What To Pack > Electrical Products

Things that must be plugged in are conspicuously absent from the One Bag packing list; they add bulk and weight rarely compensated for by usefulness. Try hard to eliminate them. If, however, you just can't live without your electric shaver (a small bottle of shaving oil and a razor are much more appropriate), or your hair dryer (think about towel/air drying, or even a more travel-friendly hair style), don't forget that electrical power varies throughout the world. Most countries use 220 volts AC (alternating current) at 50 Hertz (frequency), though several — including the U.S.A. — use 110 volts at 60 Hertz. Moreover, there are more than a dozen styles of wall socket, each requiring a different type of plug.

Plug adapters and voltage converters are available for all of this, of course (Magellan's is a particularly well-equipped and helpful source; also check the "Information" section of the TraveLinks page for an excellent information site). Remember that when using converters, you must also be concerned with power (wattage) ratings. And some devices (particularly those with motors) are sensitive to the frequency (Hertz, or cycles/second), which is not easily converted.

High-tech gadgetry fans will be intrigued by the latest entry in this field: Hammacher-Schlemmer's "150-Country Auto-Detecting Travel Adapter And Converter" (whew!), pictured at left. It automatically detects incoming voltage, converts it to 120 volts AC, and provides configurable plug adaptation for most countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas & Caribbean, and Australia. It even incorporates a built-in USB-style power port for charging cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and the like (the USB connection operates independently of the AC, permitting charging of two devices at once). And an integral surge protector isolates sensitive electronics from potential power spikes. Pretty slick.

Many products are available in compact travel models with "universal" power supplies or multi-voltage settings (but you'll still need plug adapters). And remember that if you carry electrical devices that must be plugged in, you should be prepared for a shortage of available outlets (which are often in limited supply and/or high demand in locations ranging from airports to hostels); consider bringing along a cube tap or the equivalent.

Those travellers who carry laptops (and their attendant power supplies) should know that some low-power electrical items such as battery and cell-phone chargers can be obtained in USB-powered versions, reducing the need to carry additional (heavy, bulky) converters. But you can best eliminate the hassles by eliminating the gadgets. Even if a hair dryer does make a good sock dryer.

All of this notwithstanding, however, a simple immersion heater is one appliance that many travellers (especially those on a limited budget, trying to avoid restaurant meals) consider invaluable. Place it in a cup of water, plug it in, and in almost no time you have boiling water. This not only kills all disease organisms, it also lets you make a hot cup of tea, coffee, cocoa, soup, etc. You can even cook an egg (bring the water to a boil, remove the heater, drop in the egg, and wait a few minutes). Small, lightweight immersion heaters (such as the Franzus IH100 model pictured here) are inexpensive and available in dual voltages, though you may still need a plug adapter; alternatively, you can buy a new heater locally in most developed countries. Better-quality versions of these have thermostatic shut-offs; with cheaper ones, be sure that the coil is immersed in liquid whenever the unit is plugged in!