FOUR REASONS WHY SMARTPHONES ARE A MUST-HAVE FOR TRAVELING ABROAD

While the idea of ditching your electronic tether may seem appealing when you’re vacationing abroad, the reality is that your smartphone can be an invaluable tool and a real lifesaver when you’re traveling in a foreign country.

Let’s face it. Smartphones have become absolutely essential to modern life, as they provide a handy connection to information and help. While the temptation of leaving it all behind may be alluring, the truth is that if you leave your device behind, you’ll soon wish you had it. Taking your smartphone and a step down voltage converter to charge it is the right move.

Smartphones, of course, are more than just phones. They’re mini-computers that can connect us with a wealth of knowledge and communications tools. Consider these helpful functions smartphones can provide when you are traveling abroad.

Translation services – Many smartphones provide translation tools you can use to communicate with people whose language you do not speak. Google can translate written words for you, and there are a number of apps you can download to translate the spoken word. When you’re lost or looking for a bathroom or emergency services, a language barrier is the last thing you want to have to overcome.

Weather conditions – With your smartphone, you can download weather apps, or visit weather and news sites to monitor weather conditions in the places you plan to visit. Staying abreast of weather developments will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations and also give you plenty of lead time to make alternate arrangements in case inclement weather is likely to interfere with your original plans.

Directions – It’s easy to get lost in an unfamiliar place, especially a place where you may have difficulty asking for directions because of language barriers. Maps and navigation tools available with smartphones can help you avoid getting lost and winding up in potentially dangerous situations.

Emergency communication – Should unexpected mishaps occur during your trip abroad, your smartphone can be an invaluable resource for summoning local law enforcement or medical responders. It can also provide you with a lifeline to your friends and loved ones back home, to whom you may need to provide assistance should an unforeseen circumstance develop.

If you do intend on traveling abroad with your smartphone, it’s important to take along appropriate charging equipment to ensure the device has adequate power when you need it. Most foreign countries use different electrical outlet configurations and different voltages than those used in the United States. As a result, Americans traveling abroad often need to take along 220 to 110 voltage converters that allow their devices to safely draw power from foreign outlets.

Charging your device from a higher-voltage outlet without a converter will damage the device and may even result in a small explosion or fire. That’s why it is absolutely necessary to research overseas outlets and voltages, and purchase appropriate gear before traveling abroad.

110220Volts sells adapters, converters, and transformers that help travelers stay connected by keeping their devices charged while overseas. 110220Volts offers a wide selection of electronics, including region-free DVD players and much more. For help or a consultation, call 1-800-827-9978.