iPod and Other MP3 Player Tips
MP3 players (like iPods) aren't just for music anymore. These days, you can download podcasts, watch TV shows and movies, and even let Rick Steves guide you though the sights of Paris, London, Rome, and more with our audio tours.
What are your favorite tips for using an MP3 player as you travel?
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
iHome compact speakers -GREAT!
Bought some external speakers for my iPad2 at Costco. IHome compact speakers for $40. They are lightweight and come with their own drawstring pouch. We take the ipad to watch movies in our hotel room at night, and these speakers certainly help with the experience. They pack easily in a pair of shoes in my carry on, so they don't take up much space. They weight is basically nothing, but the sound is great. Very useful with my iphone or ipad to play some music as well in the noisy hotel rooms at night.
EB
homesick for anywhere in Italy, USA 03/14/2013
Google Calendar and Spotify
I am going to Ireland in a couple days, and I have an iPhone. Using Google Calendar, I have set input all set times for tours, bus times, etc. and can access it from my phone. It pays off when you want to print something out, because it's all in the interwebs so you can access google calendar from anywhere (so long as you have gmail). You need internet to have an iPhone-created event go to your computer calendar, but wifi is easily accessible.
Also, I use Spotify and they give you a 30-day free trial. I'll be starting that tonight, and take all my playlists offline so I can listen to them in the air, without wifi, etc. Also will have the option to listen to something other than radio.
Peter
Northport, NY USA 01/05/2013
iPad Tips
Rick Steves' Veloce Bag for iPad plus REI Camera Strap
We were pleased with the Steves' bag, and especially the ability to expand the bag, but the strap would not stay on my husband's shoulder. We bought a Camera Strap from REI which has a rubber backing at the shoulder to hold the bag on the shoulder and steel CABLES within the straps. Much better security from a knife-wielding thief.
Lee
Weston, MA USA 10/23/2012
iPad - Just Say "Yes"
Last year, I travelled to London and Paris and my iPad was with me every step of the way. At JFK (and again Heathrow), it did not have to be taken out of my carry-on bag as it is not considered a computer so there is no scramble to get it back into the bag. By going on Amazon and purchasing a small adapter, I was able to transfer the day's photos to my iPad at night. With hotel WiFi, I was posting them on Facebook, Twitter and e-mailing them (sure beats postcards!). On a long bus ride (to Oxford, and then to see Stonehenge), I had my iPad charged and past the hours reading (you can download Rick's travel guides if you want to be prepared). Also, with headphones, my iPad did double duty as a iPod (for a little musical interlude). And there was a nifty currency converter I found as well.
This year I am going on RS' Best of Europe tour and from France, through Germany, Switzerland and Italy, my iPad will be with me again.
Joe
New York, NY USA 08/09/2012
Multiple listeners to podcasts
Get a splitter so you can have two audio hook-ups on a lone player. The person carrying the player can be hard wired. Buy a Bluetooth device for the second person to roam freely while listening to the same podcast. All parts are available at any consumer electronics store.
Dave
Phoenix, AZ USA 07/21/2012
Kindle Fire / Ireland?
Can anyone tell me if they've used a Kindle Fire ind Ireland. I thought it would be a great purchase for our upcoming trip, yet I've read the "Fire" is not a good option.
John
Denver, Co. USA 04/21/2012