Lightbulb in carry on bag

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Maybe but could possibly turn out to be a hassle cleaning out little bits of glass. Can't say I've ever had a room with lighting so dim I couldn't read something though.

Forget light bulbs. Buy a mini-light or flex light. They clip to the book cover and run on one AAA battery. You can adjust the position of the light by bending the flexible cable.

I think Robert's idea is the most practical and least hassle. Then you can bring it and use it on the plane, the train, etc. Much easier than trying to change out lightbulbs in hotel rooms.

Congratulations on posting the first question like this that I've ever seen. :-) Don't forget that they sell light bulbs and many other things in Italy. You might want to wait until you get there and then pick one up if you need it. Happy (and bright) travels.

Thanks everyone. I use you have no problem reading even in dim light that I find as I get older my eyes are not quite up to the task. But I certainly don't want be cleaning out little bits of glass. I've had lights that attach to my book but the battery is wait far too much and took up too much room. Maybe there is an inexpensive light weight one available now. Yes, indeed there are lightbulbs in Italy available for purchase. But I understand that you can no longer get incandescent lights in Europe, only the energy-efficient type which do not put out as much light. If nothing else works, maybe I'll just read during the day

Depending what type of places you are staying, the base style of the lamp may vary quite a bit. Probably best to either wait until you are there, or provide your own book light.

Thanks, Paul. I'm convinced, everyone. I will not be packing a lightbulb. That's probably a brighter idea anyway.

Glad you have seen the light, Kay

Wow, this was an illuminating thread.

Nobody mentioned the exploding light bulb? Plug in a US 115V bulb in to a fixture in Itay. Nothing will happen. Switch it on and a big flash and smoke will result followed by darkness, perhaps in the whole building. Why? 240V coming out of the wall. Oh, and the screw wouldn't fit, usually. Europeans generally use bayonet connectors rather than Edison screw connectors. It can be easy and relatively cheap to buy a bulb after you check in and see what you need - any supermarket.

Kay, I totally understand. I have the same problem, so I need a super bright light for reading, and a regular lightbulb just won't do it. The technology for book lights has changed, and now there are some awesome products that use LED lights, only require 2 or 3 tiny AAA batteries, provide LOTS of light for reading, and last hours an hours. Amazon has a whole list of these. They are cheap, and do a great job! Read some of the reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-XtraFlex2-Light-Silver/dp/B000OOSDTW/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

I second Steve's comments. LED lights are terrific. They've made all my older flashlights obsolete and in time will do the same to our old incandescent light bulbs (regardless of whatever Congress does). I'd suggest trying some out before you go to see how long the batteries last so you'll know if you need to carry spare batteries. My travel flashlight is a tiny thing from eGear that plugs into a USB port. Because I carry a USB port charger for my cell phone, I also carry a charger that works for my flashlight. A flashlight isn't so handy for book reading, though. But a quick check of amazon shows bunches of LED book lights that also charge from a USB port.

Kay, I have the same problem in Italy. It seems that many of the hotels there have dim lighting. I take a little LED book light as others have suggested and it works out well. Last year I purchased a book light from Costco that has 2 heads, so double the light. You might look for one similiar to this so that you'll definitely have enough light. Have fun.

Hi- I am taking my Mighty Bright with me in six weeks to Italy. It takes 3 AAA batteries and hooks onto my book. I got mine at Borders but they sell them at book stores and apparently from Amazon. They come in all kinds of colors and patterns. Very Handy! I will probably buy more batteries there if I need them. I will also bring my Kindle with a cover that has a light already.
Have a great trip! Carol

I took a small Zeico foldup magnifier with a light on it - it was helpful for reading maps and certain guidebooks, and doesn't weigh much. It might not be as helpful if you want to read a novel.

Kay, I have struggled with this for years, at home and in hotels.
My husband can't sleep with my lamp on, so for a long time I used a book light or flashlight. Enter the IPad! I can now read anywhere I want, and the IPad is going to be making a trip to France. An IPad, Nook or Kindle would solve your problem, because even if the hotel has bright bulbs, the lamps are not always placed at bedside, even in US hotels. Happy Reading!

I think a light bulb from the US would probably blow the fixture it is used in. The wattage is probably too much for their lamps. Why are you spending so much
time reading while in a lovely country?