Back to Basics: Pack a Power Strip
October 8, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Back to Basics, Travel Tips
I was staying at a hotel in Chicago a couple weeks ago, and thoroughly enjoyed the spaciousness of the room, the good-sized desk and work space, the upscale bathroom amenities, the robe in the closet, the wonderful bed and pillows, and the FREE gourmet coffee that I could make in the morning. In other words, this hotel ranked in the upper middle of the hotel spectrum.
But the one thing that I hated about this hotel. The one thing that should never happen in a business hotel at any point along the price spectrum. There was only one plug in on the desk to accommodate the charging of all my gadgets!
Now, I confess to traveling with more electronics than the average person. I have my iPod full of music and movies, my iPhone (necessary for internet access when I’m traveling and not in a hotel room), my Kindle (because I love to read and packing around more than one book gets way too heavy), and my laptop. I can’t pare it down any more than that.
Those things all need to be recharged. And I need more than one plug in to do it.
That’s why packing a simple power strip is one of the best things that you can include on your packing list.
Whether it’s to recharge all your electronic gadgets like I do, or to have space to plug in beauty gadgets in the bathroom or dressing area, a power strip ensures that you can use everything you need to use. They’re inexpensive, can be used anywhere. In fact, if you’re in an airport or lobby where you can only find one plug in, whipping out your power strip and offering to share will make you the most popular kid on the block!
Next time your travel, pack that power strip!
Image credit: Amazon
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Why would you carry a power strip, and four seperate power supplies, when they are several manufacturers who make power supplies that can serve many devices?
I carry two laptops, an Iphone, a Kindle, and a Bluetooth headset. All are powered/charged from a single power supply (IGo in my case), with various charging tips.
The PS also comes with Car and Air adapters, so I can use/charge all my devices anywhere, without a tangle of cords, and plug in blocks.
Thank you for this tip! I found myself in a Chicago hotel last night desperately NEEDING a power strip. You inspired me to write a post to inform my readers about an expanding/collapsing power strip. Thanks!