Travel Essentials: iPad

This is the first part of a series of posts detailing items on the Travel Essentials list.

Everyone knows to pack a set of clothes and some basic toiletries in their carry on, but this list of Travel Essentials will make your travel experience easier.  If you don't travel that frequently or for long periods of time, not all items on the JetLogger Travel Essentials list are "must-haves," but for any traveler who expects to take several trips should strongly consider investing in the following:

1. iPad.  An iPad is expensive, but well worth the investment as a portable library, DVD collection, jukebox, and computer rolled into a light and easily transportable package.  The battery life is sufficient for any long flight (just be sure to adhere to tips to maximize battery life) and your iPad can be loaded with many helpful apps to make your travel more efficient.  Its also much easier to handle in a busy airport terminal or cramped seat on the plane.  Listed below are some of my travel-essential apps:

iBooks loaded with your favorite books.  You can download bestsellers for about the price of a paperback or pick from Project Gutenberg's library of over 39,000 classics for free.

Newsstand is similar to iBooks, but can be filled with your favorite newspapers and magazines - for a price.

Videos will enable you to watch full-length HD quality movies and TV shows from your iPad.  Prices are less than purchasing a DVD, but be sure you plan ahead and download what you want to watch in advance.

Music links up with your iTunes account and puts your favorite jams or podcasts in your seatback pocket.

Games will enable you to sharpen your chess skills, practice your Blackjack strategy en route to Vegas, or fight your enemies in Command & Conquer.  Thousands of other games are available for download.

Intellicast HD will allow you to monitor the weather at your destination before departure and while you're there (as long as you have an internet connection).

Flight Track is one of the most critical apps for the frequent traveler.  Load your flight in advance and use the airport's wi-fi to keep tabs on the scheduled takeoff, scheduled arrival, gate and baggage claim information, to find alternate flights in the event of a cancellation, and even check out the embedded "Seat Guru" information to find out whether or not you have a power outlet at your seat in case your battery runs low and you remembered to pack your iPad car charger.

And if you needed any more evidence, my iPad truly does travel with me everywhere I go; pictured below is a snapshot of my personal quarters in Kabul, Afghanistan - iPad and all.