Hair advice for the ladies

Girls. I know how tough preparing for a trip, however long, can be and if you are anything like me you will have asked every person who has ever left the country for advice on what to take away with you. I understand the pain of leaving behind your hair dryer and straighteners ... but please, I beg you, don't bring them with you. You really don't need them.

 While you give your body a break, give your hair one too. In Sydney I was shocked by the amount of female backpackers carrying around electrical hair goods with them. It was almost comical. You are a backpacker. Looking good it not expected of you. Remember that everyone is in the same boat and no-one is going to treat you any differently if your hair is straight or curly. You will spend a lot of your time with backpackers, in backpacker bars.

For a start, just think of all that extra room in your backpack you would have if you left the hairdryer at home. You could fill this space with a few extra pairs of pants and socks ... something that i'm sure you will be very appreciative of when it gets near to wash day. And just imagine if you are travelling in a remote region where there is very little power. How stupid will you feel carrying around your redundant drier and straighteners. If your hair really bothers you that much then think about growing out those fringes and leaving your hair long while you travel. That wayyou can tie it back night and wear a headscarf or hat during the day. Simple.

 No-one out there knows who you are so you have no standards to maintain. The straighteners and driers will still be waiting for you when you get home ... and they will probably be just as appreciative of the break.