rick steves best power converter for europe

Even larger restaurants and bars (especially throughout Germany) are often cash-only establishments, as well.

But if you want, say, a scoop of gelato or an espresso from a small cafe, it’s best to have some euros on hand as many places don’t accept credit cards. I get it you’re accustomed to swiping your credit cards or tapping your phone to use Apple Pay. If you do end up forgetting an adapter, you can often borrow one from your hotel’s front desk or find one at a local store. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling throughout Europe but have a long layover in a London airport. Put a power adapter on your packing list and, if you’re a frequent international traveler, opt for one that’s universal with multiple prong options so that you can use it in other places around the world. European outlets differ from the ones in America in that they have two rounded prongs with the exception of the UK and Ireland, where plugs have three pins arranged in a triangular shape. The scenario: After a long day of travel, you get to your hotel and go to plug in your phone charger only to realize it doesn’t fit in the outlet. Plus, you don’t want to be hauling a bulky full-size up and down stairways. In a lot of European towns, a taxi can get you close to your hotel, but some small streets are closed off to through traffic so you’ll also have to do some walking. Already, it’s a bit of a feat to roll even the most compact carry-on along the cobblestone streets and through narrow passageways, and larger luggage can be especially tiresome.

We took public transportation, booked taxis and ferried about, all with our carry-ons in tow. The first time I visited the Amalfi Coast with my girlfriends, we moved between the cliffside towns of Positano, Capri and Ravello throughout the week. (Speaking of grounds, a lot of it’s cobblestone, which is pretty tough to roll your suitcase over or walk in flip-flops on more on that below!)Īhead of the busy summer travel season, here are 11 common mistakes to avoid when traveling to Europe. No matter how many Rick Steves travel guides you read or how much you prepare for a trip to Europe, there’s bound to be a thing or two you learn through experience while on the ground. One of my best friends is getting married in Italy this spring, and, as part of her hair and makeup team, I shot awake earlier this week with a realization: Will our American hair dryers blow a fuse? (The answer, according to my midnight research session: We’re fine so long as we pack a dual-voltage dryer.)īut from power adapters and voltage converters to currency and international driving permits, there’s a lot of extra little things to consider when traveling to Europe for vacation.

Rick steves best power converter for europe