My favorite travel gadgets

I'm a gadget girl. That's no secret. I love all these little things that make life more interesting, useful, and/or fun.

When it comes to travel, these are some of my favorite toys:

1. iPad – There's no doubt about it. My life has changed a lot since the iPad. I find myself using this gadget in many ways – both on a personal and professional level.

When traveling, having the iPad has been quite a godsend. I love being able to check emails, Tweet, go on Facebook, do some reading, listen to music, and even play games to pass the time using just one device.

When I go on business or leisurely travels, I even find it so much easier having the iPad due to its mobility, good battery life, and handy apps. It's not perfect. I especially miss the ability to do Skype video calls while I am traveling. But yes, the iPad is definitely one of the best travel gadgets I own.

2. Camera – What will I do without a camera to record my adventures? I have always loved collecting snapshots of events and special moments, both for business and pleasure. Working in the field of communications/media, I find the camera to be an indispensable tool to help illustrate pieces and remember people, places, and events.

Other than my favorite DSLR camera, I also love being able to have a small point-and-shoot in my purse for easy access. Or perhaps even just a nice mobile phone cam.

I have also been known to carry “toy” film cameras (like my Mini Diana) and instant cams (like my Fujifilm Instax) to record my travels in a different way.

3. Video camera – Of course, pretty much like the still cameras that I love, I also try to take as many film clips of my travels as I can using a video camera. One of my favorites is the flip video cams due

to its low cost and portability. I have recorded a number of travels using my flip.

Due to my family's interest in making more (and better) home videos, we have recently invested in an HD video camera too. But having said that, even a simple mobile phone has helped capture some good travel moments in moving pictures.

4. Unlocked phone with prepaid SIM card – I don't always get to have this around when I am traveling overseas, but I think it's definitely handy to have one, especially for extended trips. Saves on expensive global roaming charges.

5. Pocket wifi – When traveling interstate, this has become an indispensable travel gadget for me. I have only discovered this a few months ago, and I have loved having it since I purchased one. It also provides a lot of savings as I end up not having to pay for expensive hotel Internet charges. No more hunting for Internet cafes either!

6. World plug adapter – To me, this is another indispensable tool in my travel gadgets bag. I especially like the kind that comes with different pins and sockets for use in various countries.

So, what about you? What are your favorite gadgets when you travel?