1. Laptop

Easily takes the top spot.  I use it for countless tasks.  All of my work I do here is done on my laptop.  I work from it, set my schedule on it, research and plan trips on it, you name it I probably do it on my laptop.  It’s my number one piece of hardware.  And with technology allowing for smaller and smaller laptops that have become ultra-portable, I see no reason why they shouldn’t accompany anyone on a long-term trip.  Plus with the increasingly common availability of wifi, you can easily stay connected if need be.

2. iPod

I’m a music freak.  I can’t help it.  I love finding out what the popular groups are in a place I’m staying and throwing them on my iPod.  I also use it for Spanish language podcasts to practice advanced vocabulary and grammar tenses.  Makes for a more productive trip on mass transportation.  Buenos Aires also offers podcast walking tours for free on their tourism website; a great alternative to paying for the guided ones!

3. Digital Camera

My digital camera allows me to shoot photos of dang near everything.  I take it with me everywhere.  I’ve been in Buenos Aires 4 months and I already have well over 1,000 pictures from the city.  Don’t worry, I’m going through them now to add to the photo page on here!  I have two 4gb SD cards that I keep with my camera, so I have more than enough space to shoot any trip I’m on.  Combine my camera with my laptop and iPod, and have all my photos stored and sorted.

4. Cell Phone

Before I left the states I made an investment in an unlocked quad-band 3G phone.  I use the Nokia E51, and it has served me very well thus far.  Quad-band means my phone can be used anywhere in the world, so long as I get a local plan and pop in a new SIM card.  3G means it can use the highest speed networks that the best carriers operate on.  And since my phone is unlocked it can be used with any carrier, even when / if I return to the US.  Pretty snazzy little sucker.

5. Universal Adapter

I bought a set from Brookstone that covers all my bases for power around the world.  They have various plugs and adapters that’ll cover any outlet I come across.  And it all stores in a snug little case that stores easily (with a map of what to use where on the inner lid!).  Definitely worth grabbing if you’ll be hitting multiple countries.

Wrap Up

If you can’t tell, I’m quite the nerd.  I love my toys, and very rarely am I completely disconnected.  I already know that I’ll be working on joining the ranks of flashpackers soon enough.  Backpacking with cool points.  What about you guys?  Any other gadget suggestions that you just can’t live without on the wide open road?

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