •  Reusable water bottles

  •  Toiletries (minimal + travel-sized)

  •  First-aid basics (kids’ fever meds, band-aids, allergy relief)

  •  Laundry soap bar or sheet

  •  Baby wipes (even if you don’t have a baby — trust us)

Extras

  •  Compact beach bag

  •  Waterproof phone pouch

  •  Travel documents + IDs

  • Chargers + adapters

  • Camera, phone, or GoPro

  •  Zip bags for wet clothes

  •  Entertainment: 1 item per child (book, sketchpad, etc.)

Packing light as a family doesn’t mean being unprepared — it means being intentional. You don’t need a backup outfit for your backup outfit. You need breathable clothes, happy kids, and a bag you can close without sitting on.

Let your vacation be about memories, not mess. And remember: you can always wash a shirt, but you can’t un-schlep five extra outfits you never wore.

Pin it, print it, or share it with a fellow parent in packing-panic mode. Find more family resort travel tips in my articles.

See you on the beach! — N. from TTB

Nataliya V.