be your own palace
or the world is your jail

I brought two duffle bags that each weighed in at the limit of exactly 50 lbs, a backpack and a personal item, a pretty roomy shoulder bag. I’m glad I packed so much because I didn't immediately have to go searching around Belize looking for what I needed. Plus, shipping costs to Belize are expensive!

Electronics

Laptop- If you use and love your laptop at home, you should bring it with you. I think it makes life easier in so many ways! It helps me do my PC work, watch movies, communicate with friends and family back home, etc. 

E-reader- forever thankful for my Kindle! The battery lasts a long time, which is especially important if you don’t have electricity. If you’re a real book purist, the PC office library has plenty available for volunteers.

Smartphone-You can use your phone with wifi in lots of places, so I would recommend bringing it. Also, make sure it’s unlocked just in case you decide to get a Belizean SIM card.  

External hard drive: Bring one! Actually, bring two. My first one died on me so now I'm at zero :(

USB/flash drives: Bring some of these with you, they always come in handy.

Portable speaker- I love my little rechargeable speaker! 

Ipod

Surge protector

Extra chargers/headphones- I brought an extra iPhone charger and a few extra pairs of headphones that have come in handy. Electronics and related parts just seem to go haywire here (see my poor hard drive) so it doesn't hurt to have backups of these kinds of things. 

Electronics are costly here so bring the ones you use and would miss the most!

Clothes

I’m a fan of capris, skirts, and dresses for the weather. One pair of regular pants would probably be sufficient, it's just too hot to wear them often.

Markets and thrift stores in town are great places to find cheap everyday clothing like work-appropriate skirts, dresses, pants, and tops, and also shorts, tank tops, and casual wear. 

Leggings- for working out, sleeping, hanging out or going to town (make sure they’re opaque!)- versatile. 

Solid color shirts.

Long sleeved shirt/sweatshirt/light jacket- from about November to January, it got pretty cold in my village at night. 60-65 degrees may not sound that cold, trust me, you will feel it at night when you're dressed in four layers because the inside of your house is the same temp as the outside. 

Office appropriate attire- no shorts, tank tops, sneakers or flip-flops allowed. 

Durable sandals/footwear- SO IMPORTANT. Tevas, Chacos, Keens- whatever kind, just make sure you bring comfortable, durable, nonslip footwear that can get wet and is easy to clean. Before I came, I was not a fan of these kinds of shoes, but I am now a believer.

Flip-flops- thank you Havaianas

Sneakers- super expensive here, so bring yours!

Rain boots- I brought mine from the states, and I love them, but they do sell them here everywhere. 

Toiletries

Sunscreen and bug spray will be provided to you in your medical kit, but if there’s a specific brand or type you use, you should probably bring that.

Contact lens solution/extra contact lenses- the solution is available here but so much $$$$$, come with a good supply.

In general, most things are easy to find in town, but if you have a particular brand you love, you should stock up on that. 

Etc

Umbrella- you can definitely find umbrellas here in your district town, but the quality varies. Bring it or buy it, because it’s a definite must have for rainy season!

Earplugs- there will be noise. Roosters at 2am, church at 11pm, your neighbors having a party at midnight, your host family blasting the radio AND the tv when you just want to nap...

Planner (daily/weekly/monthly)- hard to find and/or expensive here

Photos of loved ones from back home- I wish I had brought more! Think about laminating them too, because they could get damaged in all sorts of ways- heat, humidity, moving around, termites in the walls…

Microfiber towel: great as a travel towel, exercise mat, and picnic blanket. 

Things I packed and haven’t touched-

Blow dryer- too hot, too much of a hassle

Pair of jeans- denim is soooooo heavy and hot

Pair of heels- black pumps brought for swearing in, but what I didn't realize is that I would be expected to hop on a bus immediately after the ceremony. 

Most of my makeup- I didn't pack a lot, but I just sweat too much to wear what I did bring on a regular basis. 

BUT remember this is 2 years of your life, so bring what makes you happy (within reason). Remember that you will be going out and enjoying those personal days, so if you have a favorite lipstick or cute dress, bring it! Even a cute yet useless decorative item that reminds you of home- on those rough days, you’ll be glad for the comfort.