DayOne Bag:

This might be the single most valuable section of this guide, and if your airline, cruise, baggage-handlers, or transportation company ever misplace your luggage - you’ll be extra happy you planned ahead.  A DayOne bag is not only helpful in case of emergencies, but incredibly helpful when adjusting to temperature differences between your departure and arrival locations, allowing you to “change-into” the all-inclusive lifestyle the minute you step foot in the resort.  We recommend swimsuits or shorts, a light coverup or shirt - and necessities like makeup, sunglasses, and flat-folding sandals.  This bag also doubles as a handy storage solution for travel accessories (ex. earphones, chargers) and bulky documents like passports, transfer waivers and maps.

Multi-Use:

We’re always amused as travelers wheel huge sets of bags across the sandy reception halls, carting outfits and footwear they will never even put on.  Don’t do it!   Resist the urge to over-pack by thinking through how many variations of a single article you can wear - we’ve actually turned this into a game!  Women: consider reversible tanktops, re-configurable layers, scarves, and coverups. Men: consider a single jacket and pair of formal shoes, long-sleeve shirts that can be rolled up or down, and non-print T-shirts. We  enjoy splurging on a few “dress-up” occasions, but not in bringing lavish jewelry and large accessories.  Pack a variety of light clothes that you can layer into new outfits, and make sure to consider any activities or excursions you may be taking. Bulky items like tennis shoes might be worn on the plane, and remember that much of your time will be spent in minimal casual clothing. Don’t be afraid to re-use and re-wear, you’ll probably be sweating, but all-inclusives will often provide laundry services free of charge.  

Resort-Supplied:

All-inclusive doesn’t just refer to food and drink - almost all of the day-to-day necessities and products you’ll need on your vacation will be provided at your resort - so leave those at home! Bathrooms will be stocked daily with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, and lotions.  You’ll find toothpaste, brushes, cotton-balls, swabs, nail-file, sewing kit, hair-dryer, shower caps, shoe polish, even slippers and plush robes waiting for you.  Umbrellas will be provided in case of rain, and towels will be stocked around pools, spas and beaches. Many resorts feature small shops for purchase of bathing suits, sunglasses, tanning lotion, and personal-care items like deodorant and razors.

I.C.E:

While we hope you won’t need it - in-case-of-emergency (I.C.E) supplies are worth their weight in gold when travelling far away from home.  Resorts are required to have first-aid capabilities, but specialty medicine can be hard to find, and you may be exposed to different types of foods and ingredients. We recommend a basic kit of acetaminophen, aspirin, anti-diarrhea, sleep-aids, and allergy relief (if you are prone) - in addition to ample SPF sunscreen, hand-sanitizer, along with remembering to pack whatever regular medications/prescriptions you may be taking.