Whether it’s 3 days or two weeks, this is what I pack for a resort stay.

Must bring:

• Passport
• Wallet
• Phone (+charging cable)
• Visa (if needed)

I’ve experienced getting swept up in a fantasy self when packing. Especially if it’s a new experience. Truth is when it comes to resorts, I end up wearing the same thing every day to the pool/beach, and alternate the same 2-3 dresses or jumpsuits for dinner. The bottom line is it doesn’t bother me and I don’t care if people notice. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the novelty of different outfits, but when I’m at the resort, simple repetition is completely fine.

After wearing the item, I hand wash it in the sink (if needed) with a Dr. Bronner’s bar and hang it to dry on my DIY paracord clothesline. The key to packing light is being willing (and able!) to do sink/bathtub laundry. If the resort offers laundry services and you don’t mind paying for it ($$$), that is also an option.

My tips: If limiting your outfits to this extreme is not for you, I understand. What I suggest is that you make your selections as multi-functional as possible. Can you wear that same dinner dress as a coverup later in the week? Can those dinner sandals be poolside sandals too? I find it’s less obvious to repeat solid colors so consider them over patterns or metallics. I also like to use easy-to-pack accessories like a scarf, costume jewelry, or make up and different hairstyles to change up the look.

Years ago I found one article of clothing that changed it all for me: a jumpsuit that can be tied in a myriad of ways. It gives the allusion of variety without having to pack multiple options. Plus, it has pockets!

Find something like this and it is a whole new world.

Okay, onto the list!

Clothes

Tops

• 1x Linen button up (doubles as evening wear)
• 1x Cotton tee
• 1x Cardigan or sweater (I like that they work with both day and evening wear)

Bottoms

• 1x Pair of linen or cotton shorts, or skirt/skort (I bring a black pair so they can double in the evening)
• 1x Pair of linen, wool, or cotton pants (for the plane and colder evenings)

Dresses/Jumpsuits

• 2x Dresses or jumpsuits (exclusively for evening wear)
• 2x Swim coverup dresses (I like one that can double as an evening dress)

Accessories

• 1x wide brim sun hat
• 1x baseball cap
• 1x Scarf (to visually mix up my dinner outfits)
• 1x Set of silk pajamas (top can double duty for evening wear if I want)

Swim

• 2-3x Bikinis (I like when one can bandeau)
• Rash guard (sun protection for lengthy time in the water)
• Sarong (100% cotton. It’s softer to lay on than the towels and doubles as a coverup)

Unders

• 2x Wool underwear (wash one, wear one)
• 2x Bras (1x regular, 1x sport)
• 1x Pair of wool socks

Activewear

I choose resorts that have sports or activities. Whether it’s pickleball, tennis, or organized group games. This is what I bring in addition to my regular clothes:

• 2x athletic tops (I like super light merino)
• 2x Athletic bottoms (tennis skirt and shorts)

Shoes

I will sometimes bring three pairs of shoes. If I need water shoes and hiking sandals, Chacos all the way! If there is only soft sand and no sporty adventures, I’ll just bring my Birkenstocks. If I have the space and feel I want a bit more variety, I’ll bring the third shoe choice instead of another outfit.

• Sneakers (or a non-athletic closed toe shoe for the flight)
• Chacos or Birkenstocks
• 3rd shoe if desired: espadrille or ballet flat

Toiletries

**One of the best things about most resorts (verify with yours) is that they provide soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and even lotion.**

Otherwise, (decant because you de-can, and opt for solid toiletries when possible)

• UL toothbrush (or a more reasonable Travel toothbrush)
• 1x Bite guard 
• Toothpaste tabs (or tiny airplane tubes)
• 2x Tooth flossers (clean and reuse)

• SPF 50 Face moisturizer (decanted into a lip gloss tube)
• Tinted sunscreen in a 1 oz tin or smaller (for my face)
• Sunscreen stick (for everywhere else)
• Aloe vera or Sun Burnt

• Baking soda deodorant (decanted into a small tin)
• Diva cup 
• Travel Razor
• Solid conditioner bar in matador case (they also make shampoo)
• Dr Bronners soap in a matador case (soap for body, hair, & clothes)

• Hair Kit: hair brush, 1x hair clip, 2x hair ties (great for thick hair!)
• Makeup kit: SPF lip balm/blush, mascara, tinted brow gel, liquid eyeliner, makeup remover wipes in a ziplock baggie
• Lanolin lip balm (The best for chapped lips. Ignore the packaging in the link. I buy this one and decant it into lip gloss tubes)

Miscellaneous

• Thermos for beverages (keep them from melting or getting hot)
• Thermos for water (they have plastic bottles but they get hot quickly in the sun)
• Collapsible straw with cleaning brush (if your thermos doesn’t have a straw)

• Tote for beach/pool
• Sunglasses (polarized, UPF protection)
• Lanyard for sunglasses
• Bandana (sun protection, headband, and a board game)
• Hand fan or Battery powered fan

• Goggles (for laps)
• Laundry kit: Downy wrinkle release, Tide to Go mini pen, mini sewing kit (or a needle with a long thread attached to it in a baggie), 9′ of paracord (DIY laundry line)

Electronics

• USB-wall charger & 6′ cable (check if you need an adapter at your resort)
• Headphones
• 1x USB-C to USB-A adapter (not all public ports have upgraded to USB-C)
• External battery bank

First Aid 

(*I am not a doctor! Consult yours.)

• 4x Bandaids (different sizes)
• Mini sewing kit (or a needle with a long thread attached to it in a baggie)
• 1x “Swiss army knife” (never had an issue with TSA or EU equivalent)
• Assorted meds in a 1 oz. tin or tiny zipped baggies
  • Imodium, gas x, Pepto, Tums, Tagamet (for sensitive travel-bellies)
  • ibuprofen, Excedrin, melatonin
• 1’ Of anti-blister tape (wrapped around a q tip) or Compeed (if needed)
• 1x Contact lens container (with hydrocortisone cream and Bug balm)
• Electrolyte chewable tablets 

Packing Tips for Resorts:

1. In my experience, the resort keeps your bags near the lobby if you arrive before your room is ready. While you’re waiting for your room, you have access to the grounds and pools. Why not take advantage of it?
   I make the most out of my personal item by packing the following: a swimsuit, hat, coverup, and sandals (in a plastic bag). That way I can change after check-in and enjoy the beach or the pool. By the time I’ve had a bite, taken a dip, and dried off, my room is ready and I feel like my vacation already started!
2. It is worth noting that some resort locations have a musty damp smell that will become a “souvenir” from your trip. I’ve heard damp rid works, but I end up soaking everything in the bathtub or hanging it outside when I return. Keep this in mind when choosing garments!

Baggage

• Good ol’ sling bag
• Wristlet for the evening
• I feel bougier opting for a rolling carryon suitcase instead of my usual backpack on these trips. Although you can find these on Amazon, Costco has a great deal for a Samsonite carryon AND checked luggage bag.

eSIM

As far as I know, most USA cell phone plans offer coverage in Canada and Mexico. If this isn’t the case for you, or you aren’t traveling to Mexico, getting an eSIM for data might offer some peace of mind until you can connect to WiFi.

I use Airalo when I travel abroad because it’s easy, works well, and the price is right. This is a data only eSIM. Through experience I’ve learned that I only need a data plan, and that it’s much cheaper than upgrading my domestic cellphone plan. Use referral code GWACO8480 to receive $3.00 off your next eSIM with Airalo!

I hope this list helps you pack lighter on your next adventure. Remember, less is more!

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