The phones are down to a sliver of battery, the led lights you hung around your campsite are flickering, your battery powered lantern is almost dead and that trusty little tent fan is barely spinning. That means no new pictures in the morning, no rocking music playlist in the afternoon and here comes the overnight condensation and early morning boil in your tent. If you didn’t pack a decent power station, you’d be out of luck. However, if you had the VTOMAN FlashSpeed 600 in the car, you’d be just fine.

Here’s what surprised us most. For something that only weighs about 16 pounds, this thing can power way more than we expected. Thanks to VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology, the FlashSpeed 600 can handle gear that normally needs more than 600 watts, and even brief surges up to 1200W.

Surprisingly Mighty for Its Small Size

It’s built with travelers and off-grid explorers in mind. Compact, lightweight, and packed with useful features like fast USB-C charging and support for solar panels. Whether you’re car camping, RVing, working remotely, or prepping for emergencies, it’s the kind of tool you end up using more than you thought you would.

We first tried the larger VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1500 a few years ago and honestly, it impressed us. Solid build, plenty of juice, and for the features you get, it’s a really great value. So when we got our hands on the smaller FlashSpeed 600, we were curious to see how it stacked up.

See the VTOMAN Flashspeed 600 here.

Spoiler, it totally held its own.

What Can It Power? A Lot More Than You’d Think

Here are 10 surprisingly powerful things it runs.

1. A full-size blender
Yup, we sometimes bring a blender camping. It’s a bit extra, but nothing beats smoothies or frozen drinks after a long hike. The FlashSpeed 600 handled it like a champ, no sputtering, no drama.

2. A Travel Sized Hairdryer
This one shocked us. A compact hairdryer actually worked, as long as we used it on the lower setting without heat and didn’t go for full salon mode. It’s also great for drying wet socks or gloves in a pinch.

3. An electric blanket
Cold night? No problem. Just plug in a low-wattage electric blanket, and stay warm for hours. Perfect for when your sleeping bag isn’t quite enough and the temperature drops fast.

4. An Electric Air Pump for Paddleboards or Inflatables
If you’ve ever manually pumped up a paddleboard, you know it’s a workout. Plug in an electric air pump (regular electrical plug or a 12v car style plug) and let the VTOMAN do the heavy lifting. It will handle ours with ease and with plenty of power left for other gear.

5. A laptop, Kindle, and phone all at once
With 8 outlets, including fast-charging USB-C and QC3.0 USB-A ports, this thing is built for multitasking. We had the whole family’s tech charging at the same time, and no one had to fight for a plug.

6. LED lights and a projector for movie night
One of our favorite camping traditions, hanging a white sheet and watching a movie under the stars. The FlashSpeed 600 will power LED string lights and a compact projector with zero issues. Definitely one of those moments that makes you forget you’re in the woods.

7. A drone battery charger
If you film or photograph while traveling, this is gold. We can recharge our drone batteries right at the campsite and not miss a single shot of the mountain views.

8. A portable fan or heater
This can be a lifesaver in a tent. A charged fan keeps air moving, helps with condensation, and makes sleeping way more comfortable during a warm night. We’ve also used our power station to power a diesel tent heater and it lasted us for multiple nights that were well below freezing (wasn’t cold in the tent though, those heaters are crazy warm.)

9. A small air purifier
In severely dusty campsites or during wildfire season, having cleaner air in an RV can make a noticeable difference. While they don’t take much energy, it’s amazing how much they can filter in a few hours.

10. A camera battery charger
When you’re off-grid for days and still want to document your trip, this is key. We ran our camera battery charger multiple times without draining the FlashSpeed much at all.

11. Bonus! Power tool batteries
If you own an RV or work on projects outdoors often, you know that sometimes having a bit of remote electrical power is helpful. Whether running a cordless drill, inflating tires and inflatables or running a cordless saw or sander, those power tool batteries don’t charge themselves and never last as long as you wish they did.

To give you an idea of the size of the VTOMAN Flashspeed 600 in relation, it can charge over a dozen typical 18 volt power tool batteries. Considering our lantern, fan and inflator all use an 18v power tool battery, you know we bring our charger with us everywhere we go and the VTOMAN 600 keeps them all charged up for the weekend.

Why This Works

Here’s the secret sauce, VTOMAN’s V-Beyond technology. It’s what lets this power station push beyond the 600W mark for short bursts, powering gear that would usually trip up other portable stations in this size range. Combine that with LiFePO4 battery cells, a rugged build, and VTOMAN’s LIFEBMS safety system, and you’ve got serious reliability in a small, travel-ready package.

A Few Quick Tips

• Try to run only one high-power device at a time, especially if you’re stretching its wattage.
• Keep an eye on your battery level. The LCD screen is easy to read and gives you time estimates.
• Add a solar panel or an extra VTOMAN battery if you’re out for longer trips. An extra batter can extend the 499Wh capacity all the way to 2047Wh and a solar panel (max 200W) can top the VTOMAN up every day in a few hours.
• Unlike a normal gas/propane/diesel generator, you can use a portable power station like the VTOMAN at all hours regardless of where you’re camping and they’re so quiet you can even leave them plugged in directly inside your RV or right next to your tent.

Final Thoughts

The VTOMAN FlashSpeed 600 has officially earned a spot in our car camping kit. It’s compact, powerful, and just plain useful. Whether you’re going off-grid or just want a backup at home, it handles more than you’d expect without the price tag of bigger stations.

You can check it out here if you’re curious. And if you’ve found a creative or surprising way to use your power station, we’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or tag us, we’re always up for new ideas.

Happy travels and fully charged adventures.

Confessions of a Non-Designer

Let’s be real: I’m not a natural designer. I can appreciate beautiful design, but creating something stunning myself? That’s an entirely different story. I honestly have the design skills of a potato, and this has followed me through various aspects of life, including the websites I’ve tried to build.

I’ve always admired beautifully designed websites, but as someone who doesn’t consider herself a natural designer, I’ve struggled to create visually stunning sites myself. It’s not that I can’t recognize good design when I see it; I simply don’t have the innate ability to craft something beautiful from scratch.

Curious? Use our code NOMAD10 for 10% off your annual subscription here.

Past Website Struggles

Charles and I have built dozens of websites over the years including ones for ourselves, a few for companies and a few for friends and family. Some of our most popular include this site TheBarefootNomad, our recipe bog TheParentSpot, plus a few websites dedicated to helping travelers choose the proper travel insurance (which we’ve since sold or shut down).

Despite our best efforts and countless hours invested, none of these websites turned out as beautifully as we had envisioned. Any design improvements we attempted to make were met with frustration and felt like an uphill battle. The problem has never been technical for us, more of vision.

Discovering Squarespace

After our past website struggles, I realized that having the right tools might just make a big difference. That’s why I decided to give Squarespace a try for my personal website, MickiKosman.com. I wanted a space to share my journey as a travel writer, entrepreneur, and storyteller, plus a place to connect with my audience in a creative and professional way.

What is Squarespace, Anyway?

So, you’ve likely heard of Squarespace, but what exactly is it?

In a nutshell, it’s an all-in-one platform for building websites. It comes with a bunch of features like professional templates, a drag-and-drop editor, a content management system, blogging tools, SEO stuff, e-commerce options, and site hosting. Basically, it’s has a lot of the things you need to create a gorgeous website, all in one place.

Getting Started with Blueprint AI

Signing up for Squarespace was straightforward. I started with the free 14-day trial and played around with the Blueprint AI design feature. It offered some helpful design suggestions based on my site goals.

What really impressed me was Squarespace’s library of customizable templates. There were plenty of attractive designs to choose from.

Customizing My Website

Customizing my website with Squarespace was a relatively smooth process. The drag-and-drop interface and various features made it easy to personalize the design without needing coding skills. I could add, remove, and rearrange elements on the page with just a few clicks.

Finding the Right Images

One thing that can be time-consuming when building a website is finding the perfect images.

Squarespace helped with that by offering a selection of stock images in addition to the ability to upload my own photos. I used my own photos, but having stock photos on hand could definitely save time and hassle!

The End Result

Within a couple of hours, I had a website that I was happy with. Squarespace allowed me, a non-designer, to create a site that was both visually appealing and functional. The built-in features like mobile optimization, SEO tools, and social media integration weren’t as apparent when designing it but as a website owner, are all extremely helpful.

Templates That Look Pretty Darn Good

One thing that stood out to me about Squarespace was the templates. I’ve got to admit, they’re pretty easy on the eyes. They’ve got this clean, professional vibe going on.

And the cool part is, you can just pick one of their templates, toss in your own photos and text, and your website will look pretty polished. No design skills needed!

Another nice thing about the templates is that they’re responsive. That means they automatically adjust to look good on different devices, like tablets and phones. It’s handy because more people browse the web on their mobile devices these days than laptops and desktops combined.

Use our code NOMAD10 for 10% off your annual subscription here.

I used this gorgeous Waverly template to create my site. You can see a demo of the Waverly template I used here at Squarespace. You can customize styles, add features of templates (and more) when you start a trial.

Customization Options

When it comes to styling your website, Squarespace has a decent number of options. You can play around with the fonts (which is great if you’re picky about typography like me), colors, sizes, button styles, and all sorts of other design elements. And you can do all of this without touching any code, which is a relief for those who aren’t exactly tech wizards.

But, if you do happen to know your way around code, Squarespace does have a Custom CSS section where you can add your own coding magic.

Want to browse some gorgeous designs? Get some inspiration from some of the best
designs on the web at their design showcase here.

Built-in Features

One thing to note about Squarespace is that everything is baked right into the platform. You don’t have to go hunting for plugins or extensions. It’s convenient, however it also means you’re limited to the features they offer.

That being said, Squarespace does have a pretty good selection of features, especially for bloggers and small businesses. You can easily add things like a blog, contact form, email signup, photo galleries, event calendar, social media buttons, and even a shopping cart for selling products or digital downloads.

Let’s Talk Money

Now, let’s talk about pricing. Squarespace offers a free 14-day trial, so you can test the waters and see if it’s the right fit for you. After that, you can choose from four different plans: Basic, Core, Plus, or Advanced.

If you’re in Canada like me, you might see these plans labeled as Personal, Business, Commerce Basic, and Commerce Advanced, which I believe is simply the old branding for the same packages offered in the USA.

The Basic plan starts at just $16 USD per month if you opt for annual billing, or $23 USD per month if you prefer to pay monthly. As your business grows, you can upgrade to higher-tier plans that offer even more features and tools to help you succeed online.

Use our code NOMAD10 for 10% off your annual subscription here.

The Bottom Line

So, is Squarespace the be-all, end-all of website builders? It has its strengths, like the attractive templates and built-in features, but it might not be the perfect fit for everyone if you want extreme flexibility or demand very out-of-the-box designs.

If you’re looking for a platform that’s easy to use and gives you a professional-looking website without a ton of hassle, Squarespace is definitely worth checking out.

But hey, that’s just my two cents based on my own experience. Your mileage may vary!

Use our code NOMAD10 for 10% off your annual subscription here.

Hey fellow wanderers!

Have you ever had that mini panic attack realizing you might’ve just lost all your travel photos? Yeah, us too. That’s why we dove into the world of cloud storage and found Sync.com, our trusty sidekick for the last three years.

What is Sync.com?

Sync.com is like the Fort Knox of cloud storage. It’s a secure, easy-to-use service that keeps all your files encrypted. Imagine having a magical backpack with all your memories that only you can open, no matter where you are in the world. Pretty neat, huh?

Why We Chose Sync.com

After trying out a bunch of different options (and nearly pulling our hair out in frustration), we settled on Sync.com for a few solid reasons:

1. Top-Notch Security: End-to-end encryption means no one but you can see your stuff. Not even Sync.com. It’s like having a secret vault in the cloud that isn’t scanned, AI accessible or trained on or used by the company for data acquisition or third party monetisation.
2. User-Friendly: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, Sync.com is super easy to use. Uploading and accessing files feels as smooth as booking a direct flight.
3. Affordable Plans: Traveling can be expensive, but Sync.com offers affordable plans that won’t break the bank. Plus, you get a generous amount of storage.
4. Original Files: While some online backup services give you deals for storing your pictures with them, the original pictures are often scaled down to conserve disk space and often videos aren’t even included. Sync does a full backup of the original files plus you can backup any other important documents besides just pictures.
5. Storage Space: Personal plans start with 2TB of space so you have plenty of room for the next decade of pictures if you’re not a professional photographer and plans scale up even if you are.

Sync.com coupon!

Exclusive Offer: Visit Sync.com/barefoot for an exclusive discount just for our community

Check out our YouTube video on Sync.com!

Our Experience Over Three Years

Over the past three years, Sync.com has been our online backup solution. Whether we were on the go working or just preserving our family memories, it’s always been running in the background on our phones and our computers.

It’s been a great relief to know that if our phone fell into a lake, got stolen or left on a table somewhere, that we haven’t lost our last day, week, month or year of memories.

Storage and Sharing

Over the past few years we’ve uploaded everything from important document scans to thousands of photos from our trips to Mexico and Europe. We push both our phones up to the same account so we can easily share everything, keep everything together and keep our costs down.

Sharing files with friends and family is pretty simple as well. Just a few quick clicks and they can access your latest travel album without even needing a Sync account.

If you’re working with a company, then their Teams integration is a great feature giving you plenty of ways to collaborate online plus all accounts give you ways to share folders and files with plenty of ways to secure those. There’s also a preview only feature with pdf and Word documents that let people view those without needing the corresponding app.

Offline Access

One of our favorite features is offline access. Perfect for those times when you’re in the middle of nowhere with zero Wi-Fi. Just download your files beforehand and you’re set to go when you get there.

Sync Across Devices

Whether we’re using our phones, tablets, desktops or laptops, Sync.com keeps everything updated. No more emailing files to ourselves or dealing with USB drives. Hallelujah!

We even often grab pictures from our phones using the Sync app on our computer or via the web. Since backups happen nearly instantly when we’re on WiFi, you don’t have to wait long for the files to show up online and no needing to plug anything in or using another sharing app.

WiFi or Mobile

By default, Sync only backs up your phone files over a WiFi connection to ensure you’re not paying for any unnecessary cellular data.

While this is perfect for normal day to day use as most of us hit a Wi-Fi zone a few times a day, if you’re out of Wi-Fi range for an extended time, you can enable Sync to update over data if you’re worried about losing anything you’ve taken since the last Wi-Fi backup.

Just make sure to disable that feature when you get back to civilization as you don’t need backups to be eating away at your precious data limits.

What we don’t love about Sync

No review would be complete without a bit of critique. While Sync.com is awesome, it’s not perfect. Sometimes, the sync speed can be a bit slow, especially with huge files. Also, a built-in photo gallery would be a nice touch for us photo junkies to easily peruse our large quantities of pictures.

While we haven’t had the opportunity to test out the iPhone app, the Android app can sometimes be a bit cumbersome when searching for a specific picture and not sure where you put it. Large folders can also take a while to open as it generates thumbnails for quick perusal though once it has made those, subsequent views of the same folder are much quicker.

A small quirk we routinely have is also one of it’s greatest strengths. When you take a picture or a screencap and your device is connected to WiFi, it almost instantly backs up the file to the server. While this is awesome 95% of the time, it can also lead to extra files on the server if you don’t really want (or need) the file to be backed up.

While these files can easily be deleted off the server, we generally just leave them there since we have plenty of storage still available. That said, if you’re a shutterbug who routinely takes a dozen pictures for every event then goes back and deletes all but the best, you could find your storage filling up more quickly. The bonus is that if you accidentally delete the wrong one, you likely still have a backup in the cloud.

Final Verdict

After three years and having tried all the other major providers out there, we’re sticking with Sync.com. It’s reliable, secure, and makes managing our travel memories a piece of cake. So if you’re looking for a cloud storage solution that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle, give Sync.com a try.

If you’re unsure if Sync is right for you, they offer a free 5 GB account with basic sharing that will let you see if the product is right for you. Visit Sync.com/barefoot to get a special deal as well.

Happy travels and safe storing!

Back in our first 10 years of travel, our security for mobile payments was as simple as hiding our credit card PIN from prying eyes when we paid at a local shop in Bangkok or Sydney. Other than hiding our PIN, keeping our passwords safe, and making sure that we used secure Wi-Fi networks, security wasn’t a huge part of travel for us back then.

Things have definitely changed in the past few years, with mobile payments popping up everywhere from farmer’s markets, to regular retail stores, to wide adoption of peer-to-peer mobile payments like Venmo. In the age of digital wallets and contactless payments, the convenience of mobile payments has become a travel essential.

Unfortunately, hackers and criminals have also gotten a lot better at stealing information, and skimming mobile payments as well. It seems that almost every time we talk to a friend who’s travelled overseas, they have some story about a credit card being compromised, losing their phone, or identity theft.

All of that means that travelers like us need to be more and more cautious when making mobile payments, whether we’re on vacation, on a road trip, or on a year-long around the world adventure.

via GIPHY

What You Need To Know About Mobile Payment Security While Traveling

As a savvy traveler, understanding the nuances of mobile payment security is crucial. From strong passwords to Wi-Fi safety tips, let’s delve into some essential tips and tricks that we use to keep our transactions secure while globetrotting the world.

Let’s talk travel insurance

Let’s talk travel insurance for a sec – not the snoozy, fine-print kind, but one that actually makes sense for nomads.

We’ve done a lot of digging over the years, and SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance stands out as one of the most flexible and affordable options out there for long-term travelers and digital nomads. It’s designed for people living and working on the road, whether you’re bouncing between countries or settling into one place for a bit.

You can choose from two plans:
Essentials, for travel-focused coverage (think medical emergencies, delays, and lost luggage), or
Complete, which also includes global health coverage in 175+ countries.

You can sign up while abroad, cancel anytime, and not worry if your plans change (because they usually do).

It’s one of the first options we mention to other travelers. Check out Nomad Insurance here to see if it’s a fit for you.

What are the Risks of Mobile Payments?

Mobile payments, while convenient, can make you susceptible to security risks like data breaches, unauthorized transactions, and identity theft.

How to Reduce Your Risk

There are four main ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. We’ll look at each of these in more detail later: 1) using Wi-Fi safely, 2) safeguarding mobile transactions, 3) securing your device, and 4) what to do if your device is lost or stolen.

On top of these four, having a backup payment method or two is a good idea, as is staying on top of cybersecurity risks on the road.

Use These Best Practices While Using Public Wi-Fi

Travel often means connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are prime spots for cybercriminals. These networks can often be unsecured and susceptible to prying eyes, allowing hackers to intercept payment information or other data that passes through the network.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe when using public Wi-Fi.

1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: If possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. If possible, use your mobile data instead, as it is typically more secure. Another option is using a private Wi-Fi device.
2. Use a VPN: If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data. Going with a VPN can help secure all your online transactions.
3. Turn Off Automatic Connectivity: Disable features that automatically connect your device to available Wi-Fi networks. It’s an easy trick for hackers to clone known network names and skim your data when your device automatically connects to them (even without you opening your phone) so it’s best if you only allow automatic connectivity for your private, home networks that aren’t likely to be faked.

Securing Your Mobile Device

Here’s how we secure our devices when on the road.

1. Use Strong Passwords and Biometrics: Start with the basics – ensure your device is locked with a strong password, PIN, or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition. Physically protecting your device is your first defense against unauthorized access.
2. Keep Your Device Updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. They can be a pain to do every other month, but it’s a small price for the added security. Besides, when was the last time you rebooted your device? It probably needs it anyway.
3. Install a Reliable Security App: Consider installing a trusted security app that offers features like virus scanning, remote wiping, and location tracking in case your device is lost or stolen. Some phones have this built in already and it just needs to be enabled.

How to Safeguard Mobile Transactions

There’s a lot you can do to keep your identity and wallet safe when you’re making a mobile transaction. Here’s where to start.

1. Use Trusted Payment Apps: Stick to well-known payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or those provided by your bank. These apps have robust security measures in place to protect your transactions and tie into your already secured device.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your payment apps. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or email confirmation so even if someone managed to steal your password, it’s useless without the extra layer.
   • Tip! If you’re planning to be outside of your cell plan area, ensure that the extra layer isn’t just SMS text as you likely won’t be able to receive texts outside of your service area.
3. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions, especially when traveling. Just don’t do it over a public Wi-Fi network.

Dealing with Lost or Stolen Devices

Losing your phone, or having it stolen, can be one of the biggest financial risks you take on vacation. Here’s what you can do to decrease the risk.

1. Set up the Ability to Remotely Wipe Your Device: Be prepared for the worst. Know how to remotely lock and wipe your device if it gets lost or stolen. Both Android and iOS offer this feature and it quickly makes your device useless if someone manages to get into it. It also means selling it won’t profit them as the device can’t easily be wiped. If everyone did that, it would discourage people from even attempting it in the first place.
2. Contact Your Bank Immediately: If your device is lost or stolen, contact your bank or the service provider of your digital wallet immediately to prevent unauthorized transactions. While it’s best to contact the bank first, it’s also not a bad idea to remove any cards attached to a digital wallet just to be doubly safe.

Travel Smart with Backup Payment Methods

While mobile payments are convenient, always have a backup. We always carry a small amount of local currency and an emergency credit card stored separately from our mobile devices. This ensures we’re not left stranded in case of a lost or stolen device or technical issues with your mobile payment app.

We always travel with a bit of emergency money (both in the local currency, and USD) for this exact reason. We’ve been locked out of credit cards and have seen entire ATM infrastructures go down in some towns for a day at a time.

Have enough with you to get a taxi where you need to go, a simple meal and even a place to sleep for the night if you’re moving from one location to another. Carrying too much is just a security risk, so don’t overdo it.

Staying Informed and Updated

Stay informed about the latest security threats and updates in the world of mobile payments. To do this, you can follow tech blogs, national security centers, subscribe to newsletters from your bank or payment service providers, and participate in online forums dedicated to digital security. As the old adage goes, the more you know…

A Last Word on Mobile Payment Security While You Travel

Mobile payments can make traveling a breeze these days, but it’s essential to stay vigilant about security.

By adhering to most of these mobile security tips, you can enjoy the convenience of mobile payments without compromising your financial safety.

Remember, the key to secure mobile payments while traveling lies in being prepared, informed, and aware of the potential risks. Safe travels and happy spending!

If you’re in the market for an electric generator that can keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle or provide essential backup power when you need it most, the BLUETTI EB70S is definitely worth a look.

We’ve only been able to test the EB70S hands on for a few weeks so far, but we’re definitely impressed with the balance of power and portability.

With a compact design and 800W of power, the EB70S is the ideal companion for camping and van life, providing a dependable source of energy for lighting, cooking, and device charging.

See prices and more on the BLUETTI website now.

It also gives peace of mind during power outages and natural disasters, ensuring that you stay connected and prepared, even if the grid goes down. For RV enthusiasts, the EB70S makes powering your mobile home a breeze, while remote workers can benefit from its reliable backup power capabilities for their home offices.

Before we get into how the EB70S can help in different scenarios, let’s look at some of the technical specs that we think make the BLUETTI EB70S one of the best mid-range solar power stations available.

BLUETTI EB70S Review

To start, let’s look at the battery capacity, charging time, solar panel compatibility, and portability for the BLUETTI EB70S, to help you make an informed decision in your search for the perfect solar power station.

Battery Capacity and Power

The EB70S is a pure sine wave inverter, with 716Wh capacity and 800W rated wattage, with 1,400W of surge power.

So what does that mean? There is 716Wh of energy stored in the battery (total battery capacity in watt hours), and there is 800W of power output, which is how much energy the battery can push out at any time.

The bigger the battery capacity, the longer you can run your devices per charge and the higher the power output, the larger the device (or sum of devices) you can power at once.

The EB70s 716Wh will give you:

• 50 phone charges
• 9-10 laptop charges
• 8 drone charges
• 18 hours running a typical fan

It also offers pass through charging, meaning that you can charge the BLUETTI and charge up your laptop or phone at the same time that it’s charging.

What can you power with an 800 watt generator?

With the BLUETTI EB70S you can power up to 12 devices that take a total of 800 watts at one time.

There are 12 charging ports:

• Four 120V AC outlets
• Two USB-C ports (100W Max)
• Two USB-A ports (5V/3A)
• One 12V/10A car outlet
• Two 12V/10A (DC5521)
• One 15W wireless charging pad

How long does it take to charge a BLUETTI EB70S?

The BLUETTI EB70S can be fully recharged from an AC wall outlet in three to four hours. The package comes with an AC adapter brick charger and charging cable.

It can also be recharged in 7-8 hours from the included 12V car cable.

Using a 200W solar panel, it can recharge fully in 3 to 4 hours. With a BLUETTI 120W solar panel, it will recharge fully in 6.5hrs.

Solar Panel Compatibility

The maximum solar input for the BLUETTI EB70S is 200W, meaning that you can safely charge it with up to a maximum of 200W of solar panels (Open Circuit Voltage: 12-28V). It also has a dedicated MPPT charge controller to ensure it charges the stable LiFePO4 battery it uses both quickly and safely.

The battery is rated for over 2500 charges so the EB70s should last for years to come and is shelf stable at 80% charge for 3 to 6 months at a time which is handy when only used for emergencies.

Portability

One of my favorite things about the EB70S is how easy it is to pick up and move. It weighs 21.4 pounds (9.7 kg), and comes in a compact package (12.6 x 8.5 x 8.7 in, or 32 x 21.6 x 22.1 cm).

It’s lightweight enough to pick up and carry comfortably into our backyard, or to our local park for a picnic.

The handle folds neatly into the top, making storage a breeze, but it unfolds in a snap to make it easy to carry.

What’s included:

• the EB70S portable power station
• AC adapter brick and charging cable
• 12v car charging cable
• solar charging cable
• user manual
• warranty card

What’s the difference between the EB70 and the EB70S?

The EB70S delivers up to 800W AC power while EB70 offers 700W.

Learn more about the BLUETTI EB70S here.

More great articles:

• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot
• The 10 Best Road Trips in British Columbia, Canada
• The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

10 Ways to Use a BLUETTI EB70S Generator

From off-grid living and camping excursions to staying prepared during natural disasters and power outages, the BLUETTI EB70S Power Station has you covered.

Tenting

As our kids get older, we’re enjoying tenting and hammock camping more and more. That said, it’s nice to have some conveniences while we’re out in the mountains.

A lightweight power station like the BLUETTI is easy to take on car camping trips, and helps us with everything from heating water to powering lights to recharging our devices.

Van Life

We were original van lifers, way back on our first big trip together in 2003.

We spent five months in Australia, driving our trusty Toyota HiAce van from Adelaide to Darwin, across the Australian Outback, and down the East Coast to Sydney. We charged our laptop and camera on the go, scrounging power at campsites and the occasional restaurant along the way. When we were in more remote places, like the Outback, it was a constant struggle to power our electronics.

These days, a solar generator lets you get reliable electricity even in the most remote locations.

With a BLUETTI EB70S power station on board, van dwellers like us can run everything from a mini fridge to a coffee pot, and everything in between. Imagine the luxury of enjoying a home-cooked meal and a steaming cup of coffee in the heart of the wilderness – it’s a game changer! Coupled with a couple solar chargers, you could stay off grid nearly indefinitely.

Natural Disasters and Power Outages

Every year, weather events are becoming more and more extreme.

Our home base is less than three hours from Lytton, BC, where Canada’s highest ever temperature of 49.6 °C (121.3 °F) was recorded in 2021 and most of the town was destroyed in the resulting wildfires. The same year, extensive flooding in British Columbia damaged major highways in the province.

2021 hammered home the fact that emergency preparation is important in a world where weather extremes can happen at any time.

A generator can give you emergency power for many things, including TVs, LED lights, a small heater, a freezer or just keeping your internet modem and router up, so you can continue working during a power outage. An electric power generator also has the luxury of working directly in your home, meaning you don’t need to run an electrical cable through your window or setting up costly breakers so your fuel fed generator can continue to safely provide you power.

Off site Working

Power stations can power tools and equipment for building projects in locations without access to traditional power sources. Whether they’re used to power traditional plugged in power tools or to recharge the battery hungry cordless tools most contractors use day to day, they’re indispensable for many unpowered sites. They’re even helpful for charging your laptop for late night meetings while on the jobsite.

RV Camping

There’s something magical about immersing ourselves in nature and unplugging from our digital lives however we often need to stay connected too, whether it’s for work, or just for fun. After a day filled with outdoor adventure, nothing compares to the simple pleasures of listening to our favorite tunes, or even catching up on a favorite TV show. This is where the BLUETTI lithium powered power station steps in, making sure we can stay connected while we’re away from the grid.

Thanks to the BLUETTI 800W solar generator, the lack of power sources in remote locations is no longer an issue. A solar generator lets us gather around a well-lit campsite or blend up a batch of refreshing smoothies, while powering up our essential devices, such as drones, cameras, and even cooking appliances.

Backyard Barbecues

Ah, backyard barbecues – those fun times when we gather with friends and family to share good food and even better company.

A power station can help the mood by powering enchanting string lights, plus running speakers and a smartphone to provide the perfect musical interlude. With its reliable electric-powered capabilities, a power station can effortlessly power and even run outdoor projectors for movie nights under the stars. Just fire up the grill, kick back, and enjoy.

Portable Arts and Crafts Station

Taking your arts and crafts projects on the go has never been easier.

With its sustainable and reliable energy source, an electric generator offers the freedom to set up a portable arts and crafts station virtually anywhere, from bustling craft sales to lively farmers markets. The EB70S can power an array of crafting tools, such as hot glue guns and Cricut makers, allowing you to create and showcase your masterpieces without being tethered to traditional power outlets, inside or out.

Picnicking

Want to elevate your picnic game?

A portable power generator can provide everything from music to lights to cooking on the go. Just add the picnic basket and blanket and you’re all set!

Off-grid living

Interested in life off the grid? For those living in remote or off-grid locations, electric generators can supply essential electricity for daily needs and household appliances. Once you add in some solar panels, the need to ever be plugged into the grid is no longer a concern.

Busking

Here’s a unique use for a solar generator: busking.

It’s a fun job you can do as you travel, and a way to share your musical talents with the world. With its eco-friendly power, the BLUETTI EB70S generator can run guitar amps, electronic keyboards, and even dazzling light displays to captivate your audience, all while keeping it green and sustainable.

What if there’s no sun?

While a solar generator is a useful solution for powering your devices, it does require a good amount of sunlight to charge efficiently. On cloudy or rainy days, a solar generator may not recharge as quickly, which could leave you conserving power until the sun comes back out. That said, the BLUETTI EB70s can also be charged via a traditional power plug or even via the 12v jack in your vehicle, making it not only a solar generator but also a portable power station.

While there’s a bit of an initial financial investment for a solar generator and solar panels, in the long run, it’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay powered up on the road and doesn’t require the continual costs of fuel like gas or propane to run. Unlike a gasoline generator, electrical power stations like the BLUETTI can also be safely run inside a home, camper or van with zero emissions or a hot muffler to worry about.

Is the BLUETTI EB70S worth it? Our Bottom line

The BLUETTI EB70S is a capable mid-range portable power station, with solid performance, and decent capacity. Using it is as easy as plugging in your device and using one of the 12 charging options. The LED readout is bright and useful, showing the power draw, how much power is left, and how long a full charge will take.

Pros

• Solid performance
• Lightweight and portable
• Wireless charging port
• Capable of pass through charging
• Excellent balance of portability and power

Cons

• No app
• Large external brick wall charger
• The fan on the brick wall charger isn’t silent when charging the BLUETTI

All in all, the BLUETTI EB70S is a capable mid-range portable power station, with solid performance, and decent capacity, that hits a nice balance between power and portability.

See prices and more on the BLUETTI website now.

Learning a new language can be difficult and time-consuming. After years of learning Spanish with Rosetta Stone and Lingoda, I still struggle to do much more than order in restaurants, and give basic directions to a taxi driver.

But what if it was possible to immerse yourself in local culture off the beaten path and chat with locals without having to master a new language?

A real time handheld language translator can do that, from translating directions, to starting a conversation, or even to asking for emergency assistance if you become ill. It’s even helpful for learning a new language or using as a pocket dictionary.

See prices on Amazon.

See prices on the Fluentalk website.

Even better, an offline language translator like the Fluentalk T1 can help you break the language barrier and explore with confidence, even when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi and out of cell range.

Our Hands-on Fluentalk T1 Review

Let’s take a closer look at this powerful translator in our Fluentalk T1 review and see how it can help you during your travels.

What does it do? As you speak into the device, it immediately translates your words into another language (both as voice and as text). You can also translate photos. It works with a Wi-Fi connection, an included data plan, or offline.

The Fluentalk T1 comes with:

• an included two year data plan that works almost anywhere in the world
• 95% Accuracy in 40 languages and 93 accents
• offline translation available for 13 languages
• image translation on a four inch color HD screen

The T1 can work offline or online via Wi-Fi or a (included) cellular eSIM card.

See the Fluentalk T1 translator on Amazon.

Quick look at the Fluentalk T1 Handheld Translator

The Fluentalk T1 Handheld Language Translator comes equipped with a host of features that make translating easy and fast. These features include:

• Realtime two-way translation. This feature allows for natural conversations between two people speaking different languages.
• Highly accurate speech recognition. Using advanced algorithms, the handheld translator is able to recognize speech accurately so that users get precise translations quickly.
• Easy one touch operation. With just one button press you can activate the translator so that it recognizes words or phrases in either language being spoken in real time.
• Portable design. The device is lightweight and compact making it easy to carry around while traveling or on vacation.
• Voice recognition accuracy as high as 95%. This means that users get accurate translations every time they use their device, allowing them to navigate their way through any country with ease.

Before I get into the details of the review, a little bit about if the Fluentalk T1 fits my top requirement for any language translation device: It needs to work well, and reliably, offline.

Offline Voice Translator – Fluentalk T1

An absolute must for me for portable translator is that it works well offline.

An offline translator is particularly useful if you don’t have a local SIM card, mobile hotspot, or a portable hotspot to stay connected. It’s also helpful when you’re somewhere remote that’s out of range of cell service.

The Fluentalk handheld language translator can translate 13 pairs of languages offline in either direction: English-Chinese, English-Japanese, English-Korean, English-French, English-Spanish, English-Russian, English-German, Chinese-English, Chinese-Japanese, Chinese-Korean, Chinese-French, Chinese-Spanish, Chinese-Russian and Chinese-Germany.

The T1 comes out of the box with four offline language sets already downloaded for portable translation. You’ll need to connect to Wi-Fi to download the other nine languages for use offline.

Offline review of this translator device without internet

While it was offline, I tested the T1’s translation from French to English, and English to French, and it was reliably able to translate short sentences.

Since my French is pretty limited, I couldn’t confirm it’s accuracy at longer sentences however Charles is fluent and he said it seemed spot on.

I’m more fluent in Spanish, so I was able to push it a bit further, testing full sentences at a time. It translated accurately and quickly in Spanish, as long as I was careful to pronounce my Spanish words carefully.

In my tests translating between French and English, and Spanish and English, the offline mode worked well. Translation was just as fast in offline mode as in online mode, and it seemed as accurate in offline mode as it was using Wi-Fi or data.

In offline mode, the translator outputs both voice and text translation.

Overall, I was happy with how well this little language translator device works without wifi.

Our Hands-on Fluentalk T1 Review

My first impression of the T1 was that it is cute and compact. It’s small enough to be hung around the neck, and feels sturdy and reliable. It weighs only four ounces (155 g), so it’s easy to slip into any pocket, ensuring you have it on hand when you need it.

The four inch color touchscreen is easy to read and navigate. The translation buttons are easy to press, and feel like they’ll hold up with repeat use.

I found the T1 pretty easy and intuitive to use.

There are three buttons on the side. The top yellow button is the power button. I used the middle blue button for my native language button and the bottom red button (it actually looks more orange to me) I used as the other language button however they can can be easily swapped around to your preference.

On the opposite side, there’s also a volume up or down button. Besides for the responsive touchscreen, the controls are pretty straighforward.

It was easy to start up and to choose the languages for translation on the touch screen.

On first start up, it prompted me to activate the eSIM, which happened in a couple of clicks and took less than five minutes for it to fully activate.

I really loved that it came with an eSIM preinstalled, saving me the hassle of inserting and activating a physical SIM card when I received the device. There is a slot for an additional physical SIM card, in addition to the eSIM card if you’re in another country and want to pick up a sim card just for the device.

What does the T1 cost? Is it worth the price?

The T1 costs $299.99 USD.

It’s definitely toward the high end, cost-wise, compared to other personal translators.

However, in my tests, it offered offer good performance in terms of speed and accuracy, and also with the number of languages offered.

Some cheaper pocket translators work by connecting to your smartphone and using your phone’s data or Wi-Fi connection. However, the T1 has a built-in data connection, with an included two year plan, for translating without another device or Wi-Fi connection.

On top of that, it has a solid offline mode, which is crucial for many travelers.

Want to check it out right away? See the Fluentalk T1 on Amazon.

How does it compare to a translation app on a smartphone?

Honestly, I was pretty skeptical about getting a handheld translation device, when I already had a translation app or two on my phone, that mostly work pretty well.

But translation apps are a little glitchy.

For example, if you speak more than one language well, then you’ll know that translation apps like Google Translate make a lot of weird errors, which seem to get worse if you use slang, speak in an accent, or swear. Most also get noticeably worse if you dan’t have a Wifi or data connection.

While translator apps are easily available, having a dedicated device means you won’t have to thumb through apps to get an instant translation and the inclusion of 2 dedicated language buttons right on the device means it’s easier to get it going for both you and the person you’re trying to communicate with. Accuracy and speed are also top-notch.

I also really like not having to hand my smartphone to strangers when doing the translation. Having a stand-alone device makes me feel a lot more comfortable, in terms of protecting my data and personal information.

One area where the T1 is much better than most smartphone apps is that it differentiates between multiple accents in a language. For example, the Fluentalk translator lets you translate Spanish in accents from these countries: Spain, USA, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Columbia, Dominic (I assume this is the Dominican Republic), Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Salvatore.

That’s pretty impressive to me, as there can be huge differences in the accents in Spanish!

After several months in Mexico a few years ago, we flew directly to Spain. I was pretty cocky, thinking that my Mexican Spanish would translate well. Unfortunately, as soon as I got off the plane, I realized that I couldn’t understand half of what everyone was saying in Spanish. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the difference in accents between Mexico and Spain!

Is the Fluentalk fast and accurate?

The T1 handheld voice translator translates in real-time, almost instantly between two or more different languages.

Translation accuracy

While we can’t test all 40 languages (we did try a multitude of them but couldn’t verify their output), we ran our main tests translating between English and Spanish (Mexico), or English and French. We both speak and read some Spanish, I understand some basic French and Charles is fluent in it.

I found no difference in speed translating in offline or online mode.

Text to speech speed

Fluentalk says the T1 immediately translates any speech within 0.2 seconds. In our tests, there wasn’t any perceptible lag between talking and having our speech translated to text.

Speech translation

Similarly, when translating from my voice to the T1’s translated voice output, it was also fast.

Fluentalk T1 translation modes

The T1 offers a few translation modes: One-Click Translation mode (default), Chat mode, Custom mode, Spectator mode and Photo translation mode. It also includes a speech transcriber for Voice memos.

One-Click Translation mode

The One-Click Translation mode is the default translation mode and works with the two colored buttons on the right. The blue button is language 1 and red button is language 2. I set up the blue button as English in our tests however they can be swapped around as needed.

To use One-Click Translation mode, I’d just press the middle (blue) button to speak. It would wait until I released the button to translate my voice into the other language. This was helpful to avoid confusion having the voice translation play over our own voice while we were talking.

I’d just press the bottom button (red) when I wanted the T1 to translate, in reverse, from the second language.

Not a fan of physical buttons? In One-Click mode, you can quickly rotate the device to use it without having to continually press the buttons on the side. To rotate the screen, just tap the small switch button on the bottom left of the translation screen for a side-by-side conversation. Tap the on-screen language button to start or pause the translation. It will continue auto-translating from that language until the other language is chosen or the current language is paused.

Chat mode

Chat mode allows you to have a real time conversation without having to hold any buttons. Just point the top of the device facing the person you want to talk to and the bottom towards yourself. Once you have your languages properly set up, just click the middle play button and it will then translate what each of you is saying.

See prices on the Fluentalk website.

You can access Chat mode directly through the touchscreen menu and can adjust the speaking interval for chat translation, if you want to translate longer or shorter sentences, in the options in the top right of the screen. You can also enable/disable voice if you just want the device to translate into text. It’s a cool feature because the screen is split in 2 with both people able to read it standing in front of each other.

You can also see your chat history by swiping up or down on the screen while in Chat mode.

Custom Translation/Ask for Directions mode

In a hurry? Use Custom Translation mode.

Just double click the power button to start a conversation using pre-written text (and voice) translated to your language of choice. It’s set up by default to say in English “Excuse me, can you help me? We can use this translator to communicate.”

However, you can change the content of this message, and change the default language, in the Custom Menu. You can also start Custom Translation mode through the touchscreen menu by clicking the Ask for Directions button.

Spectator (Listening) mode

In Spectator mode, the T1 stays on, and translates what others say around you into your native language just via text.

This could be a great option when watching TV or listening to a travel guide. It could also be great when listening to instructions given in another language since you can quickly scroll back to what was just said if you need to reference it later.

Photo translation

I had good luck with the photo translation as well. On the road, we would use this for road signs, maps, menus, and so on. As a vegetarian, I love using photo translation for ingredient labels and menus.

To do photo translation, just snap a photo of what you want to translate using the T1’s built in eight megapixel camera.

The four inch HD screen makes the translation easy to read.

Image translation works for 36 languages.

I found that the photo translation worked like a dream most of the time, but it would occasionally break down if it was translating an unusual font, and it didn’t work well for me for handwriting.

Photo translation is from text to text only. It doesn’t give a voice readout.

Voice memos

The Fluentalk T1 also includes a Voice Memo mode that automatically transcribes your voice to text and saves it on your device. It’s a cool method to leave yourself notes to follow up on later. You can also set the name of each transcribed voice text for easier identification later on.

I just wish there was an easy way to pull those texts off the device so I could use them in other places. Fluentalk is missing an opportunity here for uses outside of the translation world. Having a ready to go voice transcriber that works well could be handy in several different fields. Couple in the ability to change the side buttons for it’s use and you’ve opened up another use case for the device.

Common Questions about the Fluentalk T1

T1 Battery life

When we first got the T1, it was charged to about halfway. I used the device for about two hours, and it was then ready for a charge.

I charged it using the USB-C cable provided, and it was fully charged when I checked a couple of hours later.

It has a 1500 mAh battery, which offers 3.5 hours of continuous translation time, and 96 hours of standby time.

I played with it, off and on, for around three hours, and the battery level showed at about one quarter.

Will it translate jargon, slang, and swear words?

Instead of translating swear words, it translates them as asterisks (***), at least with the few we tried in English, like f*ck, b*tch, and any swear words we knew in Spanish.

It does translate common slang well in English to Spanish, for example, it translates “what’s up” as “how are you doing“. However, it didn’t translate new slang for us, like the word “cheugy“, which is new slang roughly meaning out of date or trying too hard.

It’s designed as a general translator, so the T1 won’t necessarily translate specialized jargon (or language specific to an occupation). That said, I did test it by asking it to translate some specific words in neuroscience (my university degree). It accurately translated common words like “neuroscience” and “dopamine“, but it didn’t understand less common words like “amygdala” (a region of the brain) and “gamma aminobutyric acid” (a neurotransmitter) from English to Spanish.

Is it loud enough?

I had no trouble hearing the translator at about 75% volume, in a normal home environment, with our (loud) dishwasher running the background and my kids talking in the other room.

I also tried the volume at 100%, and while it was tinny (which is what I’d expect with a speaker in such a small device) I could easily understand it even if I had music playing in the background or the TV on up close. You may struggle to hear the little speakers if you keep the device on a table a couple of feet away in a louder environment, like a busy restaurant. I think for most uses, in normal environments, it should be fine.

How’s the microphone?

There are two microphones on the top of the device, and one on the bottom.

When the device was held at arm’s length, I had no trouble with the mic picking up my speaking voice, and translating it properly. I have a soft speaking voice, and I found that it started to have a little trouble picking up my voice from about ten feet away, while in Spectator mode.

Does it use voice commands?

It does not have voice commands. You operate the device through the buttons, or the touchscreen.

Can you use it as a mobile hotspot?

You can only share data with other devices, using the WLAN hotspot, if you insert a separate nano SIM card of your own. It does not share the included eSIM data (I got errors when I tried).

However, I tested to see if it would act as hotspot for the Wi-Fi signal that I was connected to, and it worked perfectly when I connected my phone to the T1’s hotspot (named Android AP_6654, in the photo below).

How well does the mobile data work?

I tested the T1 using only the mobile data eSIM.

When I ran a speedtest, it downloaded at 17.4 Mbps and uploaded at 11.5 Mbps, which is quite fast. More than fast enough to stream video, in fact.

Given that the eSIM data was so fast, it’s no surprise that I found the T1 translation to be just as fast using mobile data as it was using Wi-Fi.

Is it easy to use and intuitive?

Overall, the T1 is easy to use and intuitive.

To get up and running, all you need to do is turn the device on, choose your languages, and press the side buttons. It’s easy to switch languages, the eSIM started up like an absolute dream, and it’s even simple enough to switch between Chat and Spectator mode.

One feature that wasn’t the most intuitive (to me at least), was how to navigate back through the screens. I had a little trouble navigating back and forth between screens, until I broke down and looked at the manual, which told me that I could use swiping gestures from the sides to navigate back and forth.

For example, to see the previous screen, you just swipe right on the edge of the left hand side of the screen with one finger to return to the previous screen. This works well, but it would have been helpful to have a back arrow on all screens, in addition to having the swiping option. It’s a small thing, and you may just pick it up intuitively, but I didn’t.

Can I connect T1 with my Bluetooth device?

Fluentalk doesn’t recommend connecting via Bluetooth.

While there is a menu option to connect via Bluetooth, it’s not recommended, except in the rare case where you’re connecting directly to the Timekettle TWS earbuds, and listening to the translation through the earbud, with the user talks to the T1 in one-talk mode.

What happens when the two years of data expires?

After the two year free cellular data plan expires on the eSIM, you aren’t stuck with paying for the Fluentalk cellular data. After the data service expires, you can either insert your own SIM card, or use Wi-Fi.

If you want, Fluentalk is currently working on an option to purchase more data directly through them, but details aren’t available yet.

What other features does the Fluentalk T1 have?

There are several extras on the T1 including a flashlight, a configurable world clock, an exchange rate conversion, and an SOS feature.

The little flashlight is fine for a little extra illumination to find your keys in the dark, but I found it to be less powerful than my Samsung S22+ smartphone’s flashlight. It has 2 locations you can set for a world clock and an automatically updated exchange rate conversion for a large variety of world currencies. I just wish it also included a calculator here rather than just the days current rates.

The SOS feature is handy as it lists the countries emergency contact numbers including police, emergency and fire. In North America (US, Canada and Mexico), all 3 are 911 however, in some countries, they have different numbers for different emergencies so that’s a nice feature.

Handheld translator vs translator earbuds: Which is better?

Language translation earbuds are an alternative to a handheld translation device however, for many earbuds, this means giving one of the earbuds to the person you’re speaking to. If, like me, you’re a bit squeamish about someone else having your earbud in their ear, then a handheld device like the Fluentalk T1 may be a better choice.

Who makes the Fluentalk T1?

Fluentalk is a sub-brand of Timekettle Technology Co., Ltd. (founded in 2016). Fluentalk mainly specializes in the research and development of handheld translators.

Timekettle also makes translation earbuds, like the:

• WT2 Edge
• M3
• M2
• WT2 Plus

Want to order the Fluentalk T1?

See the Fluentalk T1 on Amazon.

Articles you might like:

• The Ultimate Travel Essentials List
• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot

Today, we travel with mobile phones to keep in touch with friends and family, plus laptops for work, and even a tablet for the kids to play games or do homework on.

Whether you’re on a business trip, a gap year vacation, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, you’ll likely want to stay connected, whether to chat with friends and family, research restaurants, search flights and accommodations, or just to check email and your social networks.

Unfortunately, using the internet while traveling comes with some risks and inconveniences and unsecured public networks can open you up to data theft and hackers. Some countries even block access to certain websites, like WhatsApp or Facebook.

Using a VPN can help reduce some of the risks and hassle of using the internet away from home.

Should You Use a VPN for Travel?

A VPN is a service that gives you safe and private Internet access as you travel.

A good VPN encrypts your data, protecting you from other users stealing passwords, usernames, credit card numbers and other personal information.

If you have a VPN enabled, you can use the VPN to make it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from your home country or even another country. This can let you access geo-restricted websites, and access your home country’s video providers like Netflix or Disney+. You can also use a VPN to get around country-specific blocks of specific sites, like Facebook or WhatsApp.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network (thus the VPN acronym). A VPN lets you create a secure connection to another network over the internet.

The data from your device is sent through the VPN company’s server and a good VPN encrypts the data that’s sent between your phone and the VPN’s server.

You can use a VPN on your laptop, desktop computer, smartphone (including iPhones, Androids and more) as well as tablets.

Keep your information secure

Since a good VPN will encrypt your data, you absolutely want to use a VPN if you’re logging into free public Wi-Fi, which can be especially vulnerable to hackers.

A VPN encrypts all the data traveling back and forth from your device. That means that if you’re using a VPN on an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, then anyone trying to see what you’re looking at online will only see nonsense text, and your information will stay safe and private.

Tired of slow Wi-Fi? Learn how to get high speed Wi-Fi when you travel, and check out our reviews of SolisWifi, GlocalMe, and the TravelWifi (formerly Tep) hotspots.

Keep watching your home country’s Netflix shows when abroad

Netflix has different TV shows and movies on offer for every country where they offer the service. This means that you may not be able to access the TV shows you watch at home on Netflix while traveling in Mexico, or overseas in Europe or Asia.

However, if you’re in Germany (for example), and set your country to the USA on a VPN, then you’ll be able to watch your USA-based Netflix shows, in your home language.

Access online shopping and other internet services as if you’re in your home country

Many websites, from Best Buy to CBS, have different websites in different countries.

Some websites even completely restrict access to certain countries. For example, here in Canada, I’m not able to watch TV shows from USA-based TV networks websites. However, if I set my VPN to USA-based, I can watch TV shows on CBS (a USA-based TV network) from Canada all I want.

Access websites that are blocked

Some governments (like China and Thailand) censor access to certain websites, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

A VPN can get you access to government blocked websites and let you continue to access the sites as if you haven’t left home.

Prevent credit or bank accounts from being frozen

If the website where you hold your investments suddenly notices someone logging into your account from a foreign country, they may think your information has been stolen, and put a hold on your account. With a VPN you can browse the sites as if you were still in your home country letting you still pay your bills on time.

Get better deals when shopping

Booking sites often give different prices in different countries. It may be worth trying out a couple of location options on your VPN when you’re booking local tours, for example, to see if you can get a better deal before you even set foot in the country you’re planning to visit.

How to choose a good VPN for travel

Because a VPN may have access to your data, it’s important to chose a reputable, safe VPN service.

You get what you pay for

Generally, free VPNs are less secure than VPNs that you pay for. Free and very cheap VPNs often sell advertising, or they may share your information and online activity with other companies. 

Choose a trusted company

Sure, newer and smaller VPN services are often cheaper, but they’re not always as well reviewed, or as transparent in their business activities. Choosing a larger, established VPN service, with plenty of reviews, can help keep your data secure.

Make sure the VPN encrypts your data

Shockingly, not all VPN services encrypt your data. Make sure the VPN you choose offers everything you want and need including encryption between you and their servers.

Pick a VPN with a large choice of countries

Some VPN services only offer a few countries to choose from. While this might work for you, the fewer countries there are to choose, the less places you can truly benefit from a VPN.

Choose a Logless VPN

A major advantage of a VPN for international travel is protecting your privacy, but some VPN services keep logs of your browsing activity. They can then release that information to a third party to turn an extra profit or to law enforcement.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN that has a no logs policy, and it’s even independently audited by Deloitte to give you that extra assurance.

Logs can contain information like your original IP, the new IPs assigned to you by the VPN, your browsing history and the websites you visited, connection logs, how long you were connected, your connection time, and more. While holding some information is necessary, the more information a company keeps on you can lead to problems if they’re ever hacked or subpoenaed and forced to hand that information over.

Look for a VPN that is logless, and that has been confirmed not to keep logs by an independent audit. One large company that’s a logless provider that doesn’t store VPN data is NordVPN, but there are others as well.

Looking for the best travel stocking stuffers? Even when it’s not the holidays, it’s not always easy to find a great gift. These are the best small travel gifts for the travel lover in your life, whether your budget is big or small!

While tight travel restrictions and the pandemic may have slowed (or completely stopped) our travels this year, it definitely hasn’t stopped our love of adventure, exploration and cool tech.

This guide has gifts for those of us who can’t travel right now, but who are looking forward to trips in the future.

These gifts can make travel and even your day to day life easier, and possibly more fun. As travelers for the past 20 years, we’ve had the chance to try every item on this list personally!

Travel stocking stuffers

Here are our best gifts ideas for travel lovers that won’t take up a lot of room, but that are guaranteed to put a smile on their face!

Battery Charger

I travel all the time with a small, individual sized battery charger as my core travel gear. It’s perfect for charging a dead cell phone on the go.

This little Anker Astro E1 fits easily in the palm of my hand, and only weighs a few ounces. It’ll recharge my smartphone from zero to 100% a few times.

See the Astro E1 here.

We travel as a family of four, so we also really love a bigger charger, with 20,000 mAh or more power.

We’ve had an earlier generation of the Anker Powercore for six or seven years now, and have used it on every trip we’ve taken in that time, as well as using it around our home. We’ve just picked up the newer version of the Anker PowerCore 20100, and we’re excited to see if it’s as good as our old one.

See the new Anker PowerCore 20100 here.

WiFi Hotspot

Bad WiFi at hotels and cafes is a fact of travel.

After way too many years of dealing with slow WiFi, or WiFi that cut out all the time, we got smart and got a WiFi hotspot that travels wherever we go. It’s one of our favorite small gifts for traveling abroad.

Most of the time, we use the Skyroam Solis WiFi hotspot, which gives us unlimited WiFi wherever we travel in the world. It lets us bring our WiFi from our house, to the back yard, to a vacation house, and even camping. It’s also a great thing on those long drives across the country.

See our personal review of the Skyroam Solis here.

Find out more about the Skyroam Solis here.

We also sometimes use the similar GolocalMe hotspot, and have had great success with it the past few years (see our review of the GolocalMe hotspot here).

Lifestraw filtered water bottle

Clean water is an absolute necessity for any traveler.

You can buy water as you go, but it’s really nice to have clean, filtered water available at any time. That’s where the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle comes into play.

Check price on Amazon.

Travel jewelry

Jewelry is always a lovely, easy stocking stuffer, and it’s one of the most unique travel gifts you can give.

Etsy has a ton of adorable, unique travel jewelry items, like this world map necklace.

See it on Etsy here.

Travel journal

A travel journal is a wonderful way to look back on the trips you’ve taken, and remember what you did and didn’t like.

Even better, this travel journal is made of vegan leather, and well rated.

See price on Amazon here.

Travel toiletry bag

A toiletry bag might not be the most exciting travel themed gift to give, but it’s definitely practical, and any traveler will love being able to keep their toiletries organized in one place.

We’ve had the eBags Classic Pack It Flat toiletry bag for a few years now. It’s fantastic for longer trips, and does a terrific job of organizing toiletries. It travels folded up, and you can roll it out at your destination.

There’s also a hanger included so you can store it over the back of a drawer or towel rack.

You can get it in teal (shown), basic black, or a wide range of colors.

Get the price on Amazon now.

Travel toiletry containers for liquids

We really love the Gotube travel toiletry containers (see our Gotube review here). They’re silicon, so they’re squishable and easy to pack.

They come in sizes well under the 100 ml limit that’s allowed in carry-on luggage. No more having your favorite shampoo or conditioner confiscated at airport security.

They’re also easy to refill, and we’ve never had one leak in the four years we’ve used them.

See them on Amazon.

Audiobooks

We’re huge fans of audiobooks in our family.

Listening to a great audiobook makes a long trip so much more fun!

Check out our lists of the best audiobooks for family road trips, and the best audiobooks for road trips for adults, too.

Check Audible price on Amazon.

Looking to save some money? Set up your traveler with a library card, and they can can get audiobooks for free from their local library!

Audio books

What’s better than reading a book while traveling? Listening to one! We’re huge fans of Audible and have a decent library of things we’ve listened to ourselves and as a family during our epic road trips.

You can get an Audible subscription here and if you’re still not convinced, check out our list of the best audiobooks for road trips. You can get them all on Audible.

Check out Audible here.

Travel Toiletry Bag

Portable hard drive

If your traveler is a photographer or videographer they’ll definitely appreciate some extra digital storage.

An ultra lightweight portable hard drive can give a traveler peace of mind, as it can save them from losing precious photos and videos.

The LaCie LAC9000298 Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is dustproof and shockproof, making it great for travelers.

Get price on Amazon.

French press travel mug

Love coffee? Love to travel? Then a french press travel mug may be a great gift.

This Espro travel stainless steel french press is attractive, lightweight, and makes a mean cup of coffee. All you need is a few grounds and some hot water so it works on the road or even while camping.

Not a coffee drinker? Get the tea filter instead.

See price on Amazon.

Kindle with free cellular connection

A Kindle lets a traveler carry hundreds of books on the road, which is enough for even the most dedicated bookworm.

If you want to be really popular, get your travel lover a Kindle.

See Kindle prices on Amazon.

Waterproof Bluetooth speaker

We’ve had the original WONDERBOOM Speaker for a few years now.

We use it all the time, and especially love it when we go to the beach, are camping, or even in our back yard.

The waterproof WONDERBOOM 2 puts out amazing bass for its size, it floats, is waterproof up to a meter and comes with us whether we’re jumping in the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, paddling our stand up paddleboards or soaking in the sun on the beach.

See details on Amazon.com

Travel games

If you have kids, or just enjoy playing games on the go, then nothing beats a pack of playing cards for versatility. That said, dedicated card games like UNO and Skip-Bo are great as well.

These days, we carry a Monopoly Deal game wherever we go. It’s a card game that we can play in 15 minutes. Lots of fun, and easy to play.

See Amazon prices.

Travel Underwear

Like everyone, we have multiple articles of clothing that we refuse to travel without.

ExOfficio Give and Go Boxer Briefs for men are super comfortable and high quality, dries in under two hours and doesn’t hold any odors.

Click prices on Amazon here.

For women, the ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go bikinis are quick drying, comfortable, and look good.

See the women’s ExOfficio give-n-go bikini here.

Do you have any travel gift ideas for travel lovers?

What would you add to this gift guide? Let us know!

I’m sure everyone has seen those amazing GoPro videos of surfers on a perfect wave, snowboarders carving down a mountain side, bikers taking 50 foot jumps or those extreme athletes jumping out of perfectly good airplanes or the side of a cliff. I love those.

See the 4K GoPro HERO8 on Amazon.

See GoPro’s newest GoPro HERO10 here.

Honestly though, if anyone needs a compact, hands free camera, it’s a parent. I find myself wishing daily for another set of arms, so carrying around a big, bulky camera just doesn’t work.

So, it’s probably no surprise that we get a lot of questions from fellow parents about the GoPro who want to know is it waterproof? Is it easy to use? How much does it cost? Does it take photos, too? Those are a lot of questions for one tiny camera.

So when Sport Chek reached out to us to review the new GoPro HERO 6 Black, we jumped at the chance. It’s a perfect opportunity to answer all of those questions and more.

First impressions

Before we got our new HERO 6, we owned the GoPro HERO4 SILVER. It’s a great little camera and we’ve gotten some great footage the past few years, but I always disliked how we had to keep it in an external casing.

That’s changed with the newer GoPros, namely the HERO 5 and Hero 6. Unlike older GoPros (like the GoPro Hero 4 and earlier) the HERO 6 doesn’t need an external case to make it waterproof. This is my favorite feature, as it makes the GoPro HERO 6 so easy and convenient to use, and I never have to worry about putting it in a waterproof case.

GoPro HERO 6 Video and photo quality

The GoPro takes great photos and videos. Even better, this tiny camera takes stunning 4K video, which means your family memories will be preserved in stunning detail.

To give it a real try, we took the GoPro HERO 6 Black with us on a early family winter vacation to Mexico and it was the perfect chance to test the GoPro Hero6 in a real world situation.

Take a look at the video below, filmed in 4K on our little GoPro HERO 6 Black. The video is raw and unedited, taken straight out of the camera. We didn’t always have the new image stabiliser on (our bad) and we’ve added titles and music, plus cut out some footage, but we haven’t done anything else. The video quality is just a sample of what you’ll get from this camera.

GoPro HERO6 Features

There’s a lot to like about this camera, and I’m especially fond of the burst feature for photos.

Like a lot of you, I always seem to just miss that perfect moment, like when my kids actually smile at the camera. With the burst mode, I just click the button, and the GoPro takes a burst of photos over several seconds. No more missed photos or that perfect smile.

The GoPro HERO 6 is waterproof to 33 meters. We’ve snorkeled with it, played with it in the pool, and even carried it with us as we boogie boarded in the waves. I let the kids carry it around half of the time, and they dunked it in the pool and the ocean dozens of times. Despite all of this, it remained perfectly waterproof.

Tip! We use a GoPro floating handle to hold the GoPro. This keeps it from getting lost in the surf, or sinking to the bottom of a pool.

How to use the GoPro Hero 6

Is the GoPro easy to use? Well, it’s not hard to use, but using a GoPro is a little different than a smartphone or other camera. If you take ten minutes to learn how to use the GoPro at the beginning, you’ll pretty much know everything you need to.

Thankfully, there are only a couple of buttons: a shutter button, and a mode/power button. There’s also a touch screen in back, which makes getting through the menus pretty easy. Unlike the older models, you can see the photos and video as you’re taking them on the LCD screen just like a regular camera.

You can also download the GoPro app and connect the GoPro to your smartphone to take remote shots or to easily control all the settings. It can also save the videos and pictures directly to your phone so you can easily share them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

GoPro HERO 6 Voice Recognition

The GoPro HERO6 even comes with voice recognition, which we found works really well. Talk about hands free!

You can use voice recognition to turn the GoPro on and off, take photos and videos, and a lot more. It really makes mounting the camera to your helmet or chest strap easier than ever. Just tell it when to start and stop recording no matter what your hands are up to.

GoPro HERO 6 Video Quality

What’s the quality like? Video quality with the GoPro HERO 6 black is an impressive 4K video shooting at 60p, or 60 full frames per second. Those high frame rates per second also mean that it’s excellent at capturing slow motion video. As well as 4K, you can record in 1080p240, 1080p120, or the more classic 1080p60. What that means is that you can still record in high definition and still enjoy top rate quality with varying compression. This means that if space or extended recording is important, you can lower the resolution and not lose a great deal.

Here are a few nerdy facts about video compression for you. The GoPro HERO 6 Black uses a new video codec called High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) H.265. It means that the video size can be smaller than the older H.264 protocol, but still retain higher 4K quality. Unfortunately, because H.265 is so new, many video editing software and devices can’t decode its advanced compression at the moment. Luckily, most of the newer Androids and iPhones can play H.265 natively, so wider support is guaranteed as more people get on board with using it. YouTube already supports the new H.265 codec.

GoPro HERO 6 Image Stabilization

The GoPro HERO 6 has digital image stabilization making for steadier video. Because it’s so tiny, we did find that we got some shake when the HERO6 was handheld, but there was less when it was mounted on something like a helmet, or the buoyant floaty handle grip we use. We also didn’t realize that we had turned image stabilization off for part of our trip until we had later watched the videos. For smoother motion, especially when it’s handheld, you’ll want to leave image stabilization on.

So is the GoPro for you?

Well, if you’re looking for a camera with 4K video, then yes, the GoPro HERO6 definitely does 4K video well and with it’s wide field of view or the new Superview, you won’t be missing anything as long as you have lots of good natural light.

Want a rugged, waterproof camera that you can take almost anywhere? Well, the GoPro HERO6 definitely fits that bill as well. With it’s small frame and rugged waterproof abilities, as well as the built in image stabilization, the GoPro can take what you’re giving and keep on recording.

Love playing with new technology? With it’s small touchscreen interface, voice recognition and it’s ability to connect seamlessly with your existing smartphone, the GoPro definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to new tech. There’s a small learning curve, but it’s nothing that a few minutes watching how-to videos or a little reading can’t cure.

The GoPro HERO6 Black HD Action Camera transforms your adventures into incredible QuikStories directly on your phone.

Shopping for a GoPro in Canada? Sport Chek is an official supplier and carries all the latest GoPro devices and accessories.

See the brand new 4K GoPro HERO8 on Amazon.

Thanks to Sport Chek for providing us with the GoPro HERO 6 Black for this review. It was on the wishlist and we definitely enjoyed using it.

That’s why audiobooks are an absolute lifesaver on those trips. When we start a great audiobook, the hours fly by as we drive across our gorgeous country. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained, and keep us from going stir crazy.

See audiobooks on Audible here.

Also, unlike watching movies alone in the backseat, the audio books allow our kids to watch the countryside, play with their things and most of all, not get car sick. It also gives us all something to talk about when we stop to refuel or while grabbing a bite to eat as we drive.

Looking for great audiobooks for adults as well? Check out our new post on the best audiobooks for road trips.

A quick note on Audible

Owned by Amazon, Audible has the largest library of audiobooks in the world and is a great place to get audiobooks for any of your devices. What we love most about them is if you don’t like an audiobook, you can just swap it for another for free.

An Audible membership (both the Plus and Premium Plus) is FREE for 30 days.

There are two Audible membership options:

• Audible Plus
• Audible Premium Plus

An Audible Plus membership gives you access to the Audible Plus library, but it DOES NOT give you 1 credit to purchase any title in the Audible premium selection, and it DOES NOT give you an 30% off all additional premium selection titles.

An Audible Premium Plus membership gives you access to the Audible Plus library, and it gives you 1 credit to purchase any title in the Audible premium selection (regardless of price), and it also gives you an 30% off all additional premium selection titles.

You can get a FREE one month trial of either Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus.

Get your one month free now.

The best audiobooks for family road trips

We’ve listened to dozens of audiobooks over the years and the kids actually look forward to long drives in the car now since they know we’ll put one on. The trick is having a few to choose from and letting the kids decide which one appeals to them the most.

With audiobooks, we find that the narrator can make or break your experience. Even if the book is fantastic, a poor (or irritating!) narrator can make it miserable. On the other hand, if you love a narrator’s voice you can listen to just about anything they say, so choose wisely.

For example, Charles once got his parents excited to listen to some audiobooks on their yearly 34 hour drive down to southern Texas, but stressed that getting the right narrator was critical. A big fan of westerns, his parents chose a few narrated by a fellow with a slow, heavily accented southern drawl that literally made them pull over and take a nap after listening to him for a few hours.

I’ve included links to the Audible listings for each of these books, because each book offers an audio sample. To listen to the sample, just follow the link to the book, and the sample play button is right below the book image.

I’ve also tried to pick audio books here that adults should enjoy as well, making listening a pleasant family experience. However, everyone’s tastes differ, so check out the samples and read some reviews before making a choice.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Book 1

The whole family really loves the Harry Potter series narrated by either Jim Dale or Stephen Fry. This was our first real foray into family audiobooks, and the 20+ hour car ride to visit family seems to fly when we listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks. Even though the kids have read the entire series and watched all the movies, they still enjoy listening to the audiobooks. We’re almost done book five and plan to keep listening until we reach the conclusion in book seven.

Unlike most audio books, the Harry Potter series has two narrators that do all seven books. Jim Dale reads the US version and Stephen Fry the UK version. Both are English, both are amazing and each excels at different things, however you can’t go wrong with either.

Written by: J.K. Rowling

Narrated by: Jim Dale

See Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on Audible

See the complete Harry Potter series on Audible

The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1

This is a fantastic book, and kept us all engaged for the full time we listened. However, some of the themes are a bit dark, and it may not be the best for young children. I had my doubts about letting our eight year old continue to listen, but she made it through OK. That said, she’s a pretty stoic little person, and I’ve never seen her upset by a book or movie.

Written by: Philip Pullman

Narrated by: Philip Pullman however there is a full cast for each character that really makes this audiobook shine.

Series: His Dark Materials

See more information about The Golden Compass here.

See Philip Pullman’s complete His Dark Materials series here.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2

There’s a whole series for The Chronicles of Narnia, and the narrators differ. We’ve listened to a few (not in order) and enjoyed them all however that said, I’m excited to try The Last Battle, narrated by Patrick Stewart of Star Trek (plus much more!) fame.

Written by: C.S. Lewis

Narrated by: Michael York

Series: The Chronicles of Narnia

Get The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe now.

Check out entire The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis here.

How to Train Your Dragon

We loved the How to Train Your Dragon movies, the Netflix series and the kids loved the books, so this is a natural choice. Even better? It’s narrated by the 10th doctor himself, David Tennant.

Written by: Cressida Cowell

Narrated by: David Tennant

Series: How to Train Your Dragon

See the How to Train Your Dragon audiobook.

Check out the complete audiobook series of How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell.

How to Eat Fried Worms

This one’s a little shorter, at just under two hours. Kids love it, and it’s an easy listen for a shorter road trip.

Written by: Thomas Rockwell

Narrated by: Jay O. Sanders

Listen to a sample here.

Eragon: The Inheritance Cycle, Book 1

This is an engaging audiobook and the writer was only in his teens when he wrote the first one. It will capture the minds of every one in the car from the very beginning where a poor farm boy finds a polished blue stone that becomes a dragon hatchling to him becoming the next dragon rider.

Written by: Christopher Paolini

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Series: The Inheritance Cycle.

See it on Audible.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

At just under two hours, this is a shorter audiobook that both old and young Harry Potter fans should adore. We haven’t listened to this yet, but I think it would be a good book on tape for a family road trip.

Written by: J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander

Narrated by: Eddie Redmayne

See Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them here.

Charlotte’s Web

Over on Audible.com, this book rates almost five stars. It’s a touching classic narrated by the author in his raspy New England accent and will make your children both happy and sad in equal measure.

Written by: E.B. White

Narrated by: E.B. White, George Plimpton

See Charlotte’s Web on Audible.

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

I’m personally not a huge fan of the narrator’s voice here, but the kids loved it, and the narration did grow on me after a while as we drove. Our 12 year old son, in particular, loves all Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson books so this one was a natural for us. A nice bonus is that most of the books in this series can stand on their own, so you’re not forced to listen to every single one of them.

Written by: Rick Riordan

Narrated by: Jesse Bernstein

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Listen to a sample of The Lightning Thief here.

Check out the complete Percy Jackson and the Olympians series here.

The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1

This is a special treat, as it’s narrated by the rich voice of Andrew McCarthy and it’s a childhood classic.

Written by: Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black

Narrated by: Andrew McCarthy

Hear a sample of The Spiderwick Chronicles here.

See the Spiderwick Chronicles series on Audible.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole Guardians of Ga’Hoole, Books One, Two, and Three

This is a great value, as it has three books in one, and over 16 hours of audiobook.

Written by: Kathryn Lasky

Narrated by: Pamela Garelick

Get it on Audible here.

Peter and the Starcatchers

My husband, Charles, loved this take on the Peter Pan origins story and its read by the fantastic Jim Dale, the same person who does the Harry Potter series. The kids enjoyed it as well.

Written by: Dave Barry and Ridler Pearson

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Hear a sample of Peter and the Starcatchers here.

See all the books in the Peter and the Starcatchers series here.

Audio books for younger kids

While most audiobooks for little kids can be about as much fun as nails on a chalkboard for parents, these children’s audio books should keep the adults happy as well.

Treasury of Classic Children’s Stories

This is an especially great choice for nostalgic parents, but the kids will love these classic stories as well. Jack and the Beanstalk narrated by John Ritter is especially good.

Written by: Oscar Wilde, Brothers Grimm

Narrated by: Audrey Hepburn, John Ritter, Sharon Stone, Orson Welles

Listen to a sample here.

The Ralph S. Mouse Audio Collection

This is the story of a mouse always on the lookout for more excitement.

Written by: Beverly Cleary, Tracy Dockray

Narrated by: B.D. Wong

Get it on Audible here.

Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies

If you love Julie Andrews, this is the collection for you and your little one. It’s as lovely and charming as you’d imagine.

Written by: Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Andrews

Narrated by: Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Andrews

Listen to Julie Andrews’ Collection here.

Audiobooks for the adults

While listening with the kids is a lot of fun, I’ve started to become a real fan of audiobooks on my own.

I spend hours on the computer each day, and while I love the ease of reading on my Kindle, I do sometimes want to give my eyes a rest. My favorite time to listen to audiobooks is when I’m lying in bed, relaxing before sleep.

About Audible membership plans

You can order books on Audible without a monthly membership, but I’m actually a fan of the monthly membership.

An Audible membership is FREE for 30 days.

Click here to sign up for free!

Audible has two membership types, Plus and Premium Plus.
Both membership types offer a 30 day free trial, and you can cancel anytime.

Plus membership is $7.95 a month, and includes access to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, audiobooks and more.

An Audible Premium Plus membership is 14.95 a month, and includes one free title in the Audible premium selection, 30% off all additional premium selection titles, access to exclusive sales, plus everything you get with Audible Plus. The one free title is credit is good for any audiobook, at any price.

I especially love this last part – you can exchange any audiobooks you don’t love, anytime. Sure, there’s a five minute sample of an audiobook you can listen to, which is great, but it’s possible to get further into a book and decide you don’t like the book or narrator. In that case, just exchange the audiobook. Easy!

Common Audible questions

When we first started with Audible, I had quite a few questions about how it works.

Do I need to have Internet access to use Audible?

If you choose to stream your audiobooks, you need Internet access whenever you want to listen to them. However, if you choose to download your audiobooks, you only need Internet access for your download and then you don’t need Internet access when you listen to your audiobooks.

Can I download my Audible books?

Yes! The easiest way to download your audiobooks is to go to the Audible library and click the Download button.

How do I listen to Audible?

You can listen to Audible on your Smartphone, tablet or computer. You can also download audiobooks.

Can I listen to Audible books in my car?

Of course. There are several ways to do this. The easiest way is to cast your Audible audiobook to your car’s stereo via Bluetooth.

Have you tried Audible? Let us know what you think!