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| Where the Internet is stored (Photo credit: debs) |
By Kathy Steinemann
| Do you like to travel by car? Are you annoyed because your electronic gadgets aren't travel-friendly? Do you need a way to heat your baby's bottle between stops? Are you always running out of rechargeable batteries? Help is here - read these tips! This article provides information about a few gadgets that are extremely useful and practical while you travel by car. Following the descriptions of these gadgets are Internet searches that you can use to find them in your favorite search engines. 1. Universal USB Charger Do you own an MP3 player, iPod, or other electronic device that recharges in a computer USB port? Many companies now manufacture a unit that operates on household current, a cigarette lighter, or your vehicle's power point. These devices have a small USB-compatible port. Simply plug the USB charging cable into your hardware, put the other end into the device, and you can recharge without a computer. Once you own a USB charger, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without it! Internet search: universal USB car charger You can even create your own portable USB charger by splicing a USB female plug to a regular car charger with a 5-volt output. Internet search: make your own USB car charger 2. Car Charger for Rechargeable Batteries Do you use rechargeable batteries for your digital camera or GPS? Rechargeables are better for the environment than regular one-use disposables; but how do you keep them charged on a long road trip? Buy a car charger! These compact units plug into a cigarette lighter or power point. Travel with one in your glove compartment, and you'll always have a way to recharge when you need it. Internet search: car charger rechargeable batteries 3. Solar Panel Battery Charger These devices combine everything. You can recharge via household current, cigarette lighter adapter, power point, OR an ingenious solar panel system that works whenever the sun is shining. Some manufacturers even include special adapters for powering your cell phone or PDA. Travel will never be the same once you become accustomed to the convenience of a solar charger! Internet search: solar panel battery charger 4. Portable Car Water Heater You can purchase a water heater that draws power from your vehicle's power point - complete with cups. These heaters look like small kettles. Internet search: portable car water heater You can also acquire a gadget that immerses in a cup to heat soup, coffee, tea, other beverages, or water for baby bottles. Internet search: immersible beverage heater car 5. Portable Ultraviolet Water Purifier Frequent travelers are well aware of the problems associated with drinking water from unknown sources. Even little bits of water left on lettuce in a salad can quickly cause a bad case of travelers' diarrhea. You can easily sterilize your drinking water with a portable ultraviolet water purifier that destroys bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These pen-sized units are small enough to fit into a glove compartment, pocket, backpack, or purse. Internet search: traveler ultraviolet portable water purifier 6. Multi-Tool A multi-tool is indispensable for all the little things that can go wrong on your road trip. Many different multi-tools are available online - containing a combination of pliers, screwdriver, scissors, knife, awl, and other tools that can save you in a pinch. Internet search: multi tool kit travel 7. Eyeglass Repair Kit Even if you don't use prescription eyeglasses, you should always wear sunglasses outdoors. Losing a small hinge screw or nose pad can quickly render your glasses useless. Eyeglass repair kits are cheap. Carry one with you wherever you travel. You can buy kits that are pen-size or even smaller. Internet search: eyeglass repair kit These are just a few of the gadgets that are available for travel. Every time you go on a road trip, take note of the exasperating moments and inconveniences. As soon as you can, get on the Net and look for a solution. If you can't find one, maybe you can invent something and become the next Thomas Edison! (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: This page of internet search engines will help you find the travel gadgets mentioned in this article. Looking for a bed and breakfast to stay in on your next road trip? Check 111 Travel Directory. Need more travel tips? 1000 Tips 4 Trips can help! Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
