Travel alarm clocks can have varying instructions, depending on the type of clock you are using. Here are some tips for use that will apply to any alarm clock.

Power source

Travel alarm clocks will need to have some sort of power source. Depending on the type of alarm clock, it might be battery-powered or it might have a cord that needs to be plugged in. Battery-powered alarm clocks can take mini watch batteries, AAA batteries or sometimes AA batteries. Travel alarm clocks, because of their tiny size, usually have the small batteries that need to be bought from a watch store or a dollar store. Before you leave, make sure you have a working power source and can turn it on.

Changing the time

After you reach your final destination, power the alarm clock on. Now you'll need to set the time and date correctly. Check a watch, cell phone or television to get the exact time and locate the buttons or dials on your alarm clock. On some, there will be a "time" or an "hour" button you need to press and hold to activate the alarm time change. While you are holding it down, turn the dial, press the hour button or press the (+) button until you notice a time change. On others, simply pressing the hour or minute button will let you change the time shown.

Setting AM/PM

The AM/PM option is critical in setting your alarm clock correctly. Make sure the LCD display on your clock has a light beside the correct AM or PM setting, or look for the letters AM or PM on the display. If you get this wrong, the alarm won't go off in the morning!

Setting alarm time

To set the alarm time, look for a button or a switch that says alarm. If there is a switch, move it to the alarm setting. If it is a button, you'll need to hold it down until the time starts flashing, signaling time to change the hours and minutes to the desired alarm time, or hold it down while you press the hours and minutes buttons to reach the alarm time you want.

Turn alarm on

Now double-check that your regular and alarm times are correct by switching the switch back and forth again, or by pressing the alarm/time buttons long enough to read the time set. There should be a picture of a bell somewhere on your LCD display showing that the alarm is set to "on." If there isn't, look for the on/off alarm button and move it to the correct position.

Music options

The last step is finding the alarm wake-up option. Not all travel alarm clocks have this option, but if yours does there will be a switch or button that lets you choose to wake up by a buzzer, the radio, a CD, or another device.

About the Author

Devon Thoreau has been writing professionally since 2008. She writes freelance articles for "Maclean's Magazine" and the "Vancouver Sun." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Langara College.

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