Travel tech and gadgets can make a big difference to your travel experience. They make long flights more comfortable, let you use your phone or laptop for longer, and solve annoying problems like losing your AirPods down the side of your seat!
As a professional travel writer, I spend a lot of time traveling to new places in the United States and overseas. Sometimes I travel on my own or with friends, and other times my husband and kids accompany me.
So I’m used to dealing with travel-related problems like my phone running out of charge or my wireless headphones not working with the plane’s entertainment system.
Making a packing list is a major part of preparing for any trip, which is why I include it in my pre-travel checklist.
Of course, you’ll need to tailor your packing list for the type of trip you’re embarking on. A cruise packing list for a cruise vacation in Scandinavia will look very different from a packing list for a beach vacation in Mexico.
But some things are essential for every trip, such as a well-stocked travel first aid kit or the perfect travel gadgets.
So I’ve compiled a list of the best travel gadgets to help you prepare for your next trip. These are the tried and tested items that I rely on for all of my business trips and vacations. All of these items are available in one handy list on the Wanderlux Amazon Storefront.
How to choose Travel Tech Gadgets
There are a few things to consider when you’re choosing which travel gadgets to buy.
First of all, it’s a good idea to ask for personal recommendations from people who have used the device you’re considering. This is the best way to find out whether it’s reliable and worth buying.
If you can’t find a personal recommendation, online reviews and recommendations from experienced travel writers (like this one!) are a good alternative.
Space is often limited when you’re packing for a vacation or business trip. This means lightweight, compact gadgets are usually a better choice than heavy, bulky devices.
Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget. If you’re a frequent traveler or traveling for work, it can be worth spending a little more on travel tech.
On the Move
Picking the right gear can make a big difference on long trips. These are some of the best travel accessories that I now pack for every trip.
AirTags and Holder Case
Apple AirTags are one of my top travel essentials because they’re a great way to keep track of your belongings and even your people. Some airlines are now integrating with AirTags to alert you of your bag’s movements.
It takes just a few minutes to set up an AirTag and pair it to your Apple iPhone or iWatch. These AirTag-compatible keychains turn these Bluetooth trackers into clip-on luggage tags, and you can keep track of your checked luggage using Find My App.
This is particularly useful when you’ve got a layover en route, as your checked luggage will be moved off one plane and onto another.
You can share an AirTag with up to five people. This makes it great for keeping track of a personal item that multiple people use, such as car rental keys. AirTags are IP67 water and dust-resistant, and the keychain holder is made from a waterproof silicone material.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can also use an AirTag-compatible wristband and stop worrying about them being out of your sight. This is a great way to keep track of them when you go out for the day.
Overall, AirTags are an easy way to get a little extra peace of mind when you travel.
CobCobb Ultra Strong Magnetic AirPod Pro Strap
If you’ve ever dropped your AirPods down the side of your seat on a plane, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to retrieve them.
These CobCobb Magnetic AirPod Pro Straps are the best way to keep track of your AirPods when you travel. They’re also handy if you wear your AirPods for running or working out at the gym
The straps slide onto the end of the AirPod and are grippy enough that the headphones don’t fall out. They also have ultra-strong magnets that secure the strap to its other side that won’t damage your earphones. Fitting them is really easy and just takes two seconds.
It might seem crazy to make your wireless headphones wired again, but I never use my AirPods on a plane without this handy gadget now.
SnugPlug
This next item is one that my husband researched to solve a frustrating problem.
He was trying to charge his laptop on an airplane and became tired of the heavy charging brick falling out of the flimsy outlets. The outlets on airplanes are often angled, which makes it really easy for plugs to drop out. On top of that, the limited space makes it hard to reach down and retrieve the cord.
These little plastic SnugPlugs fit safely into an outlet and they make the fit a little tighter, keeping your plugs properly in the socket. It’s a simple device, but it’s enough to stop the plug from falling out, saving you time and frustration.
My husband was so impressed, he won’t travel without them now!
SnugPlugs are super inexpensive and come in a pack of 10. One thing I would say is that they’re very small and clear, so they’re easy to lose. I’d recommend buying a couple of packs and storing a few in a dedicated place in your carry-on bag.
Twelve South AirFly Pro
The Twelve South AirFly Pro is ideal for frequent fliers as it lets you connect Bluetooth headphones to a wired entertainment system.
Airplanes with older in-flight entertainment systems often require wired headphones. However, you might not have wired headphones or want to use the headphones provided by the airline.
You simply pair the Twelve South AirFly Pro to your Bluetooth headphones, then plug the device into a wired headphone slot. You can also use it to connect to gym equipment, TVs, and gaming devices.
The Twelve South AirFly Pro has 25 hours of battery life, which is enough even for long-haul flights. The newer version has the ability to pair to 2 different sets of headphones, allowing you and a companion to share the same viewing experience.
Sound and Vision
This is my pick of the best travel gadgets for capturing memories in photos and videos. I’ve also included a fantastic speaker to add the soundtrack to your travels.
DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo
I don’t personally own this drone, but I’ve used this one owned by a friend on previous trips. It’s awesome and easy enough for beginners to use – I’m basically obsessed with it!
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is an ultra-light drone that is so small, it can sit in the palm of your hand. It’s very easy to use, and takes amazing 4K HDR video and images up to 50MP resolution. Features like enhanced stability and customizable tracking modes help you keep everything in focus for the best possible results.
There’s also 42GB of internal storage, which gives you plenty of storage space before you’ll need to download photos and videos.
The drone comes with three batteries and a charging hub. Each battery gives you up to 36 minutes of flying time, and charging all three batteries takes under 2 hours.
Flying the DJI Mini 5 Pro is really easy, and I’m really impressed with the quality of its photos and videos. It would make the perfect gift for a keen traveler.
However, be sure to check your destination’s regulations and registration requirements for drone users before you fly.
DJI Osmo Action 6
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is a fantastic sports camera that’s ideal for filming vlogs or capturing family vacation videos.
It’s ideal for making videos of swimming, snorkelling, or watersports, as the camera is waterproof down to 65ft. You can also purchase an additional waterproof case that lets you use the camera at depths of 200ft.
This versatile action camera delivers crystal-clear 38MP still photos and video up to 8K resolution, while the two internal DJI microphones let you capture audio without an external mic. The built-in 50GB of storage means you can film for longer without needing to stop and change cards.
I own one of these cameras, and I’ve used it on trips to take photos and film videos underwater. It gives amazing results, and I cannot wait to use it on every trip we take now.
Bose SoundLink
I love this little Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker, which is perfect to take on vacation. It’s small enough to fit easily in your case but still produces clear sound quality.
The speaker has a rugged silicone case to protect it from knocks and falls. It’s also IP67 certified, which means it’s tested for protection against dust as well as immersion in water for up to 30 minutes. That makes it perfect to use on the beach or by the pool, and you can even take it in the shower!
It has a tear-resistant silicone strap that you can use to secure the speaker to your beach cooler or backpack. There’s also an integrated microphone so you can use the speaker to take phone calls.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches are ideal if you don’t have a waterproof camera but want to take photos underwater. The generous 8.9” size will fit nearly all iPhones and most other phones.
These fully-sealed pouches are IPX8 certified, which means they protect your device at depths over 1 meter and for extended periods of time. They also have a touch-responsive window that lets you use your phone while it’s still in the pouch.
This makes the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches perfect for every type of travel, from rainy hikes to snorkelling or kayaking. If you’re visiting a theme park like Disney World or Universal Studios, they’ll keep your phone dry on the water rides.
They’re perfect for capturing the view from your balcony on a cruise and will even protect your phone from sand on a beach vacation.
Chargers
A reliable charger is an absolute must-have for long travel days. I always have at least one with me whenever I travel, and I’ll pack multiple chargers if I’m traveling with my whole family.
I have used every model listed below, and I really like the Anker brand as their products are very reliable. One of these chargers would make a great gift for a frequent traveler.
It’s essential to find the right power bank for your needs, so I’ve listed a few different options. Some of these chargers will charge multiple devices at the same time. Others are light enough to let you carry on using your phone while it charges.
It’s also important to check that the charger you buy offers enough power for the devices you want to charge. For example, a laptop will need a charger with a higher power rating than a phone.
Anker 735 Charger
The Anker 735 Charger is a fast 3-Port charger block that charges up to three devices at the same time.
If you plug in just one device, you get high-speed recharging that will power up a 2020 MacBook Pro 13″ at full speed. Attach multiple devices, and the charger will cleverly distribute power to give the most efficient charge on each device.
And all of this power comes from a compact charger about the same size as an AirPods Pro case.
Anker 715 Charger
The Anker 715 Charger is a small charger with a foldable plug, making it a great addition to your travel tech kit.
Although it’s petite, it packs enough power to charge your phone, tablet, or USB-C notebook. A 2020 MacBook Air will take around 2 hours to charge, so you can keep working or watching movies for longer.
Anker Nano 3 Charger
The Anker Nano 3 Charger is the perfect choice if you’re looking for the slimmest and lightest power bank possible. It has an innovative folding plug design that makes recharging the power bank simple.
This ultra-compact charger is 70% smaller than regular chargers, but it will still charge your earbuds, smartphone, or iPad Mini at full speed. Charging an iPhone 17 to 50% takes just 21 minutes, making it perfect for a quick top-up before you head out.
You can even use it to top up your MacBook Air, removing the need to carry multiple chargers.
Anker MacBook Charger
This high-speed Anker MacBook charger is perfect for Apple users who travel regularly for work. A single charge for a MacBook Pro will take just 1 hour and 20 minutes, so it’s ideal if you want to keep working on long flights.
As well as Apple devices, this charger is also compatible with almost any other laptop and devices. This includes phones, drones, and gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch.
This charger comes with a 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable. Its compact size means you can easily slip it into your purse, carry-on, or laptop bag.
Anker Power Bank PowerCore 10K
Most of these power banks are ideal for charging smartphones, tablets, and other small devices like wireless earbuds or gaming devices. They will usually work on a laptop, but the charger’s low power output means charging takes longer.
The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is one of the slimmest and lightest 10,000mAh chargers on the market. It will charge your laptop quickly, as well as being suitable for charging phones and other devices.
The PowerCore Slim 10K has a rugged yet lightweight design that makes it perfect for travel. It also comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable.
charmast Small Portable Charger
Taking photos and videos or using translation and navigation apps will soon eat through your battery. Although battery packs are a lot smaller and lighter than they used to be, they can still be quite bulky in your purse or daypack.
This charmast portable charger is incredibly compact, around the size of a lipstick. That means you can easily slip it into your purse or pocket. It clips straight onto your iPhone so you can use your phone without trailing cables getting in the way.
Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo)
The Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger is a slim and light wireless battery pack designed for the iPhone 14 or 15.
It’s slim enough to allow you to carry on taking photos or making calls while your phone is charging. It’s Magsafe-compatible and snaps easily onto the back of your iPhone with ultra-strong magnets.
The charger also comes with a 60 cm USB-C to USB-C cable for standard charging.
Adapters, Extenders, and Organizers
These are my top picks for devices that I pack regularly for a business trip or vacation.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
You’ll need to pack a travel adapter for trips outside the United States. If you’re a frequent traveler, an all-in-one adapter saves buying different adapters for different countries.
This compact EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter works with 4 different plug types in over 200 countries. I usually pack one or two per person as we have a lot of devices to charge.
The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter has 1 x AC socket, 1 USB-C port, and 4 A-type USB ports. It’s ideal for charging up to 6 devices at high speed in your hotel room or villa.
However, this worldwide adapter is not a voltage converter. If you’re planning to use high-power appliances like a hair dryer or straighteners, you may need to buy a voltage converter suitable for your destination.
Philips 3-Outlet Extender
An extender is another good addition to your packing list, as it allows you to power multiple devices from one outlet.
The Philips 3-Outlet Extender has three AC outlets and a cube design that gives easy access to outlets in awkward spaces or behind furniture.
It works with grounded, 3-prong plugs, and also includes a surge protection rating of 245 joules. This will protect your devices from damage in the event of a power surge.
FYY Electronic Organizer
You’ll need something to store all your travel tech, and I highly recommend the FYY Electronic Organizer.
It has enough space to keep cables and chargers organized, and there’s room for USB drives or even a spare mouse. The durable waterproof case comes in a range of colors, and it fits easily into your carry-on, backpack, or laptop bag.
I have one of these cases for each family member, and I carry mine every single time I travel. It’s also a good idea if you’re gift-shopping for a keen traveler.
The Wrap Up
That completes my selection of the top travel gadgets and tech that I pack for vacations and business trips.
All of these items make traveling easier and more comfortable for my family and me, and I hope they’ll make your next trip more enjoyable too!
What’s your must-pack travel gadget?
