Correct Adapters and Electronics

Make sure you understand the difference between an adapter and a converter, and use the terms correctly. An adapter is a passive piece of hardware that fits into a receptacle in Europe and takes an American plug. It does not change the voltage. A converter is a transformer or electronic device that accepts 230V in Europe and convert it to about 115V for American single voltage devices. It changes the voltage, but not the frequency (still 50 Hz).

A standard "Europlug" adapter should fit into any receptacle on the European continent (but won't work in the UK). There are a few reasons why some people could have adapters that didn't work in Italy. 1) they might have been using grounding adapters, for a "3-prong" American plug (with a grounding pin). Grounded receptacles in Europe vary by country and are not interchangeable. 2) they might have been using an adapter, with 2 round pins on the European side, that was for northern Europe. These adapters have 4.8mm diam pins. The Italian receptacles only accept 4.0mm diam pins.

In any case, technically you should not use any device from the US with a "polarized" plug (one of the blades wider). Important safety feature, required by UL, depend on polarization of the power source. Most European power sources are not polarized, and the symmetry of the adapters allow the polarization to be defeated. I know you won't listen to me and will use devices with polarized plugs anyway, but be sure not to leave it plugged in when not in use.

Apple iPad and iPhones: already have the standard Apple chargers that are dual-voltage
Canon DSLR camera: already have the standard battery electrical charger that's dual-voltage

All you need is a plug adapter. Assuming these are 2 prong chargers, any "southern Europe" adapter will work (the two prong plugs are standardized across multiple countries). If either of these have a 3 prong plug, Italy uses a unique 3 prong plug. Here's one that will work for Italy: https://www.amazon.com/Ceptics-Italy-Travel-Plug-Adapter/dp/B007YL6HY6/

Straightening iron: currently have a U.S. single-voltage iron

Leave it at home. Either get a dual- or multi-voltage one from Amazon or Magellan, or buy one in Italy. Depending on the plug it has, you may also need an adapter.

Note that there's a difference between dual -voltage and multi-voltage. Multi-voltage is auto-sensing, and you don't need to do anything except get the right plug adapter; your phone charge and camera charger are most likely in this category. Dual voltage requires you to flip a switch from 110 to 220 volts, and flip it back when you return to the US, or you can destroy the device, blow a fuse, or start a fire. Many things that get hot (like flat hair irons and hair dryers) are dual voltage; if yours is, make sure you've set it correctly before plugging it in!

Hair dryer: I'm planning on using whatever is in the hotel room when we're in Italy

Sounds good. If you don't like the one in the room, you can buy one in Italy.

You can buy adapters from the RS Travel Store, they are round two-pronged and work in Italy. I use them for my iPhone, iPad and camera. The straightening iron may need a converter, not a simple adapter. I would leave it at home.

I buy an adapter for each device that I take, leave them attached to the device so I don't have to switch them around. They cost about a dollar each on sale.

Chances are that a curling iron that you buy in Italy 240 volt) will cost you less than a 110/240 volt transformer.

On no ccount, plug your 110 volt iron into an Italian 240 volt outlet - you are likely to blow a fuse, or melt your curler.

I found an excellent flat iron for my April trip to Italy that's dual voltage. It works great! And it's cheap!

XARA Professional 2" infrared ceramic FLAT IRON Hair Straightener Dual voltage 110/220v https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FYEC2HU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DVnWybF1ZA0HS

Thanks, everyone! Adding to the confusion is the amount of prongs.

Harold indicated that Italy uses a 3-plug adapter.
Zoe said Italy uses a 2-prong.

???

I use the 2-prong adapters, just tossed a little Baggie of them into my suitcase. Some outlets may have 3-prong, but the 2-prong work on my iPhone, iPad, and camera chargers. Been using them for years.

Lauren,

Regarding two pin or three pin Plug Adaptors, this is the simple answer. If your North American appliance uses two pins (no ground pin), then use a two pin Plug Adaptor. If your North American appliance uses three pins (has a ground pin), then use a three pin Plug Adaptor. If you travel with one of each, that should cover all situations.

As others have stated, you'll only need the Plug Adaptors to connect chargers for the Apple devices and the Canon charger. Most hotels these days have Hair Dryers either in the room or available on request at the front desk. That leaves the question of the straightening iron. I'd suggest leaving your iron at home and buying one in Europe. Unfortunately the model shown in the Amazon link in an earlier reply states "We don't know when or if this product will be in stock again." Here are some other models you could check.

I would not recommend using a Voltage Convertor on your present Hair Straightener.

For your charging gadgets you might consider this which was mentioned on the Tech Forum

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191GVDKE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used Rick's adaptor https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/travel-power-adapter and an Anker 4 which I use for travel in the US too. This worked for charging 3 iphones, an ipad, a nook and 2 cameras. Was able to coordinate so all would be charged by the morning.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-4-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B00VH8ENXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1489552233&sr=1-1&keywords=anker+4

And the adaptor worked for duel voltage my hot rollers. Only bring the dual voltage hair products as a converter with a US voltage item is a recipe for disaster.

I take all the same stuff your taking. My Curling iron and straightener are both dual voltage and worked fine. I purchased a tiny straightener at Marshalls for $9.99 and it worked great and I have medium thick long hair. I also use the hair dryer at the hotel/apartment.

Here are the adaptors I use:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084OIY0M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also purchased this for our phones/tablets/fitbit because it comes with it's own adaptors for various countries (warning: it is a little heavy!)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011KPRE1G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1