David McGuffin's: Bloggin' About Europe

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.

Typical USA wall socket/outlet

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.

Typical Continental Europe wall socket.

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.

Continental Europe plug

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

Continental Europe

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 if 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.

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

Take a 60 second break from your routine!

At David McGuffin’s EXPLORING EUROPE we provide a wealth of free travel related information in the form of videos, blog posts, reader feedback, and tour alumni evaluations.  Your European adventure starts here!

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 breath.  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

Money and Documents

Clothes

Toiletries

Before we go

Snacks

Updated: February 2013

I’ve become so dependent on computers, smartphones, mobile phones, and my iPad that traveling without them would be a chore.  For me, the handiest device is my mobile smart phone.       These smart phones have many features, however this article  concentrates solely on using them as a telephoning device to make calls back to the USA or within Europe.

In November 2004, I began a similar blog post with this introduction:

Last spring there was a big marketing push in Florida to “trade-in” your old digital cell phone for a new GSM phone. This “Global System for Mobile Communication” has been the standard in Europe for many years but is just making headway into the US market. These phones often include fancy features such as voice mail, e-mail, web access, and photo capabilities in addition to its telephoning duties. I purchased a new GSM cell phone from AT&T, my local cellular provider, here in Florida. There was a little trouble getting used to the smaller phone, tiny buttons, and extra features, but in general it was an easy switch.

About a month later I took off for Europe with my new cell phone in my pocket. When I landed in London, I switched on the power and after about 30 seconds the phone acquired a signal from a local network, the time display was accurate, and I noticed the signal strength was much better than that which I had in the USA. Now that I was in Europe my “cell” phone became known as a “mobile” phone and was pronounced “MO-’BILE” with the stress on the second syllable.

In just nine years things have drastically change, technologically speaking, but I remember that first trip with my own cell phone in my pocket and how convenient it was to pull it out and make calls from the device I was accustomed to using here at home. So here is my lastest intel on taking your cell phone to Europe.

1. Contact your mobile phone provider and sign up for one of their  international calling plan.  Plans vary, but normally there is a discounted rate ranging from 30 cents to 99 cents per minute of call time.
2. When you leave the USA, turn off your voice mail, email, and data features.  Failure to forget this step will rack up hundred’s of dollars on you next phone bill.

I believe the convenience of having my cell phone is worth the cost. If for nothing else, it gives me peace of mind knowing everyone is just a phone call away.  Knowing that, in an emergency, a family member could pick up their telephone at home and give me a call is an added benefit. That’s why, since the trip in 2004, I never leave home without my own mobile phone.

Resources:

AT&T International dialing and data plans

Verizon International dialing and data plans

Sprint and Nextel dialing and data information

Virgin Mobile International dialing and data information

For information regarding the DATA and TEXTING features of Smartphones, iPhones, Tablets, and iPads check out my article coming soon.

“How do I call home?” This is a common question from those preparing to travel to Europe. You probably won’t need to do it very often, maybe only once or twice to let your family and friends know you are alive and well.  But, somehow a foreign country and an unfamiliar telephone system complicates a task which we so often take for granted.

Telephoning from Europe is easy once you understand the system and the options available to make a phone call.  Basically, you have three options: a public payphone, a telephone in your hotel room, or a cell phone. In this article I’ll concentrate on using a payphone and hotel room phone. For information on cell phones please read my article “Using your cell phone while traveling in Europe.”

Prepaid Phone Cards are your best bet to save both time and money. I’ve traveled throughout Europe for many years using only this method to call home and to place calls within Europe. Pre-paid cards come in two forms: those which you purchase in the United States and those which you purchase in Europe.

AT&T PRE-PAID PHONE CARD

The most convenient PrePaid phone card to use is one purchased in the USA before beginning your trip. You can buy this type of PrePaid card at superstores, grocery, and convenience stores in your hometown. PrePaid cards are sold in denominations ranging from 50 – 2500 minutes. I purchased my PrePaid card ten years ago at SAM’S CLUB, and have be reloading or “recharging” it ever since. This AT&T PrePaid Phone Card is currently selling for about 4 cents per minute for domestic calls in the USA.  However, international calls could cost you from 4-10 cents per minute, depending on the country.

Here is how the Pre-Paid Phone Card works:

1. Purchase the PrePaid Card in your hometown before traveling to Europe, or
2. Purchase AT&T Pre-Paid Minutes online.
3. Obtain the AT&T USADirect toll-free access numbers for the countries you’re likely to visit.  Here is the link for this.
4. Look up the toll free number for the country you are in and dial the number from any public phone.
5. When prompted to dial the number you are calling, dial the 1-800 toll free number listed on the back of the card you purchased in the USA.
6.  You’ll then be connected with the USA division of your calling card.
7. Enter your PIN (listed on the back of the PrePaid card).
8. Dial the number you are calling in the USA (ex. 1-904-612-8149).
9. Be sure to include 1 + Area Code.

AT&T Virtual Pre-Pay Minutes

In recent years AT&T has devised a smart sounding name for the Pre-Paid Phone Card.  They call it AT&T Virtual Pre-Pay Minutes. You get the same rates and features as the AT&T Calling Card mentioned above, without having to keep up with a physical card. Here’s how it works.

1. Purchase your AT&T Virtual Pre-Pay Minutes online.  Here is the link.
2. After purchase, you will receive an email confirmation containing a domestic USA toll-free 800 number and a PIN code.
3. Obtain the AT&T USADirect toll-free access numbers for the countries you’re likely to visit.  Here is the link for this.
4. Look up the toll free number for the country you are in and dial the number from any public phone.
5. When prompted to dial the number you are calling, dial the 1-800 toll free number you were given in the email conformation.
6.  You’ll then be connected with the USA division of your calling card.
7. Enter your PIN (included in the email confirmation).
8. Dial the number you are calling in the USA (ex. 1-904-612-8149).
9. Be sure to include 1 + Area Code.

Online resources:

1. Link to AT&T Virtual Pre-Pay Minutes
2. Link to AT&T USADirect International Access numbers and Traveler support.

All this might sound a bit complicated. It helps to think of the call you are making in two stages. The first is getting the call out of Europe and into the USA (i.e. calling the AT&T USADirect European toll-free number) and the second is connecting with the USA PrePaid 800 number, entering your PIN, and dialing the number you are calling.

ADDITIONAL CALLING CARD OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN EUROPE

Country Specific Phone Cards
Most countries in Europe have their own version of a phone card to use in a public payphone. Unlike the USA, these card are designed to be inserted into a slot in the payphone instead of inserting coins. (The example to the left is from France and  costs about 3 Euros.) This type of card is great for making local calls within a particular country. Do not us it to make international calls back to the USA.

To the left are other examples of European phone cards made to be inserted into the payphone. These cards contain a tiny micro-chip which contains data to activate a public payphone. Cards like these can be purchased in most tobacco shops and are available in several denominations. These cards provide easy, cheap, and convenient access to phone calls within Europe.

International Pre-Paid Cards available in Europe
These International PrePaid cards are sold at most tourist locations and tobacco shops in Europe. They are a cheap alternative to the PrePaid cards offered in the USA. These cards typically sell for 5-20 Euros and are good for a finite number of minutes to call home to the USA from Europe. Easy to read instructions are included in English along with local numbers and a PIN. Be careful when purchasing this type of card as often they are valid for calls originating only in the country in which they are purchased.

My recommendations based on reliability and ease of use.

• Purchase an AT&T PRE-PAID PHONE CARD or VIRTUAL MINUTES at home before leaving for Europe. Be sure to bring a listing of USADirect access numbers for the countries you will visit.
• Place your telephone calls from public payphones. Don’t get caught in the trap of using hotel phones which carry huge connection fees.
• Don’t get stressed! I travel often and still make mistakes when trying to call home.
• If you purchase an International Pre-Paid card in Europe be certain it is valid for use in all countries you will visit on your tour.

Remember, most people traveling only need to use the telephone to call home and tell friends and family they are ok. So, when you do it, make it a big deal.  Consider calling  from a public phone with ambiance, like from under Big Ben when it is chiming the hour or outside a Parisian cafe with live music in the background.

Fresh Snow in Schwangau

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 of 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 pair 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.