Apple iPod Touch?

[mickeysmate65]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking for awhile and enjoy reading everyone's posts. I will be traveling to UK & Paris next month & find myself with a question or two since this will be my first trip abroad. I hope you'll indulge me and forgive for my ignorance.

1) I have an Apple iPod Touch which I use for the internet here in the U.S. Will I be able to pick up WiFi in Oxford, London & Paris? I thought I read someplace that the frequency in the UK & Europe was different then the States but I'm not sure what that means for the iPod.

2) Since I'll be carrying my own bag I plan to pack light. Any suggestions for rolling backpacks or packing tips would be appreciated. While I am low maintenance, my hair does like hair gel & a hairdryer if I want it to look semi-decent!

3) It sounds like the best way to exchange money is by using credit cards & ATMs. Has this been your experience?

4) Any must-see or must-do to really get a feel for each area? I'm less worried about the 'touristy' type things as I am hoping to return annually. Notice I said 'hoping'! LOL!

Thanks for your help!
Kathie

 

[SammieG]

yes you can use your ipod touch for wifi in the UK ...

I would bring travellers cheques or use an ATM but obviously you may be charged a fee to take out money.

Cant really answer your other questions tho... have fun in the Uk

 

[Cyrano]

I could use the iPhone while in USA so would be sure that you could use the Touch over here. I made sure I turned off data roaming otherwise I could have come home to a very nasty bill

 

[mickeysmate65]

SammieG & Cyrano,

Thank you so much fo responding! I have Verizon as a wireless carrier here & don't want to have to worry about a cell phone, or carrying a laptop. I'm going to try using the internet on the iTouch to keep in touch with home.

Thanks again! If you think of anything that would be helpful just let me know.

Kathie

 

[Catananche]

Hi Kathie,
I considered getting one of those rolling backpacks, but the rolling frame makes them pretty heavy when you need to wear it on your back: I got good advice from an outdoors specialist shop and got a non-rolling but side-zip backpack instead.

A backpack can be great, depending on what kind of travel you are doing and if it involves a lot of walking to your accomodation (hostelling in the country etc), but a regular rolling suitcase will suit most visitors to the UK.

Do you know where you will be going in the UK?

 

[mickeysmate65]

Thanks Catananche!

I'm meeting a friend at Heathrow then we'll be taking the train to Oxford for a few days. Our tentative plan is to then take the train to Paris for a few more days then back to London for a day or so before heading home. For now we are saying Paris but a lot can change between now & the time we get there.

We'll be staying with her son in Oxford but no idea yet where we'll stay in Paris and London. We are looking at hotels and bed/breakfast but we may decide to wing it. As I've never been I have no idea how much walking we'll do. I'm not a big person so while I like the idea of a backpack I'm concerned about the weight - and fitting everything in! I don't mind using a sturdy but lightweight rolling bag with a carry-on bag. Then I'd check the one bag and pray for the best. My current luggage is heavy & too small or heavy & too big!

One thing I'm confused about - everything that I read says pack light with clothes you can wash and air dry. Most of my clothes are cotton & don't air dry well. If I need to do laundry I assume there are laudromats with washers & dryers in Paris? I'm really a casual dresser & love my jeans with tennis shoes- so much for style! They'll see me coming a mile away! Also, if I need to purchase additional toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) in Paris, how hard is it find them in the city? Grocery store versus Pharmacy?

So many questions so little time!