Travel Adapter Guide for Every Destination in 2026

Travel adapters are those little gadgets that let you plug your electronics into outlets with different shapes and sizes when you’re abroad. They don’t change the voltage—just adapt your plug to fit the socket.

Most travelers end up needing one because power outlets are all over the place in terms of design around the world.

You’ll find different types of travel adapters out there, from basic plug adapters to those with USB ports or multiple plug types in a single device. Some are super compact and toss easily into a bag, while others are a bit bulkier but offer extras like surge protection.

What you pick really depends on your destination and what you plan to charge.

When you’re shopping for a travel adapter, the big things to think about are whether it works in the countries you’ll visit and how many devices you’ll want to charge at once. Safety features like built-in fuses or surge protection can matter a lot, too.

Weight and size are worth considering if you want to keep your luggage light. We’ve tested a bunch of adapters to see which ones actually make charging easy and safe on the go.

Best Travel Adapters

We’ve tried and reviewed a bunch of travel adapters to help you stay plugged in across the globe. Here’s a lineup of solid picks that work in loads of countries and keep your gear safe while charging.

HANYCONY Europe Travel Adapter

This adapter is a solid choice for charging several devices fast across much of Europe. But, it skips surge protection and the prongs don’t fold.

Pros

• Charges up to five devices at once with USB-A and USB-C ports
• Compact and lightweight, easy to pack and carry
• Compatible with most European countries (except UK and Ireland)

Cons

• No built-in surge protection for sensitive devices
• Prongs do not fold, which can feel bulky in tight packing spots
• Only works with devices that support dual voltage (100-250V)

We found this one super convenient on recent trips. Plugging in two standard American outlets plus three USB devices at once meant less swapping and more actual charging.

The USB-C ports sped up phone and tablet charging, which was a relief when time was tight. Its small size made it easy to tuck into any bag, though the stiff prongs do stick out and take up more space than you’d hope.

Just a heads-up: it’s not a voltage converter. We had to double-check our stuff could handle 100 to 250 volts before using it.

28 W EPICKA Travel Adapter

This travel adapter is a reliable pick for charging multiple devices in over 200 countries, with solid safety features and speedy charging.

Pros

• Can charge up to six devices at once
• Works in most countries worldwide, especially Europe and Asia
• Built-in safety features like fuse and plug locks

Cons

• Not a voltage converter, so it won’t work with high-power devices
• Some plugs feel a bit fragile and may need a little adjustment
• Does not support plugs from South Africa or India

We found it handy on trips through Europe and Asia. It fits easily in a carry-on and handled all our devices just fine.

The many USB ports meant we could leave most chargers at home. Locking system keeps the plugs secure, though sometimes it takes a second to get them set just right.

It did get a little warm with heavy use, which seems normal, but worth mentioning if you plan to charge a bunch of stuff all night.

This EPICKA model covers most plug types you’ll run into on the road. It’s not meant for hair dryers or curling irons, but for phones, laptops, and cameras, it’s a winner.

TESSAN Europe Travel Adapter

This adapter is practical for charging a bunch of devices in most European countries without needing extra adapters.

Pros

• Can charge up to 7 devices at once
• Compact and lightweight for easy packing
• USB-C port charges devices quickly

Cons

• Not compatible with UK or Ireland plugs
• No surge protection included
• Prongs do not fold for safer transport

We used this on a recent trip around Italy and Spain, and it handled all our charging needs without trouble. Four AC outlets and three USB ports meant we could plug in laptops, phones, and other small gear all at once.

The adapter’s size was easy on our travel bag, though the fixed prongs did make it a bit awkward to pack. Also, there’s no surge protection, so it’s best for devices that can tolerate the local voltage.

30 W EPICKA Travel Adapter

This travel adapter is a reliable choice for most international trips—wide plug coverage and plenty of USB ports.

Pros

• Works in over 200 countries with four plug types
• Charges multiple devices quickly with USB-C and USB-A ports
• Compact, lightweight, and built for safety with a fuse and certifications

Cons

• Not compatible with power outlets in India and South Africa
• Does not convert voltage, so dual voltage devices are needed
• High-power appliances over 2000W are not safe to use with this adapter

We had no issues plugging it into different sockets across Europe and Asia. Carrying one adapter instead of three felt like a win.

Charging multiple devices at once was easy with three USB-C and two USB-A ports. No need to pack a separate charger for every gadget.

It’s worth repeating: this adapter won’t convert voltage. We checked our devices for 100-240V compatibility just to be safe. We also skipped using heavy-duty hair dryers and irons, just in case.

The EPICKA stays compact in any bag and gives peace of mind with the built-in fuse. Handy for both business and vacation trips.

Buying Guide

When we’re picking out a travel adapter, the first thing to check is which countries we’ll visit. Outlets and voltages are all over the map, so the adapter needs to match the local standards.

We also look for adapters that support multiple plugs. That’s handy if you’re bouncing between countries.

Safety features matter. Built-in surge protection and a fuse can save your devices from a nasty power spike.

Power rating is another biggie. The adapter has to handle your laptop or hair dryer’s wattage without overheating or melting down.

Portability is always a plus. Nobody wants a brick in their backpack.

Here’s a quick comparison table for the key stuff:

Frequently Asked Questions

People ask a lot about how travel adapters really work, which types to get, and whether they’re safe. Knowing the difference between adapters and converters—and picking the right one—can save a lot of headaches on the road.

What is the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter?

A travel adapter changes the plug shape so your device fits into foreign outlets.

A voltage converter changes the electrical voltage to match your device’s power needs.

Which travel adapter is considered the best for international travel?

The best adapters cover multiple plug types and have USB ports. Universal models that work in many countries save space and hassle.

If you ask me, compact and durable ones are usually the way to go.

Can travel adapters be used safely with any device?

Nope. Travel adapters don’t change voltage, so using them with devices not compatible with local voltage can cause damage.

Always check your device’s voltage range before plugging it in. Devices like laptops usually work fine; others may need a converter.

Are travel adapters permitted on airplanes, including carry-on luggage?

Yes, travel adapters are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

But some devices with batteries or certain components might be restricted. Always check airline rules before flying—better safe than sorry.

What kind of adapter is required for travel to European countries?

Most European countries use Type C or Type F plugs.

The voltage is usually 220-240V, so check your device voltage first. A compact adapter with these plug types works well for Europe.

How do you choose a travel adapter with the right USB charging capabilities?

Think about how many devices you’ll want to charge—if it’s more than one, go for an adapter with a few USB ports.

It’s also worth checking the output power. Higher wattage usually means your phone or tablet will juice up faster, which is just nice when you’re in a hurry.

If you’ve got newer gadgets, look for adapters that support USB-C Power Delivery. That’s becoming more common and can really speed things up.