Documents — Carry-On Only
These items cannot be replaced if your luggage is lost. They go in your carry-on bag. Every single one of them.
- Both passports — valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates
- Travel insurance documents and emergency contact numbers
- Resort booking confirmation — printed and saved offline
- Flight confirmations
- Any prescription medications — bring extra for delays
- Credit card and small amount of local currency for tips
Never put passports in checked luggage. Checked bags are delayed or lost on every major airline every day. Carry everything irreplaceable on your body onto the plane.
Clothing — What to Actually Pack
For a 7-night Caribbean all-inclusive
- 7 to 10 swimsuit options — you will wear them more than anything else
- 5 to 7 cover-ups, sundresses, or linen shirts for days
- 2 smart casual outfits for dinner — nice dress or linen trousers and a blouse
- 1 dressier outfit for a special dinner or formal night if applicable
- Comfortable walking shoes for travel days and any excursions
- Sandals or flip flops — multiple pairs, they get wet
- 1 pair of slightly dressier shoes for dinner
- Light cardigan or wrap — restaurants and airports are aggressively air-conditioned
- Pajamas or comfortable sleepwear
- 1 workout outfit if using the resort fitness center
Tina's tip on dress codes: Most Caribbean all-inclusive resorts require smart casual in the main dining room at dinner — no swimwear, no flip flops, covered shoulders. Check your specific resort's policy but a nice sundress and sandals covers almost every situation. You do not need anything formal unless you specifically want a formal dinner experience.
Sun and Beauty Essentials
- Reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen — bring more than you think you need
- SPF 30+ lip balm — lips burn quickly and noticeably
- After-sun lotion — aloe vera gel or similar. You will use it
- Rash guard or UV shirt for long beach days
- Sunglasses — polarized lenses for on-water days
- Hair products for humidity — Caribbean air is very different from home
- Waterproof mascara and makeup if applicable
- Insect repellent — especially for evening events and jungle excursions
The Honeymoon Emergency Kit
Pack these in a small pouch in your carry-on. You will probably not need any of them — but if you do, you will be very glad they are there.
- Pain reliever and antacid
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Motion sickness tablets — even if you have never been seasick
- Blister bandages
- Small sewing kit
- Stain remover pen
- Safety pins
- Extra contact lenses or a backup pair of glasses
Tech and Practical Items
- Portable phone charger — essential for long excursion days
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for water activities
- Power adapter if traveling outside the Caribbean — Mexico and most Caribbean islands use US standard outlets
- Small power strip without surge protector — cruise ships prohibit surge protectors; resorts may have limited outlets
- Camera or GoPro beyond your phone if photography matters to you
- Zip-lock bags — for wet swimwear, sandy shoes, snacks, anything that cannot mix with dry items
What to Leave Home
- Formal gowns and tuxedos — unless you specifically have a formal dinner planned
- Full-size toiletry bottles — the resort provides basics; bring only specialty products in travel sizes
- Hair dryer — every resort room has one
- Too many shoes — flip flops, walking shoes, one pair of dress shoes. That covers everything
- Work laptop — there is nothing on that computer that cannot wait a week
- Valuables you would be devastated to lose
What Most Couples Forget
- Cash in small bills for tipping resort staff, spa therapists, and excursion guides
- A tote bag or day bag for pool days and port excursions
- The rings — in your carry-on, obviously, but worth putting on the list
- Honeymoon night outfit — different from what you wore to the wedding. Something specifically chosen for your first night at the resort
- Something sentimental — a few people bring a small memento from their wedding day. Entirely optional but a lovely touch