Curly/wavy/thick hair never sees a brushcomb. When it is curly/wavy AND thick it takes FOREVER to air dry - if it’s long it can be hours. Blow drying with a diffuser speeds the process and allows you to “finish” it - apply product etc. if you don’t have hours to wait.
I can do without a hair dryer for sure in the summer - but my hair is short - BUT it will be extra curly, wavy, unruly by just air drying.
PG - It is about the texture of the hair. If I do not blow it dry it gets frizzy, and wavy. as I mentioned , not the pretty " beachy waves" either, It is actually wavier on one side and parts of my hair literally stick out ( cowlicks). My sister and D both have similar hair.
The Babyliss dryer is not small and not inexpensive. But I got tired of the regular hair dryers burning out every 6 months.
Got it!
Yep to what Fall girl said. It’s the texture. I have thin hair, but LOTS of it. It is past my shoulders, straight until about my ears, then ugly waves/frizz after that (and all not the same types). So unattractive. I need the blow out to straighten those waves.
I envy both gals who have truly straight hair or truly curly hair…us frizzy inbetweeners are very frustrated!
Same hair as fall girl
My baby bliss is tiny as is my babybliss straightener
Think small hand and fits it. Guessing 6" long and ounces heavy.i dryerProTt straightener Nano Titanium.
Bought on Amazon two years ago and the hairdryer is faster that this nice hotel we are in inow in Venice
Straighter not as good as full size but does the trick
My new desire is a pair of underwear – 10 pairs in 10 different colors.
If not that I will number on the label or fabric-- think that will do nicely.
Leaving for Bologna tomorrow and washed all dirty clothes with baby shampoo purchased here.
Thanks for the reminder to roll wet clothes in a towel before hanging-- had forgotten that and it really makes a difference.
I have yet to be in a European hotel that doesn’t have a blow dryer, though some may prefer their own. The dryers used to be quite weak, but in the last 10 or 15 years, they dry even my thick hair in a reasonable amount of time. Get that some people may need other things to manage their hair, but good to check if all you need is a blow dryer.
Happy travels, oregon101.
Just got back from two weeks in Germany and the Czech republic. Even our Air B&Bs had a good hair dryers. I did not take any shoes other than what I wore on the plane and it all worked out just fine. I like German shoes and figured that if I wanted another pair, I would just pick some up.I took all black and gray so everything could mix or match. Mostly Eileen Fisher knits that packed well(yes rolled!) and could be easily washed if required. Since we spend a lot of evenings at the opera or symphony—the black knits worked out fine as long as I dressed it up with jewelery or a good silk scarf. At Don Giovanni,when I spotted someone in the box across from us wearing a hoodie and jeans , I felt overdressed. As D says: no matter what the social situation everyone in Germany looks like they are about to go on a hike.
Ok ladies I’m sold. I have been looking at this 20" carryon I bought and wondering how in the world I’m going to do this. So, I gave it a shot this afternoon. My clothing will be summer weight. I rolled everything. I don’t have cubes and didn’t tie it down with the straps. 21 lbs total and still room.
2 skirts
2 maxi dress
1 dress
3 sleeveless tank
2 short sleeve top
2 tops for evening
1 shrug
3" heeled wedges
1 walking sandal
1 flat sandal
1 PJ
1 extra bra
7 underwear
1 bathing suit
1 hat
1 scarf
1 bagallini purse
1 curling iron
1 small bag jewelry
2 quick dry wash clothes
For a little humor on topic- today’s http://www.gocomics.com/pickles
Great job, conmama!
Re: blowdryers. I have curly/wavy hair that is quite unattractive left to its own devices and I blow dry it straight. I’ve gone on some trips where I couldn’t blow dry (i.e. no electricity) and would pull it back in a ponytail and just had to not care for how I looked in photos. The problem with using blowdryers in hotels is that I need a diverter to keep the frizz at bay and have greater control. My sister bought me a one-size-fits-all diverter but, when the blowdryer is on the highest setting, it’s pops off!
We’re going to the Galapagos and, on the boat, I’m guessing I won’t have an option to blow dry my hair. A friend recommended two particular products she uses to control her hair and I’m going to order them and do a test run before we leave.
I have thought of the pantiliner idea. The take space, but only on the way there. On our May Europe trip though I will probably bring some old pairs, saved for this purpose. THen toss, make a week bit of room for souvenirs 
I have a shoe question and I’m thinking it doesn’t really warrant it’s own thread (??). On my upcoming 17 day trip I will be hiking and I will also be on a boat where we’ll have water landings. Is there such a thing as a waterproof, lightweight hiking shoe? (I’m not a hiker normally so I’m already out of my comfort zone on this topic.) Would love to bring just one pair of shoes to meet both needs. The hike is just one day of the trip. I did try googling but only found big, heavy-looking hiking shoes.
I’d look at Keen or Chaco sandals can be used for hiking. Also Teva. What ever fits the best.
I second Keens. I love mine. They make shoes/sandals that are made for both hiking and water activities. I got my first pair when we went to St John and needed a shoe for hiking, water, beach. My research led me to Keens. My husband thought they were too expensive but as soon as he put them on, he loved them! So comfy!
Coloradomom…I have a friend who does that. Takes all her old ones, then throws away as she goes. The thing is…I don’t have any old ones I want to toss. They are only $8 each, but not enough for me to throw away. I was able to get in 7 and stuff them in shoes. I’ll probably end up doing that.
Collage, how long are your upcoming hikes going to be? 3-5 miles or longer?
BB, we’re going to Machu Picchu and taking the extra walk up Huayna Picchu. A friend just returned and said it’s steep and slippery. Since I recently slipped while taking a hike in my running shoes, I decided I wanted something with better tread and that had better grip. I also need closed toe shoes for that day as there’s an issue with sand fleas.
On a separate note, some of the airism shirts from Uniqlo that Hanna (?) recommended are on sale today. On their website, many of the camisoles, sleeveless and short sleeve options are marked down from $12.90 to $9.90. Some of the men’s items are on sale too. Every little bit helps!
Collage, you will definitely need something with good traction, trail-rated. Merrell makes great hikers that are also waterproof. If money is a big concern, I would buy shoes at a place that has zero fault return policy: if you don’t like them after a couple of trial wears, take them back. REI stores have a simulated rock surface at their shoe departments specifically for trying hikers. Make sure to hike in your new shoes a few miles. There should be NO break in period - period. A hiking shoe that does not feel comfortable after a couple of miles is not going to be comfortable. Something like this could be a good compromise for rock and water:
http://www.merrell.com/US/en/siren-sport-2-waterproof/16532W.html?dwvar_16532W_color=J52408#start=1
Re: undies for travel. I don’t wear ratty undies if we go together with Mr., Even if we are camping. Solo travel - who cares… 
Regarding undies- I like the Shimena brand from Nordstrom. I think they dry as quickly as my Patagonia travel underwear.
For men I think the travel underwear would take up a lot less space.
Awww, BB, your comment about not wearing ratty undies when traveling with hubby is so sweet! Thought that all old married couples didn’t pay attention to such things. Maybe that’s why I am divorced …
(I wouldn’t have packed the worn-out granny panties if sharing a room with, say, my sister or mother, but my attitude was (I am sorry to admit) with husband, who cares. Kind of sad, now that I think of it. )