Bringing Laptop & hair straightener to Europe

Two separate issues. More than likely, all you will need for the laptop is an outlet adaptor. Most portable electronic devices today are dual voltage, but check the computer's specifications to make sure. The hair straightener will likely need a voltage convertor. Others on this website, however, have reported problems with hair dryers, curling irons and such even when using travel adapters. I'm sure someone else will chime in...

For your computer, the small, cheap plug shape adapters are fine. If you were going to be there for longer than you are, I might warn you that the higher voltage input for long time periods can reduce the length of charge that your battery will hold, but for 2 weeks, you'll be fine. As for the hair straightener, I have known numerous people to bring ones that even say 110-210v as an okay input and it either didn't work or fried it entirely. I bought one in Spain for like $25 that worked fine, and now I have it for future european adventures (and can use it with an adapter here in the US if I want)

Winny, Could you provide further information on the "travel adapter with 3 different plugs"??? Regarding your Apple Mac Laptop, it's almost certain that the Charger is designed for operation from 100-240VAC (I just checked my MacBook Charger to confirm that). Therefore, you'll only require a Plug Adapter for use in the countries you mentioned, and This Model is the appropriate one for those countries. I'd suggest packing two of these, as they're cheap and it's always good to have a "backup". Regarding your Hair Straightener, it's IMPORTANT that you check the "Input Voltage" specifications on the appliance. It's likely this is designed ONLY for use on 115 VAC electrical systems and if that's the case, DO NOT use it in Europe! While it could theoretically be used with a Voltage Converter, some manufacturers of hair appliances recommend against doing that. You might consider taking a dual-voltage Straightener such as This Model. You would also have to use a Plug Adapter with this. Happy travels!

Your best chance for success for your hair appliance is to have one that is dual voltage. I went to Amazon last time and found what I needed. You'll still need the plug adapter for the different countries, but you won't run the risk of frying the appliance or shorting out the power.

I just bought an inexpensive straightener when I was there (under $30). I have an expensive one I use at home and I didn't want to take the chance of killing it. If you are worried about not finding one or would like to leave prepared, you can always purchase one online before your trip. Just Google: hair straightener 220-240 volt, at 50 hertz frequency - then review the sites that come up.

Speaking of flat irons - does anyone have any recent experience abroad with a CHI flat iron?
A few years ago someone posted that her CHI hadn't het up that well in Europe. Anyone else have a similar experience?

If you are using a hair straightener or hair curler in Europe, make sure it specifically says that it is "double insulated" (symbol is a square inside a square). It will very likely also have a continental European (2 round pin) plug. Even if an American appliance says it operates on 240V, if it is not double insulated, there will probably be a shock hazard. In the US, shock protection is often provided provided by a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). In continental Europe, receptacles are not polarized, so a device that is supposed to provide protection by a polarized plug, might actually pose more of a shock hazard. It should also have the CE symbol (it's like our UL except specifically for Europe. I found one hair straightener (www.amazon.com/Titanium-Straightener-Damage-110-120-220-240v-Voltage/dp/B007HY4UXU) on Amazon that specifically said it was double insulated. It was not a CHI.

Learn from my lesson of fried hair! Get an international flat iron. My Chi fried my hair last year. For my next trip I bought a T3 flat iron that converts automatically. I got it at Ulta but you can probably find one on Amazon. Heat-based items don't seem to work well with a converter. My imersion heater didn't fair well on my trip in December! Below is a link to the flat iron I bought. http://www.discountbeautycenter.com/products2.cfm/ID/33848/name/t3-single-pass-compact-flat-iron-dual-voltage-8-inch?cvsfa=2982&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3333383437

Forgot to post about your Mac. I brought my Mac in December and only needed the adapter, not a voltage converter.

Agree on the flat iron question that you should just buy one over in Europe! It will then work on the right voltages and you don't have to worry about it breaking or your voltage converter breaking and starting to smoke as my friend's did. You could try to sell it on Ebay or such once you are back in the states or keep it for your next European adventure.