Whenever you go overseas (as it was the first time for me), it is good to note that not everyone uses 110V, 60Hz power with traditional power outlets that resemble the ones we have here in the states. So one of the handy things to have is a power adapter. Note that there is a difference between a power adapter and a power converter. A power converter converts the 220v 50Hz electricity in Europe down to the 110V, 60Hz power that our electronics use. Most of our modern day electronics have a converter built in to the AC adapter. Usually, old hair dryers or kitchen appliances are the ones that don't have these built in converters and you'll have to bring one for them to plug in to.
I checked the AC adapter on my MacBook and my camera battery charger and they have built in power converters so I was good to go. I purchased a power adapter made by Swiss Gear that is essentially the swiss army knife of power adapters. Depending on what country you are in, you just flip the switch and the appropriate plug pops out. It was pretty awesome. The field test was quite successful.
Next up: Hostel Life
