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Travel Tech Gadgets I Can’t Go Anywhere Without Anymore

Connor Manion
Written By Connor Manion
Original Publish Date: Oct 20, 2024, 09:50 PM
Last updated: Feb 19, 2025, 09:05 PM
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Travel Tech Gadgets
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Traveling used to be about just grabbing a suitcase and heading off, but these days, I find myself packing more thoughtfully, especially when it comes to tech. With the right travel gadgets, a trip becomes less of a hassle and more of a smooth experience, whether I’m off for a quick work meeting or a leisurely getaway. As someone who’s been on the road countless times, I’ve learned the value of having the right tools by my side. Some gadgets might seem like luxuries at first, but after a few trips, they become essential.

There’s something about the convenience and peace of mind that comes with travel tech. We’re all looking for that little bit of comfort or efficiency on long flights and crowded airports. Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of gadgets, but only a handful truly stand out as the ones I’d recommend to anyone.

Smartwatch

I didn’t think I’d care much for a smartwatch, to be honest. But after realizing how useful it is to have one on my wrist while traveling, the Cubitt Viva Pro Smartwatch has become a must-have for any trip. It’s not about having a mini-phone strapped to your arm; it’s about the convenience that comes with it. The built-in GPS is a lifesaver when you’re navigating through unfamiliar streets without constantly pulling out your phone. Plus, its stress and sleep monitoring is surprisingly useful when you’re trying to balance travel excitement with actual rest.

This watch doesn’t just stop at the basics. It tracks over 60 sports, keeps an eye on your heart rate, and even has blood oxygen monitoring—all while looking sleek and waterproof enough to handle whatever your trip throws at it. And yeah, you can take Bluetooth calls on it too, which is just an added bonus when your hands are full juggling luggage or a cup of coffee. It’s one of those gadgets you don’t realize you need until you start using it, and now I don’t travel without it.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

It’s hard to remember the last time I boarded a plane without a pair of noise-cancelling headphones in my bag. Airplane engines, chatty neighbors, and the general hum of a busy airport can get overwhelming fast. My current favorite is the Sony WH-1000XM5, known for its top-notch noise cancellation and crisp sound quality. I asked some of my tech friends, too, and the Sony XM series was a clear winner, with some even voting for the XM4 and XM3 as better options than the XM5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 came in a close second, but with so many high-quality headphone options on the market right now, we’re really spoiled for choice.

Long-haul flights feel less stressful when I can pop on my headphones and block out the world. Plus, the XM series is comfortable enough for hours of wear, with a battery life that won’t quit mid-flight. I use them to catch up on podcasts, tune into a new album, or even watch a movie on my iPad without being distracted by everything around me. I’ve come to rely on them so much that it’s hard to imagine sitting through a flight without them. Trust me—once you’ve used a pair of solid noise-canceling headphones, you’ll never go back to basic earbuds on a plane.

Portable Charger or Power Bank

You know that sinking feeling when you’re mid-adventure, trying to figure out directions, and your phone hits 5%? Yeah, been there way too many times. That’s why the Anker PowerCore 10000 has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag. This tiny powerhouse has saved me from more “battery anxiety” moments than I can count.

The slim power bank is easy to carry in my bag or even my pocket, and powerful enough to charge my phone multiple times. There’s something reassuring about knowing that no matter where I am—whether it’s a remote location with no outlets in sight or just a busy day in the city—I won’t be left with a dead phone. If you’re going to invest in any travel tech, a power bank is a must. No more frantic searches for charging stations at the airport or bargaining with café staff for an outlet.

Universal Travel Adapter

Travel Tech

For international travelers, a universal travel adapter is non-negotiable. I learned this lesson the hard way on a trip to Europe years ago when I found myself unable to charge anything because I didn’t have the right plug adapter. Now, I don’t go anywhere without a reliable universal adapter. Make sure the one you get is compatible with outlets in multiple countries if you’re a frequent traveler like I am.

I personally prefer the Ceptics travel plug because it comes in a pack of three compact adapters, so I can charge several devices at once—my phone, tablet, and even my wireless headphones. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack, and it’s saved me from scrambling for chargers at hostels, hotels, and cafés. This little gadget keeps all my essential tech running smoothly, and I never have to worry about whether I’m prepared for the local outlet situation.

Smart Luggage Tracker

Travel Tech

One thing every traveler dreads is losing their luggage, and I’ve had more than a few close calls. To give myself some peace of mind, I started using my Apple AirTag. It’s a simple but incredibly useful gadget and if you don’t want to toss it in your luggage and lose it in a pile of all your belongings, you can get a protective AirTag holder with carabiner, which allows you to hook it onto your keys, bag, and even your pet collar.

With an AirTag, I can quickly pull up the app and see exactly where my suitcase is. It might seem like a small thing, but that sense of control over my belongings in an otherwise chaotic environment is priceless. Plus, it’s not just for luggage. I’ve hooked it onto backpacks and even camera bags during busy travel days, so I can keep an eye on everything that matters.

E-Reader

For me, no trip is complete without a good book (or five). But lugging around physical books takes up too much space, so I’ve fully converted to an e-reader. My current travel companion is the Kobo Clara 2E, which ticks all the boxes for portability and convenience. It’s lightweight, fits easily into my bag, and the battery life is impressive—I can go days without needing to charge it.

Beyond the obvious space-saving advantage, I love that I can carry a whole library with me. Whether I’m waiting for a flight, lounging by the pool, or just enjoying some quiet time at a café, I’ve got instant access to anything I feel like reading. Plus, the glare-free screen means I can read comfortably even in bright sunlight, which is a big deal for those beach vacations.

Bluetooth Transmitter

Travel Tech

Here’s a gadget I didn’t realize I needed until I started using it—a Bluetooth transmitter. It’s perfect for planes or older cars that don’t have Bluetooth connectivity. I use the Twelve South AirFly, which plugs into the headphone jack on in-flight entertainment systems or rental cars, allowing me to use my wireless headphones without dealing with tangled cords.

I can’t tell you how convenient it is to ditch the wired earbuds, especially on long flights when I want to move around freely without worrying about getting tangled up. It’s a small gadget that’s easy to overlook, but once you’ve experienced the freedom of using wireless headphones everywhere, you won’t want to go back.

Tablet

If I’m traveling for work, my tablet is one of the first things I pack. I use an iPad Pro, which is light enough to carry everywhere but powerful enough to handle anything from writing articles to editing photos. It’s also my go-to device for entertainment during downtime—whether that’s streaming shows or catching up on the news. Make sure to get a protective case for your iPad when traveling to keep it protected from scratches.

The versatility of a tablet is unbeatable. I can use it as a notebook during meetings, as a camera for quick shots, and as a media player for those long layovers. While my laptop is usually reserved for heavier tasks, the tablet bridges the gap between work and leisure, making it the perfect all-rounder for travel.

Related: Best iPad Screen Protectors

Smart Water Bottle

Travel Tech

Staying hydrated while traveling is something I used to neglect, but ever since I started using the HidrateSpark smart water bottle, that’s no longer a problem. This gadget tracks your water intake and syncs with an app on your phone to remind you to drink throughout the day. It might sound simple, but trust me, those reminders are lifesavers when you’re jetting between flights or exploring a new city all day.

What’s great is that it doesn’t just nag you—it lights up in different colors to grab your attention in the most fun way possible. Plus, it tracks how much water you’ve consumed, so you can easily see if you’re hitting your hydration goals. It’s a small, sleek bottle that’s easy to carry, and I’ve found myself reaching for it even when I’m not traveling.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Travel TechFor those moments when you want to enjoy some music or a podcast while you’re winding down at your hotel, a portable Bluetooth speaker has become an essential part of my travel gear. I carry the JBL Flip 6, which is small enough to pack without adding weight, but it delivers impressive sound quality that can fill any room.

Whether it’s for listening to music on a solo road trip or providing background tunes for a picnic in the park, this speaker has proven to be more versatile than I expected. The battery life lasts for hours, and its waterproof design means I don’t have to worry about spills or unexpected rain while I’m out. It’s become one of those gadgets I always toss into my bag without thinking twice.

Digital Luggage Scale

Airlines have a habit of surprising you with overweight luggage fees, and I’ve definitely fallen victim to this before. Now, I don’t leave for a trip without a digital luggage scale. I love this compact one from Travel Inspira, which costs less than $10 and has a capacity of 110 lbs. It takes just a few seconds to check the weight of my bags before heading to the airport, saving me the stress of re-packing at the check-in counter.

It’s small enough to slip into a suitcase pocket, so I can always double-check my bags on the way back if I’ve done a bit too much shopping. Having this tool has saved me more than a few headaches, and it’s definitely a gadget I can’t travel without anymore.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

Staying connected is essential when traveling, especially in areas where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable. For this, I rely on the NETGEAR Nighthawk portable Wi-Fi hotspot. It gives me reliable internet access wherever I go, without having to worry about searching for public Wi-Fi or dealing with unreliable hotel connections.

What I love most about NETGEAR is its global coverage, so I don’t need to buy new SIM cards for every country I visit. I can connect up to 20 devices to it. It’s especially useful when I’m traveling with a group or need to get some work done on my laptop. It’s not just about convenience—it’s become a necessary travel tool for me to stay connected no matter where I am.

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Connor Manion
Connor Manion
Tech Gadgets Traveling
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