There was an article in the LA Times recently about the "best cell phones for foreign travel."  I believe all of them were PDA-type phones that could also be used to access the internet, email, text, take photos/videos, and even act as a modem for a laptop.  This isn't surprising considering that we live in an age of blogging, tweeting, and live video streaming but it got me thinking about the technology that I just can't live without even during foreign travel. 

I travel with several different gadgets but do my best to keep them at a minimum because the worst thing is having to travel with unnecessary luggage.  Here is my MUST HAVE list, I'd like to hear about yours. 

1.) Cell phone - I've got the Samsung Blackjack II.  It's a windows mobile phone so it syncs my calendar, contacts, and all of my email/chat accounts in addition to being my mp3 player and emergency camera.  It can also server as a cellular modem for my laptop if I can't any other way to get online. 

TIP: get it unlocked by your carrier (AT&T offers this for their customers) BEFORE you go abroad and you can buy a cheap SIM card when you arrive for local calls/texting to save on roaming charges.  I did NOT do this and my roaming charges for a month long trip to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Hong Kong was close to $300!

2.) Ultra Mobile PC - I've got the Samsung Q1 Ultra tablet.  In addition to being a full on PC, it comes equipped with Bluetooth/Wifi, an SD card reader for quick photo dumps so we don't need to carry a bunch of SD cards, and 2 USB ports that I can use for charging Dora's ipod and cellphone devices.  And because it's dimensions (WDH) are 9.0x4.9x0.9 inches it fits nicely in any of my purses or carryons without added bulk/weight. 

3.) SteriPen - for disinfecting water from suspicious sources. 

4.) Cameras - a Nikon D60 SLR for all the important pics and a Coolpix for quick "snaps."

How about you?  What are your must have tech/gadgets when you travel? 

-Ruthe