Charging Ipod via USB?

Emily, If you're going to always have access to your friend's computer for charging, that should be adequate for charging your iPod Touch. However, I'm not sure whether it will try and "sync" to your friends computer, and perhaps load their song library? I'd probably want a "backup plan" as well, so you might consider using a product like travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=126&id=423 which is very small and provides one USB charging port. You'll need to pack the Cable along regardless of which option you decide on. Happy travels!

USB is USB - and an iPod is designed for world operation, anyway. It will be fine. Even if you take a wall charger all you need is an inexpensive plug adapter.

I recommend purchasing a travel charger, such as the Belkin 4 port USB charger, which allows for charging of 4 usb devices simultaneously:
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-4-Port-USB-Charger-Mobile/dp/B001G5Z8Q4 The charger comes with adapters that allow you to change the plug between different standards (US, UK, European, etc...). I have one and it is all I bring to charge my phone, iPad, and camera, when I travel domestically and abroad.

The OP stated that she is only bringing one item that needs charging. While a travel adapter is a nice thing to have, it's overkill (and extra expense) for her trip.

If all you have is one Ipod Touch you should be fine. I did that on one trip and it was a nightmare as my friend and I had Ieverything and couldn't keep it all charged from one computer. Also, don't "drink & sync" like I did and got my library replaced with a bunch of British pop stuff for a very long 10 days. All you need is a cheap adapter. It weighs and costs very little if you want to be safe.

*don't "drink & sync" * LOL!!! I, too, was worried about that; I'd just take a charger myself...AND an electrical plug adapter (cheap).

Thanks everyone! I don't know whether to start a new thread, but has anyone also found a back up battery pack for the Itouch 4G? I bought one from Belkin, but didn't realize that it was only compatible with the 3G. So when it is plugged in, there is no sound out of the speakers or head phones. Would love to find one for less than $50.....or are they even worth it for the long flights?

Thankfully the electronics companies have agreed on standardized charging requirements for most new products. Almost everything I've bought recently charges at the rate of a standard USB port. Most even have wall chargers that take a USB cable to recharge. Consequently, you can take a wall charger that accepts a USB cable and use it to charge lots and lots of things. I even found a tiny USB-based rechargeable flashlight. Taking such a USB charger takes up very, very little space (I don't think the Belkin 4-port one is all that large either). I think it's well worth it if you want to be sure your Touch can be charged.

I also use an IMAX Power pack, which can be used to recharge USB powered electronics on the go.
http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP500-External-Blackberry/dp/B0013G8PTS The cool thing about this power pack is that you can plug it into a USB source (like the Belkin adapter) to recharge it. Since it uses the iPod USB cable, your headphones will still work. I went through all this myself a year ago and found that a iPod headphone/mic cable allowed me to use Skype with my iPod Touch (and WiFi signal).

Thanks Brent for posting 2 things I must now have. My IT guy at work looks at me like I just sprouted a second head when I ask if such things exist. I hope you own some stock in Amazon!

I wish I did! I've just been through it myself. Last year my wife, daughter, and I took a 2 week trip to the UK. I didn't want to lug a PC around so I got each of us an iPod Touch and looked into useful peripherals. It worked out great because my daughter could play games and I could jump online and check my email. All without the added weight of a PC.