With our tour quickly approaching, we have had some students beginning to ask for clarification about power adapters, phone chargers and all things electronic for use on the tour. Here, once and for all, is the explanation (hopefully) of what students will need and will NOT need for the trip:1) DO NOT BRING A HAIR DRYER! There is most likely one in your hotel room for your convenient use (we are confirming this, but in our experience this is standard. Your host family will probably have one as well. You can email them ahead time to ask them! Just don't bring it! You don't need it!! You look lovely without it!!!
2) If you MUST bring a curling or straightening iron (or the hair dryer we just told you not to bring), Bring one that is made for travel and is DUAL VOLTAGE. From looking at Target and Walmart online, it looks like there are several options. MAKE SURE IT IS A DUAL VOLTAGE appliance. When in doubt, ask! Then, still read the box or instructions a couple times to make sure. There is also the possibility of using a voltage adapter, but despite our best efforts, it seems like students always try to make this work and run into some sort of trouble. Again, you can ask your hosts if they have what you need.
3) If you are bringing small rechargeable electronics such as a cellphone, iPad, digital camera, etc. all you will probably need is a PLUG ADAPTER (explained below). Here's how to know for sure. Take a look at the charging plug for your electronic device. It will have a bunch of writing on it. Here is an example of two charging plugs (Click on image to enlarge):
This first one is from a WiFi router. (Not something I'm planning on bringing, but it's a good illustration):
The plug says "Input: AC 120v 60Hz 12W. 120v is what we use here in the US. Europe uses 240v so I cannot use this power supply in France and Germany without a LOW WATTAGE or DUAL WATTAGE VOLTAGE adapter (explained below, I promise!).
But take a look at this iPhone charger:
If you look carefully at the wording it says Input: 100-240v 50-60Hz. That lets me know that it will work on US voltage AND European voltage. So for that device, all you need is the PLUG ADAPTER! Your Chromebook is the same thing. So, look at your small electronics. Most likely all you will need for your electronics is the plug adapter.
Now for the explanations!
Voltage Adapters/Converter
These come in three types - High Wattage (for devices from about 50w to about 1800w - for those curling irons and hair dryers), Low Wattage (for devices less than 50w - your personal electronics), and Dual Wattage (which can do both kinds of devices by switching a switch). Small electronics will need the Low or Dual Wattage adapter (set on Low). Using the High Wattage converter with small electronics will cause damage - make sure to have the switch in the correct setting! To use these voltage adapters, you will also need to have the appropriate plug adapters (which are often but not always included).
I found the following converter at Fry's online (also currently in stock at the Downers Grove store) that is switchable between high and low wattage, and comes with the plug adapters you need (click on the link to be brought to the Fry's website):
Manufacturer: Travel Smart
UPC #039052006470
Model #TS1875CKN
Plug Adapters Even if you do not need a voltage adapter/converter you will still need a plug adapter that will change the shape of your US plug to the European plug type. Fry's sells a couple sets of plug adapters for a range of prices. You actually need two different adapters - one for France and a slightly different one for Germany. If you get the converter listed above, you're all set (unless you want to use the converter AND plug in something else that doesn't need it at the same time). If you just need plug adapters, or want extras, I would suggest the following (click on the link to be brought to the Fry's website): Lenmar 5 Piece International AC Plug Converter Set - $11.99 Frys.com #4132603 Manufacturer: Lenmar UPC #029521556858 Model #AC5 ADAPTER 
One final thought about these adapters. If you bring your Chromebook (which will work by just using a plug adapter - no voltage adapter necessary) you'll notice that the charger plug has three prongs, and the plug adapter just has two. There are two solutions:
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