carry-on & Ipod questions

[ashky71]

I know this is a strange question, but I hope someone will answer. I am going on the Viva Italia tour and I know they request you only bring one suitcase. What I am wondering is what kind of carry on bag did you take. Would a small roller carry on be too much trouble or should you stick with a shoulder type bag. I was thinking of one big enough to have extra room for bringing home the stuff I know I will buy. Also is anyone reading this had an
I pod with an apple wall charger, did you need a voltage converter to charge it up?

[bradk]

if it's an apple charger, it should be fine. what you will need is the adapter so it'll fit into the outlets although i suppose it's customary for many hotels to have that available

http://www.yung-li.com.tw/EN/products/plug_cat_n.htm

[carolinadj]

My DH and I packed two suitcases for the trip, which we checked at the airport. He took a backpack for his carry-on and I took a big tote and a large almost-a-bag purse. When you get to Italy, you won't be able to resist the gorgeous leather goods and neither could I. So I bought a beautiful tote bag in which I packed my fragile souvenirs to carry home on the plane. I filled the original one I brought with dirty laundry and checked it at the airport :)

You can always fold up a lightweight duffle and pack it in your suitcase, then fill it up for the trip home.

I do believe we used a converter to charge our iPod before we left Italy.

I hope this helps answer your questions.

[bavaria]

You do NOT need a voltage converter for most electronics (such as iPods), just a plug adaptor. Do not rely on hotels to have these in supply especially if you are travelling with a group of Americans. Some large chains have one 'courtesy' outlet in the room with a flat prong.

You are best to buy a few plug adaptors at the dollar store before your trip.

[MJGirl]

I went on the London/Paris tour last summer, followed by the Med cruise. I had to pack for 3 weeks. I brought 2 large suitcases, 2 small ones, 1 backpack, one shoulder bag and my laptop. ABD didn't have a problem with the luggage, mind you not everyone had this much luggage. Regarding voltage converters, I only brought a plug converter. I found out when I got there that I needed a voltage converter for my daughter's DS. The hotel in Paris had one they could lend me ... thank goodness!!!!

[bradk]

yes, DS would need one. not an apple ipod charger though.

some electronics adapters automatically detect the input voltage and switch. some have a manual switch. and some only know one voltage.

it's important to know which you have. pouring 240 volts into a piece of electronics that's expecting 110 probably isn't the best idea.

[KLondon]

It's worthwhile to bring a voltage adaptor. Note that there are actually 2 types of adaptors - one for low-voltage electronics (e.g. DS, etc.) and one for high-voltage applicances (e.g. blow-dryer). You can get adaptors that can manage both of these personalities - and they should run around $50 or more for a decent one.

For what it's worth, I bought mine at the CAA (or AAA for my American friends). It does both jobs and comes with all the plug adaptors - all in a small zippered case. Very handy to have!