5 Popular Travel Gadgets to Take With You on the Road

These days travelling involves packing gadgets more sophisticated than the clothes in your suitcase. Technology has definitely come a long way in improving the quality our travel experiences. By no means, though, do you want to become so laden down or dependent on travel gadgets that you no longer know how to enjoy yourself without being connected to some kind of device. However, there are some gadgets that can be lifesavers when we are on the road.

Besides the obvious devices like iPods, iPhones, video cameras, or even portable laundry gadgets, there are other technological advancements that can bring about peace of mind and lighten the load of travelling.

Here are 5 popular travel gadgets that you might want to take with you on your next trip:

1. Digital Reader: Instead of lugging the latest best sellers in your suitcase a digital reader such as Amazon's Kindle or Sony's Reader can help create some space, not to mention make things a bit lighter. You can even get some of your favorite newspapers and magazines available on an e-reader. So, if you are not a literary purist who must physically turn the pages of a book, a digital reader can be a great way to take your library with you.

2. Memorex Money Clip Flash Drive: This is not your ordinary money clip; it is an electronic multi-tasking tool. The Memorex Money Clip also serves as a 1GB USB drive so that you can also store such things as photos, files, and music. Plus, it provides a safe way to carry cash when you are on the go.

3. Trace Me Luggage Tag: Losing your luggage is a real downer when travelling. However finding ways to avoid such disasters has just got easier with the durable Trace Me Luggage Tag, which has a bar code and serial number that can be scanned if your luggage gets lost. Once the tag is scanned, you get an email or text that lets you know exactly where your bags have ended up.

4. Novatel Mifi: Although you do not always want to be connected on a holiday, there are moments when you might need to get online that do not always involve holing up in your hotel or the nearest Starbucks. For those occasions when you need to get online at the unlikeliest places, get Novatel's Mifi, a personal Wi-Fi hotspot connection. You do have to sign up for a contract from Verizon, but it may be worth it if you are always on the go.

5. Power Monkey Solar Charger: How are you going to keep all those gadgets charged? This small charger can be used for such things as cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and much more. The Power Monkey Solar Charger is charged by the sun. So simply leave it by a window, attach to your backpack or leave on a car dashboard. When one of your trusty gadgets runs out of power, there is no need to go searching for a plug. Simply attach to the Power Monkey and your device of choice will run for hours.

Simon Brady is the director of content for Executive Gift Shoppe. They specialize in travel alarm clocks and personalized gifts.