Up-and-Coming Translation Devices for the Whole Family

Whether sending the kids to study abroad or communicating with foreign exchange students at home, portable translation devices can come in handy. We have plenty of apps and translation devices on our phones, tablets and computers, but having a portable mechanism capable of translating foreign languages in real time can be a travel game changer.

Travis the Translator

After raising $1.7 million on Indiegogo, Travis became one of the first portable translation devices able to speak and understand 60 languages. The smart device allows travelers to communicate and bridge language barriers. Loose less in translation when traveling abroad or trying to learn a new language.

You can feel good about your purchase in more ways than one as Travis donates $2.50 from every sale to the Travis Foundation. The foundation acts to provide minorities and less-privileged citizens with language education and social preservation. You can pre-order the Travis Blue here and work toward making your next big trip feel like a local experience for just $89.

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ili Wearable Translator

The ili Wearable Translator is on the rise in the international translation market. Currently, the ili only offers one-way speech, meaning the user can convey messages in their own language to someone else in their language, but expects to translate messages two ways eventually.

For now, the ili turns the user’s language, typically English, to Spanish, Japanese or Mandarin, but more languages will come in time. Translations are quickly available and do not require WiFi — perfect for travelers on the go. English tourists can use the device to tell drivers where they need to go, ask questions, convey allergies, etc., all under .2 seconds. Devices can be pretty pricey at $250.

Not all designs are perfect, but the technology continues to improve and can change the way we travel internationally, communicate with strangers and even learn a new language.

Keep an ear to the ground for new technology as it develops and arm the family with some translation help. While traveling internationally, kids can feel confident asking questions, learning about the culture and feeling more immersed in their surroundings, while you have the added assurance you can communicate in desperate situations.