For the globetrotter (gadgets)

Now that you have equipped your globetrotter with the essentials for her trip, it's time to move on to the gadgets that will make her adventures safer and more enjoyable. Most gadgets are available in a variety of price points, so you can find something great regardless of your budget. 

When buying gadgets, keep in mind that your traveler has to carry them while he is on the road. Opt for lighter items with longer battery life, but make sure they are hardy enough to withstand some squishing and dropping. Also, take inventory of what your recipient already has - smartphone owners likely don't need a GPS device, and a fluent speaker of the destination's language won't have much use for a pocket translator. 

Here are some suggestions to get you started down the path of perfect travel gadgets:

• Netbook: Many travelers, especially those still in their backpacking years, don't consider a vacation to include a break from the internet. They still want to blog, Facebook, tweet, and look up information and directions on the road. A netbook is a great gift for such a person, as it gives her what she needs without weighing her down or taking up much precious packing space. This 7 inch iView model is only $138 on Amazon, and a protective Case Logic sleeve is $8.95.
• Personal Tracker: Though this certainly isn't a necessity, it is pretty cool for avid travelers. Your traveler stashes a tracking device like the TrackStick Mini GPS Tracking System somewhere on his person and it tracks his route, which he uploads upon returning to his computer. It also allows for retracing routes, geotagging pictures, and marking favorite spots.



Trackstick Mini (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• eReader: This is a space-saving essential for a globetrotting bookworm. The most popular versions are Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's nook, although there are plenty others available. If you really want to dazzle your traveler, splurge for an iPad, which includes an ereader along with lots of other handy travel features and apps.
• Wedge Door Alarm: Travelers can find themselves in a variety of accommodations while on the road, and some are safer than others. To ensure that your globetrotter is safe in any environment, consider giving a portable door wedge with a built in alarm to halt any nighttime intruders. My favorite product is the Ila wedge, which emits a 130 decibel shriek and stops the door's progress (Ila also makes other great travel safety products, including the personal alarm that attaches to a bag or belt loop). You can find similar products on Amazon, such as this one from Neewer and this one from GE.

ila wedge door alarm (photo courtesy of ila security)

• BHEESTIE Bag: No matter how careful your traveler is with her electronics, accidents happen and gadgets can suffer. The BHEESTIE Bag solves many water-related accidents - it sucks the moisture out of wet electronics and can be a saving grace for anyone who relies on gadgets while traveling. It can be used to solve problems of humidity, sweat, rain, and submersion (in some cases). Check out the website here for more information.
• Noise-canceling Headphones: These are essential for anyone who frequently uses public transportation. They aren't as cheap as regular headphones, but you get what you pay for - and who can put a price on peace and quiet? I like Brookstone's compact version and this folding set from Philips. You can also get noise-canceling earbuds, such as this Philips version.

Philips HN060/37 Noise-Canceling Earbuds ($29.99) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Pocket Translator: If your traveler has a smartphone or iPod touch, they probably have a built in or downloaded translator and don't need a separate device. For everyone else, however, pocket translators are still very handy and make a great gift. Be sure to choose one with a variety of languages, like this one with 12 languages, so your recipient can use it around the world.
• GPS: This is another item that someone with a smartphone (and possibly an iPad or iPod touch, depending on internet connectivity) doesn't need, but everyone else probably does. Sure, your traveler can use a paper map to navigate (this is my personal preference when traveling), but a GPS device provides support when he wants to go off the grid, lacks a decent map, or encounters construction detours. It is also a good choice for travelers who prefer rural settings over cities or who travel to countries with different alphabets (to avoid having to play match-the-symbols to navigate the city). This Garmin nuvi has a widescreen and bluetooth technology for only $110.
• Water Bottle Filter: One thing every traveler knows is that a surefire way to derail her vacation is to neglect proper hydration. But constantly buying drinks gets expensive in a hurry and tap water is unsafe in many places in the world. Solve this problem for your recipient with a water bottle filter like this one from Bobble, which fits inside a regular-sized bottle and comes in lots of fun colors.

The Water Bobble, available in red, black, green, and blue, will last for 2 months of regular use before the filter needs replacing (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Solar Charger: Powering electronics on the road is no traveler's favorite activity, but a solar charger can make the job a little easier. A model like the Brunton Solaris 12 uses sunlight to power phones, GPS devices, laptops, and cameras, and can be very useful when outlets are in short supply or nonexistent.

12 watt version of the Brunton Solaris (photo courtesy of Amazon)

What are your favorite gadgets to take on your travels?