I Learned the Hard Way That Travel Adapters Don't Always Work-Here's How to Avoid Frying Your Electronics

"On a mission to bust through the zillion wrinkles my "going out" dress had accumulated in my carry-on, I had plugged the steamer into my European travel adapter without a second thought. It was only after it made a pathetic sfffftz! sound when I realized what I had done; I hadn't checked to see if the voltage of the steamer and the hotel's power outlets would line up."

"So, lesson learned: Pack wrinkle-free fabrics when you can, and never, ever, plug a travel steamer or hair tool in without checking the voltage first. The first step to preventing your devices from being electrocuted into oblivion while visiting Europe (or, really, anywhere outside of the United States) is to buy a travel adapter or voltage converter that suits your needs."

Three years ago I visited the island of Madeira, Portugal for a work trip, enjoying colheita at Blandy's Wine Lodge, volcanic rock pools, and hiking the foggy Fanal Forest. A trip highlight turned awkward when a brand-new travel steamer was fried right before a ritzy group dinner. The steamer was plugged into a European travel adapter without checking voltage compatibility, producing a sfffftz! sound and revealing the mismatch. The result was attending a five-star meal in a wrinkled white linen dress. Recommended precautions include packing wrinkle-free fabrics and always using a suitable travel adapter or voltage converter; options start around $10.

Read at Travel + Leisure