A new year can bring new opportunities and with them, a chance to see more of the world. Whether it’s for work or for play, wisdom says the journey can be as interesting as getting to your final destination. No one is disputing that traveling can also be stressful, intense, and even kind of boring, but planned and executed thoughtfully and with the right gear, travel is one of the life’s greatest pleasures. With that in mind, here are some of the best, most reliable tech gadgets designed to let you get the most out of your explorations.
The MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod
A great camera can only do so much without a steady tripod. MeFoto’s is one of the strongest – it easily supports a DSLR with a heavy zoom lens – while also being among the smallest and lightest. It’s only a bit longer than a folded umbrella and weighs in at just over three and a half pounds, so fitting it into your luggage is easy.
Google Translate
While not a gadget, this real-time translator app is a must-have for the avid jet-setter to avoid getting lost in translation. Google Translate now allows users to choose two languages and simply tap the microphone symbol for incredibly accurate real-time translation. Even better, the Word Lens app has been built in so getting around isn’t a problem.
Sony Wireless Earbuds
Freedom from wires means you’re free to move about the airplane cabin (or gym or hotel lobby). There’s nothing to tangle and nothing to damage, so you can stash Sony’s tiny wireless headphones in your carry-on without worry, and enjoy your favorite music and podcasts anywhere in the world. The fact that they’re noise-canceling only sweetens the deal.
Aukey’s Portable External Battery Charger
When you need plenty of power, this ultra slim high-capacity power bank delivers with a 20,000mAh Lithium Polymer battery that provides enough emergency backup juice to charge your iPhone ten times. For what it’s worth, Aukey has also built a flashlight into the charger for those times when you’re not the only one without power.
Mobi EyeFi SD card
Every minute counts when you’re traveling for pleasure, so don’t waste time transferring your snapshots from camera to devise. Instead, use the Eyefi Mobi WiFi SD card and app to send pics right from your camera to your iOS, Android, or Kindle device. It works just like a typical SDHC card but includes built-in wifi to make photo sharing easy.
Trakdot’s Luggage Tracker
Lost luggage is no longer the hassle it once was thanks to Trakdot, a small device that allows you to see where your bags are anywhere in the world. While finding out that your toothbrush is currently in Timbuktu won’t help you in the short term, knowing where your gear has gone is the first step to recovering it.
What else might you need? Overboard’s waterproof phone cases make beach excursions more fun, and Ceptics’s plug adapter set is so compact you can bring the whole thing on every trip. From there, a good, solid ergonomic luggage set is essential and after that? Gadgets become less important than ready-for-anything attitude and adventurous spirit.
Happy traveling!
