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Hair dryers?

Started packing for our upcoming tour of Scotland and trying to avoid overpacking. Anyone have experience with the lodging in Scotland--do hotels/bed and breakfast places typically have hair dryers or should I pack one?

Thanks!

Posted by
43 posts

I haven't been on this tour, but have been on 10 others. My advice is that American hair dryers blow the circuit breakers in Europe. No matter what kind of converter, they always seem not to work-and it ruins your dryer. Most hotels have hair dryers, some better than others. If they have the hose kind, ask at the front desk. They may have the kind we're used to. Have great trip!

Posted by
1200 posts

When you get your list of hotels you can look at each hotel website and many times they will state what is in the room and if they have a blowdryer in the room. Most hotels now have blowdryers in the room. And many now state on their websites if they have a blowdryer in the room. If you don't want to bring one ( and I tried many times to bring a blowdryer and it did damage it) I bought a blowdryer in London and a blowdryer in Florence ( due to the difference in plugs). On my Best of Europe tour I never really needed to use my blowdryer but when I got to Paris I did because I am 5'1" and the cord was really not long enough.

I also found the hotel blowdryers did not have the power that my blowdryer had so having my own was much better. So even though the hotels may have one, I liked using my own.

Posted by
8 posts

Thanks for your replies--I really like the idea of waiting and just purchasing one there if needed!

Posted by
797 posts

If you can get a hotel list, you can look them up at Booking.com and look at the details of the hotel. Hair dryers are one of the items they list. I have a check list I use when planning our trips and that is one of he items on the list.

Posted by
2380 posts

I always bring my own hairdryer (and flatiron) that has an electrical converter built in. Just remember to switch it over before you use it in Europe. I have yet to have an issue with this. I find the hairdryers in most hotels, etc. pretty much useless. And you will, of course, need a plug adapter.

Posted by
464 posts

Many years ago, I bought a small hairdryer at Brookstone that was specifically made for travel, lightweight but powerful, with a built-in converter. I have used it all over the world with no problem - you just have to remember to switch it over! I bring it on most trips, but not all, and am usually happy I did.

Posted by
11294 posts

The hairdryer is often in the bedroom area, in a drawer; or, you may have to ask for one at the front desk.

Posted by
8 posts

Thanks all--I was able to email 2 of the locations that did not have the info on their websites and have already heard back from 1 that does, so fingers crossed. Since I don't fully dry my hair, only use it to style my crazy curly hair before it dries, I figure I can always go "natural" if that last location doesn't have one. Thanks for your help!

Posted by
464 posts

Yes, it is a Brookstone brand, but I bought it at least 8 years ago.

Posted by
731 posts

I cannot speak for Scotland but our first tour was the BOE 21 day tour and I was sure I needed a blow dryer. Granted, it was a small, travel sized device but we never once needed it. My hair is shoulder length and very thick and even the "hose-style" dryers in Italy sufficed in drying my hair. I never once took my dryer out of it's hiding place in my husband's luggage. Needless to say, it did not make the trip for the next time.