Electronics - Checklist for Backpackers

If you are unlucky your expensive iPod can end up broken because of an electric spike. You can also find yourself unable to recharge your cell phone because the wall socket is different from home. Follow the below checklist to avoid these and other pitfalls:

Cell phone + charger
Recharge your phone before you leave. Enter important phone numbers in the phone book (embassies, insurance companies etc).

SIM-card for your cell phone
You can get local SIM cards in your destingation which may be cheaper than using the SIM card from your home operator.

Alarm clock
Maybe you have alarm functionality in your phone or portable computer and do not need a separate alarm clock.

Fire alarm
here are combination fire alarm/alarm clocks you can consider getting.

Surge protector
To protect expensive electrical devices against power spikes.

Headphones
There are headphones called "noise reducing headphones"which can drastically reduce the ambient noise in e.g. airplanes. Do an online search if you are interested.

MP3/media player + charger + earphones
If you want to share music/video with someone else you can get an adapter which allows two people to listen to the audio at the same time. You can bring a DVD filled with movies and exchange files on your media player during your trip if you have a small memory card (if you have the legal rights).

Empty CD/DVD + CD jewel case/memory stick
The jewel case is used to protect CDs with backups of your pictures. You can also put the photos on a memory stick.

Cassette adapter for car stereo/FM transmitter
Looks like a normal cassette/tape with a cord which attaches to your media player. This enables you to use normal cassette players in car stereos to listen your media player. An alternative is to get an FM transmitter to attach to your media player (note that these may be illegal in some countries). Great for long drives.

Video game + charger
Portable video game system. You can bring a DVD filled with movies and games and exchange them during your trip if you have a small memory card on your game system (if you have the legal rights).

Miniature speakers
Great to share music with others.

Torch (flashlight) + batteries
A small one which you always carry around in your pocket or purse is very useful, you never know when you might need it.

Headlight + batteries
Attaches to your forehead and keeps your arms free.

Voltage converter
If your equipment runs on another voltage than in your destination you need a voltage converter. Some chargers are multi-voltage.

Adapter
If the electrical sockets in your destination are a different format than your plugs.

Calculator
For currency conversion.

Camera + camera charger + memory card + carrying case
If you have room you can put a small plastic bag in your camera carrying case which you can use to protect your camera in case it rains.

Iron
For those who want to look their best.

Hair dryer
I guess it is one of those girl things :)

GPS + GPS maps + charger
To easily find your way around.

Batteries and charger
Get rechargeable batteries and battery charger or buy batteries in bulk to save money.

USB-cable or card reader
In order for you to be able to attach your camera to a computer for uploading pictures and to connect your mp3/media player/video game. There are different types of USB-cables; make sure you have one which fits your device.

Happy travels!