Due to a lay over of a total of eight hours, I am updating you with my list of everything in my bag that is necessary to survive for a month abroad.
Stay tuned for a post over what to include on your carry on!
Main Suitcase Essentials:
Hair:
(1) Curling Iron – You’ll thank yourself for this one. Just
clamp in the middle of a two piece section, then twist the clamp with your
thumb away from your face, and you have a nice curl that will hold for the day.
The nice part about this curling iron is that you control the heat settings,
and it takes no time to heat up or cool down!
(2) A small bottle of purifying shampoo – this works very
similar to a clarifying shampoo, and after one use product build up removes
itself from your scalp. I use this once a week to fight back all of the hair
spray! *Tip: Mix in a tiny amount of baking soda to really help with build up
and give you better volume!
(3) A small bottle of purple shampoo – this can be used once
every week or every other week. This is for the blondes who tend to pick up a
brassy tone and give you a nice golden blonde tone. I use the conditioner with
every use on just my ends. To use the shampoo, I put it in my hair at the
beginning of the shower and then rinse it out at the end so that it gives the
shampoo time to do its work!
(4) Wide Tooth Comb – to help with all of the tangles after
showering/swimming.
(5) Shower Cap – Simply put, for when you’re too lazy to
wash your hair!
(6) Dry Shampoo – For the days that you skip your wash (it
helps your hair smell like you’ve had a fresh wash, no worries)
(7) Hair Brush – I use this for styling while blow drying
and basically everything else!
(8) Moroccan Oil – to help combat the summer heat and fight
against dry ends. I use this once a day either before styling it, or before I
go to bed, then I put it in a messy bun to avoid breakouts.
(9) Your Everyday Shampoo – this really helps with color
treated hair and renews the strength!
(10) Hairspray – this doesn’t weigh down your hair too much
but gives you a great hold on all styles!
(11) Heat Protectant – You can put this in your hair while
it’s still wet, then you’re good to go with every heat tool you use on it!
(12) Leave In – this is also to be put in damp hair. This is
good for detangling, damaged hair, and anything else you can think of.
(13) Travel Size Hair Dryer – This will save MUCH more room
than the normal sized hair dryer.
(14) Lastly but not least, a little kit containing classic
ponytails, no-crease hair ties, bobby pins, and hair clips.
The Girl Basics:
(1) Lint Roller – for the uh ohs on your black clothing.
(2) Tampons – because lady cycles are VERY unpredictable.
(3) Deoderant – and an extra one for your purse in case of
an emergency!
(4) Lotion – especially because Europe has a dry climate
currently.
(5) Nail Polish Remover – to help clean up the sometimes
messy nails.
(6) Nail Kit – I love this one because it is tiny but has
every little tool that you could possibly need. Also, the little scissors are
very beneficial.
(7) Vaseline – you can use this for cracked lips or dry
heels before bedtime.
(8) Facial Sunscreen – to keep away the wrinkles
(9) Make-up Remover – I’m a strong believer in these. I just
recently started using this brand and I love them!
(10) Toothpaste – just stating the obvious!
(11) Facial Night Cream – just to give you some nice
moisture and keep your face from drying out.
First aid kit:
Everyone knows their preferences, but this is what I keep in
mine:
(1) Cough drops – just for sore throats.
(2) AZO tablets – in case of an urgent UTI.
(3) Mucinex – to combat coughs, colds, a runny nose, or a
sore thoat.
(4) Bandaids – everyone kind you can think of, including
blister bandaids!
(5) Off- bug spray!
Happy Packing!!
XOXO,
Rachel
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Read more from Rachel at http://www.arrowandangelrachel.com/category/travels/
For more information about the U of A Faculty Led: Spanish in Madrid program, check out http://studyabroad.uark.edu/madrid
