Alert: Girl Post. 18 Ways for Non-'Girly Girls' to Still Look Cute While Traveling

I'm definitely not what you'd call a 'girly-girl' and I'll be the first to admit that I DO think leggings are pants, jeans qualify as 'fancy' clothes, and often I'll go a whole week without makeup. It's probably not surprising then that I am also not a dressy traveler; I'm the one on the plane in the most worn-in PJs, fluffy socks and an eyemask. That said, I'd rather not look homeless, or god forbid 'haggard', upon arriving to a brand new destination. I mean, no one wants to share their locals-only info with a person of questionable hygene right? SO, here are a few of my best, 'non-girly' tips that will keep you looking fresh and put together without spending hours getting ready:

Rocking the beanie, sunglasses and earrings. You'd never know I hadn't showered for four days and slept an average of five hours per night in below-freezing weather!

• An oversized scarf. Wrap it around your eyes and head on an airplane, spread it on the beach, or most importantly, use it as THE quickest way to spruce up your look. Tip: tie it into a dress, a sarong, or as an assessory around your neck or head. Boom, Insto-cute!
• Fun earrings or jewelry. With a chunky necklace, dangly earrings or sparkly bracelet you say "I tried." Fun jewelry always takes your look up a notch or two. Tip: DO NOT bring your Grandmother's pearls or anything you cannot afford to lose. Instead, choose 'costume' or casual jewelry. Also, make sure your pieces are light enough to wear all day!
• Sunglasses. Because, life. Didn't sleep on the plane? Hungover as hell? Wicked allergies? Here is your answer.
• Sparkly sandals. Like earrings they show you made an effort and instantly light up otherwise drab duds. All of a sudden a black tank and shorts looks chic! Tip: Make sure they're comfy. No amount of sparkles can make tripping and stumbling through the Coliseum look good. 
• Beanie, packable beach hat, or ballcap. Crappy hair-heaven! Immediately covers up bad-hair days, keeps your head warm, and if you pick one with a cool pattern or design, then it's a top-notch fashion assessory!
• Black basics. I always throw in a black tank, black shorts and usually black leggings depending on where I'm going. Something about black instantly dresses up an outfit, and since it's a neutral, you can layer or wear with anything. Not to mention, black camouflages wine and pizza stains like a boss.
• Deoderant. No-brainer, but make sure it's a good one. Those wimpy Euro-alcohol sticks do little to stop American BO from taking over an entire subway car in Barcelona in July. Bring your favorite from home, and even if you look about as fresh as a two-day-old tuna sandwich, at least you'll smell like seabreeze or lavender fields. 
• Wet Wipes. Good for face, pits and nether-bits! I keep 'em handy in my carry-on, purse and bathroom bag. I mean let's be honest ladies, whether we're traveling solo or with a lover, we gotta keep our shiz fresh. It's just the right, and sanitary, thing to do. Tip: do not get the bleach or antibacterial ones. That is not fun. Make sure to buy the wipes made for sensitive skin. 
• Lipgloss. Duh. But seriously, this is usually the only makeup I wear traveling and it makes a huge difference. A little shimmer on the kisser brightens your whole face. Choose one with a nice tint like rose gold, sun-bronze, peach, mauve or cherry for the most impact.
• 'Everywhere' shimmer or highlighter stick. Another staple in my bag is a champagne-colored eye shadow from Target and /or a natural highlighter stick from Smashbox. Both are the most versitile pieces of 'make up' you could have and can literally be applied anywhere: eyes, cheeks, collar bone, you name it. I'm petty much a supermodel after this.
• Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream with SPF. The final must-have item in my 'makeup bag' is this amazing little multi-tasker. It has SPF 30, a little tint of color to even out blotchiness, and enough moisturizingy-goodness to calm dry skin after a 10-hour plane ride. 
• Mascara. I don't wear this too much while traveling, but it's always great to have for nights out or if your eyes need a little pick me up. 
• Sunless Tanning Lotion. You've heard 'em all: "Tan fat looks better than white fat", "being tan is like wearing black; it makes you look 5lbs lighter," "She's got a healthy tan." But like me, you're also not living under a rock and have heard warnings galore about sun exposure. Enter sunless tanning lotion. It gives you all the bronze without the bummer of a sunburn. Tip: exfoliate first and wash your hands after using or you'll be a streaky, stained mess.
• Dry shampoo. Because who wants to shower every day on vacation? With a spritz, a brush and a toussel you'll be as effortless as Gisele.
• Ponds Cold Cream. Your Grandma was seriously onto something with this little four-dollar doozy. Ultra-moisturizing and great for sensitive skin, this cooling cream instantly plumps up dry skin and goes with me everywhere. It's in my bag during a flight, on my face at night after washing, and even in my purse for dry, overly hand-sanatized hands. Tip: a little goes a long way, so you can usually get away with a travel-sized version for most trips.
• Braids. So versitile and they look just as good in greasy, three-day-old hair as they do in flowy, clean hair. Try braiding just the top into a half-pony, do a full braid, or even just a few 'hippy braids' to keep weird layers our of your face.
• Bobby pins. When in doubt, pin, tuck, twist or criss-cross your hair into a decent style and no one will ever know you spilled beer on your head at the club last night and still haven't showered.
• Exercise. Last but definitely not least, a healthy dose of exercise makes you look fresh inside and out. Take a run to explore your new locale, go for a swim in the hotel pool, a long walk on the beach, or find a great local hike. Because nothing looks sexier than feeling healthy!