If you are looking at this post, you must be getting ready for a trip to Sandals! We’ve been to Sandals over 20 times and have created a packing list for you to make packing easy.
Essential Items
When packing for a Sandals Resorts vacation, it’s important to bring along all the essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are the must-have items to include in your packing list:
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, pack for the activities you plan to enjoy. Bring comfortable, casual clothes for daytime activities and dressier outfits for evening events. It’s also important to pack for the weather, so check the forecast before you go.
The Essentials:
- Lightweight shirts and shorts
- Sundresses or skirts
- 1 or 2 pairs of pants for men’s evening attire restaurants
- At least one collared shirt for men for dinner
When you are deciding how much clothes to bring, here is an idea of what a typical day at Sandals looks like.
- Wake up and go to breakfast
- Change into your swimsuit and clothes for swimming
- At lunch, Men will put a shirt on to go to a restaurant and Women will put on a cover up to go to lunch.
- Return to pool or beach
- Go shower and get dressed for dinner.
As you can see, on a typical day you aren’t usually wearing your normal clothes much, so they don’t usually get dirty. I say this because as a man, you do not need to bring two full outfits to wear each day since you can re-wear some of them.
Packing for Excursions
Before you come, take a look at excursions to see if you will need any additional clothing items.
Shoes and Sandals
Comfortable shoes and sandals are a must for a Sandals Resorts vacation. Here are some shoe and sandal options to consider:
- Sandals or flip-flops are essential for the beach and pool
- One pair of dress shoes for dinner that require an evening dress.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swim shoes (optional)
We end up wearing flip-flops and sandals most of the time. I have flip-flops during the day and some nicer sandals for any other time, unless it is for an evening attire restaurant.
Walking shoes are great for a lot of excursions and for some, you need water shoes. For example, Dunn’s River Falls or The Blue Hole in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Swimwear and Beachwear
You’ll be spending a lot of time in and around the water, so make sure to pack plenty of swimwear and beachwear. Here are some items to consider:
- Swimsuits
- Cover-ups
- Beach towels
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat shoes you are ok with being wet depending on the excursion
- Floats for the pool
- Swim shirts (optional)
While we just pack the essentials we know a lot of people pack a lot more than we do. We only bring 2 swimsuits each, but we have seen some people bring more than one swimsuit per day.
Another thing to think about is sun exposure. While many people go to resorts to get a tan, a lot of people protect themselves from the sun by wearing rash guards and swim shirts during the day. I almost always wear a quick dry t-shirt during the day and Michelle has a top that she wears over her arms.
Not only does this protect you from the sun, but it cuts down significantly on how much sunscreen you need on your trip. I love that I only have to apply to my face, neck and legs and am still protected from the sun.
Toiletries
Pack your essential toiletries, including:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Lots and lots of Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera in case you get a bit too much sun.
- Makeup
- Lots of sunscreen!
Electronics and Accessories
Don’t forget to pack your electronics and accessories to capture memories and stay connected. Here are some items to consider:
- Chargers for all your devices
- A waterproof phone case
- Universal Travel adapter
- GoPro
We buy cheap waterproof phone cases off Amazon so we can have them in the pool or beach to take photos or videos.
If you are going snorkeling a GoPro is a great way to capture your experience.
We also like to travel with a Universal Travel Adaptor that has multiple plugs. This one includes several USB-C and USB-A outlets for charging phones and other devices and one normal plug. Even if you are staying in one of the resorts with US outlets it gives you a lot of places to plug into.
Optional Items
While the basics are covered in the previous section, there are some optional items that guests may want to consider bringing along to enhance their Sandals Resorts experience.
Books and Magazines
For bookworms and magazine enthusiasts, it’s always a good idea to bring along some reading material. Whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or a travel guide, having something to read can be a great way to relax and unwind poolside.
Snorkeling and Diving Gear
While Sandals Resorts does offer complimentary snorkeling trips, guests who are avid snorkelers or divers may prefer to bring their own equipment for a more personalized experience.
While all resorts have snorkeling gear for snorkeling trips, some resorts do not have snorkeling gear for snorkeling off the beach.
You may want to do some research to see if the resort you are going to and see if they are known for good snorkeling off the beach to see if you should bring a snorkel.
On our last trip, the couple we were traveling with brought a full-face snorkel and they loved it.
Tips and Tricks
When packing for a Sandals Resorts vacation, there are a few tips and tricks that can help make the process smoother and ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Insulated Cups
Bring a Yeti, Stanley or other insulated cups. They are great for your morning coffee and for frozen drinks at the pool bar. That way you can do not need as many refills and your drinks stay cold.
Avoiding a Checked Bag
There are three main benefits to not checking a bag.
- There is no risk of losing your luggage with the airline.
- Easier to make your flight after going through customs during your return.
- Avoid luggage fees.
But when it comes to a tropical destination, you need sunscreen and other liquids which complicates things. Additionally, a bottle of sunscreen on resort is 2x what it costs in the US which can erase the savings from avoiding luggage fees.
Our recommendation is to go to Walmart and Target and get the travel-sized sunscreen. You can also get sticks of sunscreen and sunscreen wipes to get everything you need. Additionally, wearing a swim shirt cuts down on the amount of sunscreen you need dramatically.
It is definitely possible to avoid checking a bag if you do not want to.
Snacks
Yes, you are going to an all-inclusive resort, but we still like to have some snacks. We bring some of our favorite snacks like M&Ms, some chips, trail mix, and dried fruit for flights and while on the resort.
Check the Weather
Before you start packing, be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination. While most Sandals Resorts are located in warm, sunny climates, there can still be variations in temperature and weather patterns depending on the time of year. For example, if you’re traveling during the rainy season, you may want to bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella.
Consider the Resort Activities
Another important factor to consider when packing for Sandals Resorts is the activities that you plan to participate in during your stay. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time lounging by the pool or on the beach, be sure to bring plenty of swimsuits and cover-ups. If you’re planning to take part in more active pursuits like hiking or water sports, make sure to pack appropriate footwear and clothing.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Finally, one of the most important items to pack for a Sandals Resorts vacation is sunscreen. Since most of the resorts are located in sunny, tropical climates, it’s essential to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Be sure to pack a high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply it regularly throughout the day.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay at Sandals Resorts. From packing light to checking the weather and considering resort activities, a little bit of planning can go a long way in making your vacation stress-free and fun-filled.