Travel in the 21st century is a very different experience to what it was in years gone by, due in no small part to the most inescapable gadget of them all – our smartphones. These devices have removed a lot of the guesswork for travellers, as well as serving as all-round entertainment units for long journeys. Listen to an audiobook, play some games at real money casinos, or catch up on the news; some may argue that a smartphone is the only gadget you really need while travelling.
If you take that approach, then you’d be missing out. There are a ton of excellent and useful gadgets that should be included in any smart traveller’s suitcase or backpack. Here is our pick of the devices that can make any trip smooth, fun and hassle-free.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
These can be a real life-saver in a variety of situations, especially during long flights or train journeys. They can help you sleep more easily, enhance the sound quality of the in-flight entertainment or simply act as a deterrent to any chatty strangers that you may not want to interact with. Two good choices are the Sennheiser PCX550 or Sony WH-1000XM3, both of which have the option to be wired or wireless.
Portable Charger
That smartphone is just a hunk of useless metal and plastic if you can’t charge it, and when you are travelling you may not always be near an outlet. Portable chargers are the solution, and the type you choose may depend on the type of trip you are taking. For holidays to remote locations, hikes and camping trips, a solar-powered charger may be the answer. The Soluser portable charger is one of the best to be found, and it can provide up to 500 charges from full capacity. For regular portable chargers, Anker has cornered the market with its superior products.
Personal WiFi Hotspot
Another must-have if you want or need to stay connected while you are away is a mobile hotspot. Save money on international data, and connect even if you are far from civilization. The network is also secure, which can’t be said for some public WiFi. Verizon have a good one, and the device from GlocalMe also receives high user reviews. Check if the country you are travelling to is included in the coverage before deciding which to buy.
Compression Packing Cubes
For the organised traveller who wants to make the best possible use of the space in their suitcase, these packing cubes are just the ticket. Simply place your stacked clothes in the cube, and the compression zip will dramatically reduce the size of the pile. These are also perfect for anyone who likes to travel with only carry-on luggage, as you can fit so much more into a small space. The Gonex range are great quality, and the sturdy zips can stand repeated usage.
Waterproof Phone Case
Keep your phone safe and dry under any weather conditions, while still being able to use it. The case adds bulk to your phone, but at some point you’re sure to be grateful that you have it. LifeProof are generally regarded as producing the best and sturdiest cases, although they do come with a rather high price tag. Even so, you can drop your phone down a ravine, and as long as you’re able to retrieve it, a LifeProof case will probably keep it unscathed.
Universal Travel Adapter
You may have had a bad experience with some of the older, badly-made travel adapters that barely did the job they were supposed to do. Thankfully, modern universal adapters are of much higher quality. There are lots of smaller brands that make good products, so check out a couple of reviews, choose one that’s highly rated, and you won’t go wrong.
