I'm going on a girlfriend getaway and I'm going to bringggggggg...a hat.  Always bring a hat.  They are of perfect packable size, and offer a multitude of solutions to various travel conundrums. 

Hats are perfect for hiding bedhead from an overnight flight; or hiding frizzed out hair if you didn't know you needed an electrical converter for your hairdryer or flatiron; or if you didn't know you needed a DIFFERENT electrical converter for Europe and the UK.  There are many fashionable options to help you avoid the dreaded baseball cap.  Also known as the American tourist giveaway.  You're fancier than that!

Beret - vive la France!  Berets are chic, lightweight and add a bit of sass to your ensemble.  Pair with matching scarf and gloves and VOILA!  Sitting at an outdoor cafe, sipping capuccino is optional (although very much recommended).

Newsboy - a slightly more casual option, the newsboy cap fits snugly on the head and offers a slight brim to keep the sun out of your eyes.  Extra!  Extra!  Read all about the savvy girlfriend in the hip accessory!

Fedora - usually reserved for Film Noir gumshoes in the 1930s, the fedora has made a fashion-comeback in recent years.  We've seen them on everyone from Cameron Diaz to Sienna Miller, and they look to be a universally flattering option.  Accompanying trenchcoat not required.

Cap - very jaunty, and just a snap away from the newsboy, the standard cap tops off many different looks.  You can dress this up or down.

Bucket -the bucket offers the most coverage, if you're looking for a hair-disaster coverup.  It also creates a bit of a shadow over the eyes, so if you're attempting an incognito look, the bucket is your hat.  Beware it also creates a sort of odd echo when you're speaking.  Just let the hat do all your talking for you.  

Cloche - a throwback to the 1920s, the cloche hat is the most feminine of the hat options.  It will also create the most severe hat-head, as it fits very close to the scalp.  That's okay, it's pretty enough to leave on indoors.  Call it a look!

Hats are woefully underused in American wardrobes.  They are fabulous and fun and a great way to wake up your wardrobe.  They should always be a staple when traveling.  Seriously, why waste all that time doing your hair?  Your time would be much better spent sitting at a cafe, taking in the sights, touring the ruins, and visiting museums.  Or shopping for more hats!