this is also a question id like answered

More than anything I’d be afraid of it being lost/stolen somehow. Those things ain’t cheap….

On my first long trip I was asking the same question.  I ended up not bringing it and never missed it.  Really, it just depends on how well you can take care of it.

I agree with the comments above. Also, I think it’s good on vacation to take a break from your usual music, and take a listen to what’s popular in your destination. I also enjoy listening to the foreign languages and general people watching that you can’t do as well if you’re cocooned in with ear plugs. Just my opinion.[]

I suppose if your in western europe its debateable.  But in eastern europe, where you have long waits and slow trains, something good to listen to is a near necessity. 

You should be able to charge it in your hostel if you bring along a converter and stay with it for a few hours. I wouldn’t leave it lying around charging, but now and then you will probably not be running out every evening. I’ve never really gotten into anything with headphones (just doesn’t feel comfortable to me), but my daughter really enjoys having an iPOD or MP3 player when traveling.

  You probably won’t need a converter, just an adapter plug to fit the outlet.  Check the “inputs” listed on the charger.  It should list 110 to 220.  Most battery chargers accept 220 volts, so no converter is needed.

Oldlady is right, you don’t need a converter, and Apple even sells cool adapter plugs that, uh, plug into their chargers.  I’m a big fan of having music while travelling, there are some songs that still make me think of my first eurotrip 5 years ago whenever I hear them.  Reading is good, but it’s nice to just listen to music and look out the window during long train rides.  

Yes, you’re right – my daughter just had an adapter for her iPOD.

wouldn’t it make the most sense to get a cheap mp3 player w/ just the basic functions that can run on regular batteries?

there are a few name brand players out there in the $50 range that can run on a single AAA battery (not sure how much those cost in europe)

Standing in line and being part of the crowd is part of the fun of the trip.  Headphones cut you out of the loop plus it’s just something else to keep up with.

On the other hand, music is a significant thing for people to talk about, so if you meet someone, he/she might be interested in hearing the music you have on your iPOD.

I Love my music and listening to your favorite songs while on a train might heighten the experience.  Like a soundtract to your trip.  I think ill bring mine but i wont let it interfere with meeting people and talking, but when its dark outside and everyone is sleeping music is great.  To answer the charging question, they sell battery packs for the ipod where you use 4 AA batteries and it gives you 20 hours of listening time.  Makes the thing twice as big and three times as heavy though…

I wouldnt leave without it. What else did you buy it for if not trips?

If you have one, how could you not bring it!!  Like Brandon said, that’s what you buy them for.  I don’t know how I’d make it through my flights and train rides if I didn’t bring mine.  No question, that’s like my most essential item, especially since I’m really big into music….