The first link is to a US-to-the-European continent adapter. The second one is a US-to-UK adapter, what you want.

You should be able to buy either at a travel store in the US. Or at AAA.

I suspect Marks and Spencer isn't the cheapest place to buy your hair straightener. But do you want the cheapest?

You need a 3 prong for UK , a 2 prong for other uropean cou/ntries. Try Boots for the hair gizmo.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009GQ1X82/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A1ODI5S1TV0IDZ

this one???

yes, that one.

Make sure you the electric outlet you use for the ipad is not in the bathroom, they generally cannot take that much juice. use a wall outlet and if necessary unplug a lamp.

for a flat iron boots or argos.. you can look on their websites to find a store near where you will be staying.

planning to bring my iphone and ipad - without an international plan will I be able to use apps? During our last trip the clocks on cellphones did not change to London time.... I dont want to pack it along if I wont be able to do anything with it.

Your home blowdryer will likely have a 220 option so you can use it in the UK, although only on low.

"Your home blowdryer will likely have a 220 option "

Most US hairdryers aren't dual voltage. And while the ones that are dual voltage will work most of the time -- all you need is one time for it to blow all the circuits in your flat. That is not fun.

Plus they will only work (when they work at all) on the low settings. But most flats/hotels have hairdryers so probably not to worry.

Hair straighteners (flat irons) are a different matter since they aren't provided - and your idea to buy one there is a good one.

Finding hair dryers at most places where we would stay. Considering forgoing the straighener all together!! Being outside most of the day walking and the weather why bother???

why dont you get a sim/data card in London for your iphone and ipad.. and then you dont pay international roaming or data rates from your home pad.. you can get an inexpensive deal for one month's worth..

maxima is that considered "jailbreaking"?? I am sorry I am not a techie and not sure what is even needed to do.

I asked the spring guy about using my iphone out of the country and he said "sure, we JUSt have to unlock it" but it can't be THAT easy.

I would like to skype - use apps for London(tube maps etcs). Possibly upload pic to Facebook but dont want a HUGE surprise when we get home with charges

The 3-pin adapters in the above links are the right shape, but don't seem to have fuses. I would wait until arriving in the UK and buy an adapter with a 3 amp fuse.

If you bought your iPhone on contract it is probably locked, and you wouldn't be able to use a UK SIM. If you can get it unlocked by your provider, go ahead, but if you jailbreak you will lose your warranty. The apps will work on wifi, though. Same goes for the iPad, and if it isn't under contract (and has 3G) you should be able to use a UK data SIM.

Not being a techie this is probably a silly question but if I want to use the ipad/iphones for on the plane to watch movies or read and to use apps while in London ( I have some offline apps of maps etc) and with wifi will other apps (skype) still work? will I need to do anything?? Do I still need to have sprint unlock it just to be able to use it at all in London??

You can use smartphone apps via wifi anywhere a wifi signal is available without doing anything extra. You would pay dearly to use your US phone provider's data service overseas, so be sure to turn that off. If you want to buy a local SIM for voice and data you probaby need to have your US carrier unlock the phone.

You can download movies from iTunes to watch on the airplane (be sure to switch your iPhone or iPad to Airplane Mode, which can be found in "Settings", or when you turn the device back on after takeoff. Any app that doesn't require wifi, e.g. Angry Birds, can be used in Airplane Mode. I always turn off Data Roaming when travelling abroad so I don't incur heavy charges from my provider. Any app that automatically refreshes will consume data whether you realise it or not.

I've never had a problem finding wifi hotspots when travelling, where I can get free internet browsing, mail, Skype, FaceTime, etc. If your hotel doesn't provide free wifi, and many of the upscale ones don't, you can go online in a Starbucks or other cafe for the price of a cup of coffee.

this is all great to hear!! I dont plan to do much on it anyway - we ARE on vacation but good to know!! with skype we can check in back home!!!