Look familiar? You've probably seen something similar for sale at any and every semi-tropical destination. It's the infamous vacation hat! Varying in shape, size and color, sooner or later everyone will give in and purchase one. Oh, you may hold out for a while, even go through several vacations without purchasing one, but eventually everyone ends up giving in and buys their very own vacation hat. It's one of those things you have to have at the time, but it's really a very impractical purchase. You can only wear it while on vacation (and the Jersey shore does not count), you can't pack it in your suitcase or it will loose it's shape so you're forced to carry it with your carryon, and it will disappear into the back of your closet so that it's nowhere to be found when you go to pack it for your next trip. Which inevitably means you'll end up buying another hat once you arrive at your next destination.
I've been to many destinations where this hat has been made popular, and I finally purchased my very own in Greece on our honeymoon this summer. I was almost talked into an "authentic" vacation hat for €65, but held off until I found similar version for only €15.
So if you've ever thought about adding a new hat to your wardrobe, I do recommend a nice vacation hat. You somehow feel a little more relaxed while sitting under a vacation hat sipping on a sugary cocktail, and it will be a perfect accessory to your other vacation wear of sarogns and cross stitched beach bags. But be aware, if you decide to wear this hat in public back home, expect to hear whispers and see smirks (especially if you wear it around me). There's a time and place for everything folks :)