Laptop safety on trip and hostels

You most likely won't need a voltage converter, just a plug adaptor. Free WIFI at hostels is not a good enough reason to bring a laptop, though. They are a hassle to travel with overall. There are lots of hostels that have free internet (with computers) or internet cafes around that make hauling your own unnecessary. You can take a wallcharger to charge your MP3 player. If your computer is that important to you, don't take the risk of losing it.

I brought my laptop on a 6-week trip all across Europe and had no problems. I didn't stay in Hostels but I did deal with how to store it in my hotel rooms (locked it in my backpack and put my backpack in the closet). I didn't have any problems at all, but I am used to carrying my laptop around with me all over, so it didn't bother me at all and I didn't find it a hassle. If you're not used to carrying it in a backpack all over and stuff, that's different, but for me it was no issue. Most of my hotels had some kind of internet and I used it to blog throughout my whole trip, post photos, stay in touch with the world a little bit, and to skype home (which saved me a lot of money in phone cards etc). So I'm glad I brought mine along.

I'm going to have to side with Nancy on this one. Your laptop will become one more thing to worry about on your trip. Use internet cafes and postcards instead. Your hair appliances will need plug adapters, not converters (but check the voltage on it to be sure - it should say something like 110v-240v). If they are valuable or if you want to save precious packing space, you may want to consider buying cheap versions in Europe.

First of all it would take a lot for me to give up my laptop for travel. I find it is the best "space saver" out there. With the internet I can access everthing a guidebook can offer and more(forums), I can make cheap phonecalls, it is my guidebook, my photo album for the freinds I meet, my blog, my journal, my resume creating device (hey you never know) etc.....

I never had a problem with my laptop in hostels but I took caution, first put a skin on it. No it doesn't completely disguise it but it also isn't a shiny silver beacon. Second It goes in a small bag(day pack) that I sleep with hooked around my arm if needed. Third look into a locking security device they don't work all that well but maybe there is new stuff out there.

You only need a plug converter. No you do not need a voltage converter. Apple has always had the other stuff built in. I work both in France and US and only have a cheap little plastic thing.

Lastly leave your hair appliances at home.

I am hearing alot of contradictory advice with the laptop, for the short time I will be there it may not be worth the worry. The leaving of my hair dryer and flatiron must be a joke! That is definately a must for someone with my hair!

Alayn,

just for your information, not all the hostels have lockers, neither in the uS nor in Europe. You will need to ask the hostel if they ahve lockers before you book. I stayed in a hostel for 5 nights in NYC just this passed sepetember and it had lockers, but it took me a while to find it. Therea re so many hostels in NYC!!!!
I have a quit heavy laptop (Windows based) about 7 lbs and I left it in the locker in NYC.I aslo travelled to Rome, italy and I left in the locker there and had no problems. You will be impressed how a "rusty relasioship" will craeted among the people in the same dorm. I booked a dorm with 6 beds in both nostels, and I noticed that other girls in the dorm left many of their stuff in the room, unlocked. A few of them left their entire backpack and nothing happened. I left some of my clothes on the bed and they hadn't been touched by anyone. Make sure you used a thicker lock for your locker. It will be harder to be cut off.

To connect to the web I use my cell phone. I have Treo which has been working fine all over the world.
You won't need a converter for your laptop, but check the voltage on your mp3 player. If it says 110-220v , you won't need a converter, just an adapter.
I find tarvelling with a laptop very usefull for research, but you will need to find a wi-fi spot all the time, unless you use a cell phone like I do.

Ok, I may just bring my usb port to plug in for my mp3 player if not my laptop and apparently i need a 1600 watt converter for hair apps.

I am pretty paranoid when it comes to locking up my stuff I hear enough stories of my classmates who leave their apartment doors unlocked and are suprised when their gear is stolen!

The first time I went to Europe I brought my laptop, and wished I hadn't. You can find internet cafes all over for cheap if your hostel doesn't provide a computer, but I think I might have had this problem a single time on my other laptop-less trips.

If you are used to carrying your laptop and it is a necessity, you'll probably be fine. I was fairly used to carrying it to school, but still hated having to worry over it. You also won't just be worrying about theft, but making sure your backpack doesn't get wet, etc.

Either way, have a great time! I loved having my hair dryer with me, haha.

Alayna -

There are plenty of internet cafes in Paris and other cities in Europe. I would not add to your stress by bringing the computer with you. Since you plan to back pack - I would reconsider the extra weight. I would not expect that the Hostel will offer any security options.

If you should decide to bring it - Apple offers a Universal Adapter kit - it is about $20-$30 I believe. This allows you to swap out your connector. You should not need a converter but check with your local Apple Store (or call) based on your model.

You might want to think about purchasing a small hair dryer for example when you get to Europe. It will save you with your converter stuff - most likely be less money too.

alayna, first of all, regarding the Laptop. So far I've avoided carrying a Laptop as that sort of gear has a high "worry factor" (especially when staying in Hostels). Many Hostels have Internet facilities on site, and if these are a bit expensive (coin operated) there's usually a Net Cafe in the vicinity with better pricing.

In Hostels where a Locker is provided, the user has to supply the Padlock. Hostels often sell these at the front desk, but those are usually fairly cheap Locks. It's a good idea to pack a good quality Padlock (with a smaller Shackle, as it might not fit the Hostel Locker if it's too large).

Regarding your MP3 Player, you should be able to obtain a USB Charger at most electronics stores. I've seen many in the stores in this area.

For your "hair appliances", I suspect these are all designed for 115 VAC. Check magellans.com for suitable Voltage Converters (I've used the auto switching model in the past with no problems).

Happy travels!

First, if you only use your laptop to watch movies, leave it at home. You spent a lot of money getting to Europe, enjoy it - the sights and sounds.

Second, several years ago I bought a used 2.9# laptop for about $100. I use it only for travel. In it's case, it's smaller and lighter than most women's purses. I don't worry about security; I take it with me everywhere, and with its small size, I don't think anyone realizes it's a laptop.

As for Stacy's observation, it certainly was not true for my trip to Germany last October. I spent 13 nights; 7 of those nights I had wireless access in my hotel (only one charged). The other six nights I seached for Cafes (I only found 4). I spent several hours looking for one in Nördlingen. I easily found ONE (just) at a sports bar in Weikersheim, but one person was using it. I watched an entire tennis match while waiting in vain for him to get off. Only in Munich did I find a Cafe with more than two computers.

So, bottom line is you can't rely on Internet cafes. If you really need a computer, bring it with you. I use my laptop for much more than Internet access. I save, sort, and label pictures. I keep expense records on Excel; I like to do that in the privacy of my own room. I also have the Bahn CD of European train schedule loaded so I can plan even when I can't find an Internet cafe. So, I find it to be a valuable tool, one that can't be duplicated at Internet cafes, IF you can find one.

alayna, one more thought regarding the hair appliances. Another option would be to buy a dual-voltage Hair Dryer and Flat Iron (these could be used on future trips or at home). That way you wouldn't need to pack a Voltage Converter. However, Plug Adapters would still be required. Have a look at the items offered by Magellans (one of the Hair Dryers had a number of favourable reviews).

The only adapter you need on the continent is the one sold by Rick for $3. If you are not buying anything else and don't want to pay postage, you can get them at REI and ACE Hardware for about $5.

Let me just add to the chorus- pack light, and leave your laptop at home. There are plenty of other ways to connect to the internet that involve far less hassle.

It seems a lot of people are under the assumption that the only thing one can do with a laptop is check email and surf the web. There are a zillion lot of other uses for a computer and if a traveler is doing more than checking email with their laptop than I say bring it along. In fact if you use it smartly you can actually save a lot of space in you backpack. For example you can utilize ebooks instead of carrying around paperbacks, and scan pertinent pages/chapters from guidebooks onto the hard drive. Also, if the weather isn't cooperating or your feet are sore, or your plane is stuck on the tarmac for two hours you can watch your favorite movie. If you really wanted to get decedent you can also buy a slingbox and connect to your DVR at home, and not miss the latest episode of Lost. As with anything be it a cell phone, hair dryer, extra pair of shoes, jewelry, ipod, or laptop, if you think you will use it enough to justify the hassle, then bring it along.

Mainly my thinking was using it to keep in touch with m family and friends while away,because I am not sure that my phone will work. I was thinking of a free way to talk with them, could upload pictures from my camera each day,download enough podcast/etc to fit on my player. I'm not all that worried about it during travel as even when I travel back and forth now I carry it with me, but would most likely have to leave it in hostel during the day and lock it in the locker at night. Through my school I have a 4 year protection plan so if it DOES god forbid get stolen, then insurancce covers that, but I will hae to see if there is some loophole.
Also- I don't really use my laptop for movies, I tried to watch a movie on a plane once and that battery only lasted about an hour.
When doing research, I had just seen an article about using your laptop and how you need a transformer and excess garbage.
I DID find a combination wattage converter at target yesterday for low and high.

Almost all laptops sold today have multivoltage power supplies. Look for 100-240VAC 50/60Hz embossed on the power supply. This means they will work fine on European power. All you need is a lightweight, inexpensive (~$3 from the Travel Store) plug adapter.

Alayna, I suggest you try this. Contact the hostels where you will be staying. See if they have 1) wireless internet connections, 2) an internet computer, 3) a cybercafe convenient in the neighborhood. From that information you can decide whether it is worth bringing a laptop for internet access. That's what I did before my last trip, and I decided it was worth it - and it sure was.

Look at getting a used, inexpensive, lightweight computer. Over the last seven years I've picked up two (less than 3#, $100) on ebay. That way you can leave your expensive, heavy mac at home.

I've got a mac and yep they're pricey. I took my powerbook 12" with me to Spain for 3 weeks. I used it mainly to write daily journal entries, transferring pics from my camera, charging my ipod and also to view my travel info.

I'm a computer geek and put my entire travel itinerary on my laptop. From maps, detailed spreadsheets of my train travels, hostels, transit/sleep times, emergency info, To-Do checklists, lodging confirmations, scanned travel docs and other stuff.
I had my own private room and everytime I left for the day, I stored it out of sight, in my locked luggage. I used internet at a minimum, every 4-5 days.
If you are not going to be doing heavy activity on the laptop, I'd suggest leave it at home. There are many internet cafes to get online on.