by David McGuffin | May 19, 2013 | Essential Travel Resources
Traveling without electronics is near impossible in today’s world. Twenty years ago, the only travel concern relating to electricity was how to plug in a blow dryer or curling iron without causing a meltdown. But not today, just think of all the gadgets we have: cell phones, mp3 players, laptop computers, tablet computers, video cameras, digital cameras, and more. With all these electronic gadgets, it would seem that travel would become more complicated, “electronically” speaking. However, it’s not that difficult… here are my hints and suggestions.
YOU’VE GOT TO PLUG IT IN!
No matter what the gadget, you’ve got to plug it in to something. Here at home, that would be a socket in the wall.
So, logically, anywhere there is electricity, we expect to find some sort of socket in the wall in which to plug our stuff. However, the design of the socket is not universal! Practically, every country has its own modification of the basic design.
Notice how this socket is recessed/inset about one inch. It is important to purchase an adapter such as the one pictured to your left, so it will fit inside the recessed hole.
Typical UK and Ireland wall socket
Notice the two toggle switches? The outlet will not have power until the toggle switch is turned on. This is usually indicated by a red light on the top of the switch. However, if you find your appliance is not working, and there is no indicator light, consider toggling the switch and try again.
VOLTAGE MATTERS
Originally, electricity was used for lighting, and depending on the country, the best suited material for the wiring differed according to what was readily available. So, the United States agreed on a standard of about 110 volts AC. Meanwhile, in Europe, they agreed on a standard of around 220 volts AC.
Originally, appliances designed in Europe would work only in Europe. Those designed in the USA, only worked in the USA. You could not “mix” voltage. That’s why the sockets and plugs differ. You’ve heard the saying, “you can’t put a square plug into a round hole?” So, this was an easy way to keep “dummies” from plugging in mismatched devices and melting down appliances when visiting countries other than their own.
Plugs made for USA appliances and electronics.
Plugs made for UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Ireland appliances and electronics.
So, when traveling from one country to another became common, not having “common” standards of electricity became a common problem for common people. Thus, the invention of the wall socket/plug ADAPTER and the VOLTAGE CONVERTER. With these two gadgets, theoretically, anyone could travel from one country to the other and never have to worry about electrical problems with their gadgets.
However, the best intended plans never seem to work all the time. I recall traveling on several occasions when suddenly the lights would dim and go out in our hotel. All too often it was a combination of someone trying to use their own USA hairdryer, it overheating, and blowing a fuse or circuit.
If you bring a curling iron, flat iron, straightener, or hair dryer from home (USA), you will need to purchase an electrical power converter and wall socket adapters. In theory, these electrical power converters step down the 240 volt power used in Europe to the 120 volts we use in the USA. These devices work most of the time, however, using them in older buildings with antique wiring will sometimes still cause a meltdown of your appliance or even “blow” a circuit or fuse in the building.
Voltage Converter with adapters
MODERN ELECTRONIC GADGETS
Practically every electronic gadget manufactured in the last ten years is designed, from the factory, to operate on multiple voltages. Cell phones, computers, iPads, tablets, digital cameras, and camcorders will recognize and adapt to the voltage in which it is plugged… without damaging the gadget. However, just to be sure, always look at the device’s power cord, power supply, or documentation for a statement similar to that shown below.
Notice the caption: “AC ADAPTER
INPUT 100v-240v – 50/60Hz
So, if your device falls into the category above (and it will if it is some sort of mobile electronic gadget or camera) all you need is an adapter to plug into the wall socket. Here are examples for the UK and Continental Europe.
UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Ireland
SUGGESTION: Some Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, and Hair Straighteners are made to accept dual voltage. These generally have a small dial on the handle which can be rotated to select the appropriate electrical voltage. Often you can pick up this type of appliance at Walmart, Walgreens, Target, or other retail outlets.
So, there you have it… all you need to know to travel with electronics and not have a meltdown.
by David McGuffin | Apr 24, 2013 | Essential Travel Resources
Take a 60 second break from your routine!
My favorite alpine destination is the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. You’ve got be trying to go there to get there. The pristine valley is located near the end of a road that dead ends into a glacier. Lauterbrunnen is a bit off the beaten path to say the least.
My BEST OF GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, AND FRANCE tour makes a two- night stop here in this beautiful valley. It is like taking a day off from touring and provides a great opportunity to slow down and relax. There are many possible walks and hikes in the area. Most combine a series of mountain lifts, gondolas, railways, and trails. All trails are open to the public, even if there are fences. Just close the gate behind you so the cows won’t escape!
Enjoy the video!
David McGuffin
by David McGuffin | Feb 26, 2013 | Essential Travel Resources
by Audra Dupuis
My fist trip with David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe was a six-day trip to Ireland. When I found out that I had to pack in one little suitcase… I panicked. How on earth could I pack that many warm clothes in such a small space? After trial and error, reading blogs on packing, and talking to family members, I was finally packed. Since that first trip I have managed to take multiple trips of varying lengths, all with only one carry-on bag and a backpack, cute clothes and more then one pair of boots! How can this be done, you ask? I am here to tell you my secrets!
Packing Secrets…
First, ensure that your suitcase is the right size. For this trip your carry-on needs to be no larger than 22in x 16in x 9.5in. This includes the wheels, so don’t take the manufacturers word for it. Place your suitcase, wheels down, on a flat surface and measure ALL of it.
Second, pick out all of your clothes, shoes, and accessories for the trip. Make sure you pack layers, warm socks, and warm shoes. Running tennis shoes are not the warmest shoes, because they are designed to breathe. If they are all you own, then no problem, just pack some warm wool socks.
Third, put a third of it back. We are chronic over-packers, especially women. Put back the shoes that are cute, but not warm or comfy. Put back that “just in case” outfit. And for girls, all of your makeup should fit in one little sandwich baggie. Pick your favorite makeup look and only pack the stuff for that. Each hotel has a hair blow-dryer, you do not need to pack one.
Fourth, plan to wear the bulkiest things on the plane. Wear your biggest pair of shoes, your thickest scarf, maybe a sweater, and your coat onto the plane. You can remove these items as soon as you board, but doing this will free up space in your bag.
Fifth, roll your clothes and place them in gallon Ziploc bags. Push the air out of the bag as you close it. I like to put clothes in bags by outfit so my luggage is well organized and I don’t have to search for things.
Sixth, fill your bulky shoes, if they will not flattened, with socks or underwear. You want to use every available space!
Seventh, fill it up! Time to make it all fit. This may take more then one try. If it does not all fit, find something you can live without and leave it at home.
Below is my personal packing list. Feel free to change it, print it, and use it. If you don’t use my list, find a different one you do like. A list is the best way to ensure nothing gets left behind.
Audra Dupuis
audra@davidmcguffin.com
Packing List
On the Way
| |
Sun Glasses |
|
Book, downloaded on phone |
| |
Travel Journal |
|
Chapstick |
| |
Pen |
|
Camera |
| |
iPod |
|
Camera Charger |
| |
iPod charger |
|
Earplugs |
| |
|
|
|
Money and Documents
| |
Arrival and Departure Times |
|
Passport |
| |
Driver’s license |
|
Credit Card |
| |
Insurance Cards |
|
C.C., Freeze Number |
| |
Cash, US |
|
Cash, Euro |
Clothes
| |
Underwear |
|
Boots- black |
| |
Long underwear |
|
Tights |
| |
Socks |
|
Boots- brown |
| |
3 Sweaters |
|
Jeans |
| |
Skinny Jeans |
|
2 Long-sleeve shirts |
| |
Colored Shirt |
|
T-shirt |
| |
Dress |
|
PJs |
| |
Coat |
|
Scarf |
| |
SCHS Sweatshirt |
|
SCHS Long T-shirt |
| |
Khakis |
|
|
Toiletries
| |
Make-up |
|
Deodorant |
| |
Shampoo/ Conditioner |
|
Brush |
| |
Soap |
|
Lotion |
| |
Toothbrush/ paste |
|
Hair Stuff |
| |
Medicine |
|
|
Before we go
| |
Tell bank/ credit cards we are leaving |
|
|
Snacks
by David McGuffin | Nov 23, 2012 | Essential Travel Resources
Charlotte and I are gearing up for a trip to Germany and Austria to visit a few European Christmas Markets. Traveling in the winter requires a little more thought in terms of packing, layering, and staying protected from the elements. However, with a little planning, one can pack light and efficiently while still being bundled and comfortable.
Before pulling all your winter clothes out of storage, here are some things to consider:
- Prepare for the “worst” weather.
- Remember that no matter how bad the weather gets, you’ll probably be out in it “touring.” You don’t want to travel halfway around the world just to stay in your hotel room when the weather turns bad.
- Daylight hours are much shorter. Darkness brings cooler temperatures, dampness, and a chill in the air.
- You’ll most likely run into some snow and ice. Depending on how recent the storm… roads, streets, and sideways may not be plowed. Plan to be flexible with your itinerary.
- A sunny day in the snow is just as bright as being at the beach. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Layered clothing makes more “travel” sense. Use the “wrap and peel” method to adapt to changing temperatures.
- Don’t pack your heavy winter coat in your suitcase. Instead, wear it onto your flight and stow it in the overhead bin. This will save loads of space in your suitcase!
CHARLOTTE’S WINTER PACKING LIST
Address specific questions to: charlotte@davidmcguffin.com.
• One Heavy Winter Coat – hip length or longer;
• Gloves;
• Earmuffs;
• Several scarves for fashion and warmth;
• At least one hat;
• Small travel umbrella;
• Boots/shoes that are comfortable, well broken-in, and travel tested;
• Thermal socks;
• Five pairs of pants and/or jeans;
• Long-sleeved fashion tee shirts;
• Sweaters and Turtleneck shirts;
• “Cuddle-duds” (long underwear) from JC Penney;
• Underwear and bras for the trip’s duration.
DAVID’S WINTER PACKING LIST
Address specific questions to: david@davidmcguffin.com.
• Hip-length wool pea coat;
• Gloves;
• Earmuffs;
• Several scarves for fashion and warmth;
• At least one hat;
• Small travel umbrella;
• One pair water-proof Gortex boots that are comfortable, well broken-in, and travel tested;
• three pairs of light-weight, moisture-wicking socks;
• two pairs of pants and/or jeans;
• Four moisture-wicking long-sleeved tee shirts;
• Four long-sleeved cotton button-down shirts;
• Two lightweight cashmere sweaters;
• Four pairs of underwear;
• One pair of lightweight silk “long-johns.”
Even with these “massive” packing lists, we still manage to travel with a carry-on sized suitcase and one addition “personal” piece of luggage. I generally bring along my Exploring Europe drawstring backpack. Charlotte, on the other hand, adds a “Vera Bradley” duffle to her collection. Packing in this manner helps us remain “mobile” in the airports, on the planes, on the bus, on public transportation, and all over those cobbled streets and narrow staircases of Europe.
by David McGuffin | Sep 7, 2012 | Destinations, Essential Travel Resources, Photography
Dave Davis is a friend who has traveled on several tours with me. He is an avid photographer and always seems to come up with some good photos. Recently, he provided some handy hints on photography and archiving the digital images. In the next few day, Dave is going to share some of his hints.
—————————
Now for a few other hints . . .
When taking a sequence of pictures that, for instance, a series of pictures scanning the horizon, I find it more natural to display the images arranged from left to right of how they exist.
When taking a wide angle picture and then various zoom or close up shots, I find it more natural to show the wide angle first and then zero in on the close ups.
When taking pictures of a type of object (flower, animal, sculpture work, streetscape scene, etc.) that occurs intermittently through the visited place, I find it better to re-organize the pictures to groups of the same type of object. Put all the streetscape images together, put all the flowers together, put all the dog pictures together, etc.
Then you might cull down the photo set for that visited place to the best handful of each type of shot. Three, four, five, or six is often okay, but soon the person you may be sharing your vacation pictures with is beginning to wonder if the dog pictures are ever going to end. (Now imagine being invited over to old George’s house to see his 400 random pictures of fall foliage along the Blue Ridge! Oh, I think I am feeling a little sick. I better go home!!)
There will be some exceptions, but most people will find these hints as a better way to create a good photo collection as their own keepsake, or to share with others.
-Dave Davis
Traveling without electronics is near impossible in today’s world. Twenty years ago, the only travel concern relating to electricity was how to plug in a blow dryer or curling iron without causing a meltdown. But not today, just think of all the gadgets we have: cell phones, mp3 players, laptop computers, tablet computers, video cameras, digital cameras, and more. With all these electronic gadgets, it would seem that travel would become more complicated, “electronically” speaking. However, it’s not that difficult… here are my hints and suggestions.
So, logically, anywhere there is electricity, we expect to find some sort of socket in the wall in which to plug our stuff. However, the design of the socket is not universal! Practically, every country has its own modification of the basic design.
If you bring a curling iron, flat iron, straightener, or hair dryer from home (USA), you will need to purchase an electrical power converter and wall socket adapters. In theory, these electrical power converters step down the 240 volt power used in Europe to the 120 volts we use in the USA. These devices work most of the time, however, using them in older buildings with antique wiring will sometimes still cause a meltdown of your appliance or even “blow” a circuit or fuse in the building.
