Hair Products & Flights: Is it Possible to Travel Light? C+C Chats with Curlsfothegirls!

For most of us ladies, packing our beauty and hair necessities for a trip is never easy. Most of the time we tend to over pack (for example, I NEVER wear eyeshadow but hmm, let me bring it just in case). Here's a tip though: I keep a quart-sized ziplock bag with my travel accessories in it (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc - I bring the same jewelry on just about every trip) that I toss in my luggage when I'm packing (makes it a little easier).

In regards to my hair supplies, I can never win. I always have to bring an AMPLE (or full sized) amount of product with me. This means my bags will be checked. Damn it.

Can this be avoided though?

Ashley Hall (Beauty influencer and curl maven, @curlsfothegirls) takes some time out for Coconut + Concrete to tell us how she travels!

You recently returned from Jamaica! What hair care products did you bring along with you?

Any time I travel, I take full sized products with me (nooooooo!). I have a lot of hair and can’t risk getting caught without the proper product(s) because I only brought travel sizes! On my trip to Jamaica, I took a color protecting shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner, which didn’t help too much with color protection, but my hair was ridiculously soft! I also brought the Frizz Free Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Wash, Leave-in Conditioner, and Curl Control Jelly, as well as the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil and UV Primer from Bumble & bumble. I feel like I might have packed something else, but I definitely remember packing these products.

I personally love Jamaica and have been a few times myself. Where did you stay? Would you recommend it to someone interested in visiting?

That was my first time in Jamaica and I absolutely loved it! We stayed at the Riu Montego Bay, which was beachfront, entertaining, and close to the airport. I would definitely recommend it to someone else interested in visiting because of the hotel layout and it was all-inclusive. You can’t beat that.

Soooo I have this lip gloss that I keep in my clutch for those days when I’m just out and about (or running to the airport!). Those makeup-free days when I just need a little shine. What’s your go-to gloss that’s good for running those everyday errands?

When I’m running everyday errands, I’m usually 100% bare-faced with Carmex in hand. If I decide to spice it up a bit, I’ll use my Too Faced Lip Injection gloss. It’s a lip plumping gloss that makes my lips look a little extra pouty.

Do you always check your luggage when flying? If not, how can we (us girls with curls and a gazillion hair products!) pack light so that we don’t have to check bags? This seems to be the biggest challenge in traveling with natural hair.

I always have a checked bag because I refuse to leave home without full-sized hair and skin care products. If you’re interested in packing light, I’d suggest finding a low maintenance style for your vacation like braids. This way, you won’t have to worry about styling your hair for the beach or dinner! Then, you can easily pack travel sized bottles for your skincare. However, I do suggest packing a large sized sun protectant. The Caribbean sun is nothing to play with!

Last question: Pool or beach?

The beach without a doubt. White sand and clear, blue water wins any day! 

So there you have it. Low maintenance hairstyles (braids, twists, buns, etc.) are the way to go if you want to cruise through customs. Otherwise, pack those products up tightly!

How do you pack light?

Trippin' with Shanna Stevenson!

There's something about the kindness of strangers that can be highly motivational. When I decided to get serious about Coconut + Concrete, Shanna Stevenson (@tripwithshan) was one of the first people to interact with me. It is organically inspiring when people who don't know you, have never met you in person can see your vision before you've even put it out there. I use the term "organic" in the social media sense; you know its real. I take those little interactions as a spiritual sign from above to press on; no matter how frightening the thought may be.  

Shan also has an interesting story that I thought might inspire others to just get up, get out and do the damn thing!

Just to clarify, you're from Atlanta right? How did you end up in the Dominican Republic and how long have you been there? 

Actually, I was born in Chicago, but yes, I was raised from the age of 2, in a northern suburb of Atlanta, called Marietta. My DR story starts back in 2014. That's when I took a mother/daughter trip with my mom, Donna. She picked the place after finding a deal online. Honestly, at the time I knew nothing about the DR and never had any interest in it. It's so wild to think about it now. Anyway, after researching the deal my mom had found, I realized I could find a better one, so we cancelled that one and booked the trip I found. Long story short, we had an amazing time, got off the resort, and enjoyed some adventurous excursions, my favorite being the horseback riding. It was on this excursion that I truly fell in love with the country. I had a chance to observe the authenticity of one of the local neighborhoods. The way the people all appeared so content. The way I witnessed the kids enjoying themselves and making the most out of nothing or the simplest of toys. It was astonishing to witness. My heart was forever changed. It was at that moment that I fell in love with this little place and begin thinking this could be the simple life I needed. Exactly one year later to that same week, I had landed in the DR to begin my new adventure there. It's been almost 2 years now and it's been quite the learning curve, but in all seriousness, I grow more in love with the place daily.  

Do you travel back home often?

I try to get back home about every 3 or 4 months. Although, lately I've been traveling to other places, making the rounds to visit friends and family in other states. Next year, I plan on doing a lot more international travel, so home visits won't be as regular. 

Many may not know but in addition to your trip planning services you also operate an Airbnb! Did you have to purchase property in the DR? If so, what was that process like?

You're right! Airbnb hosting was actually the very beginnings to TRIP WITH SHAN. My guests would constantly want my recommendations and would even request that I accompany them out. Literally through listening to them, my personal tour services (another segment of TRIP WITH SHAN) developed from these interactions and their feedback. And yes, I do maintain some property in the DR. I have been able to leverage some great relationships with some pretty cool people I have met here that trust me to manage their properties. Both the personal tours and the hosting have been great additions to the TRIP WITH SHAN offering.

How long have you been a certified travel professional? How did you get into the business and is this your only profession?

I received my official certification as an international travel agent and began offering my services just over a year ago, but have been trip planning for what seems like, all my life. It's one of my favorite things to do. Thank goodness, because my clients keep me busy! I came across the opportunity when a respected friend talked to me about becoming an agent based on my lifestyle at the time. It was a no-brainer for me and ever since I've been thrilled to be a part of this $8 Trillion dollar travel industry. It's really a fascinating sector. Travel has always been a big part of my life. Being able to introduce others to it, has been the most amazing thing to experience and is what really propels the direction I take TRIP WITH SHAN. Right now, its all about creating authentic experiences where people feel comfortable venturing off their resorts or away from their hotels to really get a better feel for a place. Safety and personal attention are what we offer. That's what people want. 

Favorite vacay spot?

Can I say, my "backyard"? Literally, the beach is 5 minutes from my door! Hahaha, but honestly, any Caribbean locale with amazing food and positive vibes. I love the island life. 

And we can totally agree with that! Many, many thanks to Shan for taking the time out for Coconut + Concrete. If you're looking to experience 3 nights, 2 excursions and 1 amazing time in the Dominican Republic this coming February, click here for more info, Shan's got you covered!

**Sidenote: Shanna isn't exactly fluent in Spanish, she likes to say she's fluent in Spanglish (Spanish + English), most of her clients refer to her as being "bilingual" and she gets a kick out of it every time!

So now what's stopping YOU from reaching your dreams?

Backpacking Across South America: M0ner0

The type of place you bring the woman you want to impress. #noryauyos #vilca #huancaya #lima #peru

One of the greatest things about social media is that you get to e-meet people that you probably would've never met in "real" life. There are a lot of authentic people out there leading fascinating and interesting lives. For me, one of those people happen to be Kent or @M0ner0 (with zeros, not "o") on Instagram. If you're not following him please go and do so right this moment. Kenny is always on the go - he's never just "home, chilling". He has gone to the deepest corners of the world (far, far off the beaten path and miles away from tourists) to capture some of the most stunning, surreal, beautiful, mystical - I could go on - views I have ever seen. 

What makes his photos so intriguing is that he often hikes (sometimes 7 hours or more), sometimes risking his life on these dangerous paths to capture these incredible moments. 

I've been following him for a few years now and I've always told him that he needs to write a book one day. This man is FULL of stories (as I'm sure you can imagine) which is why I decided to reach out to him for an interview right quick.

Planet Earth... everyday #earthday #earthlife #pachamama #noryauyos #vilca #huancaya #lima #peru

You seem to be a very mysterious man - Where were you born and raised?

I was born In Passaic, New Jersey from immigrant parents. My parents split up when I was a toddler. Mother moved us to Worcester, MA, where I was raised. 

I've been following you on Instagram for quite some time. You once mentioned being incarcerated and having found a deeper appreciation for freedom and life. If you don't mind sharing, what led to your incarceration and how much time did you have to do?

I was incarcerated for almost two years for drug trafficking. It was my first (and hopefully last) time I've ever been in any serious trouble.  

You're the true definition of a modern-day nomad. What made you decide to go on the road and explore the world on your terms?

Frankly, I became tired of the short vacations that yielded nothing but "good" times. I wanted adventure and deep experiences. A fellow I met in Berlin, Germany convinced me of the backpacking route and so I took the plunge. 

I MUST ask this: Being that you spend a lot of time in the wilderness among the mountaintops, how do you maintain cell phone service?

Almost all of my posts are later grams. Either a day or even a week after the event. I have a Peruvian cell chip. It's really cheap to buy internet data here. 

Also, it seems that you do a lot of bartering with the people you meet along your journey but how do you get by without a solid job (income)?

I've had the privilege of guiding people around places for cash. Occasionally I'll do some odd jobs for a few sols (Peruvian currency). Couchsurfing and Woofing are great ways to stretch your savings. 

*Couchsurfing is a website where a fellow traveler can find a place to crash at, for free. Woofing is also website where you can find employment in exchange for food/lodging.

Are you ever afraid? What keeps you going?

I have shed any fear I had years ago. I've been robbed a few times. I almost got shot for mistaken identity once. I find that things happen, especially on long term journeys. It is inevitable. It is how you approach it and how you deal with any issues that arise. Staying positive is key.  

The love of adventure keeps me going. The love for photography and my passion to share with others the beauty found on planet Earth keeps me going.

When they say that you shouldn't, cuz they wouldn't #huaytapallana #huancayo #junin #peru

Many, many thanks to Kenny (@M0ner0) for sharing! If you're looking to see the unseen part of a country's culture you've got the right guy. 

Would you ever consider backpacking?

Vacation + Sexual Harassment

"Hey Sexy..."

"What's your name? Why're you eating by yourself?"

"Hey pretty - What that room number be?!"

All of the above are phrases I've heard on vacation. Just recently too. While in Mexico for the Parlour Magazine Travelfly Solo trip another group (which shall remain nameless) had overbooked at The Hard Rock and was using our resort, Unico 2087 as back up. This sort of tainted my experience because whenever I stepped out of my room I was putting myself at risk of being harassed. 

The first time it happened I was walking to the beach and I heard a man say "hey sexy" from one of the balconies overlooking the pool area. I can remember thinking, "I know that's not what I'm hearing", when he said it again. I ignored it and continued on my way.

The next day we experienced a torrential down pour which had most of us stuck inside of our rooms. When the rain stopped I walked over to the restaurant where the buffet lunch was served. Inside it sounded like a stadium; a group of men (black, older, fraternity - you get the picture) were taking shots. Now, I understand they were having fun. But this resort isn't for THAT kind of fun. Unico 2087 is a laid back, spa-based, relaxation resort. It's not the Hard Rock by any means. 

All I wanted to do was eat my food, go back to my room and get ready for my excursion. But no: While I'm eating, an older man (who looked like he could be my dad) felt the need to ask me my name, am I traveling alone and why was I eating by myself. I was really trying to be polite and short; hoping he'd get the point and leave me alone. I didn't want to talk and I sure didn't want his company. His friend that was with him got the message and they both ended up moving away. 

Let me stop here and say that at NO time should any woman ever feel obligated to speak to a "stranger". She should not fear being labeled "stuck up", "boujee", or "conceited" just because she didn't want to talk. It is her choice. 

I was on vacation. No, I did not want to be bothered. I did not want to be around the riff-raff. I didn't come to Mexico to "party". I don't know why this party group was sent to Unico. To be completely honest, I didn't even want the association. Other guests and staff saw us beautiful, brown, melanated women and automatically assumed we were all part of the same group. I really wanted to yell "WE'RE NOT ALL LIKE THAT!"

What actually put the nail in the coffin was when I returned from my excursion. It was about 8:30 pm and I was walking back to my room (on the resort grounds) and I passed a group of guys and heard "hey pretty - what that room number be?", I started to stop and give him a serious piece of my mind but instead I just kept walking. I was tired, my bag was heavy and I really just wanted to take a shower. I'd be meeting my friends for dinner at 9.

By this time I was now prepared and ready to go OFF if I had to encounter any other rude and sexually suggestive comments. I felt sorry for the guy who would feel my wrath. 

That never happened though, and as I always say - everything happens for a reason. I was leaving the next day and after my departure I heard things got a bit more raunchier. 

I'll end this by saying I absolutely LOVED Unico 2087, and would definitely revisit for a truer experience. What I didn't like or appreciate was The Hard Rock Hotel sending their savage leftovers. 

Have you ever experienced harassment on vacation? Tell me about it below.