Will be traveling in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Am confused about what type of adaptors are needed. Is there a universal or will several be needed? Suggestions?
Austria and Germany: Type C for 2 conductor, Type F for 2 conductor + ground
http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeC.htm
http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeF.htm
Switzerland: Type J (ground), Type C will work for ungrounded
http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeJ.htm
Carry all three plug adapters with you. It will make things easier depending on your locale.
(S)he doesn't need to carry all 3.
If all your appliances are 2-pin, you just need a type C (commonly known as a Europlug)
If one of the appliances is 3-pin, then (s)he needs an F (Schuko) and a J for Switzerland only. These will also work for 2-pin appliances.
Important question: Have you checked all your appliances will work on 240V 50Hz AC?
The Swiss hotels we patronized had loaner Type F to Type J adaptors for your Type F grounded appliances. You can get by with just a Type C adaptor for electronics that are low amperage (under 2.5 amp inputs) and ungrounded. Note that 2.5 amps at 220 volts is 550 watts.