A vacation is only as good as the toys you take. Sure, beautiful beaches and a room with a view are important, but what will really make your break is discovering that your handheld SATNAV can guide you from poolside to hotel bar. Here's a guide to the gadgets that deserve space in your suitcase this summer.
FLARESAFE TORCH
If you happen to be backpacking around the developing world this summer, you may end up spending a few nights in less-than-glamorous hotels. For extra security, pack a FlareSafe torch — an all-in-one smoke detector, distress alarm and superbright LED flashlight. Twist the Flaresafe's base to turn on the detector before you go to sleep, and rest easy knowing that the 110-db siren will jolt you awake at the first waft of smoke. It costs $100, but could save your life. www.flarebrands.com
ILIAD READER
Don't let a stack of paperbacks weigh you down; pack an iLiad reader instead. You can download up to 30 e-books and a month's worth of newspapers onto this souped-up PDA. Text is displayed on a paper-simulating 8-in. (20-cm) screen, so you can read the latest Harry Potter while lounging by the pool. But at $860, don't drop it in the water. www.iliadreader.co.uk
GLOBAL BAGTAG
Attach a globalbagtag to your case and stop worrying about lost luggage. Each metal tag is imprinted with a unique serial number and website address. Before flying, simply update an online database with your contact details and travel plans, making it easy for airlines to reunite you and your missing bags. A pack of two tags and a year's membership to the database costs $20. www.globalbagtag.com
SUUNTO X9i
Before venturing into the wilderness, strap a Suunto X9i watch to your wrist. This minicomputer features an altimeter, a barometer, a compass and a linkup to the GPS satellite system — which pinpoints your exact location, wherever you are in the world. When you get home, transfer the GPS data from the watch to your PC, and your route will be plotted out on a Google Earth map. www.suunto.com
JOBY GORILLAPOD
Set up the perfect holiday snap with a Joby Gorillapod. Wrap the legs of this flexible tripod around almost anything: tree branches, railings, passing locals. Then set your camera timer, stand back and say "Cheese." The Gorillapod comes in three sizes, starting with a lightweight version for $25, and is suitable for most compact cameras. www.joby.com