The Must Have Travel Gadgets in 2012

With an already burgeoning collection of devices that makes travel that little bit more comfortable, this year we'll see technology and travel combine to produce even more gadgets that will really make travel of all kinds easier. Below is a brief lowdown of the must-have travel gadgets for the year ahead.

Smartphones

With traditional mobile phone numbers dwindling year-after-year, you only have to look at the number of smartphones flying off the shelves to see why. Smartphones are effectively handheld laptops and make everything run smoother. With a smartphone, you have the internet, GPS and all manner of travel-oriented apps and computer games at your finger-tips, all combining to ensure that your travel experience is even better and easier!

UV monitors

Unfortunately, traveling to sunnier climes can also carry an element of risk . Skin cancer is of course a major concern for all of us on our summer holidays (or at least it should be) with sun cream becoming one of the most important items to pack when heading to the airport. With a UV monitor you are able to keep track of how potent the sun's rays are at any given time, enabling you the chance to get inside when the rays are too strong and to apply sun cream as and when it is needed .

Remote Door alarms

Security for yourself and your possessions is something that is often high on the agenda. Whether you are staying in a busy hotel or a villa in the middle of nowhere, it is good to support your travel insurance policy with a portable device that will ensure the effective protection of yourself and your possessions. With a simple door alarm that you can attach to the door handle or even the wedge at the bottom of the door, you can enjoy a decent night's rest safe in the knowledge that you are within your own protective bubble.

Rechargeable power packs

Rechargeable technology has come on leaps and bounds lately and many big electrical manufacturers now produce their own handy power packs that are ideal for juicing up all of your gadgets such as cameras, tablets, phones, laptops and portable games consoles. Many come fitted-out with connection points for every possible gadget, which means connectivity for everything.

Micro digital luggage scales

With one of these compact scales, you can now avoid any potentially embarrassing situations at check-in by enabling the weighing of your bags anywhere and at any time. These devices are reasonably low in cost inexpensive and are a small cost to pay for the potential penalties you may face at the airport .