This is a category where many guys could likely shave off
a pound or two. I think it was during my third trip to Australia that I realized
I didn’t actually need that heavy voltage converter. Voltage transformers are heavy, plug adapters
are light and if you’re only going to one country you’ll just need that one
type adapter. Many laptop chargers have the transformer already built-in (and
as will note in the next chapter, you might not need a laptop anyway).
Travelers with electric hairdryers may well need a power transformer, but as I
will recommend in the next chapter, a hairdryer should be the very first thing
you remove from your packing list. Before you toss in that weighty power
transformer for an international trip, take a look at the electronics you’ll be
packing and read up on the voltage in your destination country to be sure
you’ll actually need it.
But do pack a plug
adapter if your destination country uses differently shaped wall
outlets than those used in your home country. You can buy these in advance -
they pack really light - or you can pick them up cheaply once you arrive to
your destination.
Take a look at your various electronics, and if two or
more use the fairly universal micro USB adapter, you don’t need redundant and
heavy chargers. And remember that most television sets in hotel rooms have USB
plugs somewhere along the side or back of the device, and these can be used for
charging in a pinch.
More than a few one-bag experts recommend packing a travel surge
protector - it takes up a bit of space so use your judgment on this one. It is
not essential, but I do pack
this
light travel strip which also includes USB outlets, and at times it has proven
convenient in older hotel rooms with insufficient outlets.
For years, I carried one of those immersible
water heaters for boiling water in hotel rooms. I stopped
packing this doodad when eventually I realized that almost every hotel room has
a coffee pot which does the same thing.
How about you? How do you stay connected while keeping it light on the road? Share your ideas and tips here, and go check out my
Guy's Guide to 1-Bag Packing: Minimalist Travel Secrets That Save You Time and Money - it's at Amazon.
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