02 March,2014 11:00 AM IST | | Harpreet Kaur Sapra
Are all your bags packed for the summer vacation? Don't forget to take your tech toys with you. Here's what you'll need to read, click pictures, and even throw light on all things dark
It's almost that time of the year when the kids are getting their annual break - it is time to pack the bags and get going for a holiday. So, whether you are headed out of station or just to your moms place in town, technology goes with you and where technology goes, you should also have a few essentials tagging along.
As a child, the only thing I needed while travelling was my Sony Walkman (that was the only option if I wanted music on the go). Then came the mobile phones, the laptops, the tablets, camera, books got replaced by Kindle and my small travelling purse got replaced by a backpack to carry all these gadgets. So here is a rough guide about things you could ensure you pack when you head out for a break:
For better hygiene
GoGirl with Tube [Rs 450]
Though this is one of those things that you may not look at as technology, but it might be one of the most essential things in a woman's backpack when holidaying. Since asking for a clean public washroom is out of the question in most of the tourist spots, you end up using the washroom standing up, which is rather uncomfortable to put it mildly. The GoGirl is made out of medical grade silicone, is flexible, and re-usable after a wash.
Carry an emergency light
Portronics Mojo [Rs 1,299]
This is a great device to have in your bag at all time. After all, you never know when you might need it - it could be a dark alley, or for that chance moment when you drop something valueable and have to hunt for it. Most hotel rooms do provide you with a flashlight, but the Mojo does a lot more. It is small enough to fit in your purse and is rechargeable, with a battery life of about two to three hours of usage. It has four brightness levels and acts as an SOS flasher and an emergency external battery for you to charge your phone.
Read books
Amazon Kindle [Rs 4,999]
At just R4,999, there is no reason why you should not buy the Amazon Kindle. Personally, I had a tough time leaving paper books behind, I loved the way they smelled, the way they felt in the hand, but then you were limited to one or two books on a holiday, what happened if you got bored of them, and what holiday is complete without sitting with your feet up, a cup of garam chai, and a great book? The Kindle allows you to carry nearly 1,400 books, and if you have Internet connectivity, you can also buy more on the go. So no more hunting down that book shop which does not have the classics, or figuring out the book you wanted to read but was left behind. The other good part is that the battery lasts nearly a month, so no need to carry a charger.
Take photographs
Olympus TG-850 [Rs 19,900]
The TG-850 has a flexible tilt screen that tilts upto 180 degrees. You can shoot photos and videos underwater, in the snowy mountains, it can survive average falls, and kicks from kids and the battery lasts for nearly 300 shots, good for a week long vacation without any charger.
Keep a knife handy
Victorinox Swiss Knife [Rs 750 onwards]
This has been one of the most essential items in my travel bag. Because most hotels and restaurants have metal detectors, it's not easy to carry this around. However, having a knife on you definitely makes you feel more secure. Also, having multiple tools allows you to get your hands dirty if the need arises. The most useful tool after the knife, which is good to cut your own fruit when you are lounging at a beach or while driving in the car, is the cork screw to open that bottle of wine.
Listen to music
Jabra Solemate Mini [Rs 4,999]
I have always loved music. Since childhood, the crooning voices of Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar have given me a welcome break from daily chores. These days, the Jabra Sole Mate Mini is my go-to speaker. It does not produce the best quality sound, but its seven-odd-hour battery and resistance to water means I can take it to the beach. Also, it is built to withstand drops and shocks, so I don't have to worry about dropping it anywhere. It pairs with phones over bluetooth, and in case your phone does not have bluetooth, you can also use a 3.5 mm cable that comes with the speaker to hook up things. The seven-hour battery is good for one hour of music every day for a week-long vaccation.
