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Travel Gadgets
By Harmony | July 24, 2009 | 9:11 am
Recently, a friend of mine sent me a link and asked me, “Do you agree with this guy? What would you take and leave?” She was talking about travel gadgets. I read the article and sent her my thoughts, and now I would like to share them with you.
Here is the link to the article: Top Travel Gadgets Under $50
And my comments, from the perspective of a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa:
1. Multi-tool
I use a Leatherman “Juice,” which I bought for about $100. I use it for EVERYTHING. The most popular tools I use are the bottle opener (dukas don’t always open my sodas for me), wine bottle opener, screwdriver, scissors, and knife. I keep it in my purse always, and usually end up saving the day with it. It was definitely worth the hefty price tag.
2. Flashlight
I have a couple of flashlights with me. One is a small LED Maglite flashlight that runs on AA batteries, which I use to go to the choo (latrine) in the middle of the night. I also have an LED headlamp, which is a god-send when the power goes out and I need to do something that uses both hands, like chopping vegetables for dinner or even taking a bath.
3. Moneyclip
I have never used a money clip, but I have a couple of money belts. I hear that some thieves in Nairobi will check for money belts around the waist, though. I was thinking that since I wear a skirt most of the time anyway, it might be a good idea to get a money belt that goes around my thigh, too. I always keep my money in many places on my body, especially when in Nairobi. Or Nai-robbery, as the locals call it.
4. Retractable Cable Lock
I have a cable lock (though it’s not retractable) and it has come in very handy. I have used it to tie down my backpack when I have to leave it somewhere for short periods of time; for example, when I took the train and had to leave it in my cabin while going to dinner. It’s also something I carry in my purse all the time.
5. Travel Space Bags
I brought three with me, and they allow me to carry 2 weeks worth of clothes in my hiking backpack. A huge space saver, and definitely worth the price.
6. Mini Surge Protector
I didn’t bring one with me (you can get a 4-plug one at a Nakumatt supermarket for about 1000 Kenyan Shillings) but I can see where they come in handy. The power surges here are an everyday thing.
7. Mini Tripod
I wish I had bought one of these before I left, but I didn’t have enough room in my luggage for it. I think it would be useful if you take lots of pictures (like me) and want to include yourself in the photo. Too many times have I tried balancing my camera on a tree branch, unsuccessfully.
8. Medical Kit
I didn’t need to bring one because the Peace Corps provided me with a very comprehensive medical kit. It’s always a good idea to bring along a medical kit whenever you are traveling.
9. Shortwave Radio
I actually have this exact radio (Grundig) and it kept me company many nights in training, when I lived in a home with no electricity or water. I can’t find more than a couple American stations, but there are broadcasts from France, India, Germany and others, on the shortwave lines.
10. Notepad
I couldn’t live without my pocket-sized Moleskine journals. I fill one up about every three months, and use it every day to jot down notes, ideas, curiosities, lists, and random thoughts. If you think you might like to journal about your experience, a notepad is essential. Moleskines are expensive though (I think my small journal is around $13). You can get Kartasi brand student notebooks at any bookstore in Kenya for 60 shillings or less. They are not as nice, but do the same job.
Other things
On my keychain, I have three other really useful items: a tiny led flashlight, a USB flash drive, and an emergency whistle. The first has come in useful when I find myself coming home late and I’m without my other flashlights. The second I use all the time for pictures, games, music, and other files that I might want to trade among friends (I use it for work, too). The third I’ve never had to use, thankfully, but I have it just in case of an attack. Of course, there is a special call you use in Kenya if you are attacked (I’m told that people may not respond to a whistle). But I still keep the whistle, just in case.
I was reading through some of the comments on the article, and noticed a lot of criticism. I recognize that for someone who is not a heavy traveler, or is traveling for a short period of time, these items may not be necessary. But for someone like me, who is “roughing it” for 2 years and taking lots of trips, many of these things are truly essential.
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