Info on Electric Devices

At the last planning meeting, I mentioned that it might be a good idea for you to pick up an electric plug adapter. Here's the low-down.

European nations use a different voltage than we do here in the U.S. They also use different plugs than we do. What's that mean? Any electric devise you bring to Europe will not plug into the wall. Moreover, because the voltage is different, even if you have a simple adapter that allows you to plug your devise in, it still may not work and it may be damaged or ruined.

So what do you do?

First, read the World Electric Power Guide website.

Next, realize that items with internal circuitry like computers and cameras probably can run on the European current, so all you'll need is an adapter. The Samsonite store in Meridian Mall sells these, and so does Meijer's. The outlets for Italy and Spain look the same, but there may be some outlets in Italy that are recessed and require an adapter different than the one for Spain.

Finally, items such as hair dryers, shavers, clocks, and toothbrush chargers will not work on the European voltage. Most likely if you try to plug them in and use them for more than 15 seconds you'll fry them. For these things you'll need a voltage converter (more expensive).

Since you'll have roommates while we're over seas, not everyone will need to buy these things. I'll assign roommates later, but I do my best to keep you paired with at least one person (of your choosing) for the whole trip. If you and a close friend are both traveling, split the cost of these things and you can share once the trip begins.

I have some brochures from the Samsonite store that have more info on this. If you want, stop by my room and pick one up.

Meeting update: Luggage information

Another successful meeting today - thanks to all who showed up. If you missed it, here are the highlights:

1) Pisa info: check out www.wikitravel.org to get an idea of what we'll see on our 1/2 day excursion to the Italian town of Pisa.

2) Packing tips: Start planning now for the trip - every time you go to the store, buy one little item for the trip. That way you won't be swamped in July. For a list of tips, check out the "Don't forget your toothbrush" link to the left.

3) Check out the TSA website for info about what is and is not allowed on the plane. There's a ton of info here, but you need to know it, so read closely.

More to come, so stay tuned.