I’m big on using iPhone apps to keep my travels organized as otherwise I would definitely miss trains and get lost on the way to hostels. But now I have another app I can add to my list. I downloaded TripRider after buzz from other bloggers and I now understand why. Not only is the layout easy to use, but it’s stylish too, with images of maps and photographs of destinations.

TripRider is the ultimate trip planning tool, taking you from start to finish — from packing list to an entire recap of your trip in one beautiful PDF download.

Features worth noting:

• Packing List
• Itinerary (Trip Plan)
• Budget Tracking
• Trip Diary
• Wallet

Briefing

Trip briefing on TripRider App

Packing List

Enter your packing list and check off items when you’re done.

Expenses

Keep track of expenses as they happen. Stay on top of your trip budget.

Trip Diary

Who needs a paper journal when you have TripRider.

Whether you just want to keep a detailed account of where you go and what you do each and every day of your trip (great for bloggers who want to take notes as you go), or if you want to then share your stories with the world – the trip diary feature lets you input your daily stories and attach photos of the adventure. You will be thankful you used this after your trip is said and done.

Wallet

The wallet is a place to store important information, like passport details and credit card numbers.

Extra features: The “Maps” screen lets you photograph maps of your destination so you don’t have to worry about getting lost (or just losing your paper maps when on the move). The “Quick Notes” section let you jot down ideas, tips, contact details, etc. you might need to keep safe. The “Must See” section lets you create a list of the sights you really want to visit while in a destination, and then tick them off as you go.

The “Trip Book” feature allows you to download a final summary of your journey, including budget, itinerary and diary, into a pretty PDF package.

Overall, I think TripRider is an excellent tool for keeping organized while traveling because of the fact it brings together functions of many different apps into one. You don’t have to fret over lost paperwork and memories because TripRider stores it all in ONE convenient location!

>> If you like the look of the TripRider app (available on iPhone, iPad and iPod), head over to the App Store to purchase.

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*This app review has been brought to you with the support of TripRider, but the TripRider app review is our own.

The post TripRider App Review: Your BEST Travel Companion appeared first on Her Packing List.

1. Lenses

Adding lenses to your iPhone can take your photos from basic to professional and thankfully there is a wide range of prices that won’t break the bank.

• Jelly Lens: These small lenses come in all sorts, including fisheye and wide angle, and clip onto your keychain. They cost between $2-10 and are the cheapest option.

Jelly Lens Wide Angle Fish Eye

• Olloclip: I’ve heard rave reviews from fellow bloggers about this 3-in-1 lens. It offers fisheye, wide angle and macro lenses. It costs $70, but takes higher quality images.

Olloclip 3-in-1

• DSLR lens: At $250, this is the cost you would expect for a proper DSLR lens for your camera. It allows clearer images for long shots and crisper macro shots.

iPhone dslr Mount

2. Cases

Every iPhone needs a good case, both supportive and stylish. Thankfully, it’s easy to get them for cheap. After seeing many cracked iPhone screens, I highly recommend adding a sturdy iPhone case to your shopping list!

3. Chargers

Sometimes the charger that comes with your iPhone isn’t enough. If you will be in one destination for a long period of time, like Europe, it’s worthwhile to purchase the charger with that country’s plug.

• Portable chargers, like the Switchway Portable Charger, plug into your iPhone to give it that extra bit of juice when you can’t reach an outlet.

Portable mobile charger.

• Charging cases: BoostCase makes a case for your iPhone that keeps it charged for longer and doesn’t take up much more room than the average case.

Boostcase Snap-Case

• Keychain charger: Mophie Juice Pack is a small keychain charger that you can throw in your bag.

Morphie Juice Pack

4. Tripods

If you want to capture quality photo and video on your iPhone, having a tripod makes it less shaky. I’ve used the camera version of the Gorillapod and had great experiences.

• Joby Gorillamobile: The mobile version of this flexible tripod can be wrapped around lamp posts or held for self portraits. And at $15, you can’t beat the price.

Joby Gorillamobile

• iStabilizer: Instead of buying a brand new tripod you can use this iPhone adapter to use a tripod you already have.

iStabilizer

5. Car Adapter

iPhones are great for long road trips, like using it as a GPS, not to mention to play your tunes with. I’m a fan of the adapters that go into your tape deck (if your car still has one) and also charge your device.

• ATC FM Transmitter iPhone Adapter: This car adapter works through the FM radio, which can be less reliable, but has a remote so you and your passengers won’t be messing with the dials.

ATC FM TRANSMITTER

• Belkin Cassette Tape Adapter: I can vouch for the quality of Belkin’s car adapters, as it is what I use. 

Cassette Tape Adapter

What is your must-have iPhone accessory or add-on?

The post Top 5 iPhone Add Ons appeared first on Her Packing List.

1. Etsy

The handmade goods site sells cases for every style. I have a few travel related cases that are being added to my wish list, namely anything with a map on it. You can get them personalized to the city of your choice.

Create Your Way: Vintage Eiffel Tower, $17.99

Vintage Eiffel Tower Iphone Case

Create Your Way: Vintage Big Ben, $17.99

Vintage Big Ben

Create Your Way: Paris Cafe, $17.99

Welcome to Paris Cafe

My Elite Case: London Landmarks, 17.95

London Landmarks

Studio Cicada: I Love the United States, $14.99

I love the United States.

hhprint, Neon World Map, $18.00

Neon World Map

2. Markets

At local markets, like Sydney’s Paddy’s Market, you will almost always find a stall selling phone accessories. Plus, it makes for a good story when you come back from a trip with a case no one else will have.

3. Cygnett

A fellow travel blogger recommended these cases to me and I absolutely love the London tube designs.

London Tube Map, $30

Tubemap London

4. Amazon

Amazon also has a great selection of iPhone covers and cases. I couldn’t believe some of the designs they had, like cases that make your phone look like a GameBoy, Disney character or cassette tape.

Sassy Pink Cassette Tape iPhone Case, $0.85

Pink cassette tape iPhone cover

5. Ebay

As the web’s top auction site, you can get a lot of cases for very cheap, some less than a dollar. If you’re feeling especially creative, you can purchase basic cases and decorate them yourself.

The post 5 Places to Buy iPhone Covers appeared first on Her Packing List.

For the Fashionista

In true fashionista style, it’s all about the labels. Nearly every designer has their own line of electronics accessories. iPad cases can look more like purses, like this Kate Spade cross-body bag.

I Recommend:

• Kate Spade Cross Body Bag: This bag looks like a purse and can match with other accessories, like iPhone cases and wallets.

Kate Spade iPad Bag

• Aldo Hintson Tech Bag: If you’re not on a designer budget, you can still find adorable iPad cases that keep you looking chic.

Aldo Hintson iPad Bag

For the Flashpacker

Digital nomads need to get the most out of their electronics while on the road. A sturdy case that can also function as a keyboard makes it easier to keep up.

I Recommend:

• Clam Case: This case charges separately from the iPad, but turns your iPad into a laptop computer with a full keyboard. It’s durable and bends backwards to be used as a stand.

Clam Case

• ZooGue iPad Leather Case Genius: This tough leather case can stand at many different levels, depending on what your needs are. 

ZooGue Case

For the Outdoorsy Types

If you’re into outdoor sports, like hiking or scuba diving, there’s the risk of your electronics taking a beating. Outdoorsy travelers need strong, sturdy cases for their iPads, preferably with waterproof or shockproof qualities.

I Recommend:

• Otterbox Defender: Their iPhone cases are the most durable on the market, so it’s no surprise that they would have an equally strong iPad case.

Otterbox Defender

• DiCAPac WPi20 Waterproof iPad case: I’ve been impressed with their underwater camera cases and it seems their iPad case is just as good.

DiCAPac case

For the Green Traveler

If being eco-friendly and environmentally conscious is important to you as a traveler, there are products that will suit your needs.

I Recommend:

• iPad World Map Print Padded Case: This Etsy store uses organic fabrics and other natural and sustainable materials. It looks adorable and has an extra pocket for your extra items.

World map print iPad case.

• Natural Bamboo iPad Case by Aquaite: Bamboo is a very sustainable material and it will do well to protect your iPad.

Natural bamboo case

For the Business Traveler

If you travel often for work, it’s nice to look professional. Your gear should be held to the same standards.

• Brown Tweet iPad Case: I love this iPad case because it looks like a briefcase.

Brown tweed iPad case.

• iLuv CEO Folio Multipurpose iPad Case: Store all your important documents in the folio with your notes stored on your iPad. 

iLuv CEO iPad Case

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The Big Apple may be a small island, but it’s packed to the brim with exciting opportunities for any kind of traveller. Whether you want to see art at the MoMA, catch a Broadway play, see a Yankees game or run around Coney Island, there are endless possibilities.

But with so many choices to get your head around, New York City can, in fact, be a headache. Before you take a bite out of the Big Apple, take a look at these apps to help improve or enhance your trip.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is a must-have app for any newbie or veteran traveller to NYC. You may have had to use equipment rental services from a company like Rentsmart to get your smartphone for your travels- if that’s the case, make the most of your rental and download this app for fun in the city. It’s absolutely free! Use the app to find all the nearby restaurants and attractions, and check out reviews from your fellow travellers. You’ll never have a bad meal in a new town ever again.

Jetsetter

Are you the type to leave everything to the very last minute? You’re in a brand new city and haven’t even booked all your hotels. Not a problem, thanks to Jetsetter. Jetsetter offers exclusive travel deals. 50% off 5-star and boutique hotels? Yes please! You want to head on a spur of the moment day-trip to Long Island? Got you covered. They’ve even got suggestions for future getaways. The best part- it’s free.

Groupon

Want access to the best deals while you’re on vacation? Try hand-picked daily deals from Groupon. They’re offering discounts of 50-90% on all the best places to visit, the best food, and the best shopping. Yes, you need this app when you hit New York’s infamous shopping districts. It’s completely free. And let’s say you want to head a little off the beaten track (maybe catch a quick train to Boston), Groupon Getaways is just for you.

8mm Vintage Camera

And our absolute favourite, the 8mm Vintage Camera. Although you’ve got some of your best shots from the top of the Empire State Building on your DSLR, it’s handy to have a smartphone on hand- just in case you run out of batteries! This app offers 25 retro camera effects, to instantly add a little charm to all your typical tourist shots. It’s easy to use and only $1.99. That’s much cheaper than your run of the mill disposable.

More Apps of Note

• New York Subway ($0.99) — Get to your destination with this subway map and journey planner for NYC.
• Coovents (FREE) – Track happy hours across the city.
• Lonely Planet NYC Guide ($15.99) — Not cheap but chock full of information!

Now all that’s left to do is get prepared for your trip: packing, planning, collecting plenty of reading materials for the flight over. And remember not to overschedule! Give yourself time to soak up the sites at a leisurely pace. This is a holiday after all!

>> Check out the article on what to pack for a NYC getaway and what to pack for NYC in summer.

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About the author: Hannah Story is a wannabe jetsetter. These apps saved her when she headed to New York City last year! Guest post brought to you by Rentsmart.

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San Francisco is a massive city – in fact, it’s the second largest city in the United States. As one of the top tourist destinations in the world, San Fran has a buffet of options for any kind of traveller.

While riding the cable cars is all well and good, sooner or later you’ll want to do a bit more than that… and this is where your smartphone comes in. There are countless apps that are useful for the budding San Francisco traveller; take a look at these must-have apps for you trips to The City by the Bay.

The Weather Channel App

The Weather Channel app is something you can’t live without. There are just some places you can’t explore in the rain. Be aware of the forecast (which will be a bit different to the rest of the state, as San Francisco is California’s westernmost point with a generally cooler vibe). Plan activities suited to the weather. If you find tomorrow is going to be a little overcast, maybe it’s time to explore Haight – Ashbury instead of trekking across the Golden Gate Bridge. But don’t let the weather be a dampener on your day! And remember to dress for the climate, with all the goss you need right at your fingertips. All free!

Packing Pro

The landscape here is very different from where you might normally spend your nine to five in an office space in North Sydney (if you’re a Sydneysider like myself). It’s an entirely new place where you can experience entirely new things. But before you can head out the front door and catch a cab to the airport, you’ve got to get your packing sorted. $2.99 is a small price to pay to have all your lists together in one place thanks to Packing Pro. There are even suggestions for extra things you might have forgotten- to add to the ones you’ve placed to your own customised list. Edit it however you like, using old lists as templates. It’s an easy way to monitor everything that goes into your suitcase.

Citysearch

Citysearch is again totally free: your guide to knowing where to eat, drink and shop in San Francisco. This is about searching the new city for all the local hot spots. Using GPS and quick category searches, you can immediately find out what businesses are nearby. That means you have instant access to some of the coolest bars in the city, including relative unknowns. It’s easy, it’s fast, and there are reviews and ratings, maps and deals for you to check out too, just in case you needed convincing.

More Apps of Note

• San Francisco Transport Map (FREE) — Metro map for the city.
• San Francisco WiFi ($0.99) — Find cafes and restaurants and other hotspots that offer free WiFi.
• Taxi Magic (FREE) — So you can book your taxi online via the app.
• San Francisco’s Chinatown ($1.99) — Explore Chinatown with the help of this app with tips, photos, insight.
• San Francisco’s Best Coffee ($1.99) — Go on a coffee tour with this app and its list of 70 of San Fran’s best coffee locations.

Now with all the hard work done, don a smile and meander the city streets. You might discover something you never expected, whether on the island of Alcatraz, in Chinatown, or down at Fisherman’s Wharf.

About the author: San Francisco might just be Lena Perry’s favourite US city. She can’t wait to go back. Guest post brought to you by TGC.

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The Opera House, the Botanic Gardens, cafes, theatre productions, and trains… Sydney is an Australian maze of sorts. With so much to do and so little time, apps can be your best friend when you’re travelling around this beautiful city.

Before you jump into the deep end of the harbour’s waters, make sure you have these apps installed on your smartphone- it’ll make travelling around Sydney a breeze.

Tripview

Tripview is a must for navigating Sydney’s plethora of villages on the CityRail’s network. It may just be the perfect smartphone app. I carry it with me most days, wherever I go.

You never know when you’ll end up in a strange part of town and need to find your way back to the hotel. You can find out exactly when your bus is due, what train to catch to Bondi, and what ferry stops near you. With a handy transport summary, Tripview does all the work for you. The basic version is free, but it’s only $2.99 for one that saves all your searches- hassle free!

Skype WiFi

But what about free apps? Which are the must-haves for all us globetrotters? Skype WiFi is a favourite for travellers everywhere, whether you’re travelling to Brooks Reach or Brooklyn. Access to Skype means I can easily get in touch with my family when I’m on the go.

Using hotel and cafe hotspots, I can reduce the cost of data roaming with this app. It helps me check out just about anything on the web, paying per minute with Skype Credit (which is a blessing in Sydney where WiFi hotspots aren’t as common). So that means I can get on social media, upload photos, download music, just about anything, all in the palm of my hand. Go offline as soon as you’re finished browsing the web to avoid huge fees.

>> Check out this post on carrying a phone card when you travel

World Clock Pro

Have you ever tried to figure out exactly what time it is back home? What time is just right to give mum a ring? For $1.99 World Clock Pro offers you all the world’s times. It’s easy to use and helps pre-plan that trip of yours; booking flights that don’t arrive at some absurd hour of the morning- suitable to you and your needs, planning cross-country trips that take into account all the changing time zones. You can even set alarms for busy days in new cities. This is one smart app and a savvy traveller wouldn’t be leaving their hometown without it.

More Apps of Note

• EAT. Sydney — Sydney dining guide.
• Aussie Slang Dictionary — For help with the Australian lingo.
• Sydney Map and Walking Tours — To assist in finding your way around Sydney, and see landmarks along the way.
• Sydney Shopping+ — To get around to all the best shops of any category in Sydney.
• Australian Good Food and Travel Guide — More than 25,000 restaurants, bars, attractions, and accommodations across Australia.

Now with all of this information in your back pocket, it’s time for you to set out and enjoy yourself. Put on a pretty hat and make the most of what Sydney has to offer- a whole lot if you ask me!

>> Be sure to check out the essentials for traveling in Australia

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About the author: Lena Perry is a seasoned traveller finally putting roots down, she is currently looking for houses for sale in Horsley, her home town. She sometimes doesn’t even bother to unpack her suitcase when she arrives home – her next journey is always in the pipeline.

*brought to you with the support of Stockland.

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The hair straightener has thankfully evolved from a bulky piece of smoking equipment that led to frazzled hair and burnt ears (or was that just me?) to a multipurpose tool that can curl, straighten and tame the frizz in seconds.

A lot of ladies opt for the natural look while they’re traveling but if your hair is anything like mine (an unruly mass of curls) you will need a little help to make your locks look luscious.

Editor’s Note: Some items written about below are either predominantly found in the UK or the US markets. Where possible, we have provided links to similar products in the other market.

GHD Mini Hair Straightener

The ever reliable GHD’s will always be at the top of the list.They aren’t cheap but they are brilliant at keeping your hair smooth and giving you the best possible chance of a Good Hair Day. They now come with a rounded edge which makes it easier to curl or wave your hair by simply twirling it through from root to tip. If you’ve got particularly long or thick hair I’d make space for the slightly bigger, full-size model to make styling quick and easy.

>> Amazon UK: Buy the ghd Gold Series Mini Styler Hair Straightener
>> Amazon US: Buy the Ghd 00235 Classic Styler, 1 Inch

Babyliss Pro Cordless Straightener

This cordless straightener is both budget friendly and travel friendly as it is powered by gas and is a great compact size. They heat up to 215 degrees Celsius (419 degrees Fahrenheit) and are perfect for when you don’t have power sockets or for hair touch-ups on the go. These are especially recommended for festivals and camping.

>> Amazon UK: Buy the BaByliss 2581BU Pro Cordless Straightener and the Gas Refill Cartridges
>> Amazon US: Try the dual-voltage, corded BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium – Blue – 1/2″ plate Mini & Travel Straightening Iron instead
 

Remmington Mini Handbag Straightener

These tiny straighteners are an absolute bargain and they’re perfect for anyone with short or fine hair. If you’re looking for a tiny package then these are a great option but don’t expect perfect results for thick or curly hair. I travelled with these for over a year and used them to keep my fringe and the front of my hair in check.

>> Amazon UK: Buy the Remington S2880ZBA My Mini Handbag Hair Straightener
>> Amazon US: Try the 6-inch Remington S2900 Ceramic Pearl Mini Hair Straightener instead

Andrew Collinge Cordless Salon Shine Straightener

These rechargeable straighteners may be a little chunkier than the other cordless options but they are well worth it for the extra heat and shiny results. They heat up to 230 degrees Celsius (446 degrees Fahrenheit) in 30 seconds and cleverly switch themselves off so there’s no chance you will accidentally pack them while they’re still on. The higher temperature means they are ideal for thicker hair and will definitely tame the humidity fizz.

>> Amazon UK: Buy the Andrew Collinge 230 Cordless Salon Shine Straightener

Revlon Perfect Heat Travel-Pro Mini Straightener

Coming in at about 1/3 the size of a normal hair straightener, this tiny device is perfect for travelers looking to save space and weight (our motto around here). The only unfortunate part is that this little straightener is best used for touch-ups, ends, and bits and pieces. If you have an entire head of thick, curly hair — you’ll be there for ages!

>> Amazon US: Buy the Revlon Perfect Heat Travel-Pro Mini Straightener

Turboion Baby Croc Mini Travel Flat Iron

Featuring a 5/8 inch flat iron surface, the Turboion Baby Croc is small enough for travel, but strong (and hot) enough for styling hair. Not only is this device dual-voltage, it also comes with a heat proof carrying case to ensure bad things don’t happen inside your backpack when you’re running straight out the door.

>> Amazon US: Buy the Turboion Baby Croc Professional Dual Voltage Mini Travel Flat Iron, 5/8 Inch

Tips for Travel with Straighteners

Not everyone needs a straightener, but if a straightener is your luxury item of choice, and one that helps you keep your travel style and to feel girly again, then you should definitely invest in something that suits your personal needs. Girls with extremely frizzy and/or curly hair may not benefit enough from the tiny flat irons. Girls that just need some smoothing out will love the half-size models that take up virtually no space in a backpack or suitcase.

Always carry a heat-proof pouch for your hair straighteners and curling irons when you travel just to be sure no residual heat does damage to your nearby clothes and packed accessories.

The post The BEST Travel Hair Straighteners appeared first on Her Packing List.

Here is my list of extra electronics that have made the cut – I probably could have packed another pair or two of socks or underwear in their place!

USB flash drive

In addition to my smart phone, I always travel with a USB flash drive – domestically and abroad, from my 35-minute drive to work to a 2-leg, 20-hour flight.

Before I left for Australia, I saved important documents to a flash drive, including my resume for the job search, PDF copies of tickets to sporting events, copies of flight itineraries and hostel bookings, a photocopy of the first page of my passport, and copies of proof of travel medical insurance. I stored it in my purse, and in the event that my netbook was lost, stolen, or broken, I could have peace of mind that I still had access to key information and documents.

Throughout the trip, I added photos that friends shared from their cameras and important travel documents. Even at home, traveling with a flash drive is important as I move from one computer to another.

All-in-one adapter

Before I left for Australia, I spent ages online researching the difference between adapters and converters and how to tell if my electronics were dual voltage or not. Once I learned that everything I wanted to take, including my electric toothbrush charger and mini-hair dryer were dual voltage, all I needed to purchase was an adapter.

My Mini Swiss world travel adapter can work in 150 countries with just a press of a button or two. To use it, I first plug one of my American dual voltage electronics into the front of the adapter. On the back side, I selected the plug shape for Australia and then plugged the adapter into the wall. I’ve also used my current adapter in Ireland and will take it on any future trip.

Mini surge protector

When I celebrated my 30th birthday in Dublin with a group of friends, I noticed that one had packed a mini surge protector for the trip. I was leaving for Australia two months later and knew I had to have one!

My Belkin mini surge protector offers three spaces for plugs and two for charging USB devices. It can rotate 360 degrees, so no matter which wall outlet is available, you’ll be able to rotate and lock the surge protector for use. At night I plugged the surge protector into my all-in-one adaptor and was able to charge multiple items at once overnight! I never had to worry about not having a fully-charged iPod, laptop, and phone in the mornings.

Backup portable charger for my Apple products

When I’m traveling, I drain my iPhone battery quickly by using the Maps app to navigate, tweeting to friends about our meeting spot, staying in touch with everyone on Facebook, and reading a blog post or two while I’m on the bus or train. Thanks to a portable charger, I never have to worry about being out of touch or getting lost.

I own the Stitchway portable charger and have purchased one for several friends and family members as well. Once it’s fully charged, I connect it to my iPhone to give my phone a much-needed boost mid-afternoon. If I leave my accommodation with a fully charged iPhone and portable charger, I can use the phone all day and never run out of juice.

Next up

I never leave the house without a flash drive, but I still plan on buying an external hard drive in the future. I need a safe place to keep all of my files from over the years, including those from home, work, and travel.

Even though my Belkin surge protector has two spots for USB charging, I’m still tempted to buy a 4-port USB charger. That way, me and my guy can both charge our gadgets overnight when there’s only one plug available. Or maybe it’s just an excuse to buy a new gadget!

What types of little electronic extras do you take on the road? Do you find them worth the space they take up?

*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. Cover photo by shopxtreme.

The post Extra electronics to pack with your gadgets appeared first on Her Packing List.

After weeks of living in hostels and three months road tripping around Australia, I know that one of the following lights will always be on the list.

Reasons to pack a light…

• If you need more reading light on the plane or overnight bus
• If you want to read in the hostel bedroom after others have gone to sleep
• When you return to the hostel bedroom once others are in bed and you need to pack or unpack
• To help you pack up last-minute items in the hostel if you have an early plane, train, or bus to catch
• If the electricity goes out – or when there is no light to begin with
• To navigate your way around a campsite
• If your exercise routine has you up early or out late and outdoors
• For group tours at night

Types of lights

Book light

There are a variety of book lights on the market, and while these may be designed to assist with reading, this light can really be used anywhere.

I recommend looking for one with a compact design that folds for easy packing. I brought one with me to Australia to help me find my way from the hostel bed to the toilet at night! Instead of turning on the overhead light in the bathroom, I simply turned on the book light.

Most designs offer a flexible/adjustable arm, but I think this style may be more difficult to pack.

>> Buy book lights on Amazon

Mini flashlight

The mini flashlight may be the most popular style of light for travel – at home and abroad. They’re easy to carry anywhere as they fit in the palm of your hand, pocket, or purse and only weigh a few ounces. Manufacturers offer them in a variety of colors and slightly different styles (some include a lanyard/strap and others have a keychain ring).

>> Read about a time Brooke wishes she’d had her flashlight

Head torch/lamp

I’ve never thought about purchasing a head lamp for at home use or travel, but I know several ladies who own one! As you expect, head torches are worn around the head – a band fits around the top of your head and a light is situated in the middle of your forehead.

I have seen women wear a head lamp on early morning or evening jogs and hikes. One female travel blogger loves using hers as the light source when the power goes out during her travels in Asia.

>> Buy head lamps on Amazon

Credit card sized flashlight

I remember seeing these in abundance a few years ago, but it seems they have fallen out of favor. At one end of a thin, credit card sized piece of plastic was a small but powerful LED light. You could easily slide one into your wallet with your driver’s license and credit/debit cards.

Online searches now yield a very creative spin on the credit card sized flashlight – a thin card with what appears to be an image of a light bulb on the card. When you want light, you simply pop the light bulb to a 90 degree angle from the card and you have instant light! To turn it off, simply return the paper-thin light bulb to the flat card.

iPhone iTorch

The iPhone iTorch app is available in a free version or in a couple of paid versions, which offer additional features. In my free version, a bright light shines from the iPhone 4′s camera flash. In other versions, the phone’s screen can display a flame or bonfire, and with a slight shake of the camera, you can change the color of the light.

I was so grateful to have the iTorch on the 2.5 month road trip I took around Australia with two friends. When camping in remote places, we had no light to rely on but the one inside our van, one mini palm-sized flashlight, and two iPhones with the iTorch app. One afternoon, we returned from a nature hike to find a flat tire as dusk quickly approached. With no cell phone reception, we made camp for the night. On a pitch black, windy night, the three of us ventured to the two lone toilets at the park with the aid of the iTorch.

What type of light source to you travel with and when has it come to your rescue?

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