Ah, the digital age. We are so lucky to be living in an era in which technology better connects us and helps us to facilitate our daily, mundane tasks. However, we cannot deny our dependency on technology, which can sometimes make packing for travel a hassle. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be as stressful as one might assume.

I should preference this by saying that this mostly applies for international travel, because traveling abroad likely requires the voltage conversion for our electronics and appliances. Consider following these few steps to determine what would be best to pack for your trip.

1. What kinds of electronics are you bringing? If you are bringing strictly media-based electronics that are NOT a laptop computer (eg. phone, tablet, e-reader, etc.), check to see whether or not they can be charged by using a USB adapter. Nowadays, this is the case for most media-based electronics. If you are sticking to just USB-capable products, then all you need is the proper adapter, such as the European, UK, Australian, or an all-in-one. I purchased a three pack of European adapters back in 2016 and I have not had a problem in the multiple times that I have used them since.

2. Are you bringing other electronics that cannot be charged via a USB port? This might include laptops, digital camera battery chargers, and hair appliances (though we will save those for no. 3). If you have an Apple laptop, you can merely purchase a battery plug that corresponds to the outlet you will be using. Purchasing a voltage converter is always an option, so do not feel like I am discouraging you from doing that. Just keep in mind, however, that you are in fact purchasing a converter and not just an adapter. An adapter merely changes the shape of the outlet plug but a converter changes the voltage power. Other countries, for example those in Europe, run their electricity on 110 Watts, versus the United States, which runs on 220 Watts. So, if you just purchase an adapter, you might risk blowing a fuse because you did not purchase an apparatus that would properly convert the voltage. With that said, do not be surprised at the price difference between an adapter and a converter, as converters will be more expensive because they require more functionality.

3. Are you bringing hair appliances? I get it, not all of us are blessed with natural hair that cooperates in every sort of weather condition, and therefore, we rely on certain appliances to keep our manes in check. Again, using a power converter for hair appliances is always an option, but consider asking yourself these questions. Are you traveling to a single destination or multiple that at least use the same outlet? Is it only one appliance you need (eg. hair dryer or straightener)? If you answered yes to [ideally] both of those questions, then you might consider just purchasing your hair appliances at your destinations. You can purchase a well-working, travel-sized, hairdryer for the equivalent of $20, and hair straighteners, which usually run within the same price bracket, are pretty compact and easy to carry around. One pretty important benefit of purchasing a hair appliance at your destination is that you can be nearly certain that you will not blow a fuse.

4. Can you downsize? As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, many of us are dependent upon technology even when we travel. However, unless you are on a business trip, keep in mind that travel is otherwise [usually] for vacation and is meant to be relaxing. Therefore, ask yourself if you really need the electronics that you had planned on bringing. Take your laptop, for example. It’s heavy, it requires a power converter in order to be used, and how much are you going to use it, anyway? I hope you’re not checking work e-mails while on vacation! If you are considering bringing a laptop for leisurely purposes (eg. watching TV in your downtime), then maybe switch it out for a tablet, if you own one, or use your leisure time as an excuse to pick up a good book! As for hair appliances, can you get by with just a hairdryer and not a straightener? If yes, then just try to make sure all of your accommodations include a hairdryer as an amenity. It might not be the strongest one, but it should get the job done.

In the end, traveling is not only meant to be fun, but it is supposed to be fun made with minimal effort. Don’t let your stress about bringing electronics ruin your ability to relax and decompress!