Sherman's Travel

It seems that toy makers are now defining a “travel game” as any small diversion that can be easily packed in a bag. And while portability is certainly a plus, it does not always a travel game make.

The same goes for apps. They’re all portable by definition, but who’s to say which travel game apps are best? Me, I suppose. Here now, some apps that lend themselves to family fun and, dare I say it, learning.

Emma in Africa. For iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. $1.99

Full disclosure here, I also write for a safari company that recently sent me to Kenya. So when it comes to the yield of a Kenyan safari book app geared toward kindergarteners, my expectations may be a bit high. But I can report that Emma in Africa hits the right notes with its mix of simple storytelling, sounds, and factoids.

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There are easily hundreds of games and gadgets out there designed to make car travel more fun. And the feeling most of these products evoke is “So what?”

So my first rule when I’m recommending a product is that it must evoke an “Oh, that’s cool” versus a “so what.” Three of my cooler finds were post-worthy last year. My second rule is I don’t let manufacturers know beforehand that I’m reviewing their stuff.

That’s pretty much it for rules. The rest of the review process is unabashedly subjective. But, of course, I hope these gadgets evoke an “oh, that’s cool” from you, too.

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