Leaving in 10 days - Tour email says to bring wired headphones for the "audio guide system". I only have Bluetooth headphones. Does anyone know if I need to buy headphones, and if so, what type of connector do they need to have for this system?
Posted by
San Francisco area
1892 posts
It’s probably for the whisper system to hear the guides. In the past RS has given out a single wired ear bud. Any set of earbuds or earphones with a 3.5 mm Jack should work.
Enjoy the tour!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2713 posts
The message is mostly for hearing aid wearers.
Simple earbuds will be provided along with the "Whisper" device.
Posted by
Ohio
330 posts
I received the same pre-tour message..
I purchased the Evantree 171 sports earbuds from Amazon. They are wired, and relatively inexpensive.
I plan on using them next week on my RS “Best of Italy” tour. I haven’t used them on a tour, but used them on my phone and kindle and they sounded fine.
Like the poster above, I think they are to be used on the “whisper set” this is a device you use when you are in crowded locations so you can hear your tour guide clearly thru your wired device.
As I haven’t actually used them on tour yet, a little hesitant to absolutely recommend them but just wanted to let you know what I am bringing. I think they should be fine.
Have a good trip!
Posted by
NW Ohio
347 posts
Some international flights give you inexpensive earbuds. Those will work.
Posted by
OP
Oaxaca, Mexico
5 posts
Many thanks to all of you. I was starting to "sweat the little things." First time on RS tours and first time to Italy. Appreciate all the help!
Posted by
Ohio
330 posts
Oh I get it! Going on my first Rick Steve’s tour “best of Italy” leaving Thursday. Wish me luck! I hope you have a wonderful trip! Happy adventures!
Lisa
Posted by
1 posts
Did you need the wired set? We leave on Saturday 3rd of sept?
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2713 posts
As I said above:
Rick steves tours provide (disposable) wired earbuds along with the whisper devices
If you are picky, or wear hearing aids, you may want to bring whatever works for you.
Posted by
North Carolina
90 posts
Here's the quote from the Rick Steves' "Get set for your Tour:
Wired headphones: If you wear a hearing aid, we strongly recommend bringing headphones that go over your ears to use with our audio guide system.
It says "if you wear a hearing aid." If you don't then you can use the ones your guide will provide, or you can bring your own (which I have done as mine are more comfortable for me).
Posted by
Ohio
330 posts
Yes, I just double checked the email I received last week regarding the wired headphones. Same as what the poster above noted…
I think I misunderstood… I did purchase some cheapy ones as you can see from my post above..but looks like you don’t need to unless you wear hearing aid…. Oops sorry!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2713 posts
Lisa g
I contacted the RS office a few days ago because a number of people have been confused by the wording. Hopefully it will be clearer in the future.
BTW, I bring my own because the ones provided are (to me) uncomfortable and keep falling out, but most seem okay with them
Posted by
Ohio
330 posts
Thanks Liz, I’m glad I’m not the only one that misunderstood!
I think the ones I bought will be ok,I can use them on my kindle too so that’s good. Nice to have my own.
Thanks so much for your advice! 😃
Posted by
OP
Oaxaca, Mexico
5 posts
Thanks, Liz, for the clarification and the heads-up to the office. I felt the statement in the email was unclear, which is why I posted the question. I do prefer to use my own earbuds, so I purchased an inexpensive set. All the best to you experienced RS travelers for helping us "newbies." And happy travels to those who are leaving soon. I hope you all have safe, happy travels.