travel

Girl Geek’s August must haves….

OK, so i AM a gir geek but I also *heart* shopping so there is always room in my life for just one more teeny weeny gadget.  Check out what I’m lusting after this summer with my top August must haves…and of course my birthday is just round the corner so a girls gotta have a wish list!

Samsung PL90 digicam with a USB arm is a no brainer!!!

Lov-ing this new camera as it’s so easy to use with it’s handy USB connector just like my trusty Flip. Its a 12.2 MP camera and comes with its own auto-install software making it really easy to upload or share your summer snaps. The USB arm also acts as a charger too. It even comes with a Beauty Function, which adjusts brightness, face tone and reduces facial flaws - now that can only be a good thing!

If you wear a bra, or know someone who does, you need The RacktrapTM

The RacktrapTM is an undetectable one-size-fits-all personal bra pocket that holds everyday essentials including your license, cash and credit cards conveniently in your bra! Great for travelling to keep your things safe when you’re on the go.  It is designed to fit comfortably in any size or style bra and dare I say it - the latest one is even sweatproof!

Funky iPad case for your travels

These iPad jackets by M-Edge are cute and colourful and perfect for summer. Made from durable canvas they are light-weight and compact so won’t weigh down your adorable Hindmarch. The jacket opens like a book and is available in a variety of brilliant hues! Also has an elastic strap to keep the front cover on when you’re not using your iPad.

Triporganizer iPhone App is one stop shop for travellers

 At a Glance

· Personalised travel checklist for all destinations worldwide

· Expert advice on compulsory and recommended vaccinations

· Emergency telephone numbers for destination country

· Ability to save all essential contact details for travel

· Currency converter

· Local information on events, weather and time difference

· Advice on correct travel insurance policies to take out

· Ability to purchase insurance policies via In-App purchase

 Want to know more? 

The Europ Assistance Group has launched TripOrganizer, a simple and practical iPhone application enabling users to prepare for their travels in the knowledge that are receiving expert advice and invaluable information on their destination and the necessary preparations to ensure their trip is a success.

The traveller, after entering their nationality, country of residence and destination, is given a personalised checklist including details of all of the compulsory and recommended vaccinations, essential official documents needed for travel (such as visas and an up-to-date passport), details of the ideal medical supplies to take along in order to deal with any incidents during the journey, and insurance to be taken out before setting off.

The app also makes it possible to locate the nearest vaccination centre on a map thanks to the application’s geolocation features, and to store travel information (such as passport numbers and hotel contact details, etc).

The TripOrganizer features a progress bar at the bottom of the screen which continuously displays the state of progress with preparations for the trip and the formalities to be completed before the departure date.

 In the event that a NetGlobers member needs to take out an insurance policy (covering emergency assistance, loss of luggage or trip cancellations for example), they can sign up for the insurance they need right away using their iPhone and credit card (In-App purchase) or via an operator using the “click-to-call” button.

It enables anyone travelling abroad to have a range of useful resources right there in their pocket including emergency telephone numbers for the destination country, a currency converter and a conversation guide. These can be accessed without a network connection to avoid roaming charges.  It also supplies all the useful information travellers need about local events during their stay, in addition to updates on weather conditions and local time in their destination country. 

Designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch it can be downloaded from the Apple Store or directly from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trip-organizer-lite/id367809498.

Looking for a decent, affordable sat nav? Check out TomTom Start

Here at girlgeekchic towers we love a good sat nav particulary one that is a) easy to set up and b) easy to use -so we just love the TomTom Start UK entry level sat nav.

It’s functional and stylish but even better is super affordable without compromising on quality.  I found a great deal at Asda where you could pick one up for around £85. It has an easy to use touch screen and simple menu to navigate, so finding your destination has never been easier. The menu has two main icons: plan route and browse map and uses intelligent route planning so if you still get lost with this then frankly you need to just ask for directions.

The UK model includes UK maps but you can get upgrades for this unit if you want to travel farther a field. It is lightweight and compact so wont take up too much space in your handbag and has decent size 3.5 screen. You can choose a variety of changeable colour covers (smartskins) if you fancy a different colour (I chose purple) which come with a colour coordinated pouch for an extra £14.99.

Simple and easy to use, stylish and portable getting to your destination has never been easier.

For the Asda deal click here

Travolo: refillable perfume bottles

Travalo is a cute looking, pocket sized (8cm) refillable perfume atomizer spray that refills in seconds with a unique repeat pump action. No funnels, no spills and more to the point no more confiscated perfume in airports!

Aircraft grade aluminium and no glass at all makes it safe and tough enough to carry fragrance wherever you go. You get around 50 sprays so a decent amount and a window helps see when you need to refill. Perfect!

A travel essential for everyone and it’s even approved safe in aircraft hand luggage. For more details check out www.travolo.com.

My BBC2 ‘Something for the Weekend’ gadgets

Here are my gadgets from ‘Something for the Weekend’ yesterday. I was quite pleased the Sodastream didn’t explode all over me!! woo hoo!

Sony PS3

The Playstation 3 Slim has arrived and it’s much lighter, cooler and quieter, but more importantly, it’s greener and more energy efficient than its predecessor as it uses about a third less power.
The new PS3 Slim weighs in approximately two-thirds the size of the first PS3, but packs a hard drive of twice the original’s size; a large 120GB. Thanks to revamped internal architecture (with Cell Broadband EngineTM processor) the PS3 Slim runs cooler and quieter than the original PS3.
The new PS3 continues to offer the features and functions of the previous models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, the ability to use wireless controllers, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network etc. Also like the previous model, you can’t play PS2 games on the PS3, but PS3 games have far superior graphics anyway.
PlayStation Network members can also now download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences.
It was released on 1st Sept 2009 and is available in stores and online for £249 (games sold separately)

 Chill Pill Portable Speaker

The Chill Pill is a pocket sized, self-contained capsule that easily changes into two powered portable speakers. It’s designed for people who enjoy listening to music out loud but on the go.
They are compatible with most devices that have a standard 1/8″ headphone port, including iPods, and portable CD players, iPhone 3G (original iPhone with adapter), most other digital audio players, laptops and desktop computers.
Some of the features that make these speakers different to their competitors include;
• They have three different modes - ‘Travel mode’ whereby the speakers magnetically click together for easier transport, ‘Speaker Mode 1′ whereby the speakers are separated but kept closed and ‘Speaker Mode 2′ which allows you to twist and pop the speakers up to enhance the bass and volume
• They run on a rechargeable lithium ion battery which provides six hours of playing time (can be charged a computer’s USB port or via optional AC adapter)
• They have a sound output of 4 Watts, which is fairly loud for such a small speaker.
They are available in Red, Silver & Black; online and in select high street stores for around £40

Soda Stream Pure Drinks Maker

SodaStreams are no longer a cola-producing cream plastic 70’s designed piece of kitchenware. The modern PURE range is more sophisticated and incorporates stainless steel and brushed steel. The new Pure machine includes a 60 litre aluminium gas cylinder (that gives your drink its fizz) and two carbonating bottles, one of which has a steel base and lid.
The new SodaStream simple, sleek and easy to use. All you need is tap water to make a sparkling drink in seconds.
The emphasis of the new machines are to help families be more eco-friendly and help the environment by saving the need to store or dispose of cans and bottles.
Unlike the limited drinks selection that was available with the SodaStream of old, the new range has a wide range of ‘regular’ and ‘sugar-free’ flavours to choose from. The regular flavours have two thirds less sugar than standard “non diet” drinks and the sugar-free range still tastes like a normal fizzy drink but without the calories.

Regular Flavours include Orange and Mango, Cola, Apple, Lemon-Lime and Ginger Ale. Sugar free flavours include Cranberry & Rasberry, Orange, Cola and Lemonade but there’s no iconic cream soda.

SodaStream is available online and price vary between £59 - £79