Jetsetter

It's the holidays and that probably means you're traveling to visit family or go on an exotic vacation, but packing can be a nightmare. I'm no stranger to traveling, particularly for short weekend trips. I've done three study abroad programs, during which I spent weekends traveling. I've gone on other few-week-long trips to Europe and many family vacations. As a fairly high-maintenance girl, packing can be hard. For 2 weeks in Ecuador I packed 2 checked suitcases and 1 carry on. A year later I packed the same amount for 7 weeks in Italy. Even better still, I packed the same amount for 6 months in Spain. By now, I'd consider myself an expert in the art of packing. First thing first, pack light. No matter where you're going, you're going to want to buy clothes and souvenirs, so make sure you have room for all of your new goodies. Secondly, check the weather where you're going. Don't pack things "just in case" - you'll end up overpacking. I'm sure whatever you might need "just in case" you can pick up where ever you're going. Third, always include these 10 essentials no matter your destination.

1. Sunglasses

Marc by Marc Jacobs

I have 5 pairs of sunglasses and I used to stupidly pack all of them every time I traveled. That is a huge waste of space and one pair will do just fine.


2. Plain Black Tights

DKNY

Whether you're layering them under a pair of jeans, go out for a fancy, romantic dinner, or under a skirt or shorts, you can never go wrong with a pair of tights (and they don't take up much space).


3. Cardigan

J.Crew

A cardigan is quite possibly the most versatile piece of clothing you could ever own. This J.Crew one is my favorite (I have 4 of them) and it goes with any outfit you can imagine.

4. Leather Ankle Boots

ASOS

Again, this is a classic and versatile item that you can't go wrong packing. Dress them up, dress them down, and they're comfy to go see some sights!

5. Skinny Jeans

Hudson

Skinny jeans are going to serve you well on vacation. You can pretty much do anything and go anywhere in skinny jeans and you're bound to wear them more than once on your vacation. I'd opt for a dark wash because they're more slimming and easier to dress up.

6. Carry-All Bag

Mansur Gavriel

It's important to have a bag large enough to be your carry on, but without hurting your shoulders or your back. Take all that extra carry on stuff out once you reach your destination and use it as your purse. 

7. Stylish Scarf

Sonia Rykiel

If you really did pack light like I told you to, then you're probably going to end up repeating outfits. A fun, colorful scarf can make an already worn outfit, look refreshed and brand new.

8. Heels

Madewell

Pack your favorite heels for the simple reason that you never know where you'll end up on vacation. You may find yourself partying the night away or have an impromptu photoshoot in front of a famous monument like the Eiffel Tower. 

9. LBD

French Connection

Every woman should have at least one LBD in her closet. Choose one that can transition from day-to-night easily and you'll find yourself with many outfits from one dress. Add a belt, a cardigan, and flats during the day and whip on heels and fun jewelry at night.

10. Crossbody Bag

Rebecca Minkoff

You're going to want your hands free to take pictures, hold shopping bags, etc, so you'll need a crossbody bag no matter where you go. It's particularly important if you're visiting a country that is known for pick-pocketing to have a bag with more than one type of closure. I've sticked to that rule and I've never been pick-pocketed on any of my adventures (knock on wood!).