Best Technology for a Family Vacation

Each summer, families across the world choose to devote an extended period of time together as a unit, traveling long distances to foreign lands, hiking tall mountains or voluntarily trapped in cavernous tents. This annual event is commonly called "The Vacation." Ever heard of it? In today's work-till-you-drop society, "vacation" can certainly seem like an unknown term. Yet family vacations are still a popular way to reinforce the bond often lost amid busy schedules, as well as a way to prove to skeptical kids that their Moms and Dads are still cool (depending on where you go for vacation, of course). While spending a great time with family is rewarding enough, there is plenty of technology on the market today that makes this yearly trek an even more enjoyable one. Here are some of our favorites: • GPS
There are some people (like me) that can easily get lost going somewhere within walk distance and in plain sight, and there are those (also like me) that couldn't give proper directions if their life depended on it. If you fall in either category, then a Global Positioning System (GPS) is your much-needed companion. GPS is a satellite-based system that provides accurate navigational instructions, weather forecasts and precise time. GPS companies like Garmin create receiving devices that allow you to utilize this practical and time-saving technology. If taking a road trip, grab one for your car that adheres to your windshield, or purchase a GPS app for your smartphone or laptop. For the navigationally-inept, GPS is your guardian angel.


• Playstation PSP
While the destination may be amazing, the voyage to one's intended vacation spot may be a long and boring one. Keep the kids (and yourself) occupied with Playstation's PSP. Access hundreds of games, watch your favorite movies or catch up on missed episodes from your favorite TV shows right in the palm of your hand. With so much content in one device, you may never hear the incessant "Are We There Yet?" from the backseat again. 

• Kindle
Vacations are the perfect time to catch up on some good reads, but if you're not a fan of carrying bundles of books on your next getaway, grab an Amazon Kindle to store all of your favorite literary classics in one place. The Kindle, smaller than a traditional laptop and thinner than your standard novel, can hold up to 1500 books, ensuring that you will never miss a page. Grab one and sneak a poolside quiet moment or while on the road, and challenge yourself to complete one book before the vacation is over.


 



• Binoculars
If your family is nature-bound this summer, bird-watching or other events requiring a good pair of binoculars is most likely on the wish list. Many of the best binoculars on the market are waterproof and shockproof, guaranteeing they'll be in tact after your rugged excursion. Try on a pair from brands like Nikon and Canon  to make sure you can take in all the sights, even if it's hundreds of feet away.


 • Walk-Talkies
For kids under 12, owning a cell phone may not be one of their responsibilities just yet. During family trips, however, it's an all-too common fear that your young one may get lost while in an unknown land. Keep them within reach with a kid-friendly walkie-talkie. Try one like the Lego Walk-Talkie, which can reach up to 3000 feet and features a super-cool design that's perfect for your little techie or tinkerer.

With all these gadgets, you'll be more than prepared for your next family adventure!

Of course, these are only a few of the amazing vacation-friendly devices out there. You tell us: what are some your favorite must-have gadgets to take on trips that didn't make our list?

=========================================================================
BurdaStyle offers copyright-free sewing patterns, step-by-step tutorials, skill sharing, inspiration, project ideas and an engaged, creative community. It takes less than a minute to get started, and there's something for everyone from experts to novices. BurdaStyle is a place for people who sew or would like to learn. Our aim is to bring the traditional craft of sewing to a new generation of fashion designers, sewing hobbyists, DIYers. BurdaStyle has a wide variety of advertising and partnership options including banner ads, weekly newsletter announcements, targeted live events, signature contests and sponsorship of our downloadable patterns. Our vibrant community consists of 345,000+ members, with 180,000 opt-in subscribers to our weekly newsletter.