Power strips in Europe

Clare, If you do decide to bring a Power Bar to Europe, you MUST ensure that it's a "basic" model WITHOUT any Surge protection, RFI filters or other electronic circuits. That type of product is designed ONLY for use on 115 VAC electrical systems and will "self destruct" if connected to 220 VAC (possibly with a spectacular show of sparks and smoke!). Before you do anything else, you MUST check the Chargers of each device that you plan to travel with to determine the Input Voltage. If this states "Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", then you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adapters. The Euro-style Plug Adapter has two round pins (for ungrounded appliances). I'd suggest trying to avoid travelling with a Voltage Converter if possible. It's very important to use a Transformer model converter with electronic devices, and these tend to be heavy. One question regarding your Phones - which network are you with? If the answer is Verizon or Sprint, your phones may not even work in Europe. As these are probably Smartphones, have you considered the data roaming issue? Will you be taking other devices besides the two Android phones and a Laptop? If the Android phones can be charged via USB, one could be charged with the Laptop so a Power Bar may not even be necessary? You could also consider a product such as the ChargePod which can power six devices simultaneously from one outlet (won't work for the Laptop though). I've been using one for the past few years, and it's worked well. Regarding "burning down the hotel", I make it a practice to NEVER leave things on charge when I'm out of the room. Happy travels!

... what Ken said, but I'll add one small point. France and Switzerland use the same voltage, but have different outlet configurations. France uses the standard round socket, but the Swiss version has a diamond shape. You'll need a separate plug adapter for each country. But I've never stayed in a hotel in Switzerland that couldn't provide the adapter on request.

Clare, A few points to add to Tom's reply..... Most countries in Europe use a variation of the Schuko (German) standard for Plugs and Outlets. The configuration differs slightly in Switzerland with respect to the ground pin. In Switzerland this is offset, while in Italy the three pins are "in line", with the ground / earth pin in the centre. This page describes the differences (scroll down about half way to see the Swiss version). In my experience a normal two-pin Euro Plug Adapter such as This One have always worked fine in Switzerland (and other countries in Europe). HOWEVER, if you prefer to use a grounded Plug Adapter for those appliances that are designed to be grounded, then an Adapter such as This One would be the appropriate one to use in Switzerland. I've found that with about half a dozen Plug Adpaters, I can cover just about anywhere in Europe for both grounded and ungrounded appliances. Cheers!

Clare - I have a dual voltage power strip that I use in Europe. It has the standard US 3-prong grounded plug, so I just get the necessary plug adaptors for whichever country I'm in. I think I got it at a travel store somewhere but Magellan's sells it too. There are 3 plugs and one USB port on it. I haven't had a problem with it over several trips. It is not a converter, but the eletronics I travel with are all dual voltage so I don't have the need for a converter (camera batteries, phone, iPod, sometimes laptop if needed for work). I use it because often it's hard to find more than one plug to charge things...

I use a travel power strip I got on Amazon-the cord wraps around and clips into place, 4 plugs. I use a "universal" adaptor to plug it in. All of my electronics are less than 5 years old so most transform the power on their own. Mine say so right on the device or power cord. My set up has worked great in Mexico, Iceland, Ireland, Italy and in 7the countries in Central Europe. I've charged camera batteries, phone, computers and a shaver.

WOW! Thank you all so much!

Clare, I share your fear about blowing up the hotel (or at least causing a temporary blackout). I try to alternate the items that are plugged into the (usually) one pathetic little outlet (phone one day, ipad the next, etc.).