The Traveling Green Girl: Electronic Devices

The Green Girl is going to continue her Traveling Green Girl Series with Electronic Devices.

As I mentioned in The Traveling Green Girl: Carry Ons, I recommend including chargers for all your electronics in your carry on. I store all of my chargers in an Eagle Creek padded cube.

I always leave my Eagle Creek padded cube on top of my backpack the night before my trip as a visual reminder to include my phone charger before I leave my house.

International Travel - Electric Current

When traveling internationally, you will need to make sure your electronics will be compatible with the electrical current in the destination country.

Alternating current (AC) electricity is the most common type of electricity. Direct current (DC) electricity flows in one direction through a wire while AC electricity alternates direction in a back-and-forth motion.

The advantage of AC over DC is that AC voltages can be easily transformed to higher or lower voltage levels.

Voltage measures the electrical force. Hertz is the frequency of the AC signal. In the US, we run on 60 hertz so an American might notice that the flicker rate of a light bulb on Europe's 50 hertz power is different from back home.

Most countries use electricity at approximately 220 volts/50hz, while North America uses 110-120 volts/60hz. The electrical socket configurations also vary from country to country.

International Travel - Travel Adapters

Depending on the electronic device, you may need one of the following when you travel to a foreign country:

• Adapter
• Converters
• Transformers

Plug from United States, South America, Caribbean, Japan, Korea, Mexico Image from American Allergy Supply

An adapter is simply a connector that changes the plug shape to match the outlet. It does not change the voltage or electrical output in any way.

If you know that the plug shape is the only difference between your equipment and the electrical system you are planning to use, an adapter is all you need.

Many devices and chargers have the ability to use either 110v or 220v built right in.

You can determine a device's voltage rating by by looking at the label on the power supply.

For example, Mr. Green Garmin's charger is rated for 100-240 volts and 50-60 hertz. Mr. Green Garmin does not require a converter or a transformer and only needs an adapter.

Here are some plug configuration examples:

220 volts/50 hertz Africa, Asia, England, Europe, Israel, Argentina, Middle East, Singapore, Austria Image from American Allergy Supply

Australia, Argentina, New Zealand Image from American Allergy Supply

220 volts/50 hertz Africa, England, Hong Kong, Scotland, Singapore Image from American Allergy Supply

Converters and transformers change the voltage but they do not alter the cycles.

Converters are designed to operate for short periods of time. If you are using an electric appliance with a heating element or mechanical motor such as a hair dryer or iron, you will need a converter.

Transformers, on the other hand, can be used for long term, continuous use. If you are using an electronic device such as a computer or television, you need a transformer.

Keep in mind small appliances that are only rated for 100 volts like curling irons and blow dryers don't work well in 220 volt countries, even with a converter so if you are taking these items, make sure they are rated for 220 volts.

When traveling to countries with direct current (DC), you must use an AC to DC converter or transformer.

The Traveling Green Girl: Medication and First Aid

The Green Girl's Medication and First Aid Bag for 3 weeks in China

The Green Girl continues her Traveling Green Girl Series with Medication and First Aid.

The amount of medication you carry will be dependent on your destination. When I travel domestically, I tend to only carry ibuprofen, allergy, and sinus medication. If you are suffering from head congestion, I would recommend taking a decongestant approximately a half to an hour before your plane lands to ease the pressure.

I like to carry my daily vitamins in little pill bags. They are inexpensive, convenient, sanitary, and moisture resistant. Each bag features a write-on label and can be easily slipped into a pocket or purse. They can be found at your local drug store.

When I travel outside of the country, I carry an EpiPen with me because I am allergic to seafood.

If you require prescription drugs, I would recommend keeping them in their original containers with the labels still attached. Bring extra just in case you get stranded.

In terms of first aid, I only carry an assortment of bandages and moleskine. Depending on the activities you have planned, you may want to expand your first aid kit. I use the Arnica Plus on rashes to stop the itching - it seems to be the only thing that works. Hydro cortisone never seems to do it for me.

I like to rub the Muscle Ice on my tired, sore feet at the end of a long day and on my legs after runs.

I've heard nothing but good things about No-Jet-Lag so I tried it on the way home from my last trip to Asia and it didn't seem to help but I am considering giving it another try.

You'll notice for all brand name products, I mention the generic equivalent option. I think we've established that I'm a cheap Green Girl so I always go with whatever is cheapest.

The Green Girl's Medication and First Aid List

• Daily Vitamins/Supplements
• Prescription Drugs
• Ibuprofen
• Pseudoephedrine
• Benedryl or generic equivalent
• Pepto-Bismol or generic equivalent
• Mucinex or generic equivalent
• Loperamide
• Antibiotic
• Bandages
• Mole skin
• Instant cold compress
• Peaceful Mountain Muscle Ice
• Peaceful Mountain Arnica Plus or other cream/gel/lotion with arnica

Traveling To Third World Countries

If you're traveling to a Third World country, I would highly recommend bringing all of this with you. Don't bring the entire package of medicine, leave the box at home and just bring one or two sheets of the pills.

And if nothing else, I implore you to bring Pepto-Bismol (or the generic equivalent) chewable tablets. Any time you are about to consume food at a place that looks less than desirable, chew on a couple of these pink pills and the coating on your stomach will give your stomach a little extra protection.

I would also suggest bringing a broad spectrum antibiotic just in case you end up with a bad case of diarrhea or other sickness that won't go away. Your primary care doctor will write you a prescription for this purpose.

Also check with your local health department or doctor for vaccinations for certain regions.

The Traveling Green Girl: Toiletry Essentials

The Green Girl continues her Traveling Green Girl series with Toiletry Essentials.

I highly recommend the Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport toiletry kit because of its roomy duffel style and compartments. The main compartment flap zips open and a swivel hook allows you to easily hang it from almost anywhere. The lining is stain and water repellent.

Please keep in mind the 3 oz rule for carry-ons. Any item containing a liquid, cream, or gel must not be more than 3 oz. or you will need to check it in.

I recommend carrying Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths because they can double as a wash cloth for your shower gel. As a germaphobe, I cannot use hotel soap that has touched the surface of the bathtub so I start off my shower by washing my face with the facial cloth and then I use it with the body wash for the rest of my body. For long trips, I simply take a bar of my favorite antibacterial body soap and I cut it into small pieces using a kitchen knife. I throw all the soap pieces into a zip pouch and I use one piece per shower.

Giovanni Recharge Organic Peppermint Towelettes are one of my 'on the go' must-haves. They are these little mint towelettes that perk me up and make me feel refreshed instantly.

If you are sharing a hotel room, I would not leave home without a bottle of Poo Pourri. You simply spritz the toilet water twice before you do your business and this magical spray will keep your bathroom smelling like fresh lemons.

Please note that first aid and medication will be covered in a separate post but on shorter trips, these items can be included in the toiletry kit.

Here is the Green Girl's list of Toiletry Essentials:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Microban Standing Toothbrush Holder
• Plackers Dental Flossers
• Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths
• Dickinson's Witch Hazel Daily Facial Towelettes
• Giovanni Recharge Organic Peppermint Towelettes
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Face wash
• Body wash
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Antiperspirant/Deodorant
• Facial moisturizer with SPF
• Sunscreen
• Q-tips Cotton Swabs Pack
• Travel comb
• Travel brush
• Spare hair elastics
• Bondi Bands
• Peaceful Mountain Muscle Ice
• Hydro cortisone
• Daily vitamins in individual zip bags
• Poo Pourri
• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes To Go
• Tide Travel Sink Packets
• Shout Wipes
• Bausch & Lomb Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Tissues
• Feminine products
• Spare zip pouches
• Safety pins

The Traveling Green Girl: Carry Ons

The Green Girl loves to travel.

From the time I was a small Green Girl, I've enjoyed visiting new places and experiencing different cultures.

Along the way, I picked up quite a few tips and tricks. And after a lot of trial and error, I learned to streamline my packing process.

Family and friends often come to me for travel and packing advice. Quite a few people have mentioned they actually reference my packing lists to make sure they didn't overlook anything.

I've decided I will consolidate my travel knowledge into a series of blog posts. I will start with travel wardrobe choices and carry ons.

When traveling to a destination, my main priorities are comfort and security.

I would suggest always layering your clothing because airports tend to be cold but airplane temperatures can fluctuate. But also keep in mind when you go through airport security, you must remove all jackets, sweaters, or other heavy articles of clothing. If you only have a skimpy tank top on under a zipped jacket, be advised you will be forced to remove that outer layer.

If you are traveling during the cold winter months, wear your bulkiest clothing so it doesn't take up so much space in your luggage.

Purchase a metal-less belt like the Eagle Creek All Terrain Money Belt so you don't have to remove it when you go through airport security. This belt can also be used to store extra money. You can easily store at least ten folded bills in the zipped section.

Wear comfortable shoes that can be easily slipped on and off. Keep in mind if you don't wear socks, you will have to walk barefoot through security.

In terms of carry ons, I highly recommend taking a backpack and a cross shoulder strap bag. I believe this combination is best because you are distributing the weight across your body. The cross strap bag can be smaller or larger - depending on your needs.

My bag of choice is the REI Chock small messenger bag. It's just the right size to fit everything I need when I travel. I love how it features slots in the front and back - my Camelbak Better Bottle .5L fits perfectly and I can stash a travel umbrella in the back. And most importantly, it zips shut so nothing will fall out if you accidentally drop your bag - this is very important when traveling.

Store your passport and travel documents in the bag that is crossed over your body to keep them secure yet easily accessible. It's much harder to keep a close eye on the contents of your backpack. Store some money in that bag for incidentals but keep the majority of your money somewhere more secure. If I am traveling abroad, I will have some money in my Eagle Creek belt, some in a zip bag in my hidden money belt under my pants, and a small amount each day in my bag.

I carry a North Face Recon in Truckee Green. I love how it has both chest and waist straps.

Assuming you also have a checked in luggage, here is the Green Girl's carry on packing list:

• Spare jacket
• Reading material (books, magazines, puzzles)
• Eagle Creek Comfort Plus Neck Pillow
• MP3 Player
• Chargers for all your electronics
• Spare batteries
• Snack
• Empty reusable water bottle
• Medication

I cannot say enough good things about the Eagle Creek inflatable neck pillow. It inflates with three breaths and deflates in a couple of seconds. The cover is machine washable and you can dry it as well. In addition to the plane, I also use it at to take naps at the airport, on trains, on buses, you name it and I've probably napped there.

All Eagle Creek products carry a lifetime guarantee so if you do manage to pop your neck pillow, they will gladly send you a replacement free of charge. Truth be told, I had my neck pillow replaced a few times before they reengineered it. I've had this one for over five years now.

I always tell people to bring all chargers for all electronics in the carry on because if your flight is delayed, you are going to want to keep your mobile devices charged. You will also want things to help pass the time.

In terms of the reusable water bottle, I just empty the bottle at the curb when I arrive at the airport and then once I'm past security, I go to the nearest food concession stand and ask for a free cup of ice water.

For freshening up at the end of a long flight, I highly recommend Giovanni Recharge Organic Peppermint Towelettes. They are conveniently individually wrapped and the mint is refreshing and renewing when a shower isn't available.

I recommend trying to keep these bags as light as possible because there may be times when you have to sprint significant distances through a crowded airport to catch a connecting flight.