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

 


Comments

Tamra

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:34:27

For starters, I would definately have to take my cell phone. I too have a Blackjack but it's the older version, Blackjack I. Next would have to be my digital Camera. I have a Casio EXILIM. It's small and compact. In the near future I hope to purchase a eeePC. It too is small and compact. It runs XP and has a lot of RAM. If and when I get that laptop, that too will be going with me.

 

NewWrldYankee

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:09:54

I can't travel with out my laptop either, whatever my one of choice is at the time. And though low tech, a notebook to write down random travel thought so I don't forget them. Just because it's not high tech, doesn't meant I can do without it!

 

Ruthe

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:21:58

@Tamra - I LOVE the Blackjack devices. If I had to choose just ONE device that would probably be it. Those eeePCs are way cool too - any pc that fits in my purse is a winner ;).

@NewWrldYankee - thanks for the read/comment. Before I became a OneNote junkie I was a huge notebook/postit girl and I just can't bring myself to get rid of my spiral travel notebook for random thoughts on the go too!! But it really comes in handy when we're in places with little or no electricity.

 

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