First-Class Travel Gadgets
These technological toys make jet setting a breeze.
While traveling can be an exciting and eye-opening adventure, it can also be unpleasant. Jetlag, language barriers and other obstacles can threaten to spoil your big vacation or distract from a business trip. Fortunately, however, there are plenty of both simple and high-tech gadgets to help you navigate the world.
- Franklin 12-language (Speaking) Global Translator. Packed with over 450,000 words and 12,000 phrases, Franklin’s 12-language (Speaking) Global Translator can communicate 115,000 words in a human voice. From restaurant requests to emergency information, this gadget will quickly translate to and from Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. It’s equipped with a keypad and voice recorder so you can enter custom words as well. The lightweight system even boasts MP3 capability, five games and a currency converter. The Global Translator is ideal for both leisure and business travelers and, priced around $200, it costs considerably less than its competitors. Visit www.franklin.com for more info.
.jpg?i=101211153509) Joby GorillaPod. When photography gadget manufacturer Joby started selling the whimsical GorillaPod, both travelers and design institutes were impressed. These bendable, twistable and virtually indestructible camera tripods make taking hands-free photos and videos easy. Wrap the GorillaPod’s legs around your bicycle handlebars for some action shots, or make them different lengths for a photo with a funky angle. Rubberized foot grips allow for use on sandy beaches and other irregular surfaces, yet the overall tripod remains lightweight and compact. The lock ring keeps your camera steady and secured – just pick out a GorillaPod that’s right for your equipment size. The GorillaPod Original can handle up to 11.5 ounces while the GorillaPod Focus holds up to 11 pounds. There are several styles to choose from, and the Original comes in a variety of colors for only $19.95. See the entire line at www.joby.com.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Bose takes credit for introducing the first noise-cancelling headphones over 20 years ago, and is still a trusted name for those looking for peace and quiet while traveling. Their QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones feature a soft-cushioned, around the ear fit with advanced microphones inside and outside each earcup that sense and reduce sounds across a wide range of frequencies. The QuietComfort 15 model ($299.95) comes with iPhone and iPod compatibility while the QuietComfort 3 version ($349.95) has a variety of communication hook-ups, as well as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Shop online at www.bose.com, and enjoy your next flight or hotel stay without any interruptions.
Having the right gadgets can help turn your next trip into the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you seek more comfort or convenient accessories, there’s a technological tool out there for you.
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