By Norman Fong | Contributing Writer
When you’re travelling internationally it’s always difficult to figure out what you need to do to continue using your everyday electronic gadgets. Everything from your laptop to camera to smartphone will now need more add-ons to secure and charge them, but the last thing you want to do is lug around a bag full of electronics.
Selecting the right accessories can be tough, so I’ve pulled together the top three tech gadgets you’ll need when travelling internationally.
Subscribe to a VPN Service To Secure Your WiFi
You should always be extra cautious when you are connecting to a foreign WiFi network because free WiFi is a massive security risk (the same goes for any local Wi-Fi that is unsecured). Any information you access across your devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) on an insecure WiFi network is unprotected and leaves your private information vulnerable. Using a VPN (virtual private network) will enable you to safely use free WiFi hotspots at hotels, airports, etc., which is especially important when traveling abroad. The VPN is like an encrypted tunnel that all your information will pass through when you connect to WiFi, prohibiting hackers from intercepting your passwords, banking information, emails, and other personal data that you need to look up on the fly. I recommend proXPN which also supports iOS and Android devices for the ultimate convenience when traveling.
A Hassle-Free Power Adapater
An assortment of power adapters are a necessary evil when you’re travelling to multiple countries, but they’re necessary in order to charge our devices. The key is to bring along an adapter, such as the Kensington International Travel Plug Adapter, that works in over 150 countries. Everything is built right into this device so you won’t have to worry about losing any extraneous pieces. This adapter even converts voltage for USB devices so you can charge your mobile devices by USB.
An Unlocked Smartphone
In today’s world, having a smartphone is mandatory, especially when traveling abroad. Whether you’re texting or emailing with friends and family back home, uploading photos to social media, or accessing Google Maps and Google Translate, smartphones make traveling easier and more rewarding. An unlocked phone will allow you to plug in a local countries’ SIM card to make calls and surf the Internet more affordably. Purchasing an unlocked version of the latest iPhone models is extremely expensive ($699), but you can save money by purchasing an older iPhone on Amazon. If you prefer Android, try the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S2 on Amazon.
I hope these gadgets will save some space in your suitcase in addition to saving you time and money while abroad. Do you have any must-have gadgets you take with you while traveling internationally? Let us know in the comments section!
Norman Fong is the Co-Founder of BuyVia, the only online and mobile smart shopping service that combines intelligent shopping capabilities including a set your price feature, UPC/QR scanning, geo-local deals and wish lists. For more information, you can check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
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