Tips for electronics and traveling
When you travel, you want to bring your electronic “necessities.” For some, this list can be pretty long… Laptop, camera, tablet, e-reader, phone, drone, flat iron, curling iron or wand, blow dryer, etc. While most of this is fine, some will not work well abroad. Some will completely break or catch on fire and some may be compromised. Here are some tips for bringing your electronics abroad:
Hair tools - Buy them there if you need them. I have seen too many flat irons catch on fire or burn a friend’s hair off when bringing these abroad. Our conversion for electronics is not the same as it is abroad. If you absolutely need your flat iron, buy one there to save you some trouble. If you absolutely have to bring your exact hair tool, check the voltage. If it’s a dual voltage, you may be okay. But it could still cause melted tools, shortages, electrocution, and small fires. Most countries in the western hemisphere (USA, Central and South America have single voltage, while Europe and Asia have dual voltage). Adapters usually don’t work since they don’t change the voltage, so any heat producing tool you have can still catch on fire. You can buy a converter but those sometimes still don’t work. My advice is if you are traveling often or for an extended period of time, invest in 240v hair tools.
Invest in a good converter - I don’t have a converter because I air dry my hair most days. If you need your hair tools though, I suggest investing in one so your hairdryer doesn’t blow up. I linked the 5 best universal adapters and converters according to Travel + Leisure.
Be wary of public wifi - People can steal your information when you’re on a public wifi. Don’t use public wifi to log in to sensitive accounts like your bank account. Also look for web addresses that have https:// instead of http:// , the “s” means secure.
Have a pre-packed travel electronics bag. Have an extra phone charger and micro-USB charger, your adapter and converter, batteries, a mini flashlight, and keep this always packed so you can just throw it in your bag for your next trip.
Bring your Firestick or Roku to watch streaming services - If you have wifi in your room or on your cruise, bring your Firestick or Roku and watch Netflix! Cruises have almost no good tv channels, and hotel rooms have limited English-speaking ones when traveling abroad. Bring your streaming device, plug it in, and see what shows are available in that country (they vary!).
Pack your valuable electronics in your carry-on if you’re checking a bag - This should be common sense, but pack your valuables in your carry-on if you’re checking a bag. You don’t want to pack your laptop in your checked luggage and then your luggage get lost. Anything of value should always stay with you.
Bring a power strip - If you have a lot of devices to plug in or charge, bring a power strip (don’t forget about the converter!). This is especially helpful on cruises.
Do you have any tips for bringing electronics or your trips? If so, drop them in the comments below!