Word Lens is a very cool app for the iPad/iPhone. It uses your built-in camera to translate on the go. There are 3 language options available (Spanish, French & Italian). Each language is sold separately for $4.99 as an in-app purchase. To see how the technology works you can download the app and try the included mode which reverses words. There is no network required and it is easy to use.  The developers acknowledge that it is not perfect but it certainly would give you the general meaning of the text. It works best with clearly printed text and does not recognize handwriting or fancy fonts.

I would definitely try this app if I were traveling to a country that spoke one of the available languages 🙂