If you're going on an all-inclusive vacation at a resort, towels will most likely be provided by the resort or hotel, so you don't need to take any of your own. But, if you're going backpacking, staying at hostels or camping outdoors, you may want to bring your own towel.

Generally, you do not need to bring your own beach towels to an all-inclusive resort. Most mid-to-high-end resorts in popular destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean provide complimentary beach and pool towel services as part of the "all-inclusive" package. Upon arrival, you are often given a "towel card" that you can exchange at a dedicated poolside hut for a fresh, dry towel. You can typically swap these throughout the day as they get wet or sandy. However, there are a few caveats to consider: some budget-friendly resorts or boutique hotels may require a small refundable deposit for towels to prevent theft, and others might have a limit on how many you can take at once. While it saves significant luggage space to leave yours at home, some travelers still prefer to bring a thin, quick-dry microfiber towel for off-site excursions to public beaches or cenotes where resort towels are not allowed to be taken. If you are staying at a major brand like Sandals, Iberostar, or RIU in 2026, you can safely assume that high-quality towels will be waiting for you by the water.