I travel the world with an iPad 2 and an iPhone 5. Between the two I am always connected in some form to the outside world.
There has been many times were between the two I've gotten myself and my fellow co workers out of a travel disaster.
I'm on my iPad now....wouldn't go anywhere without the two.
On many of our road trips the wife and I go on the iPad both helps burn time with games, books, or movies and is also a great travel tool for finding camping spots, fueling stations, and places to eat.
Me personally I say go with the iPad. But that's my personal preference.
I'm looking to buy an iPad mini soon only because I want a smaller item to carry. Traveling as much as I do a year you try and travel as light as possible.