Blog – 110220volts.com https://www.110220volts.com Voltage Converters and Plug Adapters Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:29:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.110220volts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-logor-6-1-32x32.jpg Blog – 110220volts.com https://www.110220volts.com 32 32 DVD VS. BLU-RAY: YOU’LL BE SURPRISED WHO THE WINNER IS https://www.110220volts.com/dvd-vs-blu-ray-youll-be-surprised-who-the-winner-is.html Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:58:51 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=8065 While many consumers might assume that Blu-ray is superior to the DVD format just because it’s new, they’d be hard pressed to explain why Blu-ray tops the older format. In fact, in a head-to-head matchup between Blu-rays and DVDs, the older format has some critical advantages over its newer rival.

More than a decade after its introduction, just 44 percent of U.S. households with broadband Internet access own a Blu-ray player, according to Fortune Magazine. The DVD market remains extraordinarily resilient, with about 87 percent of households owning a DVD player, according to Statista.

Among electronics connoisseurs – the kind of folks who insist on a non-region DVD player and know exactly what parts of the world require a 110 to 220 converter to safely use American gear – DVDs remain highly popular because of a number of advantages this format holds. DVDs and DVD players have distinct advantages in price and availability, and there are a number of lesser known advantages this resilient format has over its newer rival.

DVDs vs. Blu-Ray

If you’re on the fence concerning whether to purchase a Blu-ray player or upgrade your current DVD player to a newer model, consider these facts before committing to a purchase:

  • The picture is great, but not that great. It’s easy to see the difference in quality between Blu-ray discs and DVDs, but the gap between them isn’t as profound as some technophiles would have you believe. Higher-end DVD players can provide picture quality close to that of a Blu-ray player and at a much lower cost. When choosing between DVD and Blu-ray, ask yourself, “Do I really need to see my favorite Hollywood stars’ pores that badly?”
  • There’s a price advantage. DVDs and DVD players remain significantly less expensive than Blu-rays. On average, Blu-ray discs tend to cost $10 more than DVD versions of the same film. In fact, some great DVDs of popular Hollywood films can retail for less than $5. In today’s challenging economy, saving money is important. Sticking with DVDs will help you shave a few dollars off of your monthly budget.

The price gap between DVD players and Blu-ray players is even greater. An average quality Blu-ray player will set consumers back about $250 to $300, while a high-end device will cost thousands of dollars. Top quality DVD players can be found for less than $500, and average quality devices can be purchased for under $50. This big price gap makes a DVD player the better choice for a cost-conscious consumer.

  • Blu-ray is buggy. Although it’s been on the market for a decade, Blu-ray continues to be problematic for its users. There are widespread complaints about Blu-ray playability issues centering around load times for the players. Blu-ray also poses some technology difficulties. While DVD players are fairly simple to operate, many Blu-ray players come with added features that require a high-speed internet connection and a fair degree of technical savvy to enjoy.

DVD players have evolved. Top quality up-converting DVD players can provide a viewing experience very close to the quality offered by Blu-ray players. If you’ve already invested quite a bit of money in your current collection of DVDs, upgrading to a better DVD player may be a better move than purchasing a Blu-ray player and buying new copies of your favorite movies.

  • Blu-ray availability is not universal. Most films are available in DVD format, while Blu-ray still has a lot of catching up to do. Most new releases are on Blu-ray, but there are generations of beloved movies that have yet to see a Blu-ray release. Owners of DVD players have a much broader selection of viewing options to choose from than folks with Blu-ray players.
  • You’ve already made a TV investment. There’s really not much point in investing in a Blu-ray player unless you also own a high-end television set. A widescreen HD television is a pretty significant home theater investment, often costing $1,000 or more, and that’s on top of the $250 you’ll pay for a Blu-ray player. For most consumers, a DVD player will provide good quality picture and sound at a reasonable price.
  • DVDs remain highly convenient. DVDs are a great medium for portable media storage. While digital download is rapidly taking up a greater share of the video market, there are lots of situations where digital download just isn’t a practical option. For example, if you’re going to an area with little or no internet connection, or if you want to strictly control the types of content your children watch. In these situations, DVDs remain the portable storage media of choice for video content, thanks to their ubiquity, low cost, and convenience.
  • Blu-rays are going to be a short-lived fad. If anything truly supplants DVDs, it’s going to be direct digital downloads. The adoption of this technology continues at a rapid pace, as more and more communities gain access to fast internet speeds. At best, Blu-ray is just a placeholder technology between DVDs and digital download technology. Its expense and the inconvenience involved will likely keep it from being a major format.

History of DVD

The DVD was originally developed by Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Philips in 1995. The technology was preceded by other optical disc formats, such as LaserDisc, which was developed in the late 70s and popularized in the 80s. The DVD was a compromise between Philips and Sony, which had developed competing products. Computer giants IBM, Apple, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft told the companies that they wanted a single format, prompting the companies to agree upon a single format for DVD products.

DVDs quickly became the format of choice for home video viewing. DVDs provided better picture and sound quality, a better data lifespan, and interactive features unavailable on the then-dominant VHS format. VHS stored data on magnetic tape, and this format was responsible for the rise of the home video industry, as it provided the first easy and convenient means of watching recorded videos in a home format. VHS first hit the market in the mid-70s and reached its peak popularity in the 80s and 90s. VHS still has some residual popularity, thanks to its comparative ease in recording, compared to DVD.

History of Blu-Ray

Blu-ray was developed in the early 2000s, and the first consumer Blu-ray players and discs hit the market in 2003. Blu-ray was developed to allow the storage of high-definition and ultra-high definition video. The name refers to the violet laser used to read the disc.

Because a violet laser is used instead of a red laser, information is able to be stored at a greater density on Blu-ray discs, thus allowing them to accommodate high definition and ultra-high definition video.

Blu-ray has seen adoption by not just the home video industry, but also the video game industry, which uses Blu-ray discs to store information for modern games with high-quality graphics.

The average household spends about $1,500 on home entertainment each year, including electronic devices and video content. To make that investment worthwhile, consumers searching for Blu-ray or DVD players need to find a supplier with a good track record of providing quality electronic products. There are many DVD and Blu-ray players on the market, and, while many are good, there are quite a few cheap knock-offs being sold.

110220 Volts provides a variety of consumer electronic products, including step up transformers, DVD players, voltage regulators, GSM cell phones, multisystem televisions, and much more. For quality electronic products made for a global customer base, shop 110220 Volts for dependable products from proven manufacturers.

For quality electronic products made for a global customer base, shop 110220 Volts for dependable products from proven manufacturers.

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3 INCREDIBLE PERKS OF MOVING ABROAD https://www.110220volts.com/3-incredible-perks-of-moving-abroad.html Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:18:55 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6791 Moving to a whole new country can be one of those life-changing leaps that is both massive and scary, but it can also be one of the most incredible experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you’re moving abroad for a year or forever, these three benefits will help you to see the experience in a positive light.

You CAN Bring Your Smartphone (or Computer)

There’s a common misconception that moving overseas means selling everything you own (especially electronics) and replacing it upon arrival. This thought process comes from the fact that electrical outlets aren’t necessarily the same

Different countries may use higher or lower voltages, so you need to check this out and plan for it in advance of your trip if you want standard devices like smartphones, computers, or even a trusty coffee grinder to work.

The good news (and a definite perk) is that it’s easy to find the converter you need before you go. Just determine the voltage used at your destination and then purchase a power adapter like a 110v to 220v converter or a 220 to 110 converter. Once you arrive, plug the converter in, and then plug your device into the converter.

Voltage converters make it easy to take your expensive productivity and entertainment devices with you wherever you go. Use them and save money on the cost of replacement once you arrive.

Freedom

One of the biggest pros (and sometimes a con) to moving abroad has to do with freedom. You’ll have the freedom to come and go as you please in your new country and to form the life you’ve always wanted to live.

For some people, that freedom is beneficial. For others, it can be slightly frightening or even confusing. Before you go, think about how you’ll survive and make decisions. How many of your choices in life have had to be made without a safety net? When you move, you’ll instantly make your decisions on your own. This freedom can feel pretty incredible, but, for some people, it’s a bit overwhelming.

Don’t forget that new technology makes it easier than ever to communicate with loved ones back home. Feeling homesick? Pop on FaceTime and have a chat. As you explore your new life, you’ll find yourself maturing and growing as a person, too.

Broadened Horizons

Moving to another country comes with so many learning opportunities. From local cultures to languages, this, alone, will broaden your horizons. No matter where you go, you’ll learn facts you would never learn just staying in your home country.

You’ll see how historical events are viewed by other countries, including that what might be common in your home country can be viewed as impolite or just plain odd in other countries. You may find yourself needing to learn what to avoid or even called out for simple greetings like waving or shaking hands. You might even come to learn that the life you lead in your home country is one that was totally sheltered.

All of that questioning serves an important purpose as you begin to question things that you once took for granted. This broadens your horizons and can make you more accepting, patient, and compassionate, too.

Memories for a Lifetime

Living abroad will provide you with the fodder for stories that you will be able to tell for a lifetime. These stories can also inspire you to be introspective and learn more about yourself in the process. You’ll gain experience in ways that may seem exaggerated to other people, but which will be all too real for you.

One of the best ways to remember everything is to record it. Carry a journal, take too many photos, and get involved not just in tourism, but in the local culture, too. Make friends with locals. Visit local restaurants. Remember all of the little details so that you will have amazing, picture-painting memories to mull over throughout your life.

At the end of the day, moving abroad is both tough and incredibly inspiring. From the rice fields of rural China to the Caribbean, each location has something to teach you about yourself and the world around you. Need voltage converters for your international trip? Contact http://www.110120volts.com today to learn more.

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TRAVEL MAKES YOU HAPPIER THAN WEALTH https://www.110220volts.com/travel-makes-you-happier-than-wealth.html Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:03:18 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6763

Money can’t buy you happiness, but can experience? Oftentimes, materials seem to fail us, while memories live on. If you are planning a trip overseas, make sure you are prepared with plug adaptors and voltage converters to be sure you capture memories in all the best ways! Read on to understand the long-term benefits of traveling.

  1. Material Objects Are Temporary – In a recent study, it was found that purchasing a new object and travel both brought happiness. The catch? The joy that came with the material item would only last so long. A new car, a new piece of furniture, or a new sweater will eventually become ordinary objects. As time goes on, people tend to adapt to material things, leaving them with a void, whereas those who travel will continue to revisit their memories and experiences, allowing them something to joyously reflect back on.
  2. Never Know What to Expect – The best part of traveling is never knowing what to expect. You can have your entire trip mapped out and hotels booked, but with an open mind, an opportunity of a lifetime could perhaps pop up and lead you to somewhere you’ve never been or permit you to do something you’ve never done.
  3. Understanding Other Cultures – Whether you are in one of the most expensive cities in the world or a developing country, you will quickly learn to adapt to the culture through food, humor, spirituality, and more. This is a great tool for learning how to connect with people of all different walks of life. It also creates great conversation if you just so happen to meet someone who has been to the same places as you or has interest in them.

Travel Helps You Understand What Really Matters – Keeping up with the Joneses is exhausting. Our entire lives are constantly infiltrated by marketing. We are always being told what to buy. And when we do, it’s immediately time to upgrade. It’s a never-ending cycle. When you travel, all you need is the bare necessities. Experience will fill in the rest.

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime – As time passes, you will never forget your adventure river rafting through Oregon or staring into a volcano in Hawaii. If you choose to take the opportunity of travel, you will always have the time you road a motorbike through Vietnam or got to stand under the Eiffel Tower. You could be in your old age, reminiscing about the lovely times you experienced in another country.

Working 40 hours a week is often a necessity, and hard work definitely brings about the ability to travel. But spending a paycheck on fleeting materials when you could be experiencing kangaroos in Australia or backpacking through Europe just doesn’t seem to make sense. If you decide to travel outside the country, be sure to check out our voltage converter 110 220 or a step down voltage converter to assure your technological devices can get emails and take photos!

Sources

https://brightside.me/inspiration-psychology/it-turns-out-that-traveling-makes-us-far-happier-than-any-material-wealth-ever-does-221755/

https://shareably.net/spend-money-on-experiences/

https://www.fastcoexist.com/3043858/world-changing-ideas/the-science-of-why-you-should-spend-your-money-on-experiences-not-thing

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HOW DOES WORKING/STUDYING ABROAD LOOK TO EMPLOYERS? https://www.110220volts.com/workingstudying-abroad-look-employers.html Mon, 05 Jun 2017 07:04:00 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6770 As many recent graduates are discovering, it is becoming harder to land a job right out of school, with one exception: Those students that took the time to work or study abroad during their college education are finding it easier to get hired.

Even if you did not take advantage of study abroad opportunities while enrolled in school, there are still other options you can pursue to beef up your resume and make it look more enticing to potential employers. You could participate in a work-study internship program that gives you on-the-job experience. Some students also take what is called a gap year, where they travel abroad to immerse themselves in different cultures and experiences.

Having international work or study experience tends to be looked at positively by the vast majority of employers. Most recent graduates who have worked or studied abroad and who list this on their resume find potential employers are more inclined to make a job offer because this experience helps set them apart from other job candidates. In fact, many employers consider your time abroad as the initiative to try new things and expand your horizons beyond the United States.

How to Put Travel Experience on a Resume

The first place to start is to decide where you want to go and what type of program you will need. For instance, if you are pursuing a degree in finance, you will want to look into study abroad programs in key cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, or London. Whereas, if you are an engineering student, then exploring opportunities in South America or the Middle East will have greater weight, compared to other areas.

If you have already graduated, talk to your school about possible internship programs where you can work abroad. Again, you want to focus on areas that will help benefit your career. Some employers view work abroad experience in places like China or India as more adventurous, say, than going to Canada or Mexico.

Furthermore, simply having work/study abroad experience on a resume is not always sufficient for certain employers. Rather, they want the job applicant to be able to articulate the value of their foreign experiences and how those will be of benefit to the employer.

What Is Required to Work/Study Abroad

Aside from applying for and being accepting into a work/study abroad program and having a valid passport, you will also require:

  • Education and/or a Work Visa – Some countries require these types of visas for educational and work abroad opportunities.
  • Foreign Language Classes – You will want to learn the local language to be able to work/study easier.
  • International Power Adapter – If you plan on taking electronic devices along with you, you will need the right voltage converters and adapters to use electrical outlets in foreign countries.
  • Appropriate Clothing – In some countries, even for entry-level jobs that would be “business casual” here, employees are expected to dress up in suits and ties.

As you can see, you need to be well-prepared before working or studying abroad, but the benefits of spending time in a foreign country as part of your education can pay off once you graduate. For assistance in finding the right power adapters and converters you will need, please feel free to contact 110220Volts at 800-827-9978 today!

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COMMON FEARS OF MOVING ABROAD (AND HOW TO CONQUER THEM) https://www.110220volts.com/common-fears-moving-abroad-conquer.html Mon, 29 May 2017 07:07:00 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6774 Moving abroad—it’s a major life decision that can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re moving to a country where you don’t speak the language or fully understand local customs. Even if you are moving to an English-speaking country, it takes time to integrate once you arrive.

With so many unknowns, becoming fearful of your move is a rational response—but it doesn’t need to be this way. From which overseas power converter you need, to how to avoid getting completely lost on your first day, you can conquer your fears and make them a thing of the past.

I Won’t Know the Language

This is by far the most common problem for people moving abroad. How will you communicate? Will you be able to ask for help if you need it? If you don’t speak the local language, communicating can become very scary—even with a pocket translator by your side. This fear is easily rectified with a bit of studying.

Before you move, hire a tutor or take a class in the main language for your destination country. Whenever possible, take immersive classes that force you to utilize the language at all times. If you’re not able to take a class, various software programs can get you up to speed. It’s an especially wise choice for those making last-minute moves.

Above all else, be sure you understand the most basic phrases:

  • I need help
  • Where is the bathroom?
  • Please/thank you
  • Hello/goodbye
  • Do you speak English?
  • I’m lost/Where am I?
  • I am American
  • Where is the embassy?
  • I need medical help

If you have allergies or medical concerns, be sure to learn and get comfortable with the phrases that deliver essential information about them, too. Keeping a card in your wallet with basic information in the destination country’s language is also wise.

My Electronics Won’t Work!

This is an exceptionally common question for both students and business professionals overseas. Will you be able to charge your smartphone? Will your laptop use a European outlet? What about your coffee grinder? Hold on—what if you need to buy all new essentials? How will you afford it?

This line of thought can produce a great deal of anxiety, but there’s good news: All you need for most electronics is a converter. Voltage converters plug into foreign outlets, after which point you plug your device into them, protecting them from high or low power surges if the voltage is different. Best of all, they’re incredibly affordable (much more so than new devices), so you can take all of your favorite electronics with you.

I’ll Run Out of Money!

This is a common fear for young people, especially when backpacking or starting out in a new country for the first time. Will you have the money needed to survive? If not, how difficult will it be to find a job? Because running out of money on foreign soil can be a serious problem (and even downright dangerous, depending on where you are), this fear does have legitimate roots.

Here’s what you should always have on you, no matter what:

  • Enough money for a flight home
  • At least 30 days’ survival cash (hotel, food, etc.)
  • Cash to see a doctor/get basic medical care
  • Payment for at least one month of accommodations
  • Money for replacement essentials (meds, devices)

Finally, if you’re curious about how much money you’ll need for the first few months, calculate it with this formula:

  • Total cost of living x 1 month + 30%

Deciding to move abroad takes courage. For what may be the first time, you’re totally separated from your parents, friends, and loved ones—maybe even treasured pets, too. Yet, life abroad comes with so many incredible benefits that you’d be remiss not to go.

Need voltage converters to help you stay connected when you arrive? Visit 110220Volts for easy access to device-specific voltage converters.

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FIGURING OUT VOLTAGE & ELECTRONICS WHEN YOU MOVE ABROAD https://www.110220volts.com/figuring-voltage-electronics-move-abroad.html Mon, 22 May 2017 10:14:00 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6787 Moving abroad? If you’re not sure what to bring and how to ensure your electronics will work when you get there, you aren’t alone. Voltage differences overseas can make your favorite electronics incompatible with your new life, especially in areas like Europe.

Not sure whether you need a 220 volts to 110 volts converter or something else to make your smartphone, laptop, or other devices work? Let’s take a look at the basics together.

Voltage Differences per Country

Not every country uses the standard North American 120-volt outlet. Truthfully, voltage differs country by country and can range from as low as 115 volts to as high as 240 volts. To complicate matters even further, the frequency can vary, too, meaning that you often need the right converter for the specific destination country.

To determine which converter you need, first research the country you’re visiting to see what voltage and frequency their electricity provides. Some of the most common associations include:

  • Great Britain – 230 volts / 50Hz
  • South Korea – 220 volts / 60 Hz
  • China (Mainland) – 220 volts / 50 Hz
  • South Africa – 230 volts / 50 Hz
  • Puerto Rico – 120 volts / 60 Hz
  • Ireland (Southern) – 230 volts / 50 Hz
  • Virgin Islands (Both) – 110 volts / 60 Hz
  • Thailand – 230 volts / 50 Hz

For reference, most of North America relies upon a 120 volt and 60Hz electrical line. When purchasing new converters, shop for devices that transfer from the voltage between your current voltage on home soil and the new voltage (e.g., 110v/60Hz to 120v/60hz).

Which Devices Should I Buy Converters For?

Now that you better understand how voltage conversion works, it’s time to discuss exactly which products you can convert and which you can’t. Technically, you can purchase a converter for nearly any device or appliance—but that doesn’t mean it makes sense to do so.

Larger appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dryers simply don’t make sense to transport to the new country, even if you’re moving permanently. It’s far easier to sell them on home soil and repurchase them when you arrive. This also includes products like coffee makers, tea makers, toasters, microwaves, and other medium-sized devices.

What you should bring with you and convert are all of the following:

  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Fitbits
  • Other small, easy-to-port devices

Essentially, if it won’t inflate your moving costs and it directly relates to your productivity/quality of life, it’s a great idea to tote it along.

There is one caveat; you can’t use every device with a voltage converter. For some products, like desktop computers, you may need to purchase a whole new power supply instead. Cross-reference the device with your international power adapter needs, and then double-check with the manufacturer before you purchase a converter. Never buy a converter and simply test it without knowing it’s compatible—this can result in serious damage and even electrocution injuries.

Need an overseas power converter? Wondering how to use international plug adapters? 110120Volts has everything you need to prepare for your new adventure. Shop now and find items like 110v to 220v converters, 220 volts to 110volts converters, and much, much more.

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SIGNATURE CUISINES YOU MUST TRY ON YOUR TRAVELS https://www.110220volts.com/signature-cuisines-you-must-try-on-your-travels.html Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:21:00 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6800 If you are a foodie, there are some signature cuisines that are a must! The best part of traveling around the world is being able to become established in the culture by knowing the food. And the best part about knowing the food is trying all of it! Be sure to grab your 110 220v converter to keep your electronics charged so you can take photos and make note of all the delicious places you’ve tried!

Australia/New Zealand
Meat Pie

The Australian/New Zealand meat pie is the original potpie! The meat pie is made with minced meat and is covered in gravy, onions, mushrooms, and cheese. One of the largest meat pie production companies is Four’N Twenty, and they produce 50,000 pies every hour! That’s a lot of pies.

Canada
Poutine

Fries. Cheese curds. Gravy. What more could a person ask for? This dish originated in Quebec and is one of Canada’s national dishes. It is easily customizable and can include smoked meat, bacon, and more!

England
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

England’s national dish is roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Although the country’s cuisine has gotten quite expansive over the years, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding continue to be a favorite staple. Roast beef is often served with horseradish and potatoes alongside the traditional Yorkshire pudding.

France
Pot-au-Feu

Pot-au-feu literally means pot on fire. Although France has been known over the ages as having some of the most gourmet cuisines, pot-au-feu is a traditional dish that is used to celebrate both rich and poor cultures. This stew consists of oxtail and marrowbone, carrots, turnips, celery, herbs, and more.

Italy
Pasta

Italy perfected the pasta dish and generously shared it with the rest of the world. The most popular pasta dish in Italy is the pasta Bolognese. Usually the Bolognese sauce is made of minced meat, tomatoes, broth, milk, stock, wine, and more. Thank you, Italy, for pasta.

Lebanon/Syria
Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a delicious blend of lamb, bulgur, and seasonings. It can be stuffed, baked, or boiled although most people prefer it raw! It can be baked in a pan and cut into squares, or is sometimes shaped into patties.

United States
Burger

Obviously an American staple, burgers are often served with fries and offered virtually anywhere in the country. The possibilities for toppings are endless! From fried eggs to onions and gourmet cheeses, everybody loves a good, hearty burger!

South Korea
Bulgogi

If you like meat, bulgogi is your go-to meal! It is a staple in Korean cuisine. Thin sliced sirloin is marinated in garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and soy sauce. Typically, bulgogi is served with greens.

No matter where you end up finding your favorite cuisine, be sure to pick up your 110 220 voltage converter before you travel. Whether you are looking for a converter for an electrical outlet in France or in South Korea, we’ve got you covered! The best part of traveling with your electronics is having the ability to capture memories. Breaking bread with locals, new friends, or your loved ones is the best way to bond and make memories!

Sources

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TOP COUNTRIES TO TRAVEL ON A BUDGET https://www.110220volts.com/top-countries-to-travel-on-a-budget.html Wed, 29 Mar 2017 10:24:00 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6804 While dreaming up your next vacation, consider these following regions and countries as budget-friendly destinations! Whether you are looking for a bustling city, a secluded island, or ancient ruins, you will be able to do all of the above while making sure you are getting the most out of your dollar. Also, don’t forget to grab a 110 220 converter to make sure you can get the most out of your trip through your electronics!

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia boasts secluded islands, ancient temples, energetic cities, and unhindered villages.

Thailand

Thailand has become a heavy tourist destination for the rich culture, authentic Pad Thai, and endless adventures. Choose Bangkok for shopping and a downtown experience like never before, or head to the countryside and stay in a guesthouse for only $4 USD (135 Thai baht)!

Vietnam

Vietnam offers an indescribable amount of beauty. From Ha Long Bay to its majestic countryside, Vietnam is asking to be explored! Enjoy pho or bánh mì with the locals. Be sure to check out Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi for the big city life.

Indonesia

Staggering in beauty with its peaceful waters, spiritual energy, and warm culture, Indonesia is an absolute must on your backpacking adventure. It is extremely budget friendly! For $1 get a full dinner!

Central America

Are you a fan of the jungle? What about beaches with insane waves to surf? Perhaps you are just coming to Central America for the food. You can do all these things and more for some of the most affordable prices imaginable!

Honduras

If you want to see Central America, head to Honduras. Find hotels for $15 a night and beer for less than $1. Eat delicious food, trek through the jungles, and mingle with locals on a dime.

Guatemala

Guatemala is known for Mayan traditions and cultural beauty! Come check out a local market and grab some handcrafted knickknacks and crafty hand-worked wood.

Eastern Europe

People think Europe and automatically assume it’s impossible to travel to because of the pricy exchange rate of major European countries. But have you considered Eastern Europe, where the cities are just as rich in culture, if not more so?

Bulgaria

Do you like beer? Come to Bulgaria. For $1.50 you can get a liter! Visit the coastline with totally deserted beaches or bike the mountain ranges. Also, Bulgaria has lovely and very old towns such as Varna.

Ukraine

For less than $40 a day, you can live like royalty in Ukraine! With the charm and beauty of Western Europe, it offers a very similar landscape without the tourists.

For less than $40 a day, you can live like royalty in Ukraine! With the charm and beauty of Western Europe, it offers a very similar landscape without the tourists.

Sources

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THE BEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN THE SPRINGTIME https://www.110220volts.com/the-best-countries-to-visit-in-the-springtime.html Wed, 08 Mar 2017 11:26:00 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=6808 Spring is possibly the best time out of the year to travel. The weather isn’t likely to be too hot or too cold, no matter where you decide to travel, and the spring season is a time for interesting, enriching, and fun holidays and festivals all over the world.

Narrowing down the best countries to visit during spring to just a few options can be difficult—there are so many great destinations to choose—but we’ve decided to do just that, anyway. Read on to discover our picks for the best international vacation destinations for spring.

Spain

Spain is one of the most interesting countries in all of Western Europe. Thanks to the country’s rich, multicultural history and culture-spanning location near the Mediterranean Sea (over the course of its long history, Spain has been a colony of the ancient Roman Empire, a medieval monarchy under Christian kings and queens, and a part of the Muslim Ottoman Empire), Spanish culture and architecture is a heady mix of cultural influences.

While it can get incredibly warm during the summer, spring in Spain is much milder and enjoyable; in other words, it’s the perfect time to visit.

Morocco

Morocco is one of the most underrated vacation destinations in the world. Not only is the country home to many friendly people and interesting sites, but it’s also incredibly tourist friendly; in particular, the “Red City” of Marrakesh is filled with markets, mosques, gardens, and plenty of comfortable hotels.

The Middle East can get plenty hot during certain times of the year, but spring in Morocco can be surprisingly mild. If there’s a perfect time of year to visit Morocco, it’s the springtime.

Chile

A trip to Chile in the spring gives you all the best parts of visiting South America (the delicious food, the beautiful landscapes, the local culture) without the downside that comes with other vacation destinations on the continent (the scorching summer heat and the overwhelming crowds of Rio and other popular cities). Best of all, Chile’s location on the coast means that there’s always a beach within short distance—and what beaches they are!

Japan

There are lots of good reasons to visit Japan, but our criteria for saying you should definitely visit during spring can be summed up in one word: sakura. For those who don’t know, sakura is the Japanese word for “cherry blossoms,” and spring time is when the country’s many beautiful cherry trees blossom. You’ve probably seen pictures of Japanese cherry trees in bloom, but that’s nothing compared to how stunning they are when you see them with your own two eyes.

Of course, before you can travel the world, you need to prepare for your trip. You’ll need to buy supplies, the most important of which are Step Up and Down Voltage Converter Regulators for your electronic devices; what’s the fun of traveling the world if you can’t charge your camera or share your pictures through your electronic devices? For all your voltage converter needs, contact us today at 800-827-9978.

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POWER SURGES CAN RUIN SMALL APPLIANCES: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF https://www.110220volts.com/power-surges-can-ruin-small-appliances-how-to-protect-yourself.html Sun, 05 Feb 2017 05:50:44 +0000 https://110220volts.com/?p=8687 If you’re like most people, your home is full of appliances that can be damaged if there is a voltage surge or power surge in your home. Unfortunately, a lot of these appliances are also expensive to replace, and some appliances can even catch fire if a power surge occurs.

The good news is, you can protect your appliances from power surges and voltage surges by using step up and down voltage converter regulators, as needed, and by following these simple tips.

Use Power Surge Strips

One of the fastest and least expensive ways that you can protect your appliances from destruction due to power or voltage surges is to plug your appliances into power strips instead of plugging them directly into the outlet. Most power strips have built-in surge protectors that shut the power strip off in the event of a sudden increase in voltage

When purchasing a power strip, make sure you are purchasing a model that hosts a built-in surge protector, as not all power strips have this function.

Have Metered Surge Protection Installed

Your electric company may allow you to have a metered surge protector installed near your electric meter. Once you take this step, power to your home is cut off if there is a power surge, protecting your appliances from damage.

However, it’s not as easy as just installing it yourself. You must hire a certified electrician to install the metered surge protector in most states and, furthermore, it has to be installed in a way that adheres to your local utility company’s guidelines and regulations.

Use an Uninterrupted Power Supply

One other option is to purchase an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to connect to your major appliances. This protects them from damage caused by power and voltage surges and also provides backup electrical sources during power outages or natural disasters. They’re ideal for use with refrigerators and/or freezers.

Install a Whole-House Surge Protector

Whole-house surge protectors stop spikes in voltage from entering your home completely, providing you with more protection than a traditional power surge protector strip. They are usually installed at your home’s electrical panel. Typically, whole-house surge protectors snap into your electrical panel and require two extra 120-volt spaces.

Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlets

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets can be identified by the black or red buttons on their exterior. They’re what allows you to test and/or reset the outlet. These are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms but can be used throughout your home. The outlets are designed to automatically protect your appliances in the event that power surges from the appliance into the nearest conductor.

While it’s probably not something that you think about often, power surges do happen. When they do, they can be dangerous and costly. Take the time to use step up and down voltage converter regulators, as needed, or use another method to protect your appliances from power and voltage surges to prevent damage and/or total destruction of your home appliances. For more information on dealing with power surges, feel free to reach out to the team at 110220Volts today.

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