There are plenty of gadgets and gizmos out there for travelers, but how do you know you’re not wasting your money? Well, here are a wonders of technology that cost less than $50 and have some practical applications.

Tired of worrying about power outlet conversions?

For $40, Hammacher Schlemmer makes an adapter that plugs into sockets for 150 countries worldwide.

And a helpful new feature is that it includes a USB port to charge your cell phone or iPod.

Traveling with a lot of gadgets?

The Kensington Portable Power Adapter plugs into a single outlet and can connect five devices at once… and costs about $25.

If you’re protective about the information on your laptop when you travel, the 3M privacy filter screen makes contents invisible to anyone sitting around you.

The price of privacy? About $35.

If you’re traveling with an iPhone or iPod, check out the iDox traveling case.

For $35, it not only protects your device, it also flips up like a stand to provide hands-free video viewing, while you’re on the road.

And while this one isn’t high-tech, it can save you a bundle in the long run.

A simple, $10 portable luggage scale helps travelers determine if their bag is overweight before arriving at the airport—which means you won’t get nailed with overweight bag fees.

Bottom line: In these tough times, staying ahead of the curve doesn’t have to break the bank.

Learn more with our Travel Gadgets category.

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