De, make pictures of your hair cut when it is fresh cut... maybe even before styling so that you can give them to the person you have cut your hair... I have discovered that long or short have different definitions for different people and I can't always accurately describe what I want..
also is there some way you can do your own color? If not, get the person who does it now, to write down the color she uses including brand (and magic formula if she mixes for you). You will need to explain to her that you will be traveling long term and can't come to her or she may not share her secrets.