As the weather warms, we’ve all got one thing on our minds: leaving the nine-to-five grind behind and kicking back on vacation. Whether you’re heading to the beach or enjoying some time off in the city, these great gadgets will help you make the most of your summer getaway.
A Digital Camera for Capturing Vacation Snaps
A good digital camera is essential for capturing all your summer memories. Consider your needs and photographic abilities carefully to decide on the best Sony digital camera for your summer vacation.
Waterproof cameras like the TX30 are ideal for the beach, because they’ll handle splashes and even a dip in the ocean. Consumers who are serious about photography might choose something like the α7R II, a 42.4-megapixel investment piece featuring adjustable lenses and five-axis image stabilization for reducing blur. If you’re birdwatching, visiting scenic spots, or even hitting the music festival circuit, this camera can help you take professional-grade images of the things you see.
A Smartphone for Staying in Touch with Loved Ones
When you’re on summer vacation, it’s tempting to just unplug and leave the whole world behind. However, most of us can’t resist getting on social media to brag about our vacation exploits. And, of course, our parents always need to know they can reach us for their peace of mind. A great smartphone can help you connect with people in the digital and physical worlds and — so much more.
Remember to load your phone with great travel apps before you leave to make the most of your summer vacation. For example, a dining app will help you find the best restaurants near your destination, and a map app will help you get around the neighborhood. Look for apps that work offline if you’re traveling overseas, as international roaming can be pricey. Or you can use a website to create a driving radius map which you can print out so you don’t have to worry about paying for international roaming.
A Smartwatch to Keep Your Beach Bod in Fine Form
A smartwatch is more than just a way to keep time. Most have a range of fitness applications so you can feel confident your beach bod stays in peak condition while you’re away. For example, the Sony SmartWatch 3 is powered with iFit technology, which helps it monitor your step count, heart rate, distance traveled, calories burned, and much more. It also plays music to keep your summer workouts on track. Look for waterproof smartwatches like this that can withstand time in the pool or surf.
An e-Reader for Indulging in Good Books
If pounding the pavement sounds too much like hard work, you may prefer to enjoy your summer vacation at a slower pace with an e-reader. Modern e-readers can hold hundreds of books, freeing up valuable suitcase space for avid bookworms. They’re also lightweight and slim-lined, so they’re easy to handle and slip into your tote when you’re done.
While e-reader apps are available for smartphones, most book lovers agree that the larger screens of e-readers make reading much easier, especially if you’re downloading newspapers or magazines. The batteries will also last for weeks without charging, and this staying power is something smartphones just can’t match. Versions without Wi-Fi tend to be the most affordable, but you’ll need to download your summer reading list before you’re chilling on the beach.
A Portable Battery Charger for Charging Emergencies
All these gadgets need power to run, but when you’re on vacation, you never want to feel chained to a power point. That’s why you should never leave home without your portable battery charger.
These chargers typically have a number of USB and Micro-USB charging ports for powering your smartphone, digital camera, and other essential electronic devices. It’ll usually take a few hours to completely charge your devices’ batteries, but a few minutes’ charging should give you enough power to make a phone call or take that essential vacation snap. Look for portable battery chargers that are slim enough to easily fit inside your handbag or beach tote.
Summer vacation may be a great time to unplug and unwind, but the right gadgets can be the perfect companions for your warm weather getaway.