Alongside your passport and toothbrush, packing some of the latest technology can save you time and money, but also keep you safe. Most travel gadgets are lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of your journey, whilst others have add-ons, like waterproof covers to enhance their durability. Which gadgets are the most helpful is quite subjective. Opinions will vary from traveler to traveler, changing as new technologies become available.
Here is a list of some of the most popular and innovative around.
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
This is the perfect digital camera for traveling light, discreet enough to hide in your pocket and it won’t take up acres of space in a backpack. More importantly it’s packing 12.1 mega pixels, an easy switch-off feature to conserve battery life and an improved GPS. There’s a setting for any level of photographer from the enthusiastic amateur to the more advanced professional. This camera can help make your shooting performance the best it can be, when taking those once in a lifetime pictures.
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones can provide an oasis of calm when traveling, filtering out the racket of your fellow passengers, plane engines or traffic noise. Bose are not a cheap brand, but these are the product of choice for the seasoned traveler. They feel great on and then fold down to take up a minimum of space when not in use.
The PowerTrekk
Keeping your gadgets charged on the move can be tricky, but with the Power Trekk you don’t need to rely on conventional energy supplies. A fuel cell is stimulated using a tablespoon of water as a catalyst, power is then available immediately and does not run down. With a promise that it can charge any device using a USB port, this will no doubt become an indispensable piece of kit for many travelers.
SpareOne Emergency SOS Phone
With a single AA battery life of fifteen years, the multi-award winning SpareOne hides an array of cutting edge technologies inside a simple concept. When in use it has ten hours of power, giving you the opportunity to contact home or the emergency services if you cannot use your mobile phone. Every phone comes with a torch, which can be used for up to 24 hrs and waterproof packaging that can be talked through in wet conditions. The SpareOne could prove to be a potential lifeline for adventurers worldwide.
Franklin EST7014 14 Language Speaking Global Translator
Translation technology varies greatly in its utility and price, the Franklin translator is well established at the higher end of the market. This clever gadget has 14 languages in its memory and over 2.5 million phrases to choose from. There are a host of helpful extras like city guides and visual aids on the full color screen. At the size of a Nintendo DS, it is light and portable enough to take anywhere.
Apple iPod Shuffle 2GB
If you are traveling in areas of poverty or where crime is rife, carrying an expensive smartphone can make you feel at risk of theft. Worrying about having your device stolen is a burden and means you may avoid getting it out in public. So listening to music will often seem like more trouble than it’s worth, unless you take a smaller, less conspicuous alternative. The iPod shuffle is around 3cm square, but packs in 2GB of data. You can get a waterproof case for extra protection and even waterproof ear buds, so you can listen anywhere from a relaxing pool, to a tropical monsoon.
These days, most of us would feel lost at home without our array of everyday electronics, they keep us connected, organized and entertained. However, with the right travel gadgets safely stashed in your pack, you won’t feel like you’re going without whilst traveling.