Packing for Panama!

beach, night walks, ice cream with sprinkles, summer lovin', Red Robin veggie burgers, Reese's Puffs, holding hands, 2011, 2012

Welp, I wrote my last paper today and turned in evvverything for this semester and our annual summer trip to Panama is NEXT week, I simply cannot believe it. We've overcome so many obstacles this semester and we finally made it! I always take a little too much pleasure in the whole packing experience and I usually pack days in advance, just for the thrill, there's just something about preparing for a road trip that's so exciting! I usually pack an extra three or four days worth of stuff (because ya never know what could happen) but I somehow manage to squish everything in with room leftover - here are some packing tips from me to you.

1 - Always bring a couple of fancy(ish) dresses along with "light" chiffon tops and skirts - that way they take up less space. Fold your jeans in half and roll them up, this takes up wayyy less room then just stacking them on top of each other.
2 - Swim suits (for a beach trip) with cover ups, sunglasses, pool flip flops, etc.
3 - Accessories. I always lay out the extras (necklaces, earrings, purses, shoes, etc) so I don't forget to pack each piece
4 - Intimates, jammies, make up bag, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.

1 - Clothes go on the bottom topped with heavier items
2 - Jewelry/hair accessories/other goodies
3 - Shoes go in a separate compartment so the rest of your things don't get dirty. I always bring a trash bag with me, especially when you're going to the beach - ya never know if you're gonna need it for dirty laundry or slightly damp bathing suits/towels on the way home.

What are some things that you simply can't live without while traveling?