Travelling today no longer means that you are out of touch with the rest of the world while on a tour to the Andes or a working trip to Kenya. Global communication technology has ensured that a traveller today has full and direct communication access – access to mail and post, access to the Internet, and access to friends and family via social media platforms. In most cases today’s traveller is as fully connected on the road as he or she is at home or in the office.
In order to maintain this level of connection, here are some of the most interesting electronics to have with you when you travel:
1. iPhone/Smartphone:
Smartphones can be used for voice communication, text messaging, maps, and advance route planning. Podcasts give you information on points of interest such as museums. You can use your smartphone to find emergency numbers, embassy information, and other important information. You can also upload apps to improve your holiday experience, including language translation apps, dictionaries, and a compass. Your phone can provide weather forecasts and even help you find restaurant options and make reservations.
2. iPad:
An iPad has similar features as available on the iPhone, though the larger iPad can be more convenient for holiday picture uploads to Facebook and online site scrolling. It’s also great for sitting in WiFi cafes and updating pictures, news, and other information, thus avoiding the need to head to an internet café. iPads are better communication tools for platforms like Skype, which is a cheap and easy way of staying in touch with your family or friends from across the globe. An iPad is also a nice tool, due to its size, for playing games should you be on a long flight or waiting at an airport. They are also excellent for taking photographs as they have a good resolution camera installed.
3. iPod:
These are handy for audio walking tours if you are at connected historical or natural sites of interest. They relieve you of the need to join a large guided walking group, letting you browse points of interest in your own good time.
4. MP3 Player:
This is nice to have as you have all your favourite music on the go, which is great for boring treks like flights or waiting as bus stops.
5. Kindle:
These are great for recreational reading as they allow you to carry a library of your favourite books with you in digital format, or simply allow you to download a book of your choice on the go, thus saving you from carrying hard copies of novels on your holiday.
6. Netbook or tablet.
Used like an iPad for email access while on the run and internet access too, as well as for maps and finding other useful travel information. They are also handy for uploading pictures or blogging.
7. Digital camera
Take a small point-and-shoot camera with you. It does not take up much space and offers you greater photographic possibilities than the camera on an iPhone/smartphone or a tablet/iPad.
8. GPS:
These navigational tools, like a Garmin, are excellent for mapping out your route, finding your location, and getting you there safely. Phone apps like WAZE are valuable community-based traffic and navigation aids to get you to your destination in the quickest possible time.
Photo Credit: mroach under Creative Commons license.