One of the reasons we love renting apartments when we travel is that it lets us live like the locals. We get more space, a kitchen, and best of all, a washing machine. When you’re traveling for weeks (or with kids like ours, ages 6 and 9), being able to do laundry is a game changer.
The only downside? European appliances can be very different from what we’re used to in North America. Washing machines, stovetops and everything seems to have its own logic, symbols, and quirks.
Last year in Italy, I spent over an hour trying to figure out the washing machine. Eventually I gave up, snapped a photo, and asked ChatGPT: “Can you tell me how to use this washing machine?” Within seconds, it identified the machine and gave me step-by-step instructions for every setting.
That moment changed how I handle appliances while traveling. This year, I didn’t waste time guessing in our Whimstay apartment in Paris or our Airbnb on the island of Ischia. If something looked confusing, I just took a photo and asked.
Then came the stovetop incident. I was out getting takeout when my wife called. The kids’ pasta was on hold because the sleek cooktop wasn’t working—the display just kept flashing and nothing responded. When I got back, I took a photo and asked ChatGPT: “This stovetop isn’t working. The display is flashing—what do I do?”
It immediately suggested a few possibilities, including that the control lock might be on or that the cooktop needed a reset. The reset required flipping the breaker. The problem? The breaker panel was entirely in Italian. So I took another photo and asked: “Which breaker controls the stovetop?” With that, I was able to identify the correct switch, reset it for a minute, and try again. And it worked.
It’s a travel hack I wish I had years ago. Now, instead of wasting time with manuals or randomly pressing buttons, I just take a photo and ask ChatGPT. It usually identifies the appliance, explains the controls, and walks me through exactly what to do.
I’ve even started using it at home for the washing machine, dryer, and even replacing a refrigerator light. I don’t think I can travel without it anymore.
