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.
16 comments
I just bought the unlocked iPhone 4S through Apple for less than $600. It was a hefty sum to layout upfront,. The long term benefit most folks don’t realize is that when you own the phone you can go to any cell phone provider and get on their cheaper, no contract program. If I had bought the phone through a cell phone company for the not-a-bargain price with a two year contract, I would have paid double for the phone. In the end, I will save about $1000 over that two year contract term. Bonus!
Agree with all 3! 🙂
I’ve never thought about VPN service, but have taken note!
I always travel with a mini LED flashlight/lantern. It’s given me the gift of vision during power outages, which are so common in developing countries.
Good list. Just one thing – it really is possible to get along abroad without a smartphone. Going without can even give you a way to interact with people better.
Never thought about using a VPN service for secure wifi, great idea!
massive can not live withouts!!!
Those all in one adapters drive me up the wall, expensive pieces of plastic if you ask me. Much prefer an individual 2 dollar plug thats sturdy and will never break. Even if I lose 20 of these it still won’t cost as much as that all in one plug.
I got a brand-new, factory unlocked Nokia Windows 8 phone (the Lumia 620) for about $220 on Amazon: such a bargain. It is so streamlined, plus connects all your social networks, making multiple platform sharing easy, no apps required.
Such an amazing phone, I prefer it over android and iOS!
-Maria Alexandra
Yesss! Agrees with all…
The VPN is definitely an interesting one!
Great tips about using VPN! I started my own blog and I often do banking business trough hotspots. Never realized the dangers of this… Thanks for this tip! And the others ones are also good.. I still have to buy an Iphone.. haha.
Go to wififreespot.com and click on the state where you are traveling. This site provides you with detailed information about most WiFi hot spots in the United States and a few other countries. This list includes everything from small retail shops to national chains like McDonalds to libraries to churches.
Great post, never even thought about the VPN… I was also looking for a travel adapter so thank you! Can already tell I’m going to love your blog, x
Great ideas, but it would have been so cool if you had included prices for the above 3 items.
Great ideas, but it would have been so cool if you had included prices for the above 3 items.
So true. Love the unlocked phone, and it’s really worked for us wherever we go. My favorite phone deals are the pre-paid ones….
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