What to pack for the Caribbean: beach & carry-on checklist

Packing for the Caribbean seems easy: swimsuit, flip-flops and done. But when you travel on a package with carry-on baggage, to an all inclusive with restaurants that have a dress code and with boat excursions, it’s worth thinking a bit more about what to bring and what to leave at home.

This checklist helps you not forget anything important and not overpack. It works for Punta Cana and for any other beach destination in the region. If you’re still choosing a destination, take a look at our Caribbean packages from Uruguay, with flights, transfers and all inclusive hotels.

Documents and paperwork before you leave

This is the first thing you need to check, several weeks before the trip:

Valid passport. Check the expiry date: it’s advisable to have several months of validity remaining. Minors also need their own document.
e-Ticket form if you’re traveling to the Dominican Republic: it’s a mandatory electronic immigration form that combines the immigration and customs declarations. You fill it in online on the official portal before your flight, and it generates a QR code you may be asked for at boarding and on arrival.
Travel permit for minors if they’re traveling with only one parent or with other adults.
Travel insurance with medical coverage.
Package vouchers: flights, hotel and transfers, on your phone and on paper.
Credit cards enabled for use abroad and some cash in dollars.

Entry requirements may change, so confirm them with your agency or the country’s official sources before you travel.

How to pack your carry-on

Many Caribbean packages include a backpack or personal item plus a carry-on of up to 10 kg, and checked baggage depends on the fare. The exact dimensions and weight vary by airline, so check your flight’s conditions before packing your bag.

Tricks to fit everything in

Roll your clothes instead of folding them: they take up less space and wrinkle less.
Use packing cubes or cloth bags to separate swimsuits, evening clothes and underwear.
Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane.
Bring travel sizes: the hotel has shampoo, soap and a hair dryer.

What to keep handy in your backpack

The flight from Uruguay to the Caribbean is long and often has a stopover, so the backpack under your seat needs to cover your trip. Keep your passport, vouchers, personal medication, charger, a light change of clothes and a swimsuit in it. If your checked bag is delayed or your room isn’t ready yet when you arrive, you’ll be able to change and start enjoying the pool without waiting. Also add a light jacket, an empty bottle to fill after the security check and something to eat during the stopover.

Liquids in the cabin

Liquids, creams and gels in your carry-on must be in small containers inside a clear bag. A large bottle of sunscreen is best bought at the destination or packed in your checked bag, if you have one.

Clothing checklist for the beach and the all inclusive

For a week at a resort, this list is usually enough:

2 or 3 swimsuits, to rotate while they dry.
A cover-up or sarong, because some restaurants don’t allow swimwear.
Light T-shirts and tank tops, in cotton or linen.
Shorts and Bermudas.
1 or 2 outfits for the evening: a light dress or long trousers and a shirt. Several à la carte restaurants require long trousers and closed shoes for men.
A light jacket: the air conditioning on the plane and in restaurants can be strong.
Underwear and pajamas.

Footwear

Flip-flops or sandals for the beach and pool.
Comfortable shoes for walking and excursions.
Shoes that can get wet, useful for boats, rivers and natural pools.
A smarter pair for the evening, if you’re going to the à la carte restaurants.

Sun protection and first-aid kit

The Caribbean sun is much stronger than on our beaches back home, even on cloudy days. Don’t skimp on this:

High-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen. If you’re going snorkeling, choose a “reef safe” one.
Lip balm with SPF.
A cap or hat and sunglasses.
Aloe gel or after-sun lotion.
Mosquito repellent, especially for the late afternoons and excursions.
Personal prescription medication, in your carry-on.
Something for an upset stomach, seasickness on boats and basic painkillers.
Band-aids and some antiseptic.

Useful tech and accessories

Waterproof phone case: essential on boats and beaches.
Charger and power bank.
Plug adapter: the Dominican Republic uses flat-pin plugs, different from those in Uruguay. Also check the voltage of your devices.
Insulated tumbler to keep pool drinks cold.
A light, foldable beach bag.
Goggles or a snorkel mask if you have your own.
SIM card or data plan for abroad, or use the hotel Wi-Fi.

What you can leave at home

To save space in your carry-on, you almost never need these:

Beach towels: resorts lend them.
Hair dryer and full-size shampoo.
More than one pair of dress shoes.
Heavy winter clothing.
Valuable jewelry: better not to risk it on the beach and on excursions.

Frequently asked questions

Is a carry-on enough for a week in the Caribbean?

Yes, if you pack well. With light clothes, two or three swimsuits and travel sizes, a week at an all inclusive fits without any problem. Check the weight and dimensions your airline allows.

Do I need formal clothes at an all inclusive?

Not formal, but something smart. Several à la carte restaurants require long trousers and closed shoes for men in the evening, and swimwear isn’t allowed.

What do I need to fill in before traveling to the Dominican Republic?

The electronic immigration e-Ticket form, which you complete online before your flight. Also check your passport’s validity and confirm the current requirements, because they may change.

With your suitcase sorted, all that’s left is choosing a destination: you can see Planet Travel’s Caribbean packages and ask us about the one you like best.