Can I pack a small fan for Italy?
 

Understanding the current heat wave going on in ITaly this summer, I am fearful of a very warm Autumn as well. We are going to Italy for 2 weeks on Septmber 15th and wondering if I should pack a small fan to keep us sane during the heat. I know you need certain adaptors, but just wondered if this was do-able. Thanks.

You probably need not only an adapter, which will allow you to get your US plus into an Italian socket, but also a transformer to convert the voltage. Otherwise your fan will turn instantly into a large paperweight. This is a lot of extra weight to lug around.

Can you check with your hotel(s) to see if they have fans available? Or buy one when you get there (if you really need it) and then leave it behind. Might actually work out better financially.

Am wondering the same thing for France. WE will be there in a little over a week and I don't think the heat will have eased by then.
I read an article in the NY Times about fans being sold in France for very high prices which were inferior and dangerous because of bad wiring.

Search "portabreeze" here on thios forum. I have travfeled with one for years. Weighs less than a pound, and runs on 4 ordinary D batteries, all night for at least a week.

Won't make everyone in a room feel cooler, but small enough that everyone could have one. Sit it by the head pf the bed, directed at your pillopw. Very, very effective.

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks, Rex.

A couple of years ago I took a 10" fan to Spain. Just checked it in as a hold luggage, packing it into the original cardboard. No problems, and saved me many sleepless nights. If you are coming from US, you have to have a voltage converter and adaptor, which add to the weight. Small fans are widely available in Europe, from as little as £10/15 euro, so you can give it to a local at the end of your trip.

You're welcome, Sher.

With the very greatest of respect I am assuming this question is being asked because the original poster chose, for whatever reason, to book accommodations which are not air conditioned...I would NOT fool with taking a fan from home along with the absolutely required converter but would opt for buying a cheap one in Europe unless the take along was something very convenient such as that one suggested above.

It is because it is so very convenient and so very effective that I mentioned it. I find it to be one of my "never-travel-without-it" personal touches, darn near 12 months a year.

When something works this well from ordinary flashlight batteries, it would hardly make any sense to fool with something that has to be tethered to wall electricity.

Rex, in case you check back,

Have you found an online source for Portabreeze? Campmor.com has 1 type, but I'd love to find some of their other fans. Too bad Portabreeze doesn't sell them on their own site.

Thanks,
Liz

www.personalfans.com

I have a small fan that I've taken to many countries. It is small and the blades are fairly flexable so it packs well in my suitcase. It works perfectly fine with my normal electricity converter.

For weedso and Sher, contact your hotels and ask them to give you rooms that have afternoon shade. You'll be much cooler than if you had a room with afternoon sun.

Thanks, Rex. In all of my googling, that site never came up. Just what I was looking for.

Hi BTilke: Not so unfortunately, my brother took a house in Grasse and we are staying with him. He says there are ceiling fans in all of the rooms, but even though the house is brand new, no air. I forgot to ask about screens on the windows. There is a pool, so that may help.
Thanks anyway. Sherry

You're welcome, elb...