How I Packed Everything for My All-Inclusive Jamaica Trip in a Carry-On

When I booked my 7-day, 8-night all-inclusive vacation to Jamaica, I made a promise to myself: no checked luggage.

Not only do I hate waiting at baggage claim, but the idea of losing my suitcase and starting my vacation in a spiral of stress? No, thank you. So I challenged myself to fit everything I needed — beachwear, dinner outfits, beauty essentials, and excursion gear — into a single carry-on.

And guess what? I did it. Comfortably.

Now I’m sharing my minimalist vacation packing list — complete with a few unexpected items that made a big difference.

🎒 Why I Pack Light for All-Inclusive Trips

• No stress about lost luggage

• Skip baggage claim and get to the beach faster

• Easier to stay organized

• You really don’t need as much as you think

🧳 My Carry-On-Only Packing Strategy

Here’s what I packed to feel cute, prepared, and low-maintenance for a tropical week in Jamaica — from poolside lounging to fancy dinners and last-minute swims.

✅ Minimalist Packing List for a 7-Day All-Inclusive Vacation

👙 Swim & Sun Essentials

• 3-5 swimsuits (mix-and-match)

• 1-2 beach cover-up

• Flip-flops or sandals

• Wide-brim hat or cap

• Sunglasses

• SPF 50 sunscreen (reef-safe!)

• Refillable water bottle

🩱Daywear

• 3–4 lightweight outfits (linen sets, flowy shorts, tank tops)

• 1 romper or sundress

• 1 pair of comfy sneakers for excursions

• Undergarments + bralettes

👗Dinner & Evenings

• 2–3 “resort chic” outfits for dinner (dresses or a cute matching set)

• 1 pair of neutral sandals or wedges

• Light shawl or wrap for cooler nights

🧼 Toiletries & Extras

• Travel-size shampoo/conditioner/cleanser

• Hair ties + travel brush

• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion

• Lip balm with SPF

• Travel-size perfume

• Dog waste bags — yes, really! I used these to pack:

  • Wet swimsuits on the last day

  • Sandy flip-flops

  • Seashells I brought home

🎧 In-Flight Must-Haves

• Headphones

• Snacks

• Compression socks

💡 Unexpected MVP: Dog Poop Bags

Okay, hear me out — packing a roll of dog poop bags was one of the smartest things I did. They were perfect for:

• Wet swimsuits on check-out day

• Separating sandy or dirty shoes

• Holding shells or souvenirs

• Emergency trash bag

They’re cheap, take up no space, and come in handy so many times during a beach vacation.

🌴 Final Thoughts

Traveling with only a carry-on gave me so much more freedom. I wasn’t weighed down by “just-in-case” outfits or bulky toiletries. I had everything I needed — and nothing I didn’t.

Whether you’re headed to Jamaica or any all-inclusive resort, I hope this minimalist list helps you feel light, stylish, and stress-free from takeoff to touchdown.

Let me know — do you pack light for beach vacations or go all out?

Happy Travels!

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