A few years ago, I made my glamorous entrance into Italy with chapped lips, stained sweatpants, twisted glasses, disheveled greasy hair and an army of facial acne -- a true survivor of the stale cabin air. Yet, general excitement about being in Italy superseded any qualms about my appearance ... initially.

After being told that my luggage had not made my connecting flight in London, I made the connection that my carry-on contained nothing useful. My lost-luggage debacle tainted my first few vacation days as I strolled around one of the most fashionable countries in the world wearing the same sweatpants for three days straight.

My first piece of advice? Always keep essentials and valuables -- including medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes -- in a carry-on bag.