The five best electronics for the high-tech traveler

By Aimee Markwardt

Any seasoned traveler knows it’s true. The right gadgets can make your trip exponentially more organized, entertaining and fun — but the wrong ones can cause unnecessary stress.  An iPhone with a dead battery during that perfect Kodak moment can be heart-breaking. And wasting your vacation time fiddling with a slow or crashing laptop can quickly transformation relaxation into frustration.

Here are our five favorite techno bets for electronics to enhance your travels.

1. The Philips Powerstation Pebble, $40, philips.com — If you use your iPhone for on-flight entertainment, whether it be games, music, movies, photos or reading, and you have a layover or two, you risk (very likely) being stuck with a dead phone and boredom during the final stretch of the trip. Finding a charging station or electrical outlet at an airport is a nightmare. Instead of fighting other grumpy travelers for the rare plug-in, bring this portable, lightweight power station that holds reserve power. It works with any gadget with a USB cable.

2. Photosynth, www.photosynth.net — This easy-to-use app allows you to shoot wrap-around panoramic photos and mesh them all together into a beautiful 360-degree view that will bring your friends and family right there with you. This tool allows you to capture your vacation in 3D and share it online.

3. The Franklin Speaking Global electronic translator, $165. Especially if you’re traveling overseas, this easy-to-read, visual dictionary and word list will make your life much easier.