Franzus Travel
What is the best voltage converter and adapter kit available on the market?
I live in America and I am going on trip to China with my school next year march. I am going to need a voltage converter and adapter kit for my electronics. Some of the things I will be charging are my Nintendo DS , MP4, Cellphone, camera, and maybe a few other small portable devices. Which voltage converter and adapter kit would you recommend? I have seen a few but the reviews aren't so good, please help me find one appropriate for my travels that is high quality and works well. I would prefer if it was less than $50. Thank you.
Some of the ones that I have seen are:
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Line-0900-27-Global-Travel/dp/B000QE28O6/ref=pd_sim_e_3
http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Converter-Adaptor-Plug-Pouch/dp/B000A8MTOM/ref=pd_sim_hi_18
http://www.amazon.com/Franzus-TSM-1875CK-International-Converter-Adapter/dp/B0010BNV7M/ref=pd_sim_a_35
How do you define "good"?
Most of the devices you want to use don't need more than 100 W or so, so the Samsonite seems more than adequate for what you want.
Plus, most portable devices have already universal 100-240 V adaptors, so you only need to use the plastic plug adaptors.
Don’t be Late!
There is nothing more annoying than being late when you're traveling. Whether it's an important meeting or catching a plane or train, you do not want to over sleep. While you can rely on hotel wake-up services or the clock radio in your room, it's always good to have a back-up plan. Your own travel clock will insure that you do not miss anything important. There's a fantastic array of models and types available to please even the fussiest sleeper. The standard analog or digital travel alarm clock will fit easily into your lightweight luggage and they are not very expensive. They are available either with regular AA or AAA batteries, or with the button style battery that is used in wristwatches. They all have an alarm but many have extra features. All travel alarm clocks fold up compactly and are built to withstand the rigors of travel. Clamshell models have been available for many years while the newer models are made of more lightweight materials. There are travel alarms available with backlights, dual alarms or dual time, room temperature gauges and snooze buttons. Another popular feature is the date calendar with month, day and week display. Some of the models have atomic clocks that are set by the U.S. Atomic Clock via radio control. They are equipped with U.S. time or world time. These clocks will reset themselves to the correct time in each new time zone.
One of the newest features available are clocks that have a light on during the night. These are equipped with Auto Light Sensors that turn a light on when the clock detects darkness. The light can stay on all night or be turned off with a switch. These lights last over 2400 hours using only 1 AA battery. Other models have a nightlight that comes on automatically when the alarm is set. For those that like to sleep without the nightlight, there are models with a push button light if you need to check the time in the middle of the night. World time alarm clocks are favorites with the international traveler. They can easily see what time it is in all parts of the world. This certainly beats waking up family or friends in the middle of the night by accident. Travel clock radios are also popular. These are only slightly larger than the standard travel alarm, but will wake you to music if that is what you have become accustomed to using at home. All of these small travel clocks are reliable and easy to take along in your discount luggage. They are compact enough to tuck inside a shoe or sneaker. The travel clocks all have quart accuracy. These handy and reliable clocks are available from companies such as Easy-go, Franzus, and Oregon Scientific, as well as the larger clock companies such as Seth Thomas, Bulova and Seiko. You can find a style to suit everyone in every price range. Some of the dated models will also show the day of the week in a choice of languages that range from English to French or Spanish. If you have trouble sleeping, there are models with soothing sounds to lull you to sleep.
Some of the most elegant styles of travel clocks are available from the premium watchmaker, Movado. These travel clocks are beautifully made and handsome enough to grace guest rooms in your home. They also make ideal corporate gifts, and can be individually engraved or silk-screened with company logos. They are always well received as they are practical and useful which is always a winner as a gift idea. They are also popular for usher gifts, and for birthdays and anniversaries. Movado makes some of their models with dual-time, so you will know what time it is at home or at your next destination. Leather cases are included with other models. They all have the distinctive and easily recognizable Movado museum look.
These easy to carry travel alarm clocks are also popular with the college crowd. The most important feature they look for are the ascending alarm and the snooze button. The ascending alarms continue to get louder and louder until the clock is shut off. Grundig is of course a leader with the travel clock radios. They make many models that are ideal for travel and have world bands. There are ultra slim models that will fit in your pocket. The cover of the clock face doubles as the stand. These ultra slim travel clocks are easily packed away with your other travel accessories. Some of the dual time alarms flip from analog to digital. Their 2 1/4" x 1" size means it can go anywhere. College students also like the dual-time models with touch-sensor screen programming. These simultaneously display two time zones with two alarm settings for those busy travelers. No more excuses for being late!
About the Author
Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel business for over 37 years. She currently works at Village Luggage & Gifts.
