makeup / skincare / tanning?: I wear mascara on an everyday basis and switch to waterproof if I am out and about. Any other makeup just wears off so its pointless. I wear Banana Boat Ultra Defense 110 SPF clear spray or Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch or Mist SPF 100 because I am really pale with freckles. As a kid, I would tan, but after puberty I burn, baby,
BURN! I mostly use Banana Boat on my body and Neutrogena on my face. I bring an SPF chapstick for my lips. I also have a stick version of sunscreen that I can use on my face to freshen up on the spots that I don't want a lotion to get into (i.e. around my eyes). If I do get a sunburn, the greatest combo is black tea and this product:
http://wopeden.com/3958-thickbox_default/nivea-daily-essentials-soothing-toner.jpg
Really, its so soothing and my burn goes away more quickly (days sooner). I may soak a washcloth in it and then lay it on my face. You can do the same thing with a large towel on each side of your body if you have that bad of a burn.
I also always bring fingernail clippers because worn/peeling fingernails are a huge pet peeve on myself. I really cannot stop thinking about it until I clip it off.
How do you choose clothing to wear / shoes?
Shoes: I wear a pair of hiking shoes I have that are no longer on the market. I have worn them in well and they have been all around the world. So, that doesn't help any of you. What might is some skin management ideas. I can sometimes get blisters so I will use something called Second Skin (see photo:
http://www.backcountryedge.com/images/PRODUCT/large/spenco-2nd-skin-dressing-kit.jpg) over the blister or spot that is wearing. Its hospital grade and very gentle (they use it on preemies!). Then I cover it with tegaderm (see photo:
http://www.ojmedical.com/img/prods/large/mmm1634_tegaderm_2_3_8_x_2_3_4.jpg). If I am really smart, I start off my day with tegaderm over the spots I know will rub. I also have a rub stick for friction issues. However, I may never have to use these products if I just wear my hiking shoes. Sometimes I wear flip flops or flats and then those skin management items are needed.
Clothing: I usually wear clothes that I don't worry about getting sweat stains. Cotton is always good. I wear jeans. I know, I am a freak, but I really don't get that hot in them and they are a great sun protector. P.S. wash new jeans multiple times before wearing in a humid climate or you will have blue legs that may take days to wash out. Not a good look if you are going swimming or going to wear shorts/skirts at some point. I used to wear linen pants but I just don't fit them anymore. Boo! I NEVER wear shorts or skirts when touring. Can't be bothered with that upkeep (riding up, flying up, bike shorts, etc). As for undergarments, I wear a regular, simple bra and breathable underwear.
How do you manage your hair? rotfl: I've not found a good combo yet for humid weather. I find myself putting my hair up a lot in a pony or bun, but it looks terrible in pictures. I don't usually put any products in my hair because the humidity reacts with them and does something strange to my hair. I normally lo-poo, then if I want to wear my curls I use kinky-curly curling custard and layer it with rock hard gelee and scrunch out the crunch. It keeps my curls all day. However, this doesn't work in humidity. It probably would if I didn't scrunch out the crunch, but I hate crunchy hair so that isn't an option. Sometimes straightening it helps, but it just gets greasy faster that way and really doesn't keep it straight through the day, it just tames it.
What are your tips for dealing with the heat? I'm not the person to ask. I don't get too bothered by the heat. Its humidity that sucks. However, you just drink lots of water, pop into cool buildings when you can, take a nap, etc.
How do you deal when "that time of the month" suprises you on your vacation!? Everyone is talking about the diva cup, but thats so old school. I use a femmecycle which is a better version of it. Its more pliable, leak proof, and has a ring instead of that weird pointy end (it makes it easier to remove). I love it. You only have to change it once in the morning and before bed. Its so simple. For those that have heavy flow, I do too and this product keeps it ALL in ALL day. I bring freshening wipes for 'down there' because I find no matter how breezy the undies you can always do with a refresher here and there. All that being said, I just try to skip the empties on my birth control which is prescribed by my MD. Unfortunately, sometimes I miss a day (good thing I am not active) and my period happens anyway. Yep, after skipping ONE. Ain't life grand?
How do you plan for your trip? Like a mad woman, but a mad scientist sort of mad not a mad hare sort of mad.
How do you save money on your vacation? I don't; unless you count just not doing certain activities or staying at a value resort. I do what I want, eat what I want, etc. Its not that I am made of money but I travel solo mostly and can spend what I do have on ME.
what resorts do you choose and why? I chose POP because it was Value and because it has short bus rides compared to the other values. If I had my pick of the litter, though. I would stay at the Grand Floridian. Ritzy!