For some professionals, traveling around the world is a necessity. If your business calls for it, you may find yourself in Lisbon one day, Sydney the next, and New York the day after that. Ideally, you want to rely on a single set of electronics on these journeys, not having to switch between mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgetry that has become such an important part of doing business. There are several world phones available that will accept international SIM cards, but what about charging that phone? What about powering your notebook computer?

One of the best and most economical solutions I have found is the PowerLine Global Power Travel Voltage Converter, available from Walmart. Retailing for just 20 bucks, this reasonably compact kit will let you plug in your various electronics in just about any wall plug, regardless of voltage. The series of adapters will ensure that you can draw power from the wall, whether you are in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, or Lima. The other part of the package serves as a voltage converter, because while we use 100-120 volts AC in North America, many other parts of the world use 220 to 240 volts. Naturally, this kit is designed for people with North America-based electronics.

The PowerLine Global Voltage Converter is a neat package that measures less than six inches wide and three inches tall, so it will easily fit into any suitcase or backpack. It does have some weight to it, though.