10 Great Travel Gadgets That Will Make Your Life Better

Ah, summer vacation...but first, you have to get to your destination, and with kids, computers, and luggage in tow, that can be a hassle. These gadgets, priced from $1.99 to $350, will make your trip easier, more fun, or both.

Tumi Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor Kit, $195

The Tumi Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor Kit comes with tons of adaptor tips to charge devices on the go, and folds up in a sleek, carryon-ready case.

PlayStation Portable PSP-3000, $169.99

Guaranteed to keep kids busy on long car trips, the PSP-3000 plays hundreds of games and also has wi-fi access, allowing users to listen to internet radio, download movies from the PlayStation Network, and--if you have Tivo--watch your shows on the go.

SmartPad, $9.99

This handy pad prevents stuff from slip-sliding off the dashboard as you drive (but it doesn't contain an adhesive, so it won't damage surfaces). Now your GPS won't take a tumble when you brake.

Panasonic DVD-LS86 Portable DVD Player, $189.95

This portable DVD player has a pivoting widescreen and adjustable brightness, allowing for your viewing comfort whether you're on a plane or in a motel room. Plus, it boasts 13 hours of playback time on a single charge, making it suitable for all but the very longest trips. (Or, if you're on the road, just recharge it using its car DC adaptor.)

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx GPS, $350

This handheld GPS is useful for any trip that involves exploring, whether you're hiking in the woods or hitting the streets of a new city. You won't get lost in a new place, and the TracBack feature will lead you straight back to your hotel.

Flip SlideHD, $279.99

The newest Flip handheld video camera is a great lightweight solution to shooting video of ancient ruins or kids splashing in the pool. It shoots up to four hours of HD footage, and its 3" widescreen slides open for instant video playback.

Liquid Image Freestyle Series Swim Goggle, $99.95

Okay, it's true that taking handsfree photos and shooting video underwater, directly from your goggles, isn't completely necessary. But it sure is cool. Liquid Image's goggles, which are lower-priced than their full swim masks, have 4 GB of internal memory, allowing you to take about 90 minutes of video or 6000 photos underwater. They work at depths of up to 15 feet.

Wysi Wipe Biodegradable Towels, $1.99 for 12

Slip these into your glove compartment or carry-on for quick cleanups on the road. The towels come in compressed form; just add a tablespoon of water to expand. Unlike most wipes, they are biodegradable.

Ride-On Carry-On, $39.95

Strapping your kid to your wheelie luggage sounds like a joke until you realize how convenient it would be: No more juggling a stroller and suitcases at the airport. The Ride-On Carry-On was designed by a flight attendant, attaches to a rolling suitcase, and can hold kids who weigh up to 40 pounds. Once you're on the plane, fold it up and stick it in the overhead.

Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Messenger Bag, $110

Removing your laptop from its case at airport security is a total pain and wastes precious minutes when you're trying to make your flight. The Commute 2.0 Messenger is a better carry-on: It unzips to lay flat, so your laptop is clearly visible without having to be unpacked, and is TSA-compliant.