Will somebody please invent a universal charger that people can use for everything from mobile phones to laptops? Perhaps technology-minded Filipinos can be the first to come up with what promises to be a sure bestseller.

I thought I had mastered the art of traveling light. Having traveled so much in the past, being away for weeks at a time and going to places where there were no porters at airports or train/bus depots and staying in very small hotels without bellhops, I learned to bring only what I could comfortably carry by myself, without forgetting the essentials.

All the hard-earned lessons are now being put to the test not just because airlines are putting strict limits on the weight of the luggage you can bring onboard (if you get the budget fare, you pay for every kilo of baggage), but primarily because of all the chargers you bring along. You bring a charger for your mobile phone, another one for the laptop or netbook, and yet another one for the digital or video camera or both, not to mention the iPad that more and more people consider essential.

If you have more than one mobile and they are of different brands, you bring chargers for all. Sometimes even mobiles of the same brand have different chargers. You may also want to bring plug adaptors to make sure you can use the chargers.

I estimate that all the chargers I carry weigh almost two kilos, which I have to pay for if I opt for budget fare.

Having a universal adaptor will not only save money but will, more importantly, lighten travelers’ loads.

Travel scams

Speaking of traveling, here are two travel scams—surprise fees and imposters—mentioned in “Tips to Avoid 6 Common Travel Scams” from the blog Care2 Make a Difference. The other four apply primarily to Americans.

A friend, who checked into a Bangkok hotel, found out he had to pay for the WiFi Internet service. He also had to pay extra if he wanted a room with a view.

As the article pointed out, “Surprise fees and charges are a problem in all corners of the travel industry, from hotels and resorts to airline tickets. Travel companies are legally allowed to quote ridiculously low prices and then tack on fees for things you expected to be included, such as use of the gym or pool, or the right to check your bags.

Even if you don’t use the gym or pool, resorts can require all guests to pay their “resort fee,” which can make your vacation a lot more expensive than you expected. Experts recommend using a travel agency that will give you an “all in” quote so you know exactly how much you’ll be paying before you go.

Imposters, of course, have been a problem here—from people pretending to be police officers to “nice” strangers who befriend foreign tourists. The article added, “For example, it’s becoming increasingly common for scammers to call hotel guests in the middle of the night claiming to be the front desk. They say there was a problem with your credit card and need the number again, counting on the fact that you’re too sleepy to be suspicious.

“In other countries, scammers will pose as ‘tourist police,’ and demand to check your wallet for counterfeit money. They’ll look official and may even flash a badge, but after they disappear you’ll realize your cash went with them,” it said.

The article also mentioned “hotel inspectors,” particularly in some European countries, who would claim that they had to check your room. “One distracts you while the other helps himself to valuables left on the dresser or desk. Don’t let them in, even if they look official,” it warned.

Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected].