Travel clocks are indispensable items to have in your carry on bag or luggage for your vacation. True, most hotels have a wake-up service but if you are in a hotel or accommodation that does not, then you will need to be responsible for your own waking up. Add to that multiple time zones and the disrupting of your body's normal sleep patterns and you have a few good reasons to pack your own clock.
There's a few types of travel clocks that are used these days. The first is the traditional or classic analog clock. This is otherwise recognized as a clock which has an hour, minute and second hands. To be really traditional you may still find wind-up clocks which don't require batteries. Most often though, analog clocks will be battery powered.
Digital clocks are the most common with LCD or liquid crystal display being the common type. These clocks need some form of illumination to be seen in the dark. Often they will have other features such as temperature readouts, alternate time zone times and even flashlights built in.
Atomic travel clocks are a high tech add-on to the digital clock. An atomic clock connects with the nearest government atomic timing system via radio signals. This clock will always stay in time no matter where you are. There are some regions where they will not be able to connect with the signal so check into this before you head off to remote areas.
When shopping for a suitable travel clock, look for these features:
- Small size, light weight
Most people have a propensity to overpack so having a small, light clock is very important. - Protective Case
Your clock will be banging around in your carry on bag or luggage. A hinged case which doubles as a support stand is usually the best idea. Make sure the clock feels reasonably sturdy and well made (as much as the common cheap plastic can be well made anyway). - Alarm Features
Check out the sound of the alarm and snooze features. Can you change the alarm tone? Do you want multiple alarms? - Batteries
Does the clock need common AA or AAA batteries or slightly harder to find watch batteries. How's the battery life? - Display
Is the display clear for daytime viewing and, with a backlight, nighttime viewing?
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