A beach resort week needs less than most people pack. The resort supplies towels, toiletries and often a hairdryer, and the dress code is usually relaxed. What you cannot easily replace on holiday is documents, medicines and items that matter to you. This checklist sorts a packing list into what to carry, what to check and what to leave at home.
Documents and money first
Put these in your hand luggage, not the checked bag:
- Passports, valid for the period required by your destination and airline. Check the rules for your route well before you travel.
- Printed or saved copies of booking confirmations, transfer details and insurance papers. Our guide to travel insurance for a resort trip explains what to read before you buy.
- A photocopy or phone photo of your passport kept separately, which helps if the original is lost. See our guide to a lost or stolen passport on a resort trip.
- Two payment cards stored in different places, plus a small amount of local or US currency in low denominations. Our guide to cards, cash and currency covers fees and exchange traps.
Medicines and health
Carry all prescription medicines in their original packaging in your hand luggage, with enough for the trip plus a few spare days in case of delay. Check whether your medicine is allowed in your destination country, because rules differ. Add basic items you would hate to hunt for abroad: pain relief, antihistamines, rehydration salts, plasters and any motion sickness tablets. If you have allergies, read our guide to food allergies and dietary needs at a resort and carry any emergency medication on your person.
Sun and insect protection
Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, a hat with a brim, sunglasses and a light long-sleeved top for midday. Bring more sunscreen than you think you need, since resort shop prices can be high. An insect repellent is worth including for evenings and for any trips into wetland or jungle areas, and our guide to mosquito bites at a tropical resort sets out how to use it sensibly.
Clothes that earn their place
Aim for fewer pieces that mix well. For a week, a reasonable starting point is:
- Two or three swimsuits, so one can dry while you wear another.
- A cover-up and a pair of shorts or a light skirt.
- Four to five light tops and one or two light dresses or shirts for evenings.
- One smarter outfit, because some specialty restaurants ask for long trousers or closed shoes. Check the resort’s dress code in advance.
- Sandals or flip-flops, plus one pair of comfortable closed shoes for excursions.
- A light layer for air conditioned rooms, restaurants and the flight.
If you plan to snorkel, consider reef-friendly sunscreen and a rash vest. Our guide to snorkelling from a resort beach explains the etiquette that protects the reef.
Electronics and small extras
- Phone, charger and a power bank. Check the plug type used at your destination and bring an adapter if needed.
- A waterproof phone pouch for the beach and pool.
- Headphones for the flight.
- A reusable water bottle, which fits with the habits in our guide to travelling responsibly at a beach resort.
- A small dry bag for wet swimwear on departure day.
Think about connectivity before you leave, and read our guide to staying connected on a resort trip to avoid roaming charges.
Things to leave at home
Leave valuable jewellery, unneeded cards and large amounts of cash behind. Skip bulky items the resort provides, such as beach towels and basic toiletries, but check the policy first because some resorts charge for extra towels. Avoid packing a different outfit for every day. Laundry is available at many resorts for a fee, which is cheaper than excess baggage.
Airline rules and weight
Check your airline’s baggage allowance and the rules for liquids in hand luggage before you pack. Many discount carriers charge for checked and even carry-on bags, and limits vary by fare. Weigh your case at home, leave room for souvenirs and keep fragile or valuable items with you. A luggage tag with your name and an address inside the case is a simple safeguard.
A quick final check
- Documents, cards and medicines in your hand luggage.
- Charger, adapter and power bank packed.
- Sunscreen, repellent and a hat accessible.
- Home arrangements sorted, such as locking up and informing your bank.
- Resort contact and transfer details saved offline.
A lighter bag makes airports, transfers and check-in easier, and nothing on this list needs to cost much. Pack what you cannot replace, trust the resort for the rest, and you will start the week without the usual stress.