Electronics and Valuables

International travel has skyrocketed within the past 10 years. Our age group (18-24) is becoming very independent in the international travel world, with education as the leading reason for departure.  First-time international travelers may feel overwhelmed with so much information people throw at you.  We are trying to keep you safe and make sure that you getting the fullest experience and not worrying.  

Below I have included a few things you will need to know about so you can use your favorite electronics abroad.  Also, tips for acclimating yourself to the less Internet-dependent areas to which we will be traveling.

• WI FI
• Wifi is not as attainable as it is here.  There, you will need to go to a local coffee shop, McDonald's, or other place that displays it.  I'm not sure about our hotels having WiFi.  I believe they are US-friendly and will be equipped with it, but still TBA.
• PHONES
• Most of the US cell and data providers are not covered over there.  You can call your provider to see if they offer cellular signal (which they might) but data is near-impossible and incredibly expensive.  I understand, "We will only be there 8 days, can't I activate international signal with my provider?"  Yes, you may if you so chose if your signal is available.  But, think about that... you will be there 8 days.  Is a huge cell phone bill worth it?  Maybe. If you think you can survive on a smart phone turned onto "Airplane Mode" and surviving on WiFi, do it.  I did that for 3 months in Spain.  Granted I bought a local pre-pay phone.  If you choose to do that, turn off cellular and data signal in your settings just in case you turn off airplane mode by accident. If this happens and your phone find a signal to connect with, you (or your parents) will not be happy with the next bill.
• My suggestions:  Turn off data and cell signal on a smart phone, turn on Airplane mode and connect wifi whenever applicable.  Communicate via Facebook with your friends to make plans.  Even better? Walk to their room in the hotel.  No smart phone but paranoid about being in an emergency? Purchase a calling card to use anywhere. Local cell phones will not be worth it for 3 days in Ireland and 4 days in Italy.
• MOBILE DEVICES

• iPads, netbooks, and tablets are awesome. They are great ways to stay connected, entertained on long travel days, and a way to communicate to friends there or family at home when space and weight are tight.  However, keep them locked up in the hotel room. You won't need them on a day trip into the city.
• COMPUTERS
• Fantastic idea if you want to upload pictures right away, stay connected with everybody (if WiFi available), and a way to stay entertained on long travel days.  I would absolutely not recommend taking this with you everywhere.  If you HAVE to get WiFi somewhere else than the hotel, make it a quick trip, carry very little, and go with somebody.
• ADAPTERS AND CONVERTERS

• Adapters are absolutely necessary if you bring something that takes a charge - amazon.com sells them CHEAP.  Make sure it is universal.  I used my MacBook charger in my adapter without a converter and it worked just fine.  It is a grounded plug and that's what my adapter allowed.  Converters will take care of wattage and amperage, and usually include the adapter plug to fit a US plug to the appropriate wall outlet.  IRELAND AND ITALY HAVE DIFFERENT OUTLET DESIGNS.

• BATTERIES
• Bring them with you.  Buy them in bulk - there is nothing worse than getting somewhere breathtaking, you want to take pictures and you're out of battery.  You're not going to have a good rest of the day.  Also, they will be more expensive there.  Although they will add weight to your suitcase, it is worth it.  Take them everywhere you take your battery-dependent devices.
• Rechargeable may be an option for you, but you have to count on having enough for the day, let alone an available converter and adapter.
• HEAT PRODUCING ITEMS
• Ladies, curling irons and flat irons do not do well with the electricity conversion.  If you plug in a straightener or curling iron, changes are it start to smoke and heat up rapidly and melt either the item or your hair. It has happened.  It can even blow the fuse.  Recommendations:  don't bring them, 8 days will go by in no time.  I didn't use a single flat iron or hair drier for 3 months in Spain.  It can be done!
• JEWELRY
• If you have very valuable jewelry (engagement rings, heirlooms, real diamonds), I advise not to take them.  The 8 days you will be away from them won't be unbearable.  If it is damaged, lost, or stolen - you wouldn't want that to be what you remember from this amazing trip.  Think safe.
• CAMERAS
• DON'T FORGET ONE! I used both a small point and shoot and my iPhone.  Depending what was more convenient.  This will be very memorable and you will want to capture it.

Should you decide to bring these things, always keep them in a safe place that no one can easily see it, snatch it, or realize that it is worth a lot of money and that you might have other similar things to steal.