Danika,
What kind of doctor did you go to? I am assuming it was an ob/gyn, but maybe you should seek out a women’s health clinic, rather than a regular doctor’s office.

good luck.

I was just outside mowing the lawn and my face is flaming red. I wasn’t wearing sunscreen, but I had a very wide-brimmed hat on my head. Yesterday, ny face also got quite red even though I had 30 sunblock on. I don’t think it’s from getting a sunburn, but can someone suggest some good sunblock. Also, any suggestions for covering up the redness? I will gbe in southern Spain where I’ve heard it gets really hot and I don’t really want to look like I’m a tomato. Thanks for the help.

Danika, I will email you when I find out more about endomitriosis. I think I read about it in a magazine article so I just have to find it.

With reference to the fem hygeine Keeper, I have been using something that is quite similar called Instead (US$1.50-$1.99 at Target) and I am hooked! It is a soft, latex diaphram-type cup and the box recommends that you don’t leave it in for more than 12 hours, they also don’t recommend that you re-use them, but i have been removing mine in the shower and rinsing and re-using with no adverse affects. It is incredibly comfortable, but takes some getting used to (and a strong stomach-fresh blood is pretty nasty!) I highly recommend them and will be taking 2 of them, one for each month I’ll be in europe. I hope this sparks some interest in alternative forms of hygeine products, I heard somewhere that because tampons are bleached that the chemicals on them are being studied to see if they are contributing to reproductive problems. Has anyone else heard this??

Everyone have a great trip!!

-Susan

Kimmer —- you didn’t say how hot it’s been where you are, but if it’s as hot as it’s been where I live you might just be overheated as opposed to sunburned. As far as I know, there isn’t a whole lot you can do to cover up the red (unless there is a really good sweatproof makeup you can wear, but I wouldn’t even want to wear makeup in the heat anyway). I have the same problem you do, as do all the females in my family. We all look like tomatoes when we exercise or whenever we’re out in really hot weather. I would recommend doing what you can to stay cool instead of trying to cover up the redness. Drink lots of water for one thing. Also, dousing myself with water every so often works pretty well for me, as does getting a bandana soaking wet and then either wearing it around my neck or tying it like a headband. As for sunscreens, I’ve always been partial to Banana Boat. You can get them at almost any market or drug store and they have some good "faces only" lotions that are even higher than 30 SPF.

Danika, on the Internet go tohttp://health.yahoo.com and search on endometriosis. You will find a lot of information about this condition. Like Wendy, I am wondering what kind of doctor you consulted. Over the course of 27 years and having two kids, I have been through about 6 OB/GYN practices at various stages of my life. Not all doctors are good at diagnosing and treating everything. Not all OBs are good at GYN and vice versa, and in my own personal opinion and experience a female doctor is better than a male one because I think they take you more seriously. I suggest you try to find a doctor who will really listen to you and take you seriously – you deserve that. I am concerned about you – good luck.

Double post – got an error message with the first one. Sorry.

[This message has been edited by AUMom (edited 12 July 1999).]

WendyE: Yeah,I just went to a regular gyn,but honestly I don’t think she took me seriously at all,I felt VERY unconfortable asking her questions,she made me feel well like an idiot to tell you the truth!!!I ‘ll just never forget my last trip,THREE ENTIRE days were ruined,and I really never want that to happen ever again!
kimma:thank-you so much that information will really help
and for those who experience mild or zero cramps you are truly very lucky!

AuMom:thank-you very much,the site will really help!

AuMom:thank-you very much,the site will really help!

Great topic! I didn’t have time to read it all, but I would like to mention one thing on the hairdryer issue: If you need to have one, don’t mess around with converters, etc., just buy one when you get there! If you are travelling for a month or so, spending the extra 20 bucks or so is worth it! (some countries will require an adaptor even for a European hair dryer—the prongs are slightly different—I had this problem in Italy and Switzerland, but no more—bought an adaptor at an electronics store)

To susan_osu:
Yes this is very true. Tampons and pads give off a chemical called Dioxin that has been linked to cervical and breast cancer. Tampons also contain asbestous and chlorine. When you use tampons you leave some cotton behind laced with these chemicals that are VERY bad for your body. I’m sure a lot of people are asking why this still goes on. Well…money. Plain and simple. Companies that make tampons and pads would lose tremendous amounts of money if everyone knew about this. My advise, use the Keeper. I’ve been using it for a while and I think it is terrific. Plus, you don’t need to spend so much money and pollute the environment every month.

On the hairdryer issue:
Check your own hairdryer before you go.. my dryer is a travel-folding type (I think about $20 at walmart) and has a little switch on the side to convert the voltage to 240 (or whatever the UK has) so I only had to buy a $5 adapter (not a converter) to use it in Ireland. The dryer I had before this one had the same switch as well, but maybe it’s only common on travel type dryers (which I seem to prefer).

Scuba-
Tampons DO NOT contain asbestos. This is an urban myth which has been circulating for years.
A) It does not make you bleed more (though it does cause lung cancer in men who worked in clouds of it during the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s 60’s and 70’s.)
B) It is not absorptive
C) Current US laws regarding industrial safety, import and manufacture are such that using asbestos is prohibitively expensive for US manufacturers.

They do contain chorine bleached cotton which does emit dioxin as a result of the bleaching process. There is an English company called NatraCare (Nature Care?) which is putting non- chlorine bleached tampons and pads (and organic tampons) ont the Market.

SF Bay Area shoppers can get these at Andronico’s.

Susan-
Be careful reusing the Insteads. I also reuse them, but I don’t just rinse. I disinfect with Isopropyl alcohol, and then rinse again with water. Too many nasties which could explode into a huge internal community if ya know what I mean.

Oh man, I totally relate to that cramping issue. I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to bring it up, and it sounds like you got some good feedback that I would echo. On my first trip to Europe I got the worst cramps during a road trip where my hubby and I were travelling in a car of people we had just met on our way to Pamplona. I was so sick I had to ask them to stop the car and ended up laying on the side of the road for an hour. It was really embarrassing, and I felt awful about making them wait.

I would suggest the Pill because even if your cramps are not affected by it at least you could take it and manipulate it so that you are sure not to get your period until you get home.

Oops

[This message has been edited by Kristen (edited 02 August 1999).]

Lots of great ideas here! You’ve all really made my packing a lot easier. I also have a suggestion to make for those of you who don’t live near a major city where smaller sample sizes and a large selection of travel sizes are available. When trying to find my favourite stand-bys, I was really disappointed, and had to improvise by making my own travel containers. Empty 35mm film containers are amazing little things! They hold a perfect ounce, light weight, cheap, disposable, and waterproof. I recommend the clear ones, so you can tell what it is at a glance if you’re not going to label them. I use mine for face moisturizer, aloe vera gel, Penaten (skin irritation creme), vitamins, and pretty much anything else that I need a bit off, but not enough to justify bringing the whole normal sized container.
A word of advice though: don’t fill it with generic looking aspirin or prescription medicine. One very sticky border guard taught me that the weight of the smallest bottle you can get with the actual label is infinately better than four hours sitting in a guard station while they search thru everything you own for illegal substances.

Lots of great ideas here! You’ve all really made my packing a lot easier. I also have a suggestion to make for those of you who don’t live near a major city where smaller sample sizes and a large selection of travel sizes are available. When trying to find my favourite stand-bys, I was really disappointed, and had to improvise by making my own travel containers. Empty 35mm film containers are amazing little things! They hold a perfect ounce, light weight, cheap, disposable, and waterproof. I recommend the clear ones, so you can tell what it is at a glance if you’re not going to label them. I use mine for face moisturizer, aloe vera gel, Penaten (skin irritation creme), vitamins, and pretty much anything else that I need a bit off, but not enough to justify bringing the whole normal sized container.
A word of advice though: don’t fill it with generic looking aspirin or prescription medicine. One very sticky border guard taught me that the weight of the smallest bottle you can get with the actual label is infinately better than four hours sitting in a guard station while they search thru everything you own for illegal substances.

I have found in the past that baby wipes irritate my face so another great thing to bring are those face wipes (I know that Pond’s and Biore each make them). They’re similar to baby wipes, but made especially for makeup removal and general face cleaning – I’m an addict of these things, even at home (great when you’re just too tired to motivate to the bathroom and wash your face – yup, I’m lazy!). I find that while the Stridex or Oxy pad basically just act as an astringent, these Ponds/Biore cleaners really make you clean!

Happy Travels!

-Gretchen

can i just say i love this thread? its been so helpful!

and the tip above about using films canisters for toiletries really works well: i have my own tiny travel kit of them now

my questions: 1) are open-toed sandals ok for clubs (the black chunky kind)

2) since white socks with sneakers seems to be a big "L"oser signal, and i am too poor to buy any new shoes and so am bringing my khaki and white skater sneakers, what kind of socks do you all suggest?
do you think heather gray socks would be weird?

3) which was more convenient: bar soap or shower gel stuff?

thanks grrls!

Shower gel! Bar soap melts, gets slimy, you have make sure your soap dish is dry… Take shower gel and one of those puff things that they sell with it.

I second the recommendation of the Pond’s Cleansing and Makeup Remover Towelettes. I was going to try the Biore ones, but the label said not to use on eye makeup (unlike Ponds which is safe for this area). Like Gleeler, I use these at home when I’m too lazy to wash my face at night (which is all too frequently). A plus to using these is the fact that you can also use them to clean your leather shoes. This is not advertised, but I tried it and it works great…no damage to the leather and it ven cleans my riding boots after I’ve been in the stable!

One tip about the film canisters, make sure you tape them shut and put them in a ziplock bag. On my last trip my shampoo container popped open and leaked, fortunately, it was in the ziplock.
As for soap, I prefer the gel, After years of camping with bars, I got fed up with the bars melting.

thanks, grrls!
and kimma is right about the leaking film canisters, always use a ziplock bag and label each with a permanent marker if the canisters aren’t translucent

someone showed me how to make a toothbrush cap out of one, too, by just poking a hole through the cap and using it to cover the head of the tootbrush

-ps sorry about the multiple posts! i tried to delete them

If you’re hooked on makeup, my suggestion is to buy those large pencils/crayons. Everything from eyeshadows to concealers to perfume seems to come in pencil format now. Unlike regular makeup, they don’t need brushes and don’t come in those annoying plastic compacts that are always cracking in your bag. But make sure you pack a sharpener!

The one thing that I absolutely MUST have while travelling is a waterproof Indiglo watch. If it’s waterproof you can wear it to the shower or swimming, rather than worrying about losing it or having it stolen. The Indiglo is priceless in dark hostel rooms or trains when time is important, but lighting is optional.

Happy trails!

I am reading all of these posts about glamour and packing and am struck with this thought… "Don’t the guys have it easy!" We must pack everything a guy does PLUS all the extras! I use a hair dryer, curling iron and cosmetics on a daily bases at home. I would never consider traveling to my grandma’s for the weekend without them let alone Europe! Another plus for the males… They can pee standing up!

I am reading all of these posts about glamour and packing and am struck with this thought… "Don’t the guys have it easy!" We must pack everything a guy does PLUS all the extras! I use a hair dryer, curling iron and cosmetics on a daily bases at home. I would never consider traveling to my grandma’s for the weekend without them let alone Europe! Another plus for the males… They can pee standing up!

This is a great topic ~ I just wanted to let everyone know how much it is appreciated!

Yes indeed, great thread! I will pass along one of my favorite tips . . . Febreeze (or however you spell that) comes in little travel-size bottles and it truly works! When your sweater reeks of cigarette smoke, this stuff will do the trick. If you can’t find the little bottle, get a tiny spray bottle at the travel or beauty-supply store and you’re set.

Yes indeed, great thread! I will pass along one of my favorite tips . . . Febreeze (or however you spell that) comes in little travel-size bottles and it truly works! When your sweater reeks of cigarette smoke, this stuff will do the trick. If you can’t find the little bottle, get a tiny spray bottle at the travel or beauty-supply store and you’re set.

In case this hasn’t been already mentioned…
It seems in most western European cities there is a perfume shop on every other corner. Rather than packing a breakable glass bottle, just stop at one of them as you wander through the streets and douse yourself with whatever expensive tester fragrance you fancy!

In case this hasn’t been already mentioned…
It seems in most western European cities there is a perfume shop on every other corner. Rather than packing a breakable glass bottle, just stop at one of them as you wander through the streets and douse yourself with whatever expensive tester fragrance you fancy!

I’m planning to visit Cyprus in May. Does anyone know if they allow thongs bikinis at their beaches?
Love this topic, thanks

I’m planning to visit Cyprus in May. Does anyone know if they allow thongs bikinis at their beaches?
Love this topic, thanks

—————————
www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/5262

hi… just wanted to see this back on page one…

Here’s another question about clothes in Europe… Capri pants are really popular here right now and I found this cute pair that zip off into shorts, but I wonder if they would be appropriate in Europe. (I’ll be in Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland.) I remember seeing some of my guy friends wear jeans that were cut off mid calf once it got hot last summer in Germany, but I don’t know if I would look too touristy in capri pants.

sending up for mexchick99

In addition to my spartan, basic wardrobe I am planning on bringing a little black dress. (I think I saw that tip on this site—along with a ton of other great ones…thanks!) Anyway, I want it to be something I can wear during the day to sight-see, out in the evening, or to throw on to walk from the shower at the hostel, etc. I’m concerned that the dress I have may be too short and I don’t want to offend different cultures—I want to blend in as much as possible. I’m very tall and leggy and so the dress looks even shorter. How short do the ladies wear things in Europe (London, Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome)? Thanks!

I just recently bought these pants that zip off into capris and then into shorts. They are Kaki green and a nylon light material. Will this be appropriate? I am basicly traveling throughout Western and middle Europe. They are very casual and I would basicly just want to wear them sightseeing. I have other basic black stuff for evenings and clubbing.

Just wish to add my 2 cents worth to this topic for the gals who are interested in keeping their face radiant, smooth, pimple & blemish free when travelling and at home.I was in Europe and had a bad sunburnt towards my last few days. Was not suntanning but just walking around the Chambord chateau grounds in France. Upon my return, my pharmacist recommended I use the brand Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel to reduce the irritation & pain on my skin & face. I used it liberally applying it several times per day on my face and body. Lo & behold, this cheap product does wonders for your skin. My skin healed remarkably. Most remarkably was my face, the frequent use of Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel made my facial skin very radiant & smooth. It was also very effective in killing off pimples when you see it developing. I am still using the gel even though the sunburnt has disappeared. My friends have said amazing things about my facial skin. Believe me it works wonders, beats any big cosmetics chain Estee Lauder, Clinique, Lancome etc on giving you a smooth & radiant facial skin, pimple and blemish free. If you are at home, store the gel in the fridge. Bring it with you when you are travelling, it is a MUST. I guarantee it!

Also wanted this back at the top.. BUT.. my question is:
I understand why shower gel would be better than bar soap (last time I brought the bar).. but what do you do with the little poufy thing? It takes so long to dry.. do you just stick it in a plastic bag? Or does that make it moldy and gross?

Inga,
I would hang the mesh sponge from the outside of my backpack to dry when travelling.

Some more hair tips:
Some upscale lines now have a waterless shampoo. That would be a great option when a shower does not fit into your day. Another trick is putting a little baby powder in your hair to absorb excess oil, and then shaking it out.

stupid question maybe, but is it really that bad to wear a one-piece vs. a bikini (places like Riviera)? I mean, does anyone really care if I wear a one-piece?

Hello everyone! I just discovered this board today & am so very glad I did. The advice I’ve read just in the last couple of hours has been invaluable!

I am going to England for the first time in October… honeymoon trip! It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl and my wonderful fiancee is determined to make it happen.

So my question is this, we’ll be doing lots of sight-seeing (historical stuff mostly since we love it the most) and maybe one night at a club. He doesn’t dance but I love to so I’ll only ask that he go one night. Any suggestions for packing? I know it will be fairly cold and rainy so what would be comfortable & fashionable? Figured we’d bring jeans, a sweater or two, and a few tees for layering. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Beth

[This message has been edited by Beth72 (edited 23 May 2000).]

IngaB—I’ve never had the poufy thing get disgusting, but i always rinse it out really good before using it if it has been in my pack for an extended period.

I am fifty- two years old and tired of packing makeup all over the world. This week I am having permanent makeup done on my eyebrows, eyelids and lips.

To Jan,
Who said shorts aren’t welcome? Just don’t wear them if the sun is not shining. Tank tops are definitely in fashion here too.

Nobody cares if you wear a one piece. But you might be uncomfortable being the only one wearing one. I really don’t recall seeing them worn. I felt conspicious for leaving my bikini top on.

But then again, maybe you feel more comfortable in a one-piece . . .

There are always "tankini’s".

Hey there everyone, this is a great thread and I had to bring it back. Almost all questions were answered but I still have one. I know that neutral and dark colours are recommended but would a bright coloured (okay, pink) skirt really look that out of place clubbing? I would appreciate any help…

Another few tips that I don’t think have been mentioned yet:
1.) Essential oils in small samples are great, lavender for relaxing and going to sleep or for airplane jitters, peppermint to put in your shampoo or soap to get rid of oily skin/hair. Tea trea oil for small cuts/scrapes, and foot odor. Citronella for bug repellent. (health food stores)
2.) Dr Bronners soap in a bottle – they have small travel size and you can use this soap for anything (hair, body, teeth) – I like to buy the unscented and add my favorite essential oil. (health food stores)
3.) Collapsable nalgene bottle – leakproof and doesn’t take up much space when empty! (outdoor gear stores)
4.) Crystal brand roll on deoderant – it is oderless (won’t tempt bugs) and it is also great for controlling odors in feet. (trader joes – health food stores)

Happy Traveling!
Chandi