Top 10 gadgets for travellers
Written by: Karl Nualla
Gadgets are omnipresent. They’re everywhere, even when you just want to escape from the world. So the next best thing is have gadgets that will help you in your travels. Here is a list of gizmos, both electronic and non-electronic, that we can all enjoy while spending time on that white sand beach, or log cabin, whichever you fancy.
#10.Portable Music – That bus or plane ride that takes the whole day really gets annoying. What better way to pass the time than to listen to some beats, or get to know a book, or maybe even learn a new language. Are we there yet? Gadget picks: Apple iPod classic, SandiskSansa Clip, Fiio X3
#9. Handheld Gaming Console– Same as #10, but for people who want more interaction. Immerse yourself into another world! Complete a quest, bust a cap on his….buttocks, or become the Drift King. Many gaming devices can also play mp3’s if you just want to sit back and relax. Gadget picks: PS Vita, Nintendo 3DS, Razer Edge Pro
#8.Netbook – For the travelling businessman who needs to take their work with them. They’ve enough computing power to get all the basic documentation and email done. No heavy lifting though, you need a full-sized laptop for that. Known today as ultrabooks, these little gems get ‘em done even if you’re on the go. Gadget picks: MacBook Air
#7 Digital Camera – Taking photos goes hand-in-hand with travelling, so it’s only natural that cameras are on this list. There are a ton of choices for any type of activity. Some are everything-proofed, some are small and slim, and some really emphasize on image quality. Be warned though, those beginner DSLR’s aren’t weather-sealed like their expensive pro brothers, so do take care of them. Gadget picks:Pentax WG-3 GPS, Canon Powershot D20, Nikon D5200
#6 Compass – No self-respecting outdoorsman will be caught without one. This is for the more adventurous types: mountaineers, hikers, trekkers, or even backpackers. It always pays to know your bearings. A good traveller researches and does his homework and this is especially true for those who choose to take the less travelled path.
#5 Rugged Watch – Another worthy companion to the outdoorsy-type. A watch that will stay and work for you no matter what the environment is. It also has multiple functions that maybe of use depending on your activity. Some measure air pressure and altitude, needed for mountaineers and hikers alike. Some have multiple timezone timekeeping, essential for jetsetters who travel between timezones like nobody’s business. Gadget picks: Casio G-Shock line, Timex Ironman line, Jaeger LeCoultre Master Extreme line
#4 Electronic translator/dictionary – If there’s one thing that makes travelling unenjoyable, it’s the language barrier between you and the locals. It’s frustrating trying to articulate what you want to say, only for the other guy to give you a blank look. These gadgets try to overcome that. It may not make you an accomplished linguist, but it sure will get you that bus ride you need.
#3 G.P.S. Navigation Device – No other gadget as of late has greatly affected travelling than the humble GPS device. No longer did we need to learn to read and understand maps (or ask directions). As long as you’re equipped with one, and as long as you keep it updated with the latest map data, then chances are you won’t get lost.
#2 Multi-tool – Nothing beats a classic. The multi-tool is the posterboy for the prepared-for-anything crowd, or the jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none crowd depending on your point of view. Anyone who has one has probably found a use for this. This is good for travelling especially if you’re going outdoors. Your car might break down, or you might have to go into survival mode in case the mountains get the best of you. The sky’s the limit for the ways you can use the multitude of tools in this small gizmo. Gadget picks: Victorinox/Wenger Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman Tool
#1 Smartphone – The ubiquitous smartphone has pretty much dominated our waking lives. Everyone has one, or has access to one. The primary reason why it is ranked at the top is because this single device can accomplish the tasks of all the other gadgets in this list, save for #2, unless if you’re Machete and you got an iPhone switchblade. Yes, there truly is an app for everything. Gadget picks: Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy line
