NEED a curling iron.....

I was going to give you a hard time until my wife reminded me of some of our friends that cannot manage without curling irons as well. :-)

http://www.international-electrical-supplies.com/curling-iron.html

Yours for only $25.95 (plus shipping/handling and applicable taxes). Lewis N Clark make awesome locks, so hopefully they do well in the curling irons as well.

Have fun in Italy and I hope your hair cooperates!

You can certainly purchase an inexpensive model once you arrive. They are available at many stores including some grocery stores! Prices vary but usually start around 10 Euros.

It makes more sense to do as Ron suggests and buy a cheap one when you get there. It will be made to handle the voltage in Europe. Even with a converter, or a dual voltage curling iron, one from here might not work as well. My mom is a curling iron addict, and has melted/burned out more than one over the years. And the dual voltage one never got hot enough to work well for her.

Since my normal curling iron is ancient and not dual voltage, I bought a new Conair at Big Lots for $5. I used it with an adapter plug and it worked just fine. Got as hot as I needed and didn't burn up. I was careful to unplug it as soon as I was done. Still works great.

You can try ebay, Walmart or even better Sally Beauty supply.

I used a set of currency adapters purchased in the Travel Smith Catalogue with my curling iron...it was sixty dollars and worth it for other items as well........

It is pretty compact and has the "plugs" for every country we were in...........what works in Sweden doesn't work in Ireland..........etc............

in one country...purchasing the c iron makes sense!

and those that want to live these appliances...more power to them...but some of us "can't" !!

Beth, I don't think anyone suggesting doing without it. And I'm sure you mean plug adapters, not currency adapters -- unless yours change money, too.

The real question is do you REALLY NEED your curling iron. You will be traveling etc. It is a great time to relax and not do the things you usually do. It is a great time to leave the makeup and stuff at home. Esp if you are travelling light.

"I'm all for the attempt to pack light,".

NO, YOU ARE NOT!

"I CAN NOT MANAGE WITHOUT A CURLING IRON?"

Of course you can. The human race existed WITHOUT curling irons for eons. How do you think people managed a hundred (fifty?) years ago without curling irons?

Even Marie Antoinette did that (and she thought she could not manage without cake.)

Packing light is a matter of discipline, a term unknown by the "me" generation.

Last year, to save weight, I traveled in Germany for two weeks with a disposable razor. OK, I knicked myself a couple of times, but I saved a pound.

Pauline: Listen to Ron...just pick up one when you get your destination. I've done this before, as well as, getting a hair dryer that way I didnt have to deal w/adapbters and converters. Those I used on by digtial camera and cell phone to charge.

Unless you're going on business, let your hair hang as God intended. Who will you meet that will know you, and even if you do, what do you think they will be doing. I went two weeks without shaving and my haire dried just fine as I brushed it. Amazing how liberating that is. Good Luck.

Sounds like the women are in general a bit more sympathetic (no all - just most!). I understand your pain. For many trips, I struggled with straightening creams, conditioners, etc. in hopes that it would be as good as my straightening iron - it's not! I finally gave in last time and brought it. It is pretty lightweight and our suitcases are usually only half full anyway. It is dual voltage so I just needed my plug adapter. I did notice that large beauty supply stores (ULTA in my area) sells mini versions of curling and straightening irons. I don't know if this might work for you. Still though, if this is your one "I just really want to take it" item (my husband takes his electric razor) then just take it. Packing light is only for yourself - there is no prize - so don't deny yourself something you would be miserable without.

Hi thanks for the advice, I really appreciate (most of) it.... I guess everyone's got a story.... Packing light clearly means something different to everyone... Happy trails...

I'm down with a curling iron, and yes I belive it can be a part of packing light, which is a relative term anyway. I was the opposite and often brought a hair straightener with me. I usually take a lot of photos and frame some of them so I'd like to look nice if I'm in the photo.

I used a converter and adaptor and brought along my iron from home..it didn't fry my tool, but it did make it hoter than normal, which was great for me.

I'd bring one, and if you don't use it, then you will know to not bring it next time, and if you needed it, then great you'll be glad you brought it.

Just to toss in my own two cents...

While I am one of the 'pack light' crowd and don't use hairdryers, much less curling irons, I am sympathetic to those who need one for a very simple reason: pictures. It'd be quite disappointing to go to Europe, take a bunch of pictures, and then not be able to stand to look at them because "my hair looks awful!"

True, it's a state of mind, but we're all entitled to a little vanity. :-) This applies to make-up as well.

I agree with the 'buy it there' crowd. Don't mess around with adaptors and converters. Just buy like the locals do, plug it in, and away you go.

You do want your hair to look good in the pictures. We went in March/April, and every pic has us in our jackets. Clothes did not matter-we could have been nekkid.

I use a curling iron because it actually keeps my hair up off my scalp, and it stays cleaner a few hours longer. It's worth it just for that reason. But if it rains on me, I don't care. If you have an expensive straightener or iron, you should pick up a cheapie so you don't ruin your good one.

Thanks for asking the question Pauline, I was about to ask the same thing but for a flat iron.

I'm surprised at the posters who are making an issue about people who like to take make up or hair items while traveling (other boards people have commented on travelers who like to take nice clothing instead of wearing jeans/shorts & sneakers).

Having my hair & make up done makes ME feel good and why shouldn't I feel good while I'm traveling and enjoying my hard earned vacation. To each his own, do what will make you happy. YMMV.