Last week's column featured useful gadgets to pack to safeguard your health when traveling. The devices suggested today help make traveling easier.
- Flashlight: It doesn't matter where we are or what we're doing, we still need light. For $49.95, the Olight S1 Baton flashlight is tiny enough to fit anywhere (2.4 inches long) with a beam that shines the length of a football field. Expect 50 minutes of use per battery at the 500-lumen setting, 40 hours at 8-lumen (enough light to walk down a dark road) and six hours at 80-lumen (enough light to read by). The only drawback is the very atypical battery requirement of CR123A; don't explore the desert or the wilds of Africa without sufficient batteries, as these aren't available just anywhere. (OLightWorld.com)
- Trackable carry-on: Bluesmart Carry-On is a rolling suitcase with a built-in tracker. You'll always be able to spot its exact location by using the Bluesmart app. Available for both Android and iOS phones, this tracker is invaluable and the luggage is a goodie, as well. The durable, hard-sided bag measures 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches and features a charging dock with two USB ports. The handle contains a built-in scale to confirm you're not over the weight restricted by the airline. While not inexpensive at $399, it's a traveler's practical delight. (Bluesmart.com)
- Hotspot: Secure Wi-Fi can often be a problem. Beat scammers with the portable international Skyroam Hotspot, an easy, affordable and safe Wi-Fi access in 80 countries worldwide. For a flat fee of $10 per day, get unlimited data for up to five digital devices. By using the Hotspot, you eliminate international roaming charges and the need for local SIM cards. One negative point, though: even though Skyroam provides unlimited data, it doesn't cut it for streaming video or sending large photo files. On the other hand, to send and receive emails and texts and access the internet, it's a a good dollar value at $99.99. (Skyroam.com)
- Phone and charger: Kodiak Plus is a portable, go-anywhere phone, tablet and camera charger for only $79.95. The lightweight, durable battery can charge anything that charges via a USB port (up to two at once), even if you don't have access to an outlet. Waterproof and shockproof, it's small enough to fit in your pocket yet can charge a smartphone up to four times before its own battery must be re-charged. (OutdoorTechnology.com)
- Laptop charger: If you carry your laptops with you but dislike hauling power supplies, the Zolt Laptop Charger Plus is a must. A small, lightweight contraption that eliminates charging cords, it also charges most electronic devices that normally recharge via a USB port connection. At $99.99, Zolt can even charge up to two devices at the same time it's doing its magic on your laptop. (GoZolt.com).
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com