electricity adapter

The huge difference between charging a camera and running high wattage high dryer, straightener, etc. IF YOU NEED a converter it must match the wattage requirement. Even then the hair dryer may not work as well and could have long term damage. Most hotels will provide hair dryers so leave it home. Don't know about availability of hair straighteners.

I used a hair straightener with a converter in Austria. My straightener melted. No joke. This was a really good straightener too. After that experience, I bought one specifically for Europe trips on the folica.com website. To me, it was worth it to not worry about the electrical issues when I travel there. Hair straighteners are a whole different ballgame than charging your camera or using an electric razor.

Check if the place your staying at supplies blowdryers, my B&B in Venice did but my B&B in Rome didn't. We brought our netbook, my flat iron and camera. My fiance brought regular disposable shavers so we didn't have to worry about another appliance. Check your stuff and make sure they say 120-240 V on the wires usually then you only need an adapter. If it says less than those numbers you need a converter. RS books explain this well and there are lots of posts on here if you do a search as well.

Nicole, This article has some pictures of the plugs, adapators, convertors, and transformers used overseas. I have 3 USA laptops plugged in today and use ONLY plug adaptors. I'd also suggest to purchase a dual-voltage travel hairdryer... or just wait until you get to Europe and purchase one!

Nicole, As the others have mentioned, it's extremely important to check EACH appliance you'll be travelling with to determine the "Input Voltage" ratings! If these ratings state "115 VAC, 60 Hz", then you WILL NOT be able to use those device in Europe unless you also use a Voltage Converter. Again as mentioned, Voltage Converters are NOT interchangeable! Electronic devices such as Camera Chargers, etc. should ONLY be used with Transformer-type Converters, and a capacity of 50-watts is usually more than adequate. For high-wattage appliances such as Hair Dryers, Straighteners etc. that may draw as much as 1600-watts, a solid-state type Converter will be needed. However, IT'S IMPORTANT to check the Owner's manual for EACH device, as some hair appliances contain electronic components and the manufacturers don't recommend use with Voltage Converters. With Hair Appliances especially, it's often easier to purchase a dual-voltage travel model. Have a look at This Website for more information and prices. One other point to note is that some Hotels offer Hair Dryers, although these may be kept at the front desk so you may have to ask. It would help if you could post information on the devices you'll be travelling with, and the Input Voltage ratings of each of these. On the topic of Plug Adapters, it would also help to know which countries you'll be visiting? There's a difference in Plug Adapters between the U.K. and the continent. Also, if any of your devices has a grounding pin, there are a variety of different models depending on country. I'd suggest packing several Plug Adapters in case one gets misplaced or whatever. Happy travels!

Ron, what a great webpage summarizing the various outlets. We encountered all of them in our recent travels in Italy, meaning we needed several different adapters. Next time I'm taking a small power strip to recharge our various electronics. That way I don't have to hunt around the room/apartment for available outlets.

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=54741 re power strips