When it comes to prepping for beach vacations, there are a handful of items I will kick myself at the security gate for not remembering (and then frantically search for said items when I land at my destination). In no particular order, let's run through them:

1.) A great beach tote. My biggest pet peeve is having to head back to the hotel room too many times, unless it's to charge a phone, so I'd rather have everything at my side for the whole day. Bonus points if it has raffia pom poms like this Tory Burch number on loan from The RealReal.

2. A panama hat. It goes with everything you're probably already planning on bringing. It literally can do no wrong. Until everyone in your group photo has one on. 

3. Lots of magazines. I usually stock up on a few current issues and bring along a few past month's issues that I haven't had a chance to finish yet.

4. A fan! It's, oh so, functional for humid climates plus it doesn't hurt that it adds a certain glamour factor to your beach look.

5. Beach snacks. Since you're usually out for most of the day, dipping in and out of the ocean, I try to make sure to have plenty of water and snacks on hand, to avoid any sudden blood sugar drops, or worse yet, hangry episodes. I mentioned earlier this week that I've been trying out NatureBox, a healthy snack monthly subscription service, and it's been key while out here in Jamaica. I'm particularly hooked on their French vanilla almond granola and can't wait to try it with yogurt later this week when I'm back in SF. If you want to try it out yourself, they're offering two This Time Tomorrow readers a free 6-month membership. To enter, browse their snacks section here and leave a comment below listing what snack you'd like to try. Good luck -- winners will be selected at random next week. And if you want to get a jump start on your first order, they're also offering a 50% discount with the code "THISTIMETOMORROW". Please note, both the giveaway and the discount is only available to US readers. 

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congrats to Jodi Brown and Kimi! 

This post was sponsored by NatureBox. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

By the time you're reading this, I'll already be a few thousand feet up in the air (again) en route to Vancouver for a long weekend getaway (more on that later so stay tuned!). But first, seeing as how I've been packing and repacking a lot this summer, I wanted to share a few tried and true packing rules I've come to swear by over the years. Most of which, I have trial and error to thank. 

So without further adieu, let's review, shall we?

1. It all starts with a sturdy, reliable bag. And trust me, I've tried my fair share of cheap versions (all of which usually end up breaking on you at the most inopportune time, like, say, running to the check-in counter when you're already late for boarding -- yep, true story). Luckily, when Kipling asked me to try out their luggage line, I was pleased to find that not only is it easy on the wallet, the nylon casing makes it perfect for expanding for extra clothes souvenir storage. Plus, their new monogram collection (I have the large Darcey here) is a fun personal spin on luggage tags (great for me since I'm usually the paranoid person at the carousel worrying where my bag is).

2. Extra magazines. OK, so I know what you're thinking. Wouldn't you just bring those with you in your carry on? My answer -- of course! But since I'm notorious for reading through all my magazines on the flight over, I like to stock up on a few glossies (and books), reserved solely for the trip back home. 

3. Bathing suit. I can't tell you how many times I've gone on trips that weren't actually beach or tropical destinations and I've regretted not bringing a bathing suit BIG TIME. If there's anything I've learned in life, it's that there is almost always a hotel pool, SOMEWHERE.

4. Panama hat. I might as well call this my traveling hat. It hides a lot of hair evils on those early morning flights.

5. TSA-ready sandals. These bad boys are off in less than 1.5 seconds. Just make sure you bring some easy to slip on socks for when you go through security (not to be worn with the sandals, of course). 

6. A wrap-me-up scarf. You never know when a light scarf might be needed wherever you're headed. I've used mine as a wrap, a shawl, even a blanket.

7. Comfortable statement shoes. The key pair is easy to coordinate with a lot of different types of outfits and is comfortable to walk in (read: ideally less than 3 inches). 

8. Skin care condensed. I used to bring pretty much my entire bathroom counter on trips, everything from the makeup remover wipes, facial cleansers and a bunch of lotions. While it's great to keep the routine alive, it was a burden to tote around and I experienced so many awful leaks and spills. I now limit myself to bringing one facial cleansing brush and a small travel size cleanser. It's really all you need, since the brush does a lot of the heavy lifting.

9. Tinted moisturizer. Because you're on vacation! 

10. Sunglass options. I have two that I swear by. A pair of aviators because they never look bad while you're traveling. And a glam, oversized black pair to hide your red eyes after the red eye.

Now, I'd love to hear yours -- what's on your travel essential list? (Plus, stay tuned next week, when I'll be sharing a few of my carry-on must-haves.)