FIVE GADGETS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT WHILE TRAVELING ABROAD

Even the most exciting vacation abroad is going to have a little downtime, whether it’s a layover at the airport or a lazy Sunday morning at the motel. Electronics can help fill the time and keep the peace between family members who’ve spent several hours on an airplane together. They’re also handy for the demands of our 24/7, 365-day a year work culture.

The next time you plan a trip abroad to Europe or more far-flung locations, consider taking these portable electronic devices along for your journey:

• Tablets – If you’re going to take any device abroad, your tablet probably needs to be No. 1 on the list. The convenience and mobility of tablets make them great vacation gadgets. You can use your tablet to shoot photos and video, and post them to social media or share them with your friends via email. Tablets are also great for downtime, as you can use them to read books or watch movies.

Memory Sticks – If you need to use computers for work purposes while abroad, a memory stick can come in handy. Memory sticks come in handy for storing documents, photos, and other information. Cloud-based storage methods may not always be available or advisable abroad, so having a convenient form of data storage that fits in your pocket is always welcome.

Smartphones – Smartphones provide many of the advantages offered by tablets, plus they’re smaller and easier to carry. With your smartphone, you can stay connected to friends, family, and colleagues back home. One caveat: Be sure to inquire about charges for overseas roaming before taking your phone abroad. They can often be quite hefty. Purchasing a temporary local smartphone might be advisable.

Fitness Trackers – Pedometers and related gear can help you keep track of your steps and other fitness data while you’re traveling abroad. Just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fitness regimen.

External Hard Drives – For business travelers with big data storage needs, external hard drives fit the bill. These devices can store large pieces of data, giving travelers the option of large and secure portable data storage.

Of course, if you’re going to be taking your electronics abroad, you’re going to need a way to charge them. Electrical outlets in many foreign countries are not compatible with U.S. electronics. In some instances, the number or size of plugs differ from country to country. In other cases, there may be differences in the voltage used in one country compared to another.

Adapters and converters help bridge the gap, allowing safe usage of American electronics overseas. Step down converters allow U.S. devices to safely draw power from outlets that use higher voltages than American outlets. Adapters make it easy for U.S. plugs to fit outlets configured for local electronics.

When traveling overseas, be sure to find out relevant information about the country’s electrical outlets and voltages where you are visiting, so you can get an adapter and a 220 to 100 converter if necessary.

110220Volts sells adapters and transformers that help travelers stay connected by keeping their devices charged while overseas. 110220Volts offers a wide selection of electronics, including region-free DVD players and much more. For help or a consultation, call 1-800-827-9978.