HELP WITH MUNDANE TRAVEL TIPS
May 6th, 2004, 07:05 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HELP WITH MUNDANE TRAVEL TIPS
ON OUR TRIP TO ITALY, WE WILL BE TAKING 35MM AND DIGITAL CAMERAS. NEED TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH DIGITAL PICTURES....STOCK UP ON MEMORY DISKS, BRING LAPTOP AND DOWNLOAD TO COMPUTER IN STATES OR.... ALSO, BRINGING ELECTRIC RAZOR, HAIR DRYER, BATTERY CHARGERS, ETC...ADAPTERS THE WAY TO GO? OR..? IF ADAPTERS; ANY SPECIFIC KIND OR PLUG ARRAY? WE'LL BE THERE IN SEPTEMBER; ANY SUGGESTIONS ON CLOTHES (WE ARE ACTIVE PEOPLE) AS FAR AS MATERIAL, STYLES(DO I NEED A BLAZER FOR ANY DINNER ENGAGEMENTS; DOES MY WIFE NEED THE BASCIC BLACK FROCK), OR CAN WE GO ANYWHERE IN SHORTS, SLACKS, CASUAL SKIRTS?
SIMPLE STUFF, BUT STILL UNKNOWN TO US. WE HOPE ONCE AGAIN TO TAPP THE KNOWLEGDE OF YOU EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS.
SIMPLE STUFF, BUT STILL UNKNOWN TO US. WE HOPE ONCE AGAIN TO TAPP THE KNOWLEGDE OF YOU EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS.
May 6th, 2004, 07:12 PM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Please don't SHOUT. Any decent travel store will have the proper adapter and plugs for Italy. In large cities, shorts would be out of place; moreover, they are not appropriate in churches--you will want to see the inside of churches. As for a blazer, it depends on how fancy a restaurant you plan to go to.
May 6th, 2004, 07:18 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Skye: Could you tone it down and not post in all caps? It's hard for some of us old-timers to absorb all those capital letters.
Bring the fewest electronics you can for the smoothest experience. Dón't bring a laptop. Most hotels have hair dryers. Can you get by on a regular razor?
The wall plugs and phone jacks are different, so yes, you'll be on an electronics shopping spree the minute you get there - or here, before you go.
Hard to say what you'll need in the way of clothing without knowing where you're staying and where you plan to eat. Italians are generally quite elegant without ever needing to resort to the American idea of shirt and tie and blazer.
Black frock? Gosh, I guess this predates even me. What is a black frock? I'm picturing everything from a pashmina to a jumper.
No, you can't go everywhere in shorts. Take that back - you CAN go everywhere in shorts, but you'll get stares and feel uncomfortable if you have any sensibility. You can wear shorts for hiking, on the beach, in very casual places, etc., but as I think you'll see, few Italians wear shorts as normal attire.
Slacks, casual skirts, simple stuff - that sounds perfect.
Check out some of the Italian webcams if you want a bird's-eye view of what Italians (and tourists - and BOY can you usually spot the tourists!) are wearing these days. It's really good for getting tips on how to dress, if that is an issue.
Bring the fewest electronics you can for the smoothest experience. Dón't bring a laptop. Most hotels have hair dryers. Can you get by on a regular razor?
The wall plugs and phone jacks are different, so yes, you'll be on an electronics shopping spree the minute you get there - or here, before you go.
Hard to say what you'll need in the way of clothing without knowing where you're staying and where you plan to eat. Italians are generally quite elegant without ever needing to resort to the American idea of shirt and tie and blazer.
Black frock? Gosh, I guess this predates even me. What is a black frock? I'm picturing everything from a pashmina to a jumper.
No, you can't go everywhere in shorts. Take that back - you CAN go everywhere in shorts, but you'll get stares and feel uncomfortable if you have any sensibility. You can wear shorts for hiking, on the beach, in very casual places, etc., but as I think you'll see, few Italians wear shorts as normal attire.
Slacks, casual skirts, simple stuff - that sounds perfect.
Check out some of the Italian webcams if you want a bird's-eye view of what Italians (and tourists - and BOY can you usually spot the tourists!) are wearing these days. It's really good for getting tips on how to dress, if that is an issue.
May 6th, 2004, 07:31 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As far as digital pictures, the easiest thing to do (but not the cheapest) is to have enough memory chips to hold your pictures. I wouldn't bring your laptop unless you need it for some other purpose.
If you can do without your electric shaver, a razor with disposable blades is much simpler to travel with. My husband uses a small bottle of shaving oil (from Magellan's catalog) when traveling- it's more compact than shaving cream.
We don't bring a hairdryer, because the hotels we stay in always have them, but if you need to bring one, make sure it's dual voltage (lots of the major brands are), and then all you need is a little adaptor plug with two round prongs (standard for Europe)
We do bring our camera's charger-- ours is dual voltage.
If you are bringing appliances that aren't dual voltage, then you'll need a converter, which can be heavy and bulky, so I'd avoid it if you can.
As far as clothes, I'm not even going to open that can of worms! (Things get contentious around here) I'd do a search on this forum on that topic, or packing, and see all the arguments.
If you can do without your electric shaver, a razor with disposable blades is much simpler to travel with. My husband uses a small bottle of shaving oil (from Magellan's catalog) when traveling- it's more compact than shaving cream.
We don't bring a hairdryer, because the hotels we stay in always have them, but if you need to bring one, make sure it's dual voltage (lots of the major brands are), and then all you need is a little adaptor plug with two round prongs (standard for Europe)
We do bring our camera's charger-- ours is dual voltage.
If you are bringing appliances that aren't dual voltage, then you'll need a converter, which can be heavy and bulky, so I'd avoid it if you can.
As far as clothes, I'm not even going to open that can of worms! (Things get contentious around here) I'd do a search on this forum on that topic, or packing, and see all the arguments.
May 6th, 2004, 08:53 PM
#5
Good basic mix and match clothing will do you fine. In the fall, layering of different pieces, simple casual and dress slacks, knit tops, a jacket or cardigan, etc. decent comfortable shoes works well. If you plan to go to really nice restaurants then, yes, something a bit more pulled together is appropriate (frock probably not necessary). Shorts only if it's a heatwave, and some folks would even disagree about that.
Can't comment on the camera thing, as I only use a point & shoot then buy books or postcards of the sites. Can't help with all the electronics, but I'm pretty sure you need adapters. Nice hotels most often provide hair dryers, and would you consider shaving manually?
Simplicity in packing makes for a smoother trip with less to worry about and cart around.
Can't comment on the camera thing, as I only use a point & shoot then buy books or postcards of the sites. Can't help with all the electronics, but I'm pretty sure you need adapters. Nice hotels most often provide hair dryers, and would you consider shaving manually?
Simplicity in packing makes for a smoother trip with less to worry about and cart around.
May 6th, 2004, 08:58 PM
#6
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apple IPOD with a Belkin digital camera download adaptor. Adaptor works for most digital cameras and therefore you dont need a card reader or portable CD or DVD recorder drive as some people use. You can download your digital pics from the camera to store as well as play your music mp3s. Then buy Bose Quiet Comfort 2 Headphones and pull the plug out and turn on noise cancelling feature while you fly and enjoy the silence. None of the noise cancelling headphones provided in First or Business on the airlines work nearly as well. Hope that helps.
May 7th, 2004, 05:29 AM
#8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting comments on the clothing.
I am currently living in France, and am doing a lot of travelling.
I wear what makes me comfortable, since when site-seeing, comfort is key to me. I have not felt weird at all, and my clothing is very "casual" - jeans, New Balance sneakers, black cotton pants, etc. I never feel out of place.
As for wearing shorts -- it is a fact that Europeans prefer to be warmer than us Americans. Even in the summertime, when it's boiling, babies are still wrapped in wool. Lately it's been in the upper 60's, and people are still walking around in full winter gear. It's just different than what we know. So you might not see many shorts, because they aren't bothered by the heat. My husband and I can't stand to sweat buckets, so as soon as it hits 75, shorts are ON! As long as you're not doing something inappropriate (like trying to enter a church or a really fancy restaurant), then WHO CARES!? At least that's my attitude.
: ) Good luck!
I am currently living in France, and am doing a lot of travelling.
I wear what makes me comfortable, since when site-seeing, comfort is key to me. I have not felt weird at all, and my clothing is very "casual" - jeans, New Balance sneakers, black cotton pants, etc. I never feel out of place.
As for wearing shorts -- it is a fact that Europeans prefer to be warmer than us Americans. Even in the summertime, when it's boiling, babies are still wrapped in wool. Lately it's been in the upper 60's, and people are still walking around in full winter gear. It's just different than what we know. So you might not see many shorts, because they aren't bothered by the heat. My husband and I can't stand to sweat buckets, so as soon as it hits 75, shorts are ON! As long as you're not doing something inappropriate (like trying to enter a church or a really fancy restaurant), then WHO CARES!? At least that's my attitude.
: ) Good luck!
May 9th, 2004, 08:41 PM
#9
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
May 9th, 2004, 09:01 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not sure why you'd bother with the 35mm. But, most digital camera battery chargers these days are dual voltage, so you'd need only a plug adapter (not to be confused with a converter) to plug it into the wall.
Test your camera at home for the lowest resolution necessary for whatever you plan to do with your pictures. Shoot a tree, your house, something in the distance, each other, at various resolutions. Then, look at them on your PC, print a 4x6, 5x7, 8x10. The higher resolutions are not necessarily required for gorgeous prints, even larger sizes. Then, check your manual for how many photos of your preferred resolution fit on a card and buy an extra card or two. Don't bother dragging the laptop.
Though larger cards cost less, I prefer smaller cards, as they're easier to manage when you get home. And, viewing your photos on a huge card during your travels drains the battery.
Most European hotels have an outlet in the bathroom for electric shavers.
As for hair dryers, curling appliances, irons, steamers, best bet is a dual voltage and plug adapter. Converters are heavy, expensive, and don't work very well.
A blazer for the gents and the ladies is nice to have along - not only for dressier destinations, but also just a terrific "extra layer" if you need it.
You wife can bring the basic black frock, along with a beautiful sweater or blazer. But, black slacks/skirt along with a nice blouse (even plain tee or tank or camisole) and sweater/blazer and nice black flats/pumps will take her anywhere. Especially with a gold chain or strand of pearls, nice earrings. Add a nice belt and a colorful scarf and she'll be tres chic!
Of course, if you plan to stick to casual places, casual clothing is just fine.
Test your camera at home for the lowest resolution necessary for whatever you plan to do with your pictures. Shoot a tree, your house, something in the distance, each other, at various resolutions. Then, look at them on your PC, print a 4x6, 5x7, 8x10. The higher resolutions are not necessarily required for gorgeous prints, even larger sizes. Then, check your manual for how many photos of your preferred resolution fit on a card and buy an extra card or two. Don't bother dragging the laptop.
Though larger cards cost less, I prefer smaller cards, as they're easier to manage when you get home. And, viewing your photos on a huge card during your travels drains the battery.
Most European hotels have an outlet in the bathroom for electric shavers.
As for hair dryers, curling appliances, irons, steamers, best bet is a dual voltage and plug adapter. Converters are heavy, expensive, and don't work very well.
A blazer for the gents and the ladies is nice to have along - not only for dressier destinations, but also just a terrific "extra layer" if you need it.
You wife can bring the basic black frock, along with a beautiful sweater or blazer. But, black slacks/skirt along with a nice blouse (even plain tee or tank or camisole) and sweater/blazer and nice black flats/pumps will take her anywhere. Especially with a gold chain or strand of pearls, nice earrings. Add a nice belt and a colorful scarf and she'll be tres chic!
Of course, if you plan to stick to casual places, casual clothing is just fine.
May 9th, 2004, 10:10 PM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You must be giving yourself a headache over this. How about buying disposable camera's while you are there? by pass all this hassle. Just buy a cheap hairdryer at Upim once you get there and throw it away before you leave. It will be a lot cheaper then buying and lugging plugs and adapters that may not work anyway. Pack your clothes and then the day you leave remove half of everything you packed. Relax and enjoy!
May 10th, 2004, 09:45 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some updates! Early travellers used steamer trunks to carry all that they could not acquire where they were going. Today..Europe and especially Italy may have better stocks of consumer goods than the US. Try not buying anything for your trip. Buy what you need in the destination country shops. In 1960 I fielded a call in Wisconsin from a salesman in Rochester, NY. He wanted to know if he had to bring his own food. "Were there any restaurants in Wisconsin?"
May 10th, 2004, 11:56 AM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi
Here is a pretty useful thread on clothing issues
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34490469
Here is a pretty useful thread on clothing issues
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34490469
May 10th, 2004, 12:39 PM
#15
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thre's another advantage to using a few more, smaller capacity memory cards - they aren't 100% reliable. If one does fail (or you drop it or damage it)you've lost fewer pictures. I've had this happen and it's no fun.
One other thought is that the IPod + data adapter is probably quite and expensive solution depending on how often you would use it and if you already have an IPod. You can get quite a few pictures on a 128 or 256 meg card at a reasonable resolution, and you can get a lot of those cards for the price of an IPod (doesn't help with playing music though........)
One other thought is that the IPod + data adapter is probably quite and expensive solution depending on how often you would use it and if you already have an IPod. You can get quite a few pictures on a 128 or 256 meg card at a reasonable resolution, and you can get a lot of those cards for the price of an IPod (doesn't help with playing music though........)
May 11th, 2004, 07:29 PM
#16
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just an update for fellow Technos who take lots of high resolution digital pics. Since I commented about the Ipod for digital picture storage I have since learned that there are other new device on the market or coming soon. In my view the best presently I have read about is a Nikon Coolwalker MSV-01 and it appears conveniently priced if you can find one. About USD 300 range for 30GB with a small previewing screen.
May 11th, 2004, 08:26 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Steve,
You seem pretty attuned to this stuff. Still finding my away around a new DSLR.
Have you heard of Archos? I was looking at one of their storage devices that seems to be sort of a hybrid between the MP3 player and a photo wallet. 20GB, but it has a built in CF reader for $230 USD. Very small. Have you heard anything about them?
http://www.archos.com/products/overview/gmini_120.html
May 12th, 2004, 01:20 AM
#18
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have noticed Archos products also in my search today - there are a few new products appearing and they all seem fine. I guess its all about the quality of the internal hard drive which is all that they are really. Warranty would be an important issue for me and reliability because there would be nothing worse than 10-20GB of high resolution pics from a long journey crashing from a hard drive. The Nikon product is attractive because it is a Nikon, it has a small review screen and all the Nikon equipment I have owned has always been totally reliable.
May 12th, 2004, 09:04 AM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I brought my 35mm and my digital last summer when we went to Italy. I was concerned the digital wouldn't take good enough pics. Next time I will just bring my digital, as the pics, even enlarged to an 8 X 10's were as good as the 35mm. Just stop at internet cafes or photo shops and have the pics transferred to CD's. It worked great for us, even in the Southern part of Italy. It costs around 5 Euro.
May 12th, 2004, 10:24 AM
#20
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quick comment on transformers, etc. We bought a small "kit" which contains a transformer (about 2" square)and a variety of plugs.. even though everything is supposed to be universal - we have sometimes had to resort (in Greece) to going to the Concierge and begging for the correct one.. The whole kit and caboodle is about six inches long in a pouch..
