We’ve rounded up the best travel gear for your winter holiday destination – be it in the sun or on the snow, under water or atop mountains.
By Heather Camlot
We like to think of our winter vacation as a time to relax and disconnect from technology. But who are we kidding? Hand luggage across the country is being packed with tablets, smartphones, cameras, iPods and GPS as we write. So, why not throw a few of the following fun and functional travel gear into the mix as well:
GoPro HD Hero2 Outdoor Camcorder
Slap your skis on your feet and strap your camera to your helmet. The GoPro HD Hero2 will have you shooting 1080p wide-angle video and taking quick-burst 11megapixel photos all the way down the hill. You can even live-stream everything you document to the web. $350, Vistek.
If you prefer to be a little more discreet on the slopes, these snow goggles will do the trick. The high-definition camera snaps 5 megapixel pictures and shoots 720p video, while the lenses are 100 percent UV-protected and impact-resistant. Also available in black. $310, PB Teen.
Liquid Image 8 MP Digital Camera Swim Mask
From the highest mountains to the deepest seas (well, 15 feet anyway): capture your underwater adventure through this bright yellow swim mask that takes 8 megapixel digital photos and video. Get ready to recreate jaws in the resort pool. $130, The Source.
Don’t be fooled by this pocket-size speaker: the XMI X-Mini II delivers on sound so you can party in paradise. And with it weighing in at only 2.9 ounces, you won’t have to worry about tipping the scale at the airport – that’s for your souvenirs to do. $30, Futureshop.
Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Babies crying, teenagers giggling, seniors snoring: not your idea of a peaceful plane ride? Ours neither. Pick up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy your flight with the only sounds you want to hear – the music from your iPod. $350, Best Buy.
On a most practical note, the odds of being able to charge all your gadgets from the other side of the world is rather slim. This World USB charger adapts to Australia, China, USA, Japan and all of Europe. Plug in and play on. $26.50, MEC.
First published December 8, 2011, on WorkLivePlayCafe.com.
Heather Camlot 