Packing List: Mexican All-Inclusive Resort

I'm deep in planning mode for our winter vacation to Mexico, and since it's my second trip to an all-inclusive resort, I feel more prepared than the first time around. Besides the obvious, here's what I'll bring:

• A Turkish towel. Because sometimes the resort's towels aren't great, and they don't dry nearly as fast.
• Glam pool wear (huge hat, cat-eye sunnies, and black bikini). Because I like to pretend that I'm a D-list celebrity when pools and cocktails are involved.
• Waterproof mascara and bright lipstick. Because that's all you need to pair with your sun-kissed glow.
• EWG-approved sunscreen for face, lips, and body (3-ounce bottles). Because I will not get burned on my first day again. And I won't slather questionable chemicals on my skin, either.
• A fun float. Because floating in the Caribbean Sea surrounded by angel fish is pretty much the best thing ever.
• Cup and koozie. For getting extra-large drinks and keeping them cool.
• Travel candle. In case the room smells like a jungle.
• Meds. Because I don't want to spend $20 on Tums and aspirin in the gift shop. 
• Paperbacks. Because I don't want to worry about leaving my Kindle alone when I go for a walk.

What did I forget?
P.S. Here's the post from my last trip to Mexico.

What to Pack: Red-Eye Flight

If you're planning to spend the night on a red-eye flight, you might be tempted to stuff your carry-on with a bunch of unnecessary junk. Resist the urge. You only need a few things to help get you through the night and wake up refreshed in your destination.

• You might feel like a bit of a diva, but eye masks are crucial for keeping you sleeping, even if your neighbor is watching a movie or the cabin lights come on unexpectedly.
• Load up your device with guidebooks, novels, and a movie or two to keep you entertained until you doze off.
• Don't forget a pen for doing the crossword puzzles in the back of the in-flight magazines.
• Skip the questionable airline blankets and bring your own cozy scarf.
• Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of moisturizer, lip balm, and water throughout the flight.
• I'm trying this for the first time, but I've read that Melatonin helps reduce the effects of jet lag.
• Be ready for landing with a small brush, mints, and anything else you need to freshen up.

P.S. How to pack for Europe in one bag. 

Cram It In: Eurotrip in One Bag

To save money on our upcoming trip to Europe, we bought tickets that only allow for one carry-on. The entire trip spans 10 days, but I'm not worried about fitting everything into a small, easy-to-carry bag. (This one pictured, by the way, I just got from Forever 21 for $35.) It doesn't hurt that we'll be staying in apartments with laundry facilities (through Airbnb).

Without further ado, my tips for fitting everything you need for Europe in one bag:

• Wear your heftiest items on the plane: Your jeans, a trench coat (for any chilly/drizzly days), and your heaviest shoes.
• Think black for bottoms. One pair of skinny black jeans and a skirt can get you through the entire trip. Bonus: Black camouflages dirt.
• Clothes should be in neutral colors that are easy to mix and match. Not only will you fit in with the chic locals, but you'll have a lot more outfit options.
• Find a pair of cute, classic shoes that you can walk in for miles. Make sure they're broken in. Wear them everywhere. Bring a lightweight pair of sandals for dressier occasions. 
• Scarves double as blankets on airplanes and trains, they perk up even the most basic outfit, and they take up almost no room in your bag.
• Leave your big everyday purse at home and carry a small cross-body bag with only the essentials. For me, that's money, my camera, my phone, and lip balm.
• Undies: Bring a lot. More than you think you'd need. You really don't want to run out of these. 
•  I hoard toiletry samples (the ones that come in little packets, not bottles) throughout the year because they're so light and easy to pack. I also use the makeup remover wipes to avoid spillage/liquid restrictions on flights.

What you should leave at home:

• Heavy guidebooks (bring your phone instead)
• Impractical shoes (you'll only wear them once or twice anyway)
• Your laptop (if you can help it)

P.S. Rick Steves' guide to the most useful travel apps. 

packing for a wine festival.

This weekend Todd and I are heading to the Upstate for Euphoria, a food, wine, and music festival in downtown Greenville. I'll be covering all aspects of the event, from seminars to parties to multi-course wine dinners, and I need a wardrobe versatile enough to keep up with me.

Versatility by ericajackson featuring metal jewelry

After checking into our hotel on Friday, we'll head straight to Taste of the Town, a casual outdoor event with music, food from local chefs, and drinks. With a quick accessories change at the hotel, I'll be ready for the more swanky VIP after-party.

Wine Festival by ericajackson featuring link jewelry

After a media breakfast Saturday morning, we'll bum around the town a bit before heading to the tents for a day of wine tastings, cooking demos, food sampling, and a beer garden. This dress is cute, sure, but it also has room for stomach expansion and the dark color will hide stains. The crossbody bag will keep my hands free for taking pictures and notes, plus holding my wine glass. A simple cocktail dress should do for the wine dinner later that night.

Hangover brunch by ericajackson featuring long sleeve tops

We'll undoubtedly be a little tired on Sunday morning, but that's nothing a little jazz brunch can't cure.

Will I see any of you at Euphoria this weekend?