New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets

Newest and Coolest Travel Gadgets


Meteor by Kreyos SmartWatch

- waterproof - can use for 2-way calls even if you are in the water
- built for the fitness enthusiasts
- fitness activity monitors: losing weight, running, cycling
- comes with clip-on that goes on your cloth for monitoring your vitals
- built-in motion control via accelerometer
- pairs with iOS, Android, and Window devices
- can change music and other options with just a swipe of your hand

Samsung Galaxy Active - waterproof

One of the latest offerings from Samsung is the waterproof, dust proof Galaxy phone. You might have seen some of the ads (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjcG-BkyksM)that show the phone dropped in water as well as into the flour and it comes out OK. It is great for someone who forgets to take out their phone before jumping into the pool. Yes, I have done that and the phone did not make it out, but it was definitely a lesson learned. Galaxy Active has 8MP camera, and can control your TV, erase photo distractions with one touch, or preview files without touching the screen. Though this one is not great for quality photography as the camera has low resolution and while it is waterproof, it is not shatter-proof.

Sony's Xperia Z is also waterproof
Similar to Active, this phone is also dust and water proof. Unlike the Galaxy, it takes much better pictures. It has 13MP camera, high-dynamic-range (HDR) video recording, durable tempered glass, and can wirelessly share music and video on other devices. Both of the waterproof phones are highly designed for that purpose. The other features are not as robust. Xperia Z has short battery life, camera's shutter is a bit slow, and has an average overall performance

Sony Cyber-shot HX50

Its a small camera that can. It comes with a lot features that are usually found on larger cameras. And you can see all these here Cyber-shot Features. HX50 is more robust than a regular point-and-shoot though not quite a DSLR. It has a 30x optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, and direct access exposure control for manual adjustments. It fits more in between these two versions and its price is also in between. Sony DSC-HX50V

Google Brings Voice Calling Back to Gmail, Now Under Hangouts
http://mashable.com/2013/07/10/voice-calling-gmail-hangouts/

Flips headphones become speakers

Gadgets that can do more than one function are great for travel. It means you would need to take one less thing with you and yet still enjoy the functionality. Flips Headphones are just like that. They are a hybrid between headphones and speakers. It is an innovative and cool product. Flips provide great noise-canceling sound as headphones and ones transformed, can share that sound with others at great quality.

Nokia officially announces the Lumia 1020: 41MP camera
http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/11/nokia-lumia-1020

Hidden Radio

http://www.hiddenradiodesign.com/
It does not look like one, but hidden within this bulb is a compact radio. It is very portable with the size of 3.4" x 3.8" inches. Hidden can be a wireless speaker or FM radio. Lift the cap to turn it on, the further you lift the cap the louder it gets. Simple operations and simple-looking design. Available on amazon.com Hidden Radio

Sony reveals SmartWatch 2 with larger, higher-resolution screen
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/accessories/smartwatch-2-sw2/

Cheaper, Sportier Google Glass Competitor Is Now Available For Pre-Order
http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2013-06/cheaper-sportier-google-glass-competitor-now-available-pre-order

Sound-off: What are some of the newest gadgets you can't wait to get your hands on? Let us know below

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Worldwide Travel Alert
posted on 08/02/2013

"The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula. ..."
More information on travel.state.gov/

This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013

Did You Know?:
Tips for Traveling Abroad

Travel Video of the Week - Different Country Different Voltage

Travel Adapters - Why you should definitely have one:



1.    2.    3.

There are several different type of travel adapters. There are individual voltage type ones that are good for one particular setting (1). This world travel adapter kit is great when you know you are traveling to only one other country that requires an adapter. The second one above is a multi-setting adapter that includes just about every variation of outlet you would encounter in your travels. It is bulkier, though if you are visiting several locations would be a great choice to have a long.
While these adapters will let you plug in your gadget, they will not ensure that it will not burn out because of excessive voltage. To convert the voltage to the same level as your gadget, you would need a voltage converter (3) that will step-down the volts transferred from the outlet.

Did you know?  Electric Power Around The World

Sound-off: What are some other questions/answers that you might have for international travel? Let us know below

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Deliberations of a Traveling Photographer (aka my wife)

Photography Gadget

After quite some time of deliberation, my wife got herself a new lens by Sigma for the XSi Canon Rebel DSLR camera. It is one fine piece of machinery - 18-250mm with f3.5-6.3 and has optical stabilization.

Here are some photos taken with it as I was racing around the track 

Her main doubt was definitely price but after many reviews and tons of trave and seeing the need for onel, she set her eye on this lens.

Check out this blog for more cool photography chatter: digital-photography-school.com/

This lens has many pros:
No need to switch lenses between telephoto and standard (75-300m and 18-55mm) - gives you tons more opportunities to get the best shot
Compact - no need to carry multiple lenses during travel
Larger zoom and still fast - good shutter-speed
Price - she compared Sigma and Cannon lenses and decided that $300 extra won't get you more than a brand name
Made in Japan! Its rare to see anything made outside of China now-a-days

She has been testing and using this beauty continuously since she finally got it. Here are some more photos:

To get your own via amazon.com click here: Sigma 18-250mm lens

The lens and the camera fit very nicely into our Lowepro Passport Sling Camera Bag. It has been on a lot of trips, including the photo sessions posted here. It cradles the camera with great padding, and has room for accessories as well as other travel items such as wires, chargers, water bottle and knickknacks


Sound Off: What do you use on your travels to capture memories? Let us know here