I'm going to Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Hungary in a couple of weeks and will be staying in hostels. It will be my first time hosteling, so I'm wondering, in general, is it a pain in the backside to have daily access to a hair dryer? Does it make sense to just bring a little portable one instead of having to check one out all the time? Unfortunately, I am not one of those people who can air dry or do a wet ponytail and look good (or not like a hobo in general).
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
If you do bring one make sure that it's dual voltage, and that you bring a plug adapter for it. Also, be aware that it won't operate like it does at home. You will only be able to use the low/slow speed while on European voltage. If you need a higher speed you might as well just check one out at the hostel (or purchase a cheap one when you arrive).
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
I have stayed in many hostels and never saw them provide a hair dryer. As the other post said.....make sure you get one with dual voltage. I have have a small travel one that folds.
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
671 posts
Also, make sure your converter fits your hair dryer! We lugged a small dual voltage hair dryer and small straightener (for the bangs, only), just to get over there and find that the converters didn't fit the plugs correctly. Conair makes a special converter that fits their hair appliances, and I should have spent to buy that. Also, our hostels and most of our B&Bs/pensions did not have hair dryers. This time, I am just going to buy one at a department store on day 1 over there.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Hostels almost never have a hairdryer. If you need one, bring your own. Nancy mentioned you can only use a dual voltage hairdryer on low/slow speed in Europe. I'm not sure what hairdryer she used, but I brought along a cheap American Conair dual voltage hairdryer and only had to get an adapater plug. Used it at high speed/hottest setting in Ireland, Belgium, UK, Italy, France, CZ and no problems at all. Worked exactly the same as it did in the United States. I also had a Conair dual voltage flat iron and it, too, worked with no problems on the highest heat settings. I would not bring a really expensive American hairdryer or flat iron (ex. Chi) with me to use just in case it shorted out. Either get a cheap American dual voltage or wait and buy a European one the 1st day you arrive.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
Not sure what Nancy is talking about either, because based on reviews I have been reading for travel dryers, people have no trouble using them on a high setting. And yes, of course I am aware it needs to be dual voltage. I am pretty sure I'm going to put Amazon Prime to use and order myself a travel hair dryer. Thanks, everybody!
Posted by
Atlanta
1357 posts
Or you can check out WalMart or Target. My hair dryer works like Nancy says, I have to use it on the high setting in Europe to get anything more than a gentle breeze out of it.