The Must-Have Travel Tech Essentials for Modern Adventurers

In the digital age, we are surrounded by technology, and it has become an important part of our lives. Figuring out what you need to pack for a trip can be challenging—especially if you prefer to travel with just what you need. It can be hard to decide which Travel Tech Essentials gadgets are worth taking with you on your next adventure, so we’re here to help! From portable batteries and small space-taking devices to headphone adapters for planes, we’ve tested a number of items to see which really are the best travel tech essentials gadgets, and which aren’t worth the space. Don’t fill your suitcase with one-time-use items or throw in five old-school luggage when a next-generation option would be more appropriate.

Perhaps you’re looking to make your life easier while working abroad. Or, maybe you’re tired of balancing your phone on the edge to take a photo at just the right moment. In this article, to help you figure out what might be missing from your packing list, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite technology-related items, whether you’re traveling for fun or business. All of these accessories are available on Amazon and most are available on Prime, so you can grab them right away before your next trip.

Portable chargers and power banks

Portable chargers and power banks are external batteries that you can use to charge your electronic devices on the go. They are particularly useful for times when you’re away from an outlet and your device’s battery is running low.

Types of portable chargers and power banks:

Capacity: Power banks come in a variety of capacities, measured in milliamp hours (mAh). The higher the mAh, the more times you can charge your device. A 5,000mAh power bank can typically charge a smartphone once, while a 10,000mAh power bank can charge a smartphone two or three times.
Output: Power banks also have different output ratings, measured in watts (W). The higher the wattage, the faster your device will charge. A 2.1A output is standard for most power banks, but some offer faster outputs of up to 3A or more.

Things to consider when choosing a portable charger or power bank:

The capacity you need: Consider how often you will need to use the power bank and how many devices you will need to charge.
The output you need: If you need to charge your device quickly, choose a power bank with a higher output rating.
The size and weight: Power banks come in a variety of sizes and weights. Choose one that is portable and easy to carry with you.
The features you need: Some power banks have additional features, such as multiple USB ports, built-in cables, or wireless charging.

Popular brands of portable chargers and power banks:

Anker
Samsung
Xiaomi
RAVPower
Jackery

Choosing a portable charger can be overwhelming with all the options available. The key is finding the right balance between capacity, output, size, and features for your needs.

Travel adapters and converters

Travel adapters and converters are essential companions for any international globetrotter. They ensure your devices stay juiced and operational throughout your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between these two:

Function: Adapters simply change the physical shape of a plug to fit the outlet of a foreign country.
Voltage: They don’t convert voltage, so make sure your device can handle the local voltage (usually listed on the device or its power brick). Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are built to work with a range of voltages (100-240V), so you’ll likely only need an adapter in that case.
Selection: Universal adapters encompass a variety of plug configurations to fit outlets in most countries. Region-specific adapters cater to a particular country or continent.

Travel Converters

Function: Converters not only change the plug shape but also adjust the electrical voltage to a compatible level for your device.
Voltage: Crucial for appliances that cannot handle voltage fluctuations, like hair dryers, straighteners, or certain medical equipment.
Selection: Converters are typically bulkier than adapters and come in wattage capacities. Choose one with enough wattage to handle your appliance’s power requirements.

Choosing Between an Adapter or Converter

Check your device’s power supply or label. If it mentions “100-240V” or “Universal Input,” you only need a travel adapter.
If your device lacks that information or has a specific voltage rating (e.g., 110V), you’ll need a converter with matching wattage.

Purchase travel adapters or converters from reputable brands. Consider a universal adapter with built-in USB ports for versatile charging of various devices. Pack a surge protector for additional safety, especially in regions with unstable power grids.

Noise-canceling headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are a godsend for anyone who wants to block out unwanted ambient noise and truly immerse themselves in their music, audiobooks, podcasts, or even silence.

Here’s how noise-cancelling technology works:

Tiny microphones pick up external sounds around you.
The headphones then generate sound waves that are essentially inversions of those external noises.
These inverting waves are played through the speakers in the headphones, effectively cancelling out the unwanted noise.

The result? A peaceful, distraction-free audio experience.

Benefits of Noise-Cancelling Headphones:

Improved Focus: Block out distractions and concentrate on your work, studies, or reading in noisy environments like airplanes, cafes, or busy offices.
Enhanced Audio Quality: Noise cancellation allows you to hear the finer details of your music or audiobooks without cranking up the volume, which can damage your hearing over time.
Reduced Stress: Constant noise exposure can be stressful. Noise-cancelling headphones can help create a more serene acoustic environment.
Better Sleep: Whether you’re on a long flight or trying to doze off in a noisy environment, noise-cancelling headphones can significantly improve your sleep quality.

Things to Consider When Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise Cancellation Quality: Different headphones offer varying levels of noise cancellation effectiveness. Try them out if possible to see which ones work best for you.
Sound Quality: Since you’ll be using these headphones for audio, consider how important good sound reproduction is to you.
Comfort: Noise-cancelling headphones tend to be bulkier than regular headphones. Choose a pair that fits comfortably over or around your ears for extended wear.
Battery Life: Battery life is an important factor, especially if you plan on using your headphones for long stretches during travel.
Wired vs. Wireless: Wired headphones offer a more stable connection, but wireless headphones provide more freedom of movement.

Popular Brands of Noise-Cancelling Headphones:

Sony
Bose
Apple
Sennheiser
Bose

Noise-cancelling headphones offer an escape from distracting background noise. Tiny microphones detect external sounds, and the headphones emit counteracting sound waves to effectively mute them. This creates a peaceful environment for you to focus on work, music, or simply relax.

Smart luggage and tracking devices

Smart luggage and tracking devices are revolutionizing the way we travel, offering peace of mind, convenience, and even some techy perks.

Smart luggage integrates technology directly into the suitcase itself. Here are some of the features you might find:

GPS Tracking: Keep tabs on your suitcase’s location throughout your journey, reducing lost luggage woes.
Remote Locking: Use your smartphone app to lock and unlock your suitcase for added security.
Built-in Scale: Eliminate those airport weight surprises with a scale integrated right into the luggage.
Charging Capabilities: Some smart luggage comes with a built-in USB port so you can charge your devices on the go.
Self-driving Functionality: While still under development, some prototypes of smart luggage can even follow you through the airport!

Tracking Devices

If you’re not quite ready to invest in a whole new suitcase, smart tracking devices can be a great option for adding location tracking to your existing luggage. Here are two common types:

Bluetooth Trackers: These trackers use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect with your smartphone app within a limited range, typically up to 100-300 feet. They’re ideal for locating misplaced luggage nearby or being notified if your bag strays too far.
GPS Trackers: These trackers use GPS and cellular connectivity to pinpoint your luggage’s location anywhere in the world. This provides superior tracking ability but typically comes with a subscription fee.

Choosing Between Smart Luggage and Tracking Devices

Smart luggage offers a more integrated travel experience with its built-in features, but it comes at a higher price point and may not be airline-carry-on compatible due to size or battery restrictions. Tracking devices are a more affordable option that can be easily added to any bag, but their functionality is limited compared to the bells and whistles of smart luggage.

The best choice depends on your individual needs and travel style. With so many options available, there’s sure to be a smart luggage or tracking device that keeps your mind at ease and your belongings secure on your next adventure!

Travel apps for navigation and planning

Travel apps have become an essential part of any travel toolkit. They can help you with everything from planning your itinerary and navigating your way around to finding hidden gems and staying safe. Here are some of the best travel apps for navigation and planning:

Google Maps
- This is a classic for a reason. Google Maps is a comprehensive and user-friendly app that provides navigation, traffic updates, and information about businesses, points of interest, and public transportation. It also works offline, which can be a lifesaver in areas with spotty internet access.
Citymapper
- If you’re planning on using public transportation during your trip, Citymapper is a must-have app. It provides real-time information on buses, trains, subways, and ferries, including up-to-date schedules, delays, and fares. Citymapper can also help you plan your trip and find the most efficient route to your destination.
TripIt
- TripIt is a great app for keeping all of your travel plans in one place. It can automatically import your flight confirmations, hotel reservations, and other travel documents from your email and create a master itinerary for you. TripIt can also alert you to flight delays and cancellations, and it provides helpful tips and suggestions for your destination.
Rome2Rio
- Rome2Rio is a great app for figuring out how to get from point A to point B, no matter where in the world those points are. It can search for flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even driving directions. Rome2Rio also provides information on fares, travel times, and visa requirements.
Maps.me
- Another great offline maps app, Maps.me is a good option for travelers who want to avoid roaming charges. It provides detailed maps of cities and countries around the world, as well as information about businesses, points of interest, and public transportation. Maps.me also allows you to bookmark your favorite places and create custom itineraries.

These are just a few of the many great travel apps available. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect app to help you plan your next trip.

Portable Wi-Fi routers and hotspots

Portable Wi-Fi routers and hotspots are lifesavers for anyone who needs internet access on the go. They turn a cellular data connection from your phone or a prepaid SIM card into a Wi-Fi signal that you can share with your laptop, tablet, or other devices.

Here’s a Wi-Fi offer:

Convenience: Get Wi-Fi access anywhere with cellular service, ideal for travel, remote work, or places with unreliable internet.
Sharing: Share your internet connection with multiple devices, perfect for families or groups traveling together.
Flexibility: Use a prepaid SIM card for a specific region or your existing phone plan’s data (check data roaming charges).

There are two main types of portable Wi-Fi solutions:

Mobile Hotspots: These are dedicated devices with a built-in battery and cellular radio. They are compact, easy to use, and often have features like password protection and guest network options.
Travel Routers: These are more versatile devices that can also function as regular Wi-Fi routers at home. They may be larger than hotspots but offer more features like multiple Ethernet ports and stronger antennas for better range.

Choosing the Right Portable Wi-Fi Solution:

Battery Life: Consider how long you need your device to last on a single charge.
Data Usage: Think about how much data you’ll need and choose a plan or SIM card with sufficient data allowance.
Number of Devices: Pick a device that can support the number of devices you typically use simultaneously.
Speed: If speed is crucial, look for a device that supports the latest cellular standards like 4G LTE or even 5G for the fastest connections.

With a little planning and the right portable Wi-Fi solution, you can stay connected and productive wherever your travels take you!

Waterproof and shockproof phone cases

Waterproof and shockproof phone cases are a must-have for anyone who wants to protect their phone from the elements and accidents. These cases can withstand drops, bumps, scratches, dust, dirt, and even submersion in water.

Here are some of the benefits of using a waterproof and shockproof phone case:

Peace of mind: Knowing that your phone is protected from damage can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about dropping your phone in the pool, at the beach, or even in the toilet.
Extended phone life: A good quality waterproof and shockproof phone case can help to extend the life of your phone by protecting it from damage.
Increased functionality: Some waterproof and shockproof phone cases also come with built-in features such as screen protectors, kickstands, and holsters.

When choosing a waterproof and shockproof phone case, there are a few things to consider:

The level of protection you need: There are different levels of waterproof and shockproof protection available. Some cases are only water-resistant, while others can withstand complete submersion in water. Similarly, some cases are only designed to protect against minor drops, while others can withstand drops from several feet.
The fit of the case: The case should fit your phone snugly without being too bulky or difficult to put on and take off.
The features you want: Some waterproof and shockproof phone cases come with built-in features such as screen protectors, kickstands, and holsters. Decide which features are important to you and choose a case that has them.
The price: Waterproof and shockproof phone cases can range in price from around $10 to $50 or more. Decide how much you are willing to spend on a case before you start shopping.

Compact and versatile cameras

Compact cameras, also known as point-and-shoot cameras, are a great choice for anyone who wants a camera that is easy to carry and use. They are smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, making them ideal for travel, everyday carry, or capturing spur-of-the-moment shots. Despite their compact size, they offer a surprising amount of versatility, making them suitable for a variety of photography styles.

Here are some of the benefits of compact cameras:

Portability: Their compact size and lightweight design make them easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
Ease of use: They are generally very easy to use, with automatic settings that make it simple to capture great photos.
Image quality: Modern compact cameras can produce high-quality images with good resolution and low noise levels.
Versatility: Many compact cameras offer a variety of features, such as zoom lenses, wide-angle capabilities, and macro modes, making them suitable for a variety of photography styles.

Here are some of the most popular types of compact cameras:pen_spark

High-zoom compact cameras: These cameras offer a long zoom lens, making them ideal for capturing distant subjects or zooming in on details.
Large sensor compact cameras: These cameras have a larger sensor than most compact cameras, which results in better image quality in low-light conditions.
Fixed-lens compact cameras: These cameras have a lens that is not detachable, but they often offer a wider aperture than other compact cameras, which allows for more creative control over depth of field.
Rugged compact cameras: These cameras are designed to withstand water, dust, and shocks, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.

Choosing the right compact camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Image quality: How important is image quality to you? If you are looking for the best possible image quality, you may want to consider a large sensor compact camera.
Zoom: How much zoom do you need? If you plan on taking a lot of photos of distant subjects, you will need a camera with a long zoom lens.
Size and weight: How important is portability to you? If you are looking for a camera that you can easily carry with you all the time, you will want to choose a small and lightweight camera.
Features: What features are important to you? Some features to consider include image stabilization, RAW capture, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Price: How much are you willing to spend on a camera? Compact cameras range in price from around $100 to $1000 or more.

Here are some popular compact camera models to consider:

Sony RX100 VII: This is a high-end compact camera with a large 1-inch sensor, a long zoom lens, and a variety of advanced features.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III: This is a versatile compact camera with a large sensor, a good zoom lens, and a variety of features.
Fujifilm X100V: This is a fixed-lens compact camera with a large sensor and a classic rangefinder design.
Ricoh GR IIIx: This is a small and lightweight compact camera with a large sensor and a wide-angle lens.
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: This is a versatile compact camera with a large sensor, a good zoom lens, and a viewfinder.

Compact cameras, also known as point-and-shoots, are perfect for on-the-go photography. They’re small, light, and easy to use, making them ideal for travel, everyday carry, or capturing those unexpected moments. Despite their size, they offer impressive versatility for various photography styles.

Conclusion and final thoughts

The world of tech offers a variety of gadgets and gear to enhance your travels, daily routines, and creative pursuits. Whether you crave peace with noise-cancelling headphones or reliable internet access with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, there’s a perfect tech companion out there.

Remember, the key to choosing the right tech for you is considering your needs and preferences. Do you prioritize portability, functionality, or a balance of both? Once you have a good understanding of what you need, you can explore the various options available and make informed decisions.