extension cord

It’s not just that outlets are few and far between, but also they may be far away from your area you want to be, thats why the extension cord is helpful.

Standard advice: Be sure the cord you use has no electronics in it that expect only 120 volts. In other words, it needs to be just plain wires.

An alternative would be to get a plug tap that lets you plug in several devices to one outlet. You won't have the reach of a cord, but it takes up less room.

If all you are charging are devices that charge with USB cords a device such as this will save the need to bring an extension cord. We’ve been traveling with this model for years but there are others: https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-Charger-International-Converter-Included/dp/B01M58DGEI/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1538524574&sr=8-10&keywords=usb+travel+charger+international+bestek

I have used an extension cord for years. Outlets are always impossible to reach. I plug the adapter on the end and then stretch it out to where we can set our electronics. Yes, straight wire. My wife thought I was crazy carrying it. Very Very useful.

I've managed without an extension cord, traveling alone with only two devices plus a toothbrush that doesn't have to be plugged in every day. However, it's true that there may be only one outlet, and it may be 10' from the bed or the only available chair. An extension cord is a tempting thought. I assume the outlet situation tends to improve as you go up the hotel-rating scale. I stay in budget places that are just nice enough to have air conditioning--but only where I think I might need it.

We travel with a garden-variety extension cord -- probably bought at a garage sale -- plus an adapter to plug into European outlets. Two phones plus occasional charging of electric toothbrushes and portable charger. Definitely useful for the behind-the-headboard and under-the-table outlets.

Thanks everyone. The pink extension cord will be packed. Alan, I don’t see the advantage of your charger since it’s also a converter which I don’t need, plus I have a 2port USB charger.

I suggest that you tape the adapter to the extension cord so that you do not lose it.

The comment on upscale hotels having plenty of outlets is not always true. We stayed at a very nice hotel on our last trip to England. There was a very nice desk and chair to work at but not an electrical outlet within 10 ft of the desk. We did have an extension cord with us.

Agree the converter function has limited utility. But there are devices that won’t run without one so it’s built in, that’s my understanding. Mine lives in a wall socket at home and charges our three iPhones and one iPad. When we go to Europe we swap out the American plug for the EU one (included) and we are good to go. In case the receptacle is in a difficult spot this unit has an extension cord. I gave up carrying an standard extension cord a long time ago, but if that is what makes you comfortable, have at it.

Hey, everybody. A USB "charger" IS a voltage converter. It converts voltage from 100VAC-240VAC to 5VDC.

I don't know where you are going, but I've spent over 5 months traveling in Germany, Austria, and Czechia in the last 18 years, and I have never needed an extension cord. I've almost always had a work surface with a receptacle nearby - close. The only exception was an apartment last year, where the kitchen table was in the middle of the room and the receptacle was on the wall. i could have pushed the table over against the wall with the receptacle, but I just used my pad on battery when I needed it, then charged it at night in the living room where there was a shelf with a receptacle. Overall, there were accessible receptacles all over the apartment.

There are lots of 6 ft USB cables available. Instead of using an extension cord, put the charger in the wall and use USB cables to where you want to to charge your devices.

My husband uses a CPAP we used the extension cord quite a few times because there weren’t always outlets close to the bed.

I don't think anyone is saying upscale hotels have plenty of outlets. I simply wrote that I imagine the situation in such hotels isn't as grim as in the average budget hotel of my experience. It doesn't take a lot of outlets (or any well-positioned outlets) to qualify as better than a single unused outlet that is nowhere near the bed or a chair, which is what I most commonly find.

I've sometimes had not even one free outlet and have had to unplug something. I once encountered a lamp that was hard-wired so there was nothing to unplug. And TV sets (which I never watch when traveling) are often plugged in behind unmovable pieces of furniture. And then there are the outlets that exist but do not work. Such joy.

For the past year I've been using this:

Upwade Power Strip

Dual voltage, two standard plugs, 4 USB ports. Works great.

I have a 4 port USB charger

https://www.gearbest.com/plugs-sockets/pp_1608266.html?wid=1527929

I bring with 4 USB cables that fit my wife's and my electronics and it works great