tech for travel

The 27 best travel gadgets in 2023

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For today's traveler, a packing list includes not only their daily wear and toiletries, but also tech gadgets: a phone, maybe a laptop or tablet, and possibly a smartwatch. You may also be wondering, what other gizmos are worth lugging around? As it turns out, there's a lot to consider.

Whether you're on a long-haul flight, a never-ending road trip, or just jetting around your destination, there are plenty of travel-appropriate tech gadgets that can make your next trip a breeze.

From gear to ensure you're charged up to a TSA-approved massage gun to ail the aches of travel, here are our favorite travel tech gadgets and accessories to ensure you're ready for anything that comes your way.

For keeping an eye on your valuables, put a Tile Pro or Apple AirTag in your checked baggage. We recommend Tile because it works for both Android and Apple devices, while utilizing the Tile user network to help you locate things that are much further away.

On the flipside: Apple's AirTag offers the same features, but only works with Apple devices. The AirTag connects to the Find My app built into every iPhone and iPad, which theoretically means it taps into a wider network of users to locate your item. Whichever you choose, consider a tracker in your luggage as personal insurance.

Insta360 X3 Camera

Sure, the best camera is the phone that's in your pocket, but if there's a reason to bring along an additional shooter, make it the the X3. This 360-degree camera works alongside a companion app on your phone and captures everything surrounding you. No longer will you need to choose what to frame. But what makes this camera truly fun are the special effects you can create, which will make your vacation photos and videos stand out from the crowd.

Sony WH-100XM5 Headphones

If you want the latest and greatest in over-ear noise-canceling performance, it's the Sony WH-100XM5s . The XM5s sport an updated design with a narrower headband and wider earcups for a roomier fit. The drivers have been updated and the ANC (active noise cancellation) performance has been kicked up a notch thanks to two processors and eight noise-canceling microphones, up from the four microphones found on the previous-gen XM4s. Speaking of the XM4s, they're still a great option and cost $50 less .

Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro was released back in 2021, but they continue to be one of our favorite wireless earbuds. It packs the same features you'd get in the AirPod Pros, but in a more secure, sweat-resistant package. This year, Beats introduced three new eye-catching colors: coral pink , volt yellow , and tidal blue .

Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds

It's a good idea to have a pair of wired earbuds to toss in your bag for a flight, especially since most in-seat entertainment systems have yet to roll out support for Bluetooth. And while there are plenty to choose from, Panasonic's ErgoFit is a tried-and-true budget pair you won't regret. Available in more than 15 colors, these earbuds are as basic as you can get, but they'll get the job done for under $20. Just note that you'll need a Lightning adapter for Apple devices .

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

If you own an iPhone 12 or newer and want to take advantage of MagSafe technology, this portable battery pack from Anker has a capacity of 5,000mAh, which is more juice than Apple's MagSafe battery pack , which is rated at 1,460mAh. The 622 is capable of wirelessly charging your phone at a max of 7.5 watts, but its best feature is the travel-friendly built-in kickstand. If you're looking for more power, Anker also sells a 10,000mAh version .

For more picks, check out our guide on the best MagSafe battery packs .

Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe

Apple stans will appreciate Mophie's 3-in-1 charger , which has dedicated charging spots for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. We're not sure what we like more: the convenient carrying case or that it comes complete with a 30W USB-C wall adapter.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The Instax Mini 12 is Fujifilm's newest camera, and just like its predecessor, it's a one-button instant camera that's so easy to use that even kids can operate it. The Instax Mini 12 improves on the lineup's winning formula by adding a new lens that you can twist to enable "close-up" mode. The entry-level instant camera works with Instax Mini film , which is widely available. Plus it runs on replaceable AA batteries, so you'll never have to worry about running out of power.

Anker 747 Charger

If you're a frequent traveler, you need a multiport charging hub. And Anker's GaNPrime-powered 747 Charger is one of the best you can buy right now . With three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and 150W charging capacity, this compact charger can charge multiple devices — laptops, tablets, smartphones, or other small devices — quickly and all at once. And thanks to GaNPrime technology, the 747 is smart enough to identify how many devices are connected and how much output each device needs.

Native Union Belt Cable Universal

When it comes to cables, it pays to have a spare just in case you lose one. For that, we recommend this universal cable from Native Union. Measuring at 6.5 feet long and made from braided nylon, the cord can quickly transition between micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors.

Bellroy Tech Kit

A dedicated tech bag can turn the roost of cables, cords, and techy accessories you travel with into a well-organized mobile workstation. While you should shop around to find a tech organizer bag that suits your particular needs, the Tech Kit from Bellroy is a quality option. It features a soft-shell body for added structure and protection, along with loops, pockets, and compartments to neatly store your essentials. It's also available in a compact size .

For more options, check out our guide on the best tech organizer bags .

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

The Champ Charger is one of Nimble's smallest and lightest power banks, but it still packs a punch. It's designed to top up smaller devices, and supports up to 15W of charging through one USB-A port and one USB-C port. The battery's 10,000mAh capacity is enough to charge your phone or tablet for a weekend of use. Bonus: Nimble is a certified B Corp with a commitment to sustainable consumerism currently unmatched in the consumer tech industry, from using non-traditional materials and plastic-free packaging, to its free e-waste recycling program.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6

Unfortunately, nobody wants to watch your vacation videos if they're nauseatingly bouncy, no matter how beautiful the scenery is. To capture rock-steady footage with smooth pans and tilts — think Hollywood-style cinematography — put your phone into what is the best gimbal for consumers. It's easy to operate, and the built-in telescoping pole lets you capture selfies with a wider view.

Moft Invisible Laptop Stand

When you're on the road, ergonomics is a challenge. Moft's "invisible" laptop stand is an ultra-thin portable stand that won't add any weight to your laptop, and only takes a second to put into action. It has two elevation angles (15 and 25 degrees), which you can adjust to whichever is more convenient for your sitting posture. Moft also sells stands for other devices, including the iPad and iPhone .

Epicka Universal Travel Power Adapter

If you're jet-setting across the world, a universal travel adapter is a must. And you won't find one that'll meet most simple charging needs than Epicka's all-in-one adapter. This handy plug is designed for phones, laptops, and other smaller devices. The retractable prongs allow it to work in more than 150 countries, and it has six charging ports: four USB ports, one USB-C port, and one universal AC socket.

Backbone One Mobile Controller

For gaming on the road, we recommend the Nintendo Switch . But if you're looking for an alternative with even better portability, we highly recommend the Backbone One Mobile Controller, which can turn gaming on your iPhone or Android phone into a first-class handheld console experience. The Backbone One gives you joysticks and buttons, so it's comfortable for long playing sessions, and it works with mobile titles as well as cloud-gaming services like Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play.

Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

With Yogasleep's Rohm Travel Sound Machine , you can rest easily wherever the road takes you. It features three modes: bright white noise, deep white noise, and "gentle surf." And unlike other portable sound machines, it's powered by a rechargeable battery instead of disposable batteries. If you're looking for something more baby-friendly, the Hushh Compact Sound Machine features a soft LED night light and child-safe locks.

GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera

If you can only pack one camera for travel, make it the new GoPro Hero 12 Black. An evolution of the already impressive Hero 11 Black , it's small enough to fit in the tightest corners of a bag, yet it is on par with much larger cameras, thanks to 12 generations of innovation. This latest version of GoPro's storied Hero camera can shoot high-dynamic-range video for improved contrast and coloring, a wider field-of-view lens to capture more of a scene, and Bluetooth support for headphones. Plus, it has the best in-camera stabilization yet. It's built to withstand bumps, drops, and splashes, and a great smartphone app lets you upload your footage to social media wherever you are.

Kensington Privacy Screens

When you think of tech privacy while traveling, you might think of VPNs , which allow you to connect to the internet through a secure server so you can work securely and remotely. But for added security, don't overlook privacy screens. Kensington sells a number of reliable privacy screens — some attached with magnets, others by an adhesive, depending on your laptop or tablet — that reduces viewing angles and filters blue light .

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Overweight baggage fees can cost an arm and a leg and who knows what else, and they're especially tricky when traveling internationally. Etekcity's luggage scale is reliable and accurate, plus it's ultra portable and weighs under five ounces to easily fit in your bag.

TwelveSouth AirFly

A tiny dongle that lets you use your wireless headphones for in-flight entertainment? How smart. TwelveSouth's AirFly plugs into the audio jack so you can hear airline TV screens using your own personal headphones. And with more than 20 hours of battery life, it could last even the most long-haul flights. If you've got a travel companion, the AirFly Duo lets you connect two pairs of headphones at once. And for car rides in older vehicles, the AirFly Pro lets you stream from your phone to the stereo's aux-in port.

Logitech K380 Keyboard

Logitech's K380 keyboard is an excellent portable set of keys that has a small footprint that will make working even in the most cramped spaces a little more comfortable. It connects to any device that supports Bluetooth and pairs with up to three devices, which is perfect if you're switching between a laptop, tablet, and phone. It's ultra quiet, and can last two years one just two AAA batteries.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

The newest ultra-portable speaker from Ultimate Ears, the Wonderboom 3 is a 360-degree speaker that should fulfill your travel needs. It has battery life of up to 14 hours on a single charge. There's an "Outdoor Boost" mode that cranks up the bass, and it can float if you throw it in water. This is a versatile little speaker that can also pair with another Wonerboom speaker for stereo sound.

Kindle Paperwhite

Easily one of the best Kindles you can buy right now , the 11th-generation Kindle Paperwhite includes a larger 6.8-inch, high-resolution display, adjustable warm lighting, responsive page-turning, and USB-C charging. The base Paperwhite comes with 8GB of storage, which should be plenty for most people (that's around 3,000 e-books).

Hypervolt Go 2

A must-have for preventing and easing the aches and pains of traveling, the Hypervolt Go 2 weighs just 1.5 pounds and lasts up to 3 hours on a single charge. With three speeds and two interchangeable heads, it can do wonders for a stiff neck, sore muscles, back pain and more. It's also surprisingly quiet. The Go 2 is TSA-approved, as long as it's packed in your carry-on. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a travel case.

Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod

Whether it's for timelapses, self-portraits, or video calls, a phone tripod can be surprisingly handy when you're on the go. Manfrotto makes some of the best travel tripods in the world, and its Pixi Mini Tripod folds up small (you can also use this tripod as a grip) and weighs less than a pound. Unlike some tripods, the Pixi Mini can be used with different types of phones thanks to its universal clamp.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

If you're not traveling with a streaming stick, you're missing out on a simple travel hack. You can plug it into your hotel room or Airbnb's TV and stream your favorite movies and shows. Roku's Streaming Stick 4K is well-suited for travel, and will give you great picture quality, whether streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR. Just don't forget to bring the physical Roku remote.

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Main content

34 Cool Travel Gadgets for Flights and Road Trips This Holiday

Consider these useful picks to solve your travel blues.

best travel gadgets and travel electronics

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

TRAVEL GADGETS are a blessing and a curse. In the worst way, travel gadgets—and especially electronics—can be total duds, which can in turn wreak havoc on our peaceful travel routine and become nothing more than dead weight in our luggage . But when travel gadgets operate at their very best, they are life-saving devices that make traveling a less burdensome and more pleasurable.

The Travel Gadget Everyone Should Get

Incharge 6-in-1 portable keychain charger cable.

Best Old School Gadget

Brunton tag-along 9045 chill compass.

Best Travel Adapter

Newvanga universal travel adapter, all in one plug adapter with usb c.

The best travel gadgets and electronics should highlight an inefficiency in your travel routine and help solve the problem. A travel gadget should provide high functionality, comfort (or both) while also being considerate of space. If your travel gadget does not have any of these qualities, then it's going to be hard to make a case they're worth bringing along for the ride.

Gold Lion Gear Aluminum Carabiner with Lock

A carabiner with a locking function is a great gadget for keeping your items together—and for helping decrease the chances of theft. This pack of five here is our go-to for locking carabiners. Keep one or two on your backpack or travel duffel at all times.

Jisulife Portable Neck Fan, Hands Free Bladeless Fan

News flash: it's always summer in some part of the world. This portable AC fan is a lifesaver when traveling to warm climates. Throw this baby around your neck and enjoy three different gears of air flow directly to your head and neck.

Winchy Portable Door Lock Home Security Door Locker Hotel

Door locks aren't a necessary gadget when traveling, but they do pose value in giving travelers peace of mind. This compact one here is easy to store away. And when in use, all you have to do is place the end of it in your door latch, shut the door, and then fold out the sides and tighten the bolt down.

Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB)

An e-reader is a no brainer for travels, but Kindle's new Scribe throws in the ability to operate as a digital notebook. You can annotate your favorite book paragraphs and then open up your free pages for some travel journalling.

Musicozy Sleep Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Headband

A pair of sleep headphones can help give you that added push to get you into a deep slumber. Throw these on whenever you need to drown out any background noise during your travels.

Aukura 2 Slot Hard Watch Travel Case

Sometimes more than one watch is needed for a trip. This hard case will hold up to two watches and protect them when getting from point A to point B.

Cool Material Lock Pick Training Kit

This lock pick kit is very James Bond-esque in the way that it prepares your for the unpredictable. Will you ever actually need to pop open a lock? Probably not. But wouldn't it be cool to use your travels as a time to learn an interesting skill? Absolutely.

Field Notes Expedition Edition 3-Pack

For the ol' fashioned travel writer, a pack of weatherproof notebooks is in store. This three-pack from Field Notes is printed with waterproof and tearproof Yupo synthetic paper, so you won't have to worry about a little rain ruining your travel log.

County Comm Titanium UGM Tritium Keychain Cage

Ever heard of a tactical glowstick? Well you're looking at one. This keychain gadget is made of grade four titanium and comes tritium tubes that will glow up in the dark—thus, allowing you to spot your keys or other items easily at night.

Alpaka Gear Zip Pouch Pro

Compact, functional, and tough as nails, the Zip Pouch Pro is an easy side kick to turn to for travels. It's made from a strong and waterproof X-Pac material and features two zippered compartments and three external pockets for storage. Use it to hold cash, cards, keys multi-tools, pens, you name it.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

The AirFly allows your AirPods or headphones to be used to watch movies on your plane's in-flight entertainment center. We like the pro version of the AirFly, as it allows up to two people to connect to the same in-flight screen and watch at the same time. No more having to use the corded headphones that are passed out.

Groove Life Groove Belt

Making sure you look presentable while traveling is a subtle style move that will make you feel good and leave a positive impression on others. Ditch the pajamas and aim for a comfortable casual look. For keeping your pants in place, the Groove Belt is your best friend. It's wildly comfortable and simple to clip on and off, and it stretches enough to provide movement in all ranges of motion.

MATEIN Electronics Travel Organizer

There are a zillion electronic organizers out there, and really you can't go wrong with most of them. Our favorite, however, is this simple water-resistant pouch from MATEIN that has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It's got enough space to hold all your charging cords, as well as a space for small e-readers or small tablets. Best of all is the fact it's less than $25.

INIU Portable Small Power Bank USB C in/Output

Portable chargers are a must for every traveler, but traveling with a clunker is no fun. This super-portable power bank packs enough juice for full charge to your phone (10000mAh) and will slip into a small pocket for easy storage.

Pluto POD Travel Pillow

If you think all travel pillows are the same, think again. The Pluto POD acts almost like a sensory deprivation mask that works to block out sound and light with smart design notes like a slide-down eye mask and a deep hood. This travel pillow is perfect for promoting relaxation in the air and on the road.

LifeStraw Go 650 ml Water Filter Bottle - 22 fl. oz.

The LifeStraw Go is like any other refillable water bottle , except for the fact it's got a near-perfect filter built into, you guessed it, the straw. The LifeStraw can protect against a whopping 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites, making it a safe option for drinking water that comes from sinks and water foundations, and even some outdoor streams and rivers.

Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

It's better to think of using this mini pocket projector at the hotel to watch your favorite shows or films, but in the rare chance you get stuck in a flight delay the projector can also be useful in helping entertain your kids. Regardless if you're a parent or not, this is an entertainment option that's fun for everyone.

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best travel gadgets you can buy: Chargers, headphones, and more

Why you can trust ZDNET

33 years of experience 30 hands-on product reviewers 10,000 square feet of lab space

What to Consider

Functionality

With so many mobile accessory options on the market, it’s crucial to consider how you need mobile accompaniments to function and benefit your life. Do you need a compact charger to travel with? Or a standalone wireless charger for at home? We recommend considering these factors before diving into mobile accessory shopping because it’s easy to get lost and waste your cash if you aren’t sure what you want.

Often, you know what type of mobile accessory you’re shopping for. You know you need a MagSafe wallet, a portable charger, or a phone grip. But it’s also important to consider the most frequent use cases of whichever accessory you want. Do you need a slim MagSafe wallet? Or one that has a larger card capacity? Will you use this MagSafe wallet to commute to work, or is it for special occasions? Getting an idea of your best use case for a mobile accessory before you buy it makes it easier to consider how it must function in your routine to be worth your investment.

Compatibility

Perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when shopping for mobile accessories is compatibility. Be sure to identify the make and model of your mobile device and read up on the compatibility offerings on specific products. Remember that certain features like MagSafe connection and wireless charging aren’t available for every phone model, and you’ll need to consider that while scoping out the mobile accessory market.

Mobile accessories can range extensively in cost, from under $20 to over $100, depending on what type of accessory you’re looking for and from what brand. Flagship accessories from brands like Apple or Samsung will often cost more than other options on the market, but accessories from more bespoke places like Casetify, Nomad, and more can get pretty pricey, too. That’s why it’s important to always consider your budget.

The holiday season is here, and with it, lots of plans for travel to see family or just to get away. If you're already starting to stress about some of the logistics, don't worry -- there are things you can do and pack that make travel easier, less stressful, and combat some metaphorical turbulence. For example, you can slip an AirTag into your bag to at least know the whereabouts of "lost" luggage.

Also: The best travel VPNs you can buy

AirTags, however, aren't the only tech travel gadget you should consider as a stowaway. There's lots of tech out there that can save you space, battery, trip memories, and all three combined. To find the gadgets best suited for the job -- and your luggage or even car -- I talked to travel experts and enthusiasts to see what they consider essential, and you should, too. Our pick for best travel tech gadget overall is Anker's 747 GaNPrime 150W charger due to its compact form and its ability to charge up to four devices quickly. However, this charger is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to essential travel gadgets. Check out the rest of our top picks below.

The best travel gadgets of 2024

Can charge up to 4 devices quickly
Compatible with iOS and Android devices
USB-A and USB-C charging ports

Anker 747 GaNPrime 150W charger

Best travel tech gadget overall.

Anker 747 GaNPrime charger features: 3 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port | Can charge 2 laptops at once | Can charge up to 4 devices at once | 38% smaller than Apple's 140W charger, but packs in 10 more Watts (150W)

When you're traveling, it's important to keep all your devices powered and ready to go. Has anyone else ever had their phone die just as you're scanning your mobile boarding pass? To avoid that embarrassment, world traveler Nick Yiu is saving up for the Anker 747 charger to power all his devices for the five flights he has coming up. Even though the brick is smaller than a standard Mac charger from Apple, it offers three USB-C style ports, a traditional USB-A port, and all at a whopping 150W total output. To put it in perspective, it's powerful enough to charge two laptops in a short amount of time.

"This would replace the need to carry any additional power bricks, so you just need this one alone," said Yiu.

The 747 also employs Anker's GaNPrime technology , which is a faster, more powerful, and even more sustainable semiconductor than traditional silicon chargers. Anker's ActiveShield 2.0 technology also monitors temperature throughout the day and makes the appropriate power output adjustments, safeguarding connected devices. For these reasons and more, this charger is even essential for ZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani when he travels for work.

However, Cipriani points out that while the brick is compact, it is heavy, "falling out of most outlets, which is why Anker includes a plate that fits around the adapter and has a bunch of small suction cups to hold it against the wall." Aside from its density, the only other downside of the 747 power brick is the $110 price tag. However, when you factor in its adaptability and power, you're really paying for multiple charges rolled into one.

Lightweight
5 total USB ports
Can use adapter for almost any country
Enough wattage to charge a laptop
Only compatible for 100V to 250V devices
Max of 15W on USB-C

Tessan International Plug Adapter

Best adapter for international travel.

Tessan International Plug Adapter features: 2 USB-A ports (12W) | 3 USB-C ports (15W) | 4 different built-in plugs, which covers over 150 countries | 6 in 1 travel adapter outlet

The New York Times' recent daily crossword acknowledged that the most "annoying thing" you can forget to pack for a trip is, by far, a charger. Even more frustrating is remembering a charger, and don't forget that if you're traveling abroad, there's a high likelihood your charger won't work. Enter the Tessan International Plug Adapter. This compact tool has four different built-in plug types, which covers over 150 countries, and also includes a universal AC outlet that can convert plugs from the ES, EU, UK, and AU to fit your chargers' socket.

Featuring five total USB ports, three of which are USB-C, this can also be used both internationally and domestically as a multi-charging brick. In fact, the executive editor of The Points Guy, Scott Mayerowitz , says this is one of his biggest tricks since they easily plug into airplane outlets and can be a one-stop, compact shop to keep track of different cords.

This is especially a good option if you don't want the heavy price tag or physical weight of something like the Anker 747. It may not be as fast, but it's definitely efficient and price-conscious. However, keep in mind that devices requiring a higher voltage, such as a hair dryer , are only compatible with devices in the 150V-250V range.

Noise canceling quality is best in class
Long lasting battery life
Advanced voice chat quality makes for quality video conferencing
Over-ear headphones take up more space than earbuds
Larger carrying case than previous generations

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones

Best travel headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphone features: Over ear, closed back | Bluetooth 5.2 | USB-C charging port | Up to 30 hours of battery (3 hours on a 3-minute charge) | 4Hz-40,000Hz frequency response

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are a cult classic. With market-leading active noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of battery, they've rightfully earned the top spot on our best headphones and best noise-canceling headphones list and in Lonely Planet Managing Destination Editor Alex Howard's favorite travel bag .

"The drone of the engines disappears into a pleasant background hum, and you can focus on catching up with the Last of Us instead of the screaming baby a few rows over," Howard said.

Excellent sound quality isn't their only travel perk; the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones include a folding design and compact carrying case, making them easy to take on the go for short and long trips alike.

Transparent and noise canceling quality is best in class
Wireless charging
Integrates Apple's FindMy system
Remain some of the most expensive earbuds on the market
If you have multiple Apple devices, beware of connectivity chaos
Not the greatest for non-iPhone users

AirPods Pro 2

Best travel earbuds.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 features: 6-hour battery life and 30 hours in the case | IPX4 waterproof rating | 5.3 g each | Wireless charging | New Apple H2 chip

Over-ear headphones are a powerful sound blocker, but they're not necessarily space-conscious. If you're not ready to sacrifice precious luggage real estate with headphones, no matter how compact or portable, a pair of pocket-sized noise-canceling earbuds can be just as effective. I personally never leave my apartment without my Apple AirPods Pro 2 or get on a plane without them. What I love about the second-gen AirPods is that they deliver outstanding sound quality in both noise-canceling and transparent modes .

Also: Flying soon? Flighty is a must-have iOS app for air travel

Sure, it's great to block out the rattles of the subway car as I make my way to the airport or the crying baby on the plane, but it's also important to be aware when traveling. And with my AirPods, I can clearly hear the flight attendant announce which carousel my luggage has (hopefully) arrived at without having to pause Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York" as I fly into the city, per Scott Mayerowitz's suggestion.

Plus, there's a built-in case speaker that makes it easy to ping your AirPods case if it's lost in the depths of your bag or waiting to be rescued from the airplane seatback pocket. Apple's FindMy feature also comes in handy to keep track of all Apple-associated devices when you're on the go, sending you a notification when one isn't on the move with you. The second-gen Pros also employ wireless charging, even via the Apple Watch charger, which may save you packing one less cable.

Review: AirPods Pro 2 offer two big upgrades but connectivity chaos hasn't been tamed

12.9-inch screen and high resolution display
1600 nits at peak brightness
Lightweight for an iPad Pro
Doesn't have the newest M2 chip
Camera suite isn't as updated as newer models

Best travel tablet

Speaking of Apple, Alex Howard relies on his iPad Pro for inflight entertainment. But his main pro tip is to upgrade to a bigger storage size to "accommodate extra seasons of your favorite TV show when Wi-Fi is spotty."

While a few years old, the 2018 iPad Pro features Apple's fast-performing M1 chip, a 12.9 Liquid Retina HDR display that makes for sharp and vivid visuals, and 1600 nits at peak brightness. Plus, if you take Alex's suggestion and opt for more storage, you won't face much latency and can let the high-res graphics shine.

At 22.26oz and around $480 at most retailers, you won't be adding too much weight to your travel gear or your wallet, especially compared to the most recent iPad Pro model. Additionally, the iPad Pro 2018 (3rd generation) is compatible with the more sleek, capless second-generation Apple Pencil, which simply attaches to the magnetic strip to pair and charge . And if you're like me, it's great for taking notes that can even sync to and stay on your other devices while you're on the go.

Of course, the iPad Pro 2018 also integrates Apple's FindMy system, making it easy to track and find as you destination hop.

Folds up and flips out easily
USB-C connectivity – no HDMI cords
1080p resolution
Adds bulk to your laptop
Pricey at $280
Drains laptop battery

Duex Plus monitor

Best travel monitor.

Traveling doesn't mean you have to sacrifice work productivity. If you, like me and many other working professionals, rely on a monitor to multitask, the Duex Plus is a great portable option. Coming with four adhesive magnets, the monitor easily attaches to your laptop cover and flips out hassle-free. From there, it's as easy as connecting via USB-C to either your Mac or Windows laptop -- no extra HDMI cord is needed.

ZDNET's June Wan reviewed the monitor and was not only impressed with the easy setup but also with its ability to enhance his workflow, from responding to Slack messages to video editing.

What makes the Duex optimal for travel is its ability to slide in and out from the laptop lid and then just collapse and act as a makeshift case before you pack it away in your back. While there's no need to lug around an extra bag or pack the monitor as a new entity, it unsurprisingly does add some bulk to your laptop.

Review: This flip-out portable monitor is my productivity secret weapon

360-degree footage
Compact and rugged for adventurous travel
User-friendly
2.29-inch display makes for an excellent viewfinder
Software support can be sluggish
360-footage requires a larger MicroSD card

Insta360 X3

Best action camera for travel.

The best part of traveling is making memories and capturing them. However, lugging around a big camera takes up space, adds weight, and places limits on capturing fun action shots. As of right now, travel buff Nick Yiu likes throwing in his tiny but mighty GoPro to take versatile footage but has his eye on the Insta360 X3 action camera. As the name suggests, the camera films at every angle and assures you won't miss a shot -- even if you're skydiving.

ZDNET's June Wan did have the chance to go hands-on with the Insta360 X3, and his experience confirmed that it's worth a spot on Nick's packing list and our best travel tech list.

"Whether you're a professional or a beginner, the X3 brings a lot to the table for all to play," said Wan.

This third-generation action cam is the Insta360's most compact, refined design yet and, according to Wan, "the exterior is gilded with a rugged blend of rubber and texturized ridges which assures you that the X3 can hang in the toughest outings and/or within the slipperiest of fingers."

Perfect for long adventures, the camera is also capable of lasting two to three days on one charge, limiting yet another device you have to charge on your trip. Additionally, Insta360 puts "art" in artificial intelligence, as June Wan puts it, packing a suite of photo editing AI features on the back and front end.

Review: Insta360 X3 360-degree action cam will blow you away

Personalized travel itinerary
Hotel booking
Can modify recommendations
Group planning enabled
Only available as a website
No flight, transportation, or restaurant booking

Guide AI trip planner

Best travel planner.

Guide features: AI trip planning tool | AI chatbot to ask questions | Free | Can book hotels | Group planning

If you want to make your trip as seamless and efficient as possible, you need a trip planner. While not a tech gadget per se, a planner can help you stay organized before and during your trip, making travel much less stressful. Guide is an AI travel planning tool that helps you create personalized itineraries based on your trip preferences. (Full disclosure: It's also ZDNET's sister brand. It's currently in private beta, but you can join a wait list.) Once you create an account, you can input your travel details, and Guide will generate a customizable schedule for your desired trip, with hotel, restaurant, activity, and attraction suggestions.

You can modify Guide's suggested itinerary to your liking by adding new activities and restaurants or by moving current suggestions around -- a feature ZDNET associate editor Gabriela Perez Jordan loves. In a recent trip, she used Guide to find the top activities and restaurants to visit in Austin, Texas.

With Guide, you can also send your schedule to friends and family to assist in the trip-planning process, or you can use its chatbot to ask your most burning questions regarding your destination. While you currently can't book any flights, transportation, or restaurant reservations through Guide, you can book and find great hotel deals powered by Expedia.

What is the best travel tech gadget?

There are lots of tech gadgets that can optimize travel, from canceling out distractions on a long flight to capturing memories around you, and a device to power all of those devices. The items on this list consider functionality, durability, build, battery life, and more that hopefully enhance your journey.

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which travel tech gadget should you buy?

All the items on this list were carefully selected, as most have various functionality for different needs, preferences, and even budgets. Here's a further breakdown if you're trying to decide which gadgets are essential for your next trip.

How did I choose these travel tech gadgets?

To compile my list and decide which travel tech was the best of the best, I turned to experts and enthusiasts. I consulted Nick Yiu, who took 15 flights in 2022, the executive editor of travel publication The Points Guy, Scott Mayerowitz , and Lonely Planet Destinations Managing Editor Alex Howard. As a frequent traveler myself, I also drew from my own experience and looked at products ZDNET has reviewed. Ultimately, I weighted the following aspects when curating this list:

Design: When selecting travel tech gadgets, portability and design were top of mind since you must always consider where you will store your devices during your trip. Most, if not all, of these devices are lightweight and compact, perfect to store in a purse, backpack, carry-on, or suitcase.
Durability: No one likes to buy products that break at first use, which is why I only included items you could buy and count on their performance for years to come.
Price: Useful travel gadgets don't have to be a hefty investment, especially when you have hotel, transportation, and flights to consider -- or, let's be real, you can easily forget the gadgets in a car or hotel. The devices on this list are top-quality devices that won't break the bank.
Functionality: Traveling requires fitting all of your essentials in a tight, compact space. This means you should only take devices that advance common traveling components, such as charging your phone, tuning out noise on the plane, or storing and recording memories.

What should I look for in a good piece of travel tech?

According to The Points Guy Executive Editor Scott Mayerowtiz, it's important to travel with tech that is lightweight, compact, and durable.

"You might have to pay an extra $10 to $15, but it's well worth it to have the lightest device or the one with the battery that lasts that extra 20 to 30 minutes. It makes all the difference when you're on the road or in the air," he said.

That said, it's also important not to get the most expensive item on the market, "How many chargers have you left in a hotel room when checking out in a rush?" joked Mayerowitz. "Maybe it doesn't have to be the 'best' product out there. Be mindful that things on the road get damaged."

I considered Mayerowitzs' tips on what to look for when compiling this list -- making sure I talked to someone who had hands-on experience with every product and could vouch for it's quality.

Is smart luggage worth it?

Smart luggage has been a hot-button item, but they don't necessarily make travel easier. If a smart suitcase has a lithium battery, you'll have to remove it before even getting to the airport. However, certain smart suitcases, like the Away suitcase, can be purchased without the lithium battery pack.

Are there alternative travel tech gadgets worth considering?

While deciding on the best products on the market, we tried to find the best options to throw in your luggage and make your next trip as stress-free, entertaining, and easy as possible.

However, there are also other options worth considering, depending on your different preferences and how you like to spend your travel time.

ZDNET Recommends

23 Best Travel Electronics, According to Tech Experts

Make your next trip easier with these useful gadgets and tech accessories.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Traveling is all about taking a break and disconnecting from daily life, but that doesn’t mean you need to leave all your electronic gadgets back at home. Whether you’re planning a big family vacation abroad or you're a frequent traveler for work, there are tons of handy travel accessories out there that can make traveling so much easier.

That’s why we've put together this list of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets to save some extra room for in your luggage.

Our top picks:

Best Travel Gadget for WiFi

Verizon jetpack mifi 8800l.

Best Travel Gadget for Smartphones

Anker 325 power bank (powercore 20k).

Best Travel Gadget for Filming Content

Dji osmo mobile 6.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we review and test all types of travel gear in our Labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to carry-on suitcases and packing cubes . Our recommendations here include products we've tested first-hand in our own travels and swear by, as well as popular picks we found by researching seasoned travelers' rave reviews online.

Read on to learn more about the most useful travel gadgets to bring along on your next adventure, and find more information about how we make our recommendations at the bottom of this guide. Looking for more travel tips? Check out our best travel tips for families and our guide to the best luggage brands for every type of traveler .

If you need solid coverage and strong Wi-Fi on your next trip, consider this Verizon Jetpack that enables you to connect up to 15 devices to your very own personal WiFi network in over 200 countries . Our tech experts like that it works on a reliable Verizon network and has impressive battery life (in our Lab tests, the battery lasted a full day, holding up to the brand's claims). Plus, it can even charge your phone if you can't get find an empty outlet at the airport. Just keep in mind that you'll have to purchase a separate data plan from Verizon to use.

Having your phone die on you while you're exploring a new place is never ideal, especially if you want to snap a photo or access Google Maps. This portable charger will be there to give you enough juice to stay connected. We love its slim, compact design, which should easily fit into any size travel backpack . We also like that it can charge two devices at once via its USB-A ports . When you've used up all the battery life, we found it easy to recharge the power bank via micro-USB or USB-C.

RELATED: The Best Travel Items to Buy on Amazon

Pack this lightweight, compact gadget if you want smooth, stabilized footage of your vacation. The gimbal stabilizer is designed to hold your phone securely in place and has built-in controls that allow you to rotate it in one sweeping motion — a.k.a. the image will be way steadier than your shaky hand. Our tech pros love that this device not only helps create professional-looking footage, but it comes with a tripod and a magnetic clamp to make attaching your phone super easy.

Anker 40W 4-Port USB Wall Charger

Doesn't it always seem like hotel rooms never have enough outlets? This charger has a whopping four USB plugs, making it a great choice for a family or anyone who wants to charge their phone, tablet, headphones and smartwatch all at once . We also like the Anker 735 charger if you want to leave your bulky MacBook charger at home and use the compact design to power your computer, phone and more.

Marpac Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine

If you or your little ones are used to sleeping with a sound machine on at home, you'll want to bring along this top-rated portable white noise machine. This model has three different sound options to help drown out any noises that could disturb your sleep, like noisy neighbors or honking city horns. Best of all, it's super small (just 3.8 ounces) and doesn't require an outlet, since it can be recharged via USB.

Apple AirTag

If you're worried about losing your luggage, we suggest investing in a luggage tracker . Just tuck one of Apple's compact AirTags inside your suitcase, wallet or even passport holder so you can keep tabs on everything right from your phone . Though you need to use Apple's ecosystem, we love that AirTags offer easy real-time tracking and a one-year battery lifespan.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

If you're notorious for overpacking or shopping on vacation, bring this lightweight and compact gadget on your next trip to avoid extra luggage fees for overweight suitcases . Just hook it on your suitcase to get an instant read. Lexie Sachs , the executive director of the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says she's gotten tons of use out of this luggage scale over the years and it's helped her figure out how to divvy up her belongings between bags to avoid going over the weight limit on the way home.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

There's nothing worse than arriving at your Airbnb only to realize you forgot your Bluetooth speaker . Our tech experts recommend bringing along this portable option from Ultimate Ears. Not only does its compact size make it easy to stuff in your bag, but we found that it packs a surprisingly loud punch . It's waterproof (it can even float in the pool!), has a long 14-hour battery life and can be paired up with another Wonderboom 3 speaker for stereo sound.

Why travel with tons of different cables when all you need is this handy multi-charger keychain that you can attach to a purse or keys? We love that it's designed to not get tangled up in your bag and that it features multiple outputs and inputs (like USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB and a lightning port for your iPhone) so you can power up all your devices. Just keep in mind that the cable is on the shorter side, so your device will need to be close at hand.

Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron with Solemate

If you're tired of dealing with wrinkled clothing after a long day of travel, we've found that this steam iron is great for tackling small jobs on the go . In testing, our Cleaning Lab pros were impressed with the iron's ability to press out heavy creases as well as how lightweight it is ( only 2.2 lbs.). We found that it's easy to maneuver and comes with a useful silicone rest.

JOOMFEEN Travel Adapter

If you plan on traveling abroad, you'll want to pack a universal charger so you don't end up having to go out and buy a new one for your phone, tablet or computer. Our pros like this compact pick that can be plugged into most countries' respective outlets . Once you've plugged the adapter into the wall, all you need to do is plug your U.S. charger in and say goodbye to dead batteries. It also features two USB ports for simultaneous charging of multiple devices.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

With a Fire tablet, you can download Kindle books or stream your favorite shows to stay entertained in the car or at the airport . It's lightweight and gives you the many benefits of a traditional tablet , minus the hefty price tag. Plus, it claims to have a battery life that lasts up to 12 hours. We also like the Fire HD 10 Kids model if you're looking for a tablet for your children.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones

Our testers found these noise-canceling headphones super comfortable, making long flights a lot more bearable. They f eature excellent sound quality, and we like that you can easily switch between Quiet and Aware modes , so you can hear important flight announcements without taking them off. Just don't forget to bring along the included cable so you can use the plane's audio jack if needed.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds

If you're someone who struggles to find earbuds that remain comfortable after a few hours, our tech experts recommend these wireless earbuds from Sony. They're an excellent AirPods alternative featuring impressive battery life and soft silicone ear-tips . And on top of the fantastic sound quality, they also come with noise-canceling features so they're a good choice for planes.

Amazon Paperwhite

On trips, you probably don't have the space in your bag to carry around heavy, bulky books. We love this travel-sized Kindle Paperwhite e-reader , which makes downloading all kinds of books from anywhere in the world (in your language) so simple. We especially love that this model is IPX8-rated , so you don't have to worry if it accidentally falls in the pool or the bathtub . This IP (ingress protection) rating signifies that it can handle continuous water submersion. It's also so lightweight that you likely won't even notice it in your bag.

GoPro HERO9

Leave behind your iPhone and take photos and videos on your next adventure with this tiny camera. It's made to capture the action as you ski, dive, hike, bike and more with its super durable, waterproof design (you can take it down to 33 feet deep according to GoPro). It has tons of compatible accessories to help you film, like a helmet strap and a chest mount . Our tech pros love that it shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. If you want the most up-to-date GoPro technology and features, consider the pricier GoPro HERO11 .

LifeProof FRĒ

A waterproof phone case can save your phone from serious damage should it accidentally fall in the pool while you're snapping some photos. We like this LifeProof model because we're confident it will keep your phone dry and unharmed thanks to its built-in screen cover and solid construction: In our tests, it even survived an hour of full submersion in 6.5 feet of water !

Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod Stand

It can be frustrating when no one is around to take a family photo for you. Fortunately, this popular tripod from Joby comes with a clamp for your phone (no matter which model you have) as well as flexible legs that you can wrap around objects like a tree branch.

BUBM Electronic Organizer

This super affordable electronic organizer will keep you from losing track of any cables, chargers, memory cards and more . Offered in ten different colors, we love that it folds up into a flat shape that will easily fit into a backpack or suitcase. There's also a convenient zipper closure for items that you want to store more securely.

Case-Mate Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch

Though most smartphones these days are waterproof, most of us still don’t feel comfortable taking our precious devices into a body of water. But if you plan on doing any water sports during your trip, bring along this waterproof pouch. Though we haven’t tested it in our Labs, it's rated IPX8 which means that it's been tested to withstand continuous water submersion without risking harm to your device . Our experts like that it features a touchscreen window so you can easily take photos and that, according to the brand, it floats.

Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , overseeing product testing and covering tech, travel, home, fitness, parenting, health and more. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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5 great reasons to unplug your computer overnight, the best phone chargers of 2024, read update.

We've reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best gadgets for traveling to pick up.

Before heading out on that month-long vacation or quick business trip, don't forget to gear up. From noise-canceling headphones and Bluetooth trackers to plug adapters and travel routers, these devices are the best tech travel companions.

UPDATE: 07/17/2024

Kindle paperwhite signature edition, epicka universal travel adapter, sony wh-1000xm5, anker powercore slim 10000 portable charger, fujifilm instax mini neo classic 90, nintendo switch, apple ipad (10th-generation), logitech k480, tp-link ac750 wireless travel router, what to look for in tech travel gadgets.

When shopping around for necessary gadgets to take on your next trip, there are a few things you'll want to consider.

First, it's important to think about what's necessary for your vacation or business trip---whether for work or play, you'll likely have limited space in your luggage for clunky or heavy tech. Before making any purchases, you'll want to ensure that it's something you'll need while you're away from home. Our list contains things that may be considered necessary for some, but the ultimate decision will be up to you.

Likewise, size and weight are equally important factors. If you're planning on packing your tech in a carry-on bag, for instance, you'll want to stick to pretty compact gadgets such as a portable charger or a tablet. If you play on checking a bag, you may be able to pack larger items such as an instant film camera.

Lastly, you'll want to consider your budget. If you're specifically buying a gadget for an upcoming trip, you may not want to spend a lot of cash. However, if you're a frequent flier or road tripper, perhaps it's a good idea to invest in something on the pricier side.

How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best eReader: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

If you're a frequent reader, carrying chunky books can take up precious space in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition , our top pick for eReaders , eliminates this issue through its 32 gigabytes (GB) of storage and the ability to rent up to 20 titles at a time with Kindle Unlimited.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature is hard to argue against—you can charge it via USB-C, with one full battery lasting up to 10 weeks. Additionally, its display is something to write home about. The 300 ppi screen is glare-free, while its warm lighting is adjustable. The front light also automatically adapts to the brightness of your surroundings, making it an excellent option for red-eye flights.

Although you can use your Kindle without a Kindle Unlimited subscription (an additional $9.99 a month), the accompanying plan provides a free trial and access to thousands of content with no due dates.

The bottom line? If you've been tossing around the idea of buying an eReader, the $200 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is your best bet.

If you want all the updates and improvements of the new Paperwhite line, along with an auto-adjusting front light, 32 GB storage, and wireless charging right out of the box, this is the Kindle for you.

Best International Plug Adapter: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Planning on diving into international waters? The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is essential.

Universal travel adapters allow electronics to power up in different countries. For example, the United States has plugs with two flat vertical prongs, while the United Kingdom has plugs with a top vertical prong and two bottom horizontal ones. A travel adapter ensures you can charge your devices regardless of where you go.

This option from EPICKA functions explicitly as a multifunctional travel plug. However, it doesn't convert voltage, so you'll want to make sure your devices support 100 to 240 voltage---especially hair dryers and electric razors, which often don't.

It boasts four USB ports and one USB-C, all of which can be plugged in simultaneously. It covers more than 150 countries, including the U.S., the UK, Australia, and Japan.

Best of all, this adapter is super compact. You can easily pop it into your carry-on bag for quick access, perfect for unexpected layovers or delays.

A great gadget to pack in your international luggage, this travel adapter is small, compatible with USB-C and USB, and can be used in more than 150 countries.

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5

Whether traveling via plane, train, or car, noise-canceling headphones are something you won't want to go without. For that, we recommend checking out Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones , which is one of the best on the market.

Compatible with both Bluetooth and 3.5mm connections, these headphones are very popular, and their sound quality is a large reason why. You also get some of the best noise-cancellation around, complete with a comfortable design and convenient carrying case.

Other highlights? There's speak-to-chat technology, which automatically pauses your music when you talk. There's also built-in Alexa, touch sensor control that allows you to skip, pause, and play tracks, multiple device pairing, and two color options: Black and Silver .

All of those incredible features come with a hefty price tag, though—at nearly $400, these Sony headphones are a significant investment. However, if you have the cash to spend and want a pair of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones that will last, these are your best bet.

Looking for a good pair of headphones for your child during your next trip? Check out our recommendations for the best noise-cancelling headphones for kids !

With the WH-1000XM5, Sony has shown once again why it is the current king of noise-canceling wireless headphones. These headphones are better than ever with gestures, improved noise cancellation, and better battery life.

Best Portable Charger: Anker PowerCore Slim 1000

A portable charger is a necessity for traveling. If you've somehow managed to live without one until now—or you're looking to upgrade your current model—we recommend the Anker PowerCore Slim 1000 . Priced at less than $30, its impressively slim design can provide multiple charges for iPhones, Android devices, and smaller tablets.

Perfect for tucking into your carry-on, this Anker charger features PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies, which ensures that your device is receiving the fastest charge possible. It's also airline-friendly and designed to provide optimal charging to low-power devices, such as headphones and Bluetooth speakers .

That being said, it does take nearly six hours to charge this gadget to its full capacity, so you'll want to gear this guy up a day or two in advance. Additionally, while there are both USB-A and USB-C ports, cords are not included, so make sure you have those ahead of time.

This charger has a 10,000mAh capacity, PowerIQ/VoltageBoost for optimized charging, and an ultra-slim profile.

Best Bluetooth Tracker: Tile Mate

A Bluetooth tracker is a great gadget, especially when you're away from home. These handy devices can be latched onto essentials such as your bag or wallet. And if you accidentally lose them, your tracker will help you find or keep an eye on them.

Our favorite? The Tile Mate , a compact little gizmo that can be easily snapped onto travel necessities and features a Bluetooth range of up to 250 feet.

At less than $50 for a pack of two, these trackers are super easy to use and affordable. You download the accompanying Tile app, which will ring your Tile when it's in Bluetooth range (you can also ask a smart home device, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to find it for you). There's also a custom QR code on each Tile, so you can be reached if someone finds it and scans the code.

We also like that the Tile Mate can be used to find your phone. You can double-press the button on your Tile to make your phone ring, even when it's on silent. And, in cases when your Tile is out of Bluetooth range, you can use the app to see its most recent location on a map.

You'll have to upgrade to Tile's premium plan for added features like Smart Alert and item reimbursement. Additionally, the Tile is battery-powered, so you'll want to ensure it has a fresh battery before jet setting.

A handy Bluetooth tracker with an easy-to-use accompanying app that will help you keep track of your absolute necessities.

Best Instant Film Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

Film cameras are all the rage right now, and this option from Fujifilm, the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic , is no exception. This easy-to-use film camera instantly develops 2.1 by 3.4-inch (53.34mm x 86.36mm) photos.

In terms of its specs, the Instax Mini 90 is pretty cool. It can automatically detect the brightness of your background or surroundings and will adjust the flash and shutter speed, so you get a great photo every time. Additionally, there's a double exposure mode you can access by pressing the shutter twice.

While it has great ratings and reviews from buyers, we would only recommend this purchase if you've had your eye on it for a while. The camera itself is pretty expensive, and the added cost of repurchasing film can quickly rack up.

This mini instant film camera from Fujifilm is a top-tier option for capturing your trip.

Best Handheld Gaming Machine: Nintendo Switch

Having a handheld gaming machine on deck is particularly smart if you're a nervous traveler or get bored easily. These gadgets can help keep your mind and hands occupied while waiting to board a plane or killing time during a layover.

Our number one pick is the Nintendo Switch , the company's latest addition to the handheld gaming universe. The Switch was essentially born to be a versatile device for solo or group play. It features three play styles (handheld, tabletop, and TV mode), and the Joycons easily slip in and out for the latter.

Other things to love? Depending on what you're playing on the Switch, it has between 4.5 and 9 hours of battery life. It's super lightweight and compact (it weighs in at less than a pound), and the 6.2-inch touch screen is perfect for collecting coins in Mario , making friends in Pokémon, or farming in Stardew Valley. Just make sure to pick up accessories to make it easier to take the Switch with you on the go.

The original Nintendo Switch model and its price cousin, the Nintendo Switch OLED , are a pricier investment, but you can also save $100 and pick up the Nintendo Switch Lite . This budget model is a portable-only device, however, so you won't be able to take advantage of a TV mode.

If you're a PC gamer, you might also want to look into the Steam Deck , to play your PC gaming library on the go.

Nintendo's latest console lets you take your console gaming on the go. Start up a game at home on your TV, then pull the Switch out of the dock and you can continue right where you left off.

Best Tablet for Traveling: Apple iPad (10th Generation)

If you're looking for a great tablet to travel with, look no further than Apple's 10th-generation iPad . The device was updated with a refreshed design that's a lot more modern than the previous model. The larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display gives you more room to manage email, surf the web, or kick back with some Netflix.

The iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic processor, which is the same chip used in the iPhone 12 and still going strong. That means you'll get great performance and battery life, with Apple quoting up to 10 hours of usage on a full charge. There's a USB-C port on the side for charging and connecting accessories like an external drive, and you get amazing stereo speakers.

What's more, the 10th-gen iPad works with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio , making it a great all-rounder tablet pick. Still, another iPad model might suit you better—check out our roundup of the best iPads to see which is best for you.

The 10th-generation iPad from Apple gets a modern redesign with faster performance, a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and USB-C, making it a solid go-to tablet for a lot of users.

Best Tablet Keyboard: Logitech K480

Typing on a tablet screen can get old quickly, especially if you're used to typing on a physical QWERTY keyboard. If you want to ensure you can get work done on your tablet while you wait at the airport or bus station, the Logitech K480 keyboard is an awesome option to add to your travel tech collection.

Affordably priced with tons of amazing reviews, this Bluetooth-capable keyboard lets you connect to three devices at once and, thanks to the switch dial, enables you to switch between them anytime. It's compatible with Windows, Android, Chrome OS, and iOS devices. Plus, the pre-installed AAA batteries can last up to 24 months.

Although this Logitech gadget is super cool, it doesn't fold up. It features a classic keyboard design, so it could be a slight pain to travel with, depending on how much space you have. Make sure this is something you need before dealing with the potential pain of packing it!

This keyboard is super comfortable to use, allows you to switch easily between three different Bluetooth devices, and has a built-in cradle for your tablet.

Best Travel Router: TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router

If consistently good Wi-Fi is a non-negotiable for you, you'll want to snag a travel router before leaving for your trip. We recommend the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router , a reliable option that's small enough to pack. It features five Wi-Fi modes, two of which are specifically designed for great connection on the go.

The AC750's router mode allows you to connect to a hotel's Ethernet to instantly create a private wireless network and share access across your devices. Meanwhile, you can also choose hotspot mode, where you can enable an outdoor WISP access point to create a private Wi-Fi hotspot in public areas.

Despite these "private" connections, you'll still want to use a VPN to protect your information, especially when you're away from home.

It also has a micro USB-C port that can be used to connect an adapter, portable charger, or laptop. You'll want to note that the router doesn't come with any cords (you will, however, receive a two-year warranty, which isn't too shabby).

TP-LINK's AC750 Travel Router is a solid option for connecting to consistently good Wi-Fi wherever you go.

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23 Best Travel Gadgets That'll Make Your Next Trip Even Better

For more organized, manageable, and unforgettable adventures.

The process of packing for a trip —out of town or across the globe—has, like everything, been ratcheted up a notch in the past decade. Used to be all you really had to worry about was your checked luggage , your carry-on , your travel backpacks , and whatever clothes you were packing. The techiest thing you'd pack would've been a power adapter. Now, there’s a whole high-tech world of travel gadgets occupying your suitcases and duffel bags . Sure, there's a lot of dumb stuff in the category, but there's a handful of travel gadgets that have made it all infinitely more convenient.

This cohort of travel tech is also constantly evolving, and it's increasingly becoming more portable: Handy enough to fit in your carry-ons or use on the go. Altogether, the best travel gadgets can make your trips more organized, manageable, and unforgettable—just better through and through. Hence, from tools you'll actually use during transportation or overnight stays, to devices that'll help you enjoy sceneries of a foreign land to the fullest, we recommend these 23 best travel gadgets below for every type of traveler and journey. Grab a cool instant camera , a portable WiFi hotspot , a universal power bank , or even a pair of binoculars, for example, then you'll really be bon-voyage-ing.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

Everybody needs some Don't Talk to Me headphones. These from Bowers & Wilkins so comfortable and sound so great that I awarded them in our Esquire Gadget Awards .

Therabody SmartGoggles

The last row of economy feels like first class when you put these on. They calm you down or put you to sleep with massages around your eyes and temples.

Omnicharge Omni 20+ 20000mah Power Bank

A portable charger on the road or in the air will prove a life-saver during those unexpected power-off moments. The Omni 20+ is one almighty power bank capable of charging your cameras, drones, laptops, and phones simultaneously, at up to 100W—one of the fastest speeds we've ever seen. It's got ports of all kinds for that matter, ready to lend a hand to all the heavy travel tech you'll bring along.

Bose Alto Audio Sunglasses

Flexing designer shades on the go is pretty much any traveler's second nature. Bose's classic-cool smart sunglasses , with open-ear audio built in to play music only for you, will save you a pair of headphones at that, while letting you stay alert (of those pickpockets, specifically).

Leica SOFORT 2 Instant Camera (Black)

Most polaroids are too big and bulky to really enjoy. For any vacation, you should either get a disposable camera or this brand new Leica point and shoot. It takes digital photos you can develop later, but it can also print those photos immediately onto little polaroids.

JEPWCO G4 Pro Anti Spy Detector

You never know what kind of creeps are lurking at your hotel room or AirBnb. Hence, a wireless hidden device detector that'll blow the gaff on those pinhole cameras, audio bugs, and trackers. And, it doesn't look like a detective's walkie-talkie, which is cool.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Maybe if all these heads of state and government just agree upon one shape of input/output plug, we'd have less international conflicts? Before then, grab one—or more—of these all-in-one travel adapters to, IDK, bridge the international relations?

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Simply put, it's a TikTok viral gadget that'll connect your AirPods —or any wireless headphones and earbuds—to the airplane TV. A godsend for your inevitably long, dull flight across the country, or the globe.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch

Garmin's GPS watch beats Apple's latest release —the Ultra—to the punch at something any outdoorsman can appreciate: It's solar-powered. I.e. Instinct 2 has unlimited battery life as long as you keep the lights on. And it's built like a beast with a tough-as-nails anti-water/shock/heat case. It'll keep up with wherever you're traveling to, whatever extreme activity you might partake.

VSSL Adventure Flask Kit

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More than just a drinking vessel kit for passing around whiskey to your traveling mates during a makeshift happy hour, though that's definitely its main purpose. VSSL adds an LED light, compass, and a bottle opener to the setup, so folks who are really outside adventuring can stay safe and sound, and, of course, enjoy some sips.

JBL Clip 4 Portable Speaker

Speaker convenient enough that you can clip onto your backpack or pant's belt loop is one that'll soundtrack your excursion. Not to mention JBL's Clip 4 is one with a durability rating of IP67 and surprisingly punchy audio.

Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars

So, when you're at the top of Lady Liberty, you're able to get a clear shot of what's happening down there through its 10x magnification—and maybe spot your long-lost cousin? Or for when you're at Yellowstone and need a HD view of what's two miles ahead before venturing farther into the wild.

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Cadence Starter Set

I talked about these little to-go skincare containers in our editors' travel hacks story . Instead of using drug store travel-sized products, you can take your expensive hair and skin care regimes on the road with you.

The Nori Press

An iron and an ironing board are rarely guaranteed, so plenty of fashion types carry a steamer with them. The Nori Press is the best clothes steamer out there because it combines the features of steamer and iron. It's lightweight and packable, but it can set a nice sharp crease.

furid Airtag Wallet

There's no reason to add any extra stress to your trip. Get an AirTag wallet and save yourself from a succession of mini heart attacks.

Apple AirTag, 4-Pack

Of course, you have to get some AirTags. Four is the perfect number, because you can insure you never lose your wallet, passport, carry-on, and checked bag.

TUMI Just In Case Tote

Alright, this is pushing the definition of gadget, but hear me out. This nylon tote packs down to the size of a book. Slip it into any suitcase or backpack, and forget it's there. Then—if you have extra stuff to bring home or just pack more lazily—pull it out, expand it and toss all your leftover stuff in it. It's my favorite travel hack product.

Solis Lite Hotspot & Power Bank

The last thing you need while traveling is to go offline—especially if you don't speak the local language. Thus, a WiFi hotspot , like the Solis, which is one of the easiest to operate. Just connect it to the mobile app and pay for the data, then off you go—web surfing, messaging, or any easy Internet usage. Cell carriers be damned.

Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2

Hot coffee isn't just for homebodies who stay still and attached to a seat; travelers and adventurers alike also deserve the heat. Ember's travel mug will keep the contents inside hot at the precise temperature, and keep them secure with a leakproof, slide-lock design.

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12 Best Travel Gadgets for Any Trip in 2021

Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

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When it comes to travel, I am overall anti-gadget; like many independent travelers, I’d rather pack light than lug tons of stuff around in an attempt to carry every convenience of home with me on the road. That said, some travel gadgets are essential to just about every packing list. Besides your smartphone—which is a given for just about all of us—I’ve come up with the 12 best travel gadgets that deserve inclusion in your carry-on.

Universal (All-in-One) Plug Adapter

NEWVANGA international universal all in one worldwide travel adapter wall charger

After years of thrashing through a bag of adapters before every international trip, I was thrilled when all-in-one adapters started appearing on the market—that is, until I tried to use one in actual wall outlets.

Some outlets are recessed, requiring an extender that seemed not to be included in most adapter sets. Some adapters didn’t seem to correspond to the shape that you found in the guidebooks for the country you were visiting. Others were poorly made and came apart after a few days’ use.

That is mostly over, as today’s all-in-one adapters address most of these issues with a built-in extender on the European adapter plugs. Most have enough options that you will never be out of luck, and they tend to be better made to boot.

A couple of well-reviewed choices include offerings from NEWVANGA and Unidapt .

Noise-Canceling Headphones

“ Noise-canceling headphones were probably the best travel investment I have made,” says pro photographer Erik Dresser, who logs tens of thousands of air miles each year for his work. Dresser notes that the headphones let him shut out the general din of the aircraft so he can relax more easily, permit him to sleep in flight without getting woken up by chatting passengers and crying babies, and signal to others that he is not up for socializing.

USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive (also known as a thumb drive) can come in handy on any number of occasions while traveling, such as sharing a document with the hotel front desk so they can print it for you or accessing a photo of your passport if it’s lost or stolen.

Amazon lists thousands of these ; most work pretty well.

Portable Phone Charger

Anker powercore 10000, one of the smallest and lightest 10000mah external batteries,

On two separate occasions in the past few years (a company party and a fundraiser), the “party favor” was a small, rechargeable USB phone charger , probably the most useful and welcome party favor in history. The only thing about “party favor” quality chargers is that they tend to fail pretty quickly, so purchasing a good one is probably worth the money.

This one from Anker will give you a heap of charges, which beats buying drinks you don’t need at a coffee shop just to be able to plug in.

For more recommendations, see SmarterTravel’s list of the best portable chargers .

Car Charger

If you will be renting a car or driving your own vehicle on a road trip, bring a car charger/adapter . Recharging your stuff while driving helps combat the “not enough accessible outlets in the hotel” factor and allows you to use your device to map your route, play a podcast , or distract your kids in the back seat without running down the battery. The Maxboost Car Charger seems to be the leader in this realm, ranking #1 on Amazon’s best sellers list in this category.

Weatherproof Phone Case

In my informal gadget survey of friends who travel frequently, the one thing that few of them owned but many were thinking of getting was a weatherproof phone case . At home, such cases often seem overly bulky, but when traveling they’ve found it more common to get caught out in bad weather.

“ Ziploc bags work to protect the phone, but actually using the phone through a wet plastic bag is a mess,” one noted.

LifeProof cases are the go-to for many hardcore travelers, while PunkCase is a well-regarded option at a lower price point.

Bringing a tablet as well as a phone had always seemed like just too much stuff to me—until newspaper and magazine apps started getting good. I used to leave home with more than five pounds of paper reading material, which I left behind for other potential readers in airplane seatback pockets, gate areas or hotel lobbies; now I download magazines and books to a tablet.

Tablets come in a wide range of price points; click here to browse.

For heavy vacation/travel reading, many hardcore readers swear by the Kindle because it’s so easy to read outside in strong light. If you read a ton while traveling, and in all kinds of places, a branded Kindle e-reader is probably the way to go in lieu of a tablet.

Solar Charger

Goal zero yeti 400 lithium portable power station

For hardcore travelers who might spend long periods of time away from plugs of any kind—such as backcountry hikers, climbers, and campers— solar chargers are a useful addition to a packing list. Sure, part of the point of heading into the backcountry is getting away from connectivity, but that doesn’t mean that GPS devices, cameras, or even smartphones are completely verboten.

Leading brands for solar chargers include Goal Zero and Suntactics .

Mobile Hotspot

Depending on which cell phone plan you use, a mobile hotspot can save you money on international plans and data charges. These devices broadcast a secure, dependable Wi-Fi signal you can use in any country, without having to rely on sketchy public Wi-Fi signals or use your own pricey data. Well-reviewed options include devices from NETGEAR and GlocalMe .

Sun-/Insect-Repellent Shirt

This isn’t exactly a gadget, but clothing has become quite technical in nature and can provide more than just routine cover. Many companies make pants , socks , and shirts that provide specific protection from both sun and insects, including measurable UV protection as well as EPA-certified insect repellent properties. Many are lightweight and breathable as well, making this a “tech” purchase perfectly suited to travel.

The Insect-Repellent Clothing and Gear Every Traveler Should Have

Smart Suitcase

We’re in the early days of smart suitcases , but the idea is extremely compelling—being able to check on your smartphone where your bag is, how heavy it is, and whether it has been opened. Many smart suitcases even provide the ability to charge devices through a USB connection.

There are also simple tracking devices you can put into your luggage, so that might be another way to tap into this type of tech without going all in on an expensive bag. As this tech comes into its own, soon enough tracking our own bags might seem almost routine.

Away’s The Carry-On will charge your phone and comes recommended by gear review sites, including SmarterTravel .

More from SmarterTravel:

7 Tiny Travel Gadgets You Can’t Leave Home Without
4 Surprising Low-Tech Gadgets You Need
9 Travel Products That Take the Stress Out of Your Trip

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 12 Best Travel Gadgets For Any Trip

By: Yoni Yardeni Published: Aug 04, 2023

By: Yoni Yardeni and Cameron Cardwell Published: Aug 04, 2023

Contributors

There are two sides to every vacation: the wondrous escape into an environment you’ve never encountered before, and the tumultuous planning and lead-up that precedes it. Whether you’re in for a long flight, train ride, or even just an Uber ride to the local airport, traveling can be an extremely strenuous process — and you don’t need to tell us twice just how much of a sour taste it can leave after a trip if things don’t go smoothly. And while these forms of transportation may try to accommodate us with a variety of entertainment options to take our mind off of just how long things are taking, that never quite manages to cut it, which is why we always seek out some superb travel gadgets to take along.

Thanks to all of the available modernized tech these days, there’s no need to endure all of travel’s ailing qualities without some additional accessories to assist us. Looking to make life simpler for you as you get ready to go out and about, our guide to the best travel gadgets to buy is sure to ease any sense of travel uncertainty.

The Best Travel Gadgets

Best Tracker

Best Toothbrush

Quip Electric Toothbrush

Best Portable Power Source

Anker Power Core Portable Charger

Best Hard Drive

LaCie Rugged Mini

Best Bluetooth Speaker

Sonos Roam SL

Best Health Tracker

Best Handheld Console

Nintendo Switch OLED

Best Carry-On

Away The Carry-On

Best Action Camera

GoPro HERO11

Best E-Ink Writer

Astrohaus Freewrite Traveler Typewriter

Best Headphones

Apple AirPods Max

Best Tablet

Apple iPad Pro

How we chose our picks.

For all of our gadget guides, we select products we trust and put good design and performance above all else. This time around, we’ve picked gadgets that will make traveling not only more peaceful and entertaining, but also safer and more productive. This guide includes devices like headphones, handhelds, and speakers for comfort and play, along with more practical gear like a hard drive, trackers, and chargers, so you can get some work done with peace of mind knowing your devices will have enough juice (and so you don’t lose anything). Everything on this list comes from well-known and trusted brands in their respective industries, and we leverage our decade-plus experience reviewing these products and covering the tech space on a daily basis to become intimately familiar with the gadgets before deciding to include them.

Why It Made The Cut

Losing something while traveling is very stressful, and Tile’s water-resistant tracker helps prevent that for up to three years

Best Tracker: There are few hardships as tumultuous as losing something you cherish in a foreign land. With that in mind, a Bluetooth tracker is a necessity when you’re traveling, and who better to trust than Tile? As the brand that started it all, its water-resistant Mate tracker boasts a 3-year battery that you can replace when needed, so it’s intended to keep your valuables in check for a number of your upcoming vacations, as well as once you get back home.

Battery Life: 3 years Bluetooth Range: 76 meters

It’s better for your teeth to have a reliable toothbrush than some dinky throwaway, especially if it’s electronic and has smartphone connectivity

Best Toothbrush: In a similar vein to wrinkles, hygiene upkeep most certainly doesn’t take a vacation just because you are. With that in mind, a smart toothbrush with seamless smartphone connectivity is the way to go. Maintaining oral hygiene is vital, and keeping track of just how long you’re brushing is made equally important thanks to Quip’s app that informs its users on their top-and-bottom row coverage and overall intensity. For those looking to have fresh breath throughout their trip and also make their dentist proud on their next visit, this is the way to go.

Batteries Required: 1 AAA Bristle: Soft

Keeping your devices charged is essential for entertainment, navigation, and work; and this offering from Anker provides six complete charges on most phones

Best Portable Power Source: Anker’s vast catalog of gadgets spans from projectors to magnetic charging stations to practically everything in between, but its PowerCore Portable Charger speaks for itself, your phone, and a couple of other devices too. It boasts a 26800mAh battery that can practically endure an entire vacation without dying, and even comes equipped with an additional pair of charging ports that are sure to assist anyone accompanying you on your trip.

Battery: 26800mAh Ports: Dual input and 3 USB Charging: Capable of charging the average smartphone around 6 times

If you’re a creative or a remote worker, having reliable storage is a must, and it doesn’t hurt if it’s nearly indestructible

Best Hard Drive: You may have caught a glimpse of these ubiquitous hard drives at your local coffee shop or even on your favorite TV show — they’re just that popular, because they’re just so powerful. LaCie’s Rugged Mini is the ideal portable piece of technical gear thanks to its bolstered, shock-resistant exterior, 4′ of drop resistance, as well as dust and water resistance, allowing you to take this along with you across any terrain. On top of that, you can pack it up with movies, shows, and documents to peruse throughout your flight.

Storage: 2TB Connectivity: USB 3.0 Resistances: Shock-resistant, drop-resistant up to 4 feet, and water-resistant

This speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it the perfect beach companion

Best Bluetooth Speaker: The newly-released Sonos Roam SL boasts an intricately-engineered pair of the audio manufacturer’s signature Class-H digital amplifiers, simple AirPlay connectivity, an ergonomic composition, and a countless number of other things that make it the perfect travel speaker . What sets it apart, though, is its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, ensuring that you can take it with you whether you’re basking oceanside at a beach resort or venturing through sand dunes. Measuring just over 6.5″ tall and right under 4.5″ wide, it’s built to squeeze into any backpack or suitcase with ease.

Battery Life: 10 hours Resistances: IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and drop resistant Size: 6.5″ tall and 4.5″ wide

Oura Smart Ring

A lightweight titanium health tracker that connects to Google Fit and Apple Health, all inside a sleek ring

Best Health Tracker: Boasting all the intricate health details you get from a smartwatch and then some, this Smart Ring tracks your sleep and fitness, and has up to a week of battery life. Weighing less than 6 grams and composed of durable, lightweight titanium, the Oura is a seamless addition to anyone’s accessory assortment and also features easy user-friendly connectivity to Google Fit and Apple Health. Available in a quartet of sleek colors, accentuate your look and wardrobe with a piece of jewelry that provides some much-needed functionality.

Battery Life: Up to 7 days Material: Titanium Connectivity: Google Fit and Apple Health

Long flights and car trips are much more bearable with entertainment, and the Switch’s portability and multiplayer-friendly features are perfect for them

Best Handheld Console: Whether you’re an old-school gamer or an Animal Crossing enthusiast, there’s no shortage of fun to be had on the ultra-portable Nintendo Switch . With the Japanese giant’s newly-released OLED-equipped model hitting the market just last year, you can revel in its glorious 7″ display as you play anything from its vast array of nostalgic Virtual Console games to the latest Kirby platformer. Plus, if you’re traveling with a friend, there’s no need to worry about lacking an extra controller, making for a conveniently inclusive playing experience.

Storage: 64 GB Screen: 7″ OLED Connectivity: Bluetooth and wired LAN

Having a lightweight carry-on makes flying a lot easier, espcially when it has a USB charging port

Best Carry-On: While we already touched on a pair of gadgets that can charge your phone on the go, none boast the state-of-the-art appeal of an electronic suitcase. Away’s The Carry-On may feature a rudimentary name, but the unique piece of luggage is far more than meets the eye, as it comes equipped with an ejectable USB charging port that is bound to come in clutch when you’re amid any lengthy flight delays. Not to mention, it’s lightweight, sleek, and sits on a quartet of 360-degree spinner wheels, making it an ideal carry-on for the average tech junkie.

Capacity: 39.8 L Weight: 7.5 lbs Size: 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″

If your trip involves some adventures, you might want to go with the pros on this one, and grab this action camera capable of 5.3K videos and 27MP photos

Best Action Camera: If you need something to document your trip and the latest smartphone camera technology just isn’t quite cutting it, instill your faith in GoPro to provide the market’s optimized action camera. The S.F.-bred techies’ HERO11 is an incredible choice thanks to its use of the brand’s state-of-the-art GP2 engine, paving the way for rapid-fire performance and the frame-doubling abilities that result in the smoothest footage possible. Capable of shooting up to 5.3K videos and snapping 27MP photos, you’ll be able to relive your trip in a manner so crystal clear that you’ll forget it ever even came to a close.

Battery: Removable 1720mAh Enduro battery Image Sensor: 1/1.9″ CMOS Waterproof: 10 meters Video/Photo Quality: 5.3k videos and 27MP photos

E-ink is a lot easier on the eyes, especially for long reading/writing sessions, and this portable typewriter provides that in a manageable size

Best E-Ink Writer: For all the writers out there who can’t stand looking at their laptops anymore and aim for a more traditional experience, this is an incredible choice, even if you don’t find yourself gearing up for vacation. Astrohaus’ unique gadget boasts a whopping four-week battery life and features an E-ink screen with no glare or blue light, shedding much of the strain our eyes endure on a common basis through constant smartphone usage. With enough space to hold well over one million pages of drafts, writer’s block is truly the only thing to fear when purchasing the Freewrite Traveler.

Battery Life: 4 weeks Storage: Over 1,000,000 pages of drafts Connectivity: Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive Screen Size: 121mm x 70mm

Stylish with high-quality audio and noise-cancellation, there’s a reason this is a grail pick for many

Best Headphones: There are countless wireless headphones to choose from, but Apple’s ergonomic offering takes the cake. This hi-fi option boasts a dynamic driver designed by world-renowned gadgeteers and features immaculate noise-canceling capabilities that are bound to come in handy on any of those stressful and noisy flights you have booked. In addition to that, they are compatible with spatial audio and feature dynamic head tracking, allowing you to make the most of Apple Music’s ongoing work with Dolby Atmos en route to crafting an immersive listening experience.

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Technology: Active Noise Cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and adaptive EQ

A great way to have your work center and entertainment in one compact place, with Apple’s best-in-class UI and latest M2 chip

Best Tablet: It’s already more than likely that you’re traveling around with an iPhone in your pocket, so why not add to that with some more Apple gear? The Cupertino geniuses dominate the tablet game by all measures, and it hasn’t been close ever since Apple unveiled the very first iPad generation. The latest and greatest iPad Pros are powered by the brand’s almighty M2 Chip, resulting in lightning-fast speeds and otherworldly performance across the board. Round that out with a gorgeous Liquid Retina display and a long-lasting, all-day battery, and you’ve got yourself a portable entertainment and work center built to take on the world at your side.

Displays: 11″ Liquid Retina and 12.9″ Liquid Retina XDR Storage: 128GB – 2TB

The Best Camping Gadgets Right Now

While these picks are great for traveling, you might need some more rugged gear for camping. That’s where our best camping gadgets guide comes in.

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The best travel tech for your next getaway, according to flight crew members — Apple, Anker, Google and more

These 8 essential gadgets will forever change the way you travel..

Traveling soon? Passport: check. Clothes: check. Toiletries: check. That's all one needs to have a fabulous trip anywhere in the world, right? Wrong. For a truly comfortable and stress-free journey, we highly recommend investing in some top-rated travel tech. Whether you're taking to the air or setting off on a road trip, these pieces come highly recommended by seasoned travelers and travel industry insiders alike.

Apple AirTag, 4-Pack

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Be it noise-canceling headphones or a battery pack to juice up your phone, bringing a few problem-solving tech accessories along for the ride is always a good idea. And who better to recommend travel tech than flight crew personnel, who've made frequent travel their profession? We talked with a flight attendant and scoured the internet for flight-crew-recommended products, and here are our findings.

Apple AirTags are great not just for keeping track of your keys and wallet but also for making sure your luggage won't get lost!

Most frequent travelers will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lost luggage is to bring it as a carry-on, but that just isn't realistic for everyone. To help make sure your luggage doesn't get lost, try using an Apple AirTag. "I put one in my flight attendant bag whenever I have to check it," said one five-star reviewer . "These are super easy to use and definitely worth the money."

This five-inch mini humidifier is small enough to pack in a purse, plus has an LED nightlight!

Simon Wu, a flight attendant for Cathay Pacific for six years, told Yahoo Life that a humidifier is a must after a long flight. "I absolutely need a humidifier for my skin after a long plane ride," he says. He recommends this particular brand and model due to its size. "This small one makes it very easy to pack." It operates via USB, comes with two spray modes, plus there is a night-light LED.

An alternative to Apple's AirPods, these noise-canceling earbuds reach up to 31 hours of battery life with the charging case.

While Apple AirPods are popular, Wu prefers Google Pixel Buds Pro. "The Pixel Buds are a must-have when I'm taking a nap during my shift break," he said. They're compact, they have excellent battery life and they use Active Noise Cancelling to greatly reduce outside sound. Plus, you can ask Google for directions, to answer calls and to control your music, keeping everything hands-free.

Never worry about your phone's battery running out again with this handy Anker portable charger.

You'll likely be using your phone a lot on your trip, which will certainly drain the battery. A power bank is a must. This particular model from Anker is a favorite with Amazon reviewers, including crew members. "As a flight attendant I always need power on the go," said one . "I bought this to replace an older Anker power bank I had left on a plane. This battery is perfect for me. ... This battery charges my phone incredibly fast and holds around four full charges for my iPhone X. My only complaint is the shape. I wish it were a tad more slender ... when held against my phone it sticks out on the sides making it hard to hold. Otherwise a great, fast battery pack and easy to stow for travel!"

Traveling abroad? Keep in mind that outlets vary by country. This universal travel adapter can help you plug in your electronics.

A universal travel adapter helps continue to charge your electronics like your phone, tablet or laptop. This all-in-one model includes four USB-A connectors and a USB-C. "Bought this for our nephew who is prepping for his first trip to Europe!" said one travel pro. "This travel adapter is all in one piece and very sturdy; I am getting a couple for my husband and I as we are flight attendants! Not having to worry about missing pieces is great!"

Do you have more robust electronic needs? This universal travel adapter comes with a 110 to 220V voltage converter, which is useful for appliances such as curling irons and fans.

If you plan on bringing appliances such as hair dryers and electric toothbrushes, then you might want to get a universal travel adapter that has a voltage converter. "As a retired international flight attendant, I have had every kind of converter for overseas travel," said this reviewer . "The Bestek converter was the best I have ever purchased. With phones, iPads, curling irons, computers, etc., the converter makes it so easy to charge it all up at the same time. I had a mini-curling iron that I thought wouldn't work with the converter, but it heated it up perfectly. Loved it!"

Not every hotel room has a microwave, which is a pain if you want to heat up leftovers or breakfast. Enter the Hot Logic Mini Portable Oven: an electric food-warming tote that has become something of a cult hit among flight crew.

One five-star reviewer said it's a must-have for flight crew: "I absolutely love my Hot Logic. I’ve been a flight attendant for a really long time and this is my second one. ... I mostly do turns (day trips), but even on those I take this with me just in case we don’t make home and have to stay overnight somewhere. ... Outside of North America, microwaves in hotels are almost impossible to find. The Hot Logic works great with converters as well. Just keep an eye on how hot it may get when using a converter."

Cables and plugs can get chaotic, but an electronics organizer like this makes packing a breeze. And it's waterproof!

Though not quite a tech gadget, an electronics organizer like this one from Bubm is a travel tech essential because it helps keep all of your cables and plugs in one place. "I love this bag," wrote one flight crew member in a review . "I am a flight attendant, and I carry three iDevices, two chargers (both cylindrical) and wireless headphones. Obviously, I need lots of cables and plugs, and to charge and recharge, and this carries them all neatly with room for spares."

If you have Amazon Prime , you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here . (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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The Best Tech to Travel With in 2024

These won't stop a delayed flight, but they could make any travel situation a little easier to handle

University of Colorado at Denver
Colorado State University
Digital Cameras & Photography

So, you’re off on your next adventure! We travel frequently, nationally and internationally, so we know that the right bit of technology can make things easier, whether business or travel, a city trip, or somewhere in the wilderness. Check out our favorite communication, entertainment, and convenience options as you make your travel plans this year.

Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling internationally, including areas like Canada, Russia, Asia, Central America, South America, and the Middle East, don’t forget to bring the JOOMFEEN Travel Adapter to plug in your appliances and charge your devices easily. It’s compatible with many iOS and Android devices, and you can charge up to three simultaneously. Advanced features include built-in fuse protection, safety shutters, and an LED power indicator.

It’s super versatile.

The price is right.

Forgetting to bring this handy device on foreign trips!

Wireless Headphones

Bose Corporation

Get the best of both worlds, quiet and sound, with Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones. Turn them on to dim the noise around you, or use the Alexa-enabled feature to play music or news or interact with other aspects of your Alexa account. The headphones work hands-free, so you can use your voice to control functions like volume. You get up to 20 hours of wireless use from one charge.

It's a great combination of comfort plus classic Bose sound quality.

Excellent noise cancellation.

The price may be prohibitive for some.

Luggage Tracker

Traveling can be stressful, and anything you can do to gain peace of mind makes your trip that much better. The LugLoc luggage locator lets you place a device in your bag and track it using a simple app. You’ll always know where your bag is and will get a notification when it arrives in the baggage claim area. You’ll also get pinged if you move too far away from your bag once you’ve collected it. Apple’s AirTags are another alternative if you are in the Apple ecosystem.

Worldwide coverage.

Doesn't interfere with other baggage items.

You have to purchase a separate subscription to use the service.

Hannes Eichinger / EyeEm / Getty Images

Naturally, you’ll want to bring some combination of phone, laptop, and tablet, depending on how and why you’ll travel.

If traveling for business, you may need your laptop for work during the day and your tablet for entertainment while you relax in your hotel room. Going somewhere fun? Leave the laptop at home and stick with your phone to help you communicate, get around, and find information, and your tablet for reading or watching movies between activities.

Be sure to include chargers and other accessories for each of these items as well!

Each device can serve many functions.

Most devices are light enough to carry without trouble.

Too many devices can be hard to keep track of.

Wireless Charger

You know the scenario: you’re out all day having a great time on your trip but probably using many apps to help you communicate, coordinate your activities, and get around. So you end up using way more juice on your phone than usual and may even be at zero when you need it most.

Wireless chargers solve that problem by providing a charging source anywhere you are.

It’s compatible with many phone models.

It can charge a typical phone around three times on one charge.

Though small, it may be clunky to carry around.

Portable Entertainment

Turn your hotel room into a personal entertainment center with a Roku Streaming Stick. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can have access to your shows from all your favorite streaming sources or take the opportunity to watch something new.

You only need to log into your services (such as Netflix) the first time you use them on the device.

Enhanced voice remote provides easy operation.

Did we mention you can watch all your favorite shows?

It may not work with all hotel TVs.

World Clock

Magellan's

A world traveler needs a world clock or, even better, a World Time Alarm Clock. This nifty device lets you view the time in 18 cities worldwide and includes a calendar, temperature, and timer. You can choose from five languages and set an alarm (there's even a snooze function). The device also serves as a flashlight, taking regular AAA batteries.

It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around.

You can also rest it on bottom knobs to use as a bedside clock.

For time zones that aren't included, you’ll have to do a little math to get the time right.

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The Best Travel Tech Organizers to Keep Cords Neat and Tidy

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It’s on every packing list , though we hardly need to write it down to remember it: a smartphone. Few of us travel without one these days, and more often than not, our technology haul extends beyond just a phone; a tablet or e-reader, digital camera, laptop, portable charger, and wireless headphones may be on the list, too. Whether you’re working remotely or not, chances are you’re bringing your entire digital setup with you. But throwing a tangle of cords and technology in your carry-on is a recipe for frustration when you find your face pressed up against the tray table, blindly searching for a charging cable in your under-seat bag.

Where there’s a digital device, there are its accessories, and tech organizers keep them tidy and easy to find while you’re in transit. If you like the organization of a toiletry bag for your body and skincare, why not a tech bag for your digital gear?

Travel tech organizers come in many different designs. There are hard-shell, soft-shell, folio, and roll-up varieties that are designed with different layers of pouches, elastics, zippers, and pockets. In my own experience, simple designs come out on top. Look for adjustable straps and pockets that will grow with you and your tech gear.

Everyone's needs are slightly different for their own digital Dopp kit, so you'll want to first take stock of your essentials. Lay all your gear out on a table to help determine what kind of bag will fit your tech travel setup. Then, read on for our most-recommended travel tech organizers.

Best overall: The Guzo utility pouch
Best budget pick: Travelon tech accessory organizer
Best for remote workers: Mosiso laptop bag
Best for photographers: Peak Design tech pouch
Best for Apple users: The Function 101 BentoStack Charge 8000
Best for everyday use: Dagne Dover Arlo tech organizer
Best colorways: Calpak tech organizer
Best size options: Wandrd tech bag
Best water-resistant case: Bellroy tech kit
Best discreet organizer: BookBook CaddySack
Best style: Parker Clay Olivia organizer

Best overall

Parker Clay’s bags are made of fine Ethiopian leather and abide by the highest standards of ethical manufacturing and sustainable sourcing. The leather goods brand partners with Ellilta Women at Risk (EWAR), to hire and train at-risk women in craftsmanship. Its bags are not only made sustainably (read more about the brand's leather production and sourcing here ), they’re also well-designed and timeless in their construction. The Guzo Utility Pouch is a chameleon of travel bags: Use it as a slim tech pouch that you can slide into any tote , or transform it into a handy clutch you bring to a cafe or out to dinner.

Standout features: A sleeve slips over your palm to make this bag cup into your hand, so it doesn’t slip out of your grasp while you hold it.

What we love most: It can transform into a chic clutch by night if you’re trying to pack a tight capsule wardrobe .

Dimensions: 10"L x .25"W x 7"H

Best budget pick

Tech organizers don’t have to be complicated, they just need to be easy to find in your bag when you need them. The Travelon tech accessory organizer in the color lime pops, and is easy to spot quickly, even in the dark. The roll-up design makes it compact and malleable in any bag. Made of ripstop fabric, the water- and stain-resistant exterior would also hold up on backpacking or outdoor trips if you’re stuffing it in a jam-packed hiking pack .

Standout features: The flexible roll-up design makes this ideal for tucking into empty corners of any backpack or bag.

What we love most: Malleable yet tough ripstop construction

Dimensions : 6.5"L x 1"W x 5"H

Best for remote workers

If you’re a digital nomad , chances are your laptop goes with you everywhere, which means chargers and accessories are a must-carry too. This Mosiso laptop bag cuts down on the number of bags and cases you need: It’s a shoulder bag, cushioned laptop sleeve, and tech organizer all in one. Available in standard 13" and 16" sizes that fit most laptops, the Mosiso keeps your laptop in a cushy cocoon with 360-degree padding. On the outside, tuck all of your laptop accessories into soft zippered pouches. Big enough to hold external hard drives and battery packs, you won’t forget them when they’re attached to your laptop.

Standout features: Keep laptop accessories in the same place as your laptop to avoid fishing around for them in another bag. Carry it like a briefcase, or attach the sling strap and make it a day bag you can bike or walk with hands-free.

What we love most: A luggage sleeve that slips over your carry-on handle

Dimensions : 16.57”L x 11.81”W x 2.36”H

Best for photographers

Peak Design is known for designing with the travel photographer in mind. The Peak Design tech pouch is a padded, semi-rigid carry-all that can stand upright on its own and opens like a clam with a 270-degree zipper. Interior accordion-like compartments are designed to separate key photography gear and snug elastics hug SD cards. A pen holder keeps a stylus handy in one place. Large pockets open up for charging blocks, power banks, and hard drives. An exterior zippered pouch holds need-to-reach items without unloading the whole bag. Peak Design’s proprietary anchor system and strap transform this tech pouch into a small day bag when you need it.

Standout features: A hand sleeve that slides over your palm makes this easy to open on the go without needing a flat surface to set it on. Plus, it can accommodate bulky items like a small point-and-shoot camera, a mouse, or a battery.

What we love most: The charging cable pass-through allows you to plug in your device from the outside without taking out the cable and battery.

Dimensions: 6"L x 9.5"W x 4"H

Best for Apple users

Both a battery pack and a tech organizer, the Function 101 BentoStack Charge 8000 is a stackable hardshell case geared toward Apple loyalists. The Charge 8000 offers three ways to charge, which can be used simultaneously: a USB-C port, USB-A port, and wireless charging. Four different storage layers provide a space for everything, which includes two shallow layers for your Apple Pencil and Apple watchbands; and two deeper layers for larger items like AirPods, charging cables, and wall charging bricks. Mix and match the layers as you like, and keep it all together with a color-matched silicon band.

Standout features: Apple’s love for minimalist design makes this Japanese–inspired tech storage box blend in seamlessly with your products.

What we love most: It’s a hefty battery bank with handy attached storage, which keeps a suite of Apple accessories tidy and juiced up on the go.

Dimensions: 7.75"L x 3.75"W x 4.6"H

Best for everyday use

This mini tech organizer from Dagne Dover might as well live in your everyday tote. The Dagne Dover Arlo tech organizer in the small version is an agile addition to your travel kit because of its nimble size—tuck it into a belt bag, travel sling , or day pack without much added bulk. Designed to keep your laptop and phone basics handy, this neoprene organizer doesn’t leave extra space for items to slip around. Everything is kept snug using elastics and mesh pockets made of recycled plastic.

Standout features: Try it in two sizes—small and large, and swap them out for shorter or longer trips.

What we love most: The small size makes this easy to add to day bags, belt bags, or slings without taking up too much space or adding bulk.

Dimensions: Small: 4.5" L x 2.25"W x 5”H; large: 8"L x 3.25"W x 5.25"H

Best colorways

Image may contain: Bag, Accessories, Handbag, and Backpack

Calpak’s travel tech organizer doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but they do make it a lot more colorful and fun. This lay-flat organizer has elastics for storing rolled-up cords, and a zippered pouch perfect for USBs, hard drives, or charging bricks. The trouble won’t be figuring out how to organize your tech, it’ll be choosing from one of 16 different colorful patterns that show off your style and personality.

Standout features: A mesh pouch makes loose items easy to spot and grab quickly. Elastics and snug slip pockets keep anything from spilling out when you open it.

What we love most: The array of fun colors and classic patterns you can choose from.

Dimensions: 7"L x 9.5"W x 1.5"H

Best size options

Wandrd started as a Kickstarter designing bags for on-the-go photographers . Today, its travel bags are useful for any traveler looking for durable, gear-protecting bags backed by a lifetime guarantee. The Wandrd tech bag is offered in three different sizes which can nest together, or be bought and used separately. Built with an array of straps and grab points on the outside, you can attach these to your backpack or weekender using basic carabiners. An optional strap transforms the Wandrd tech bag into a compact sling. Earthy, neutral colors like Aegean blue, Yuma tan, and Sedona orange are fun variations to basic black, though that is offered too.

Standout features: Choose from a small, medium, or large version depending on your needs. Or, nest them together for an agile set of organizers that grows with your packing list.

What we love most: The fleece-lined zippered pouch (in the large size) keeps your iPhone cushioned and scratch-free.

Dimensions : Small: 7.75"L x 2"W 4.5"H; medium: 9"L x 3"W x 4.5"H; large: 9"L x 4"W x 5.5"H

Best water-resistant case

This semi-hardshell case from Bellroy carries just the essentials in a compact design. Available in 11 neutral colors made from recycled water-resistant woven fabric, the Bellroy is built to last and backed by a three-year warranty. A floating interior wall forms the interior pocket and closes with a satisfying magnetic click. Elastics hold dongles and other small items you may be prone to losing at the bottom of a bag.

Standout features: A firm, padded exterior give you peace of mind that your tech won’t get knocked or jostled around—essential for hard drives. Everything has a place in this organizer that keeps your accessories from moving an inch.

What we love most: The three-year warranty and water-resistant exterior

Dimensions : 5.12"L x 9.06"W x 2.8"H

Best discreet organizer

Disguised as a leather-bound book, the CaddySack tech organizer by Twelve South is great for those who like to sprawl out at the cafe but worry their AirPods might get swiped when they’re not looking. Zip up this organizer and it turns into an incognito book. Though CaddySack designs for Apple products, the interior Velcro straps aren't limiting, so whether you're packing a Mac brick, mouse, or travel outlet adapter, it'll fit right in. Suit up all your tech in a slick literary sleeve with the rest of its BookBook cases.

Standout features: A tweed interior and leather exterior give this tech organizer a polished look and feel.

What we love most: When you’re not traveling, this case looks great on an office bookshelf as an incognito way to keep cords together at home.

Dimensions : 5.7"L x 1.6"W x 8"H

The Parker Clay Olivia organizer is thoughtfully designed in partnership with HGTV interior designer Sabrina Soto . Design and organization go hand-in-hand and it shows in this full-grain leather bag’s accordion construction. It separates little bits and bobs and offers quick access to everything at a glance. You don’t need two hands to unzip, unlatch, or pull open a pocket—a smart feature for hurried travelers. Grab a few of the six neutral colors and use them for toiletries, makeup, and your tech.

Standout features: Durable leather construction allows it to stand up on its own

What we love most: Details like a brass zipper pair well with full-grain leather that will age nicely with time.

Dimensions : 8.5"L x 3"W x 6"H

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The 25 best Amazon tech gadgets you need for travel

These travel gadgets from Amazon provide convenience, and comfort when you’re on the road, including brands like Apple, JBL and more.

Your phone’s battery is completely drained. Your luggage was sent to the wrong airport and now your flight is delayed.These sound like nightmares, but they can be a reality when you’re traveling. Mishaps are simply a part of the adventure, but you can be prepared with the help of these travel tech gadgets .

Whether you’re traveling a few hours away or across the globe, there are travel gadgets that can help make your trip easier, safer and (mostly) headache-free. We spoke to a travel expert, tried a few products ourselves and sorted through hundreds of top-rated products on Amazon to find the best tech to pack for your next trip.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best travel tech essentials | The best travel tech gadgets on Amazon | Why trust NBC Select?

Selected. Our top picks

How we picked the best travel tech essentials

To figure out what types of travel tech are worth bringing along on your next trip — and which gadgets to skip — I spoke to several experts who have spent years traveling all around the world. Here’s what they recommended keeping in mind:

Size: As you consider travel gadgets, it’s important to evaluate their size and weight, especially if you have limited space in your carry-on or suitcase . If you’re planning to bring something oversized, be sure it’s worth the real estate in your bag. For instance, cameras are a popular item to bring while traveling, but many experts suggest leaving them behind because they’re bulky: “Cell phone cameras are so advanced now that you can take phenomenal photos on your mobile,” says Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato .
Convenience : Whether you’re taking a car, plane, train or bus, the best travel tech gadgets provide convenience when you’re on the road, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for common travel issues. Almost all of the experts I spoke to recommended a power bank as their top travel accessory. Marchant explains that these devices are a convenient way to charge electronics in airports, on airplanes (or other modes of transportation) and while exploring your destination.
Peace of mind: The right technology can also help reduce stress while you travel, allowing you to make the most of the experience. For this reason, our experts highly recommend devices like Bluetooth trackers, personal safety devices and noise-canceling headphones. “I always put AirTags in every piece of checked luggage, especially if making multiple transfers, as it can greatly save headaches and stress,” explains Marchant.

select Tired of lugging around a clunky suitcase? Here are the best lightweight luggage options

The best travel tech gadgets on amazon to buy.

Using the guidance of travel experts, I sorted through hundreds of popular travel tech gadgets on Amazon. The following are best-selling devices that are highly rated by thousands of shoppers, and you may want to grab a few of them for your next trip.

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

Long battery life
Bluetooth connectivity
Takes a bit of time to pair

4.4-star average rating from over 15,070 reviews

This wireless audio transmitter plugs into the in-flight entertainment system on airplanes and sends the audio directly to wireless Bluetooth headphones. This allows you to listen to movies or other content without being tethered to the seat by a cord. The transmitter can also be used on gym equipment, televisions or gaming devices, and it lasts for up to 20 hours per charge, according to the brand.

Apple AirTag

Water and dust resistant
Built-in speaker
Replaceable battery
Only compatible with Apple

4.7-star average rating from over 126,700 reviews

For iPhone users, AirTags are an inexpensive way to keep tabs on your luggage, keys or other belongings while traveling. The location of these Bluetooth-powered trackers can be monitored through the Find My app. If the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of your phone, its Precision Finding feature will point you toward it, or you can see its location on a map if you’re further away.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

Fyy Electronics Organizer

Compact design
Water resistant
Multiple pockets
Nothing to note at this time

4.5-star average rating from over 13,100 reviews

You can keep electronics and all their accessories neatly organized with this travel pouch. It comes in 11 colors, and there are two compartments inside with various pockets to store charging cables, power banks and more. The cable organizer is compact enough to put in a carry-on or handbag, and the exterior is water-resistant to protect its contents, according to the brand.

Conair Handheld Travel Garment Steamer

Adjustable steam head

4.3-star average rating from over 19,000 reviews

It’s inevitable that your clothing will get a bit wrinkly while traveling, but you can remove creases with this top-rated travel garment steamer . It heats up in less than a minute, and its high-velocity steam will help smooth wrinkles on shirts, dresses, and other clothing — important if you’re traveling for work. It has an adjustable steam head that lets you hold it at any angle, and the device is even dual-voltage for international trips.

Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Great battery life
Storage capacity
Must have an Amazon account

4.7-star average rating from over 34,000 reviews

If you like to read while traveling, this popular e-reader is a worthwhile investment. It has a 16GB storage capacity, allowing you to download dozens of books, and the glare-free display is comfortable to read even in direct sunlight. It’s lightweight and more compact than your average paperback novel, and it can last for weeks on a single charge, so you don’t have to bring a charger with you, according to the brand.

Works with Apple and androids
Long lasting battery
Non-replaceable battery

4.5-star average rating from over 22,525 reviews

Android owners can attach these Bluetooth trackers to anything they want the exact location of: think keys, luggage or throw it inside of carry-on luggage. Using the Tile app, you can pinpoint the location of the tile from up to 250 feet away using the Tile app. You can also ping the tile, it will ring audible to help you locate it. The app will give a more approximate location on a map using the Tile Network. Like the Apple AirTag, the battery lasts up to a year, and is easily replaceable.

Philips One by Sonicare

Three month battery life
Built-in timer
Replaceable brush head
Needs AAA battery

4.5-star average rating from over 15,909 reviews

This electric toothbrush is designed specifically for traveling. According to the brand, the toothbrush can last for up to three months on a single AAA battery, and it comes with a case that protects the brush head. The brush uses micro-vibrations to help clean your teeth, and it has a built-in two-minute timer that vibrates at 30-second intervals to let you know when to move to a different area of your mouth.

iWalk Mini Portable Charger

iWalk Small Portable Charger

Can fully charge iPhone
Does not work with android

4.3-star average rating from over 822 reviews

Our experts highly recommend portable chargers for traveling, and this popular model is roughly the size of a tube of lipstick, making it compact enough to fit in a carry-on, purse or your pocket. It has a built-in lightning connector for iPhones, eliminating the need for a charging cable, and its 3350mAh capacity can charge most iPhone models one full time. However, it can’t be used with Android phones.

Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine

Portability
Charges via USB cable
Battery life

4.3-star average rating from over 13,379 reviews

If you have trouble sleeping in noisy hotels, this portable sound machine has three white noise audios to drown out background noise. The gadget is 3.5 inches in diameter and weighs a few ounces, allowing you to tuck it in your suitcase or backpack, and the brand says that it can be used overnight on a single charge. It charges via USB cable, and you will generally need to bring along the charger on multi-night trips.

Brita Insulated Filtered Water Bottle

32 ounce capacity
Filtered straw

4.6-star average rating from over 13,200 reviews

This reusable water bottle has a filter built into the straw, and it’s designed to reduce the taste of chlorine if you fill it up at a public water fountain, according to the brand. The stainless steel bottle holds 32 ounces of water, and the brand claims it can keep your beverage cold for up to a full day.

Hicober 3-in-1 Charging Station

3-in-1 Charger
Wireless charging
Slower charging speed

4.4-star average rating from over 6,717 reviews

If you travel with your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, this 3-in-1 station, which we recently reviewed , is a convenient option for keeping your electronics charged. Instead of bringing individual chargers for each device, you can use this all-in-one station, which has designated spots for all three products. It also folds up into a compact flat form for easy storage.

Lightimetunnel Sleep Headphones

Decent audio

4.2-star average rating from over 18,694 reviews

You can block out the world around you while traveling with these Bluetooth-enabled sleep headphones. They’re shaped like a sleep mask , with light-blocking eye covers and the headband strap has comfortable flat speakers that will play audio for just you to hear. You can connect the device to your phone to play podcasts, music or just white noise, and the brand says that the headphones offer up to 12 hours of playtime per charge.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Ease of use
Nothing of note at this time

4.7-star average rating from over 66,334 reviews

There are hefty fees for overweight luggage, so it’s always a good idea to weigh your baggage before you head to the airport. This luggage scale was a NBC Select Travel Awards accessory winner and it has a maximum capacity of 110 pounds, and you simply hook your bag onto the braided belt to check its weight. The digital scale is compact and lightweight, so you can tuck it into the pocket of your suitcase to take along on your trip.

MiiKare Airplane Phone Holder

Portable design
Easy to store in a bag

4.5-star average rating from over 7,150 reviews

You’ll be able to watch movies or play games comfortably on long flights with this airplane phone holder. It can be slotted into the back of an airplane seat or clamped to a tray table, and it’s compatible with most iPhone and Android phones. You can even rotate your phone 360 degrees while it’s in the stand for the optimal viewing angle.

Miroposs Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror

Adjustable brightness levels
10x magnification

4.4-star average rating from over 7,137 reviews

This lighted makeup mirror can help you get ready in dark hotel rooms. According to the brand, its rechargeable battery offers around 180 minutes of use per charge, and you can choose from three light settings with adjustable brightness levels. The mirror’s cover doubles as a stand, and you can adjust its angle to suit your needs. It also comes with a removable 10x magnifying mirror for more detailed tasks.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Can be used in 150 countries
Supports up to six devices

4.7-star average rating from over 14,982 reviews

Travel adapters are essential when you’re going to a different country, and this universal model includes four plugs — types A, C, G, and I — that can be used in more than 150 countries. The adapter has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and one AC socket, supporting up to six devices at once. Just keep in mind that it’s not a voltage adapter, so AC-powered devices need to support dual-voltage operation to work in certain locations.

Airglo Flex Flap Cell Phone Holder

Flexible design

4.5-star average rating from over 5,867 reviews

This cell phone holder has a metal core that’s wrapped in a faux leather cover, and you can bend it into any shape to hold up your phone or tablet. It can be used on tabletops, airplanes or even in the car, and the flat design will take up minimal space in your luggage.

Ntonpower Travel Power Strip

4-foot extension cord

4.7-star average rating from over 2,217 reviews

This power strip will give you more outlets to charge your electronics while on the road — it’s especially useful on cruise ships where outlets are limited. It has a 4-foot extension cord that wraps around the plug for compact storage, and the strip has two three-prong outlets, two two-prong outlets and three USB-A ports. There’s also extra space between the outlets to accommodate larger plugs, such as camera or laptop chargers.

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000

Large battery capacity
Easy storage
Two USB ports
No wireless charging

4.5-star average rating from over 103,812 reviews

You’ll be able to recharge electronics several times using this large-capacity power bank. Its 20,000mAh cell capacity can charge an iPhone 11 more than four times, and the brand says it charges iPhones 20% faster than other models. It has two USB ports to charge multiple devices at once, and there’s also a trickle charging mode for low-power gadgets.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Very versatile
Great noise cancellation
Not for android users

4.6-star average rating from over 4,285 reviews

These are some of the best wireless earbuds for the iPhone especially when it comes to travel. What makes them good is their pocketable size, great noise canceling and transparency modes, and easy pairing with all your Apple devices. Multiple NBC Select staff use these headphones for travel. While they don’t deliver as much noise canceling as over-ear headphones, they are much easier to pack.

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

4.5-star average rating from over 14,167 reviews

If you’re traveling alone, this personal safety alarm can provide peace of mind. It’s activated by pulling the top out of the base, and the device emits a loud siren and flashing strobe light to attract attention. It has a loop that can easily be attached to a keychain, and the alarm is reusable — just reinsert the top pin to turn it off.

Jisulife Portable Handheld Fan

Jisulife Mini Handheld 3-in-1 Fan, Flashlight & Power Bank

Good battery life
Two fan speeds
Built-in flashlight

4.6-star average rating from over 56,997 reviews

This portable fan is a useful accessory if you’re traveling during the summer. It folds up into a small form that can be tucked into any bag, and the brand says that it can run for up to 21 hours per charge, depending on the setting. It has two speeds, as well as a small built-in flashlight and it can also be used as a power bank to charge electronics in a pinch.

Braun MobileShave Electric Razor

Replaceable batteries
Easy to clean

4.1-star average rating from over 8,151 reviews

If you don’t want to take your everyday electric razor on a trip, this small model is designed for traveling. It has a swiveling cover to protect the blade in your bag and it’s powered by two AA batteries. The razor has a slide-out precision trimmer on one side, and you can wash it under running water for easy maintenance on the go.

Great audio

4.6-star average rating from over 249 reviews

The JBL Clip is one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers, thanks to its ingenious design and great audio quality. It’s designed to clip onto a bag using its integrated carabiner, and it has IP67 water- and dust-resistance. The speaker can play audio from your phone for up to 12 hours on a single charge, according to the brand, and it has a simple control panel that lets you start or stop the music or adjust the volume.

select Planning a short weekend trip? These bags can keep your travel essentials in one place.

Meet our experts.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Tom Marchant , co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato .

Why trust NBC Select?

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and editor who has previously covered travel lifestyle stories, along with reviewing tech gadgets like the Apple AirTags.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer who specializes in home and pet products. In her six years as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of items firsthand with the help of her cat and two dogs.

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7 Travel Tech Essentials for International Travelers

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

Travel Tech Essentials Guide

1. SIM Cards

Getting an international SIM card or eSIM is always wise when traveling overseas.

An international SIM card (or eSIM) will help you stay connected, but without the additional roaming charges often incurred when using your smartphone abroad.

Sim Local is one of the most popular SIM card and eSIM retailers in the UK and Europe , offering 5-star customer service and a wide variety of plans to make sure that every traveler can find the perfect package to meet their needs.

You can purchase a physical SIM card or download an eSIM, which is a convenient and eco-friendly option since there’s no physical card involved.

A SIM Local eSIM is especially great for travelers because it’s really easy to set up different profiles for different countries and regions. It’s also super secure, as you can never lose an eSIM!

Use code GREENGLOBAL at Sim Loca l to get 10% off your purchase.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Hidden Gems in Europe to Avoid Crowds

travel tech essentials - Universal Travel Adaptor

2. Universal Travel Adaptors

As a UK native who grew up using our funky 3-prong electrical plugs, I know how essential it is to carry travel adaptors when exploring other countries.

Back when I first started traveling, I had a pouch filled with every adaptor for every plug socket I might possibly run into on my adventures around the world.

Nowadays, thank goodness, there’s the universal travel adapter. While electrical sockets still vary across the globe, travelers only need to carry one compact, portable travel adaptor, which offers global compatibility.

Many adaptors these days come with USB ports, offering space to charge multiple electronic devices at once.

Since different countries have different amperage levels, be sure that your universal travel adaptor offers built-in safety measures, and is compatible with your requirements.

READ MORE: 10 Great Travel Expeditions for Your World Travel Bucket List

essential travel gadgets - Electronic Translator

3. Electronic Translators

Gone are the days of desperately thumbing through a pocket language book while trying to find the perfect phrase in the heat of the moment.

Electronic translators can revolutionize your trip abroad if you don’t have a good grip on the local lingo.

There are many fine translation apps to download to your smartphone these days, but you can also get your hands on an electronic translator.

These devices can help instantly translate spoken and written language. Some also have cameras, allowing you to snap pics of street signs and restaurant menus, so you won’t have to ask for assistance all the time.

Remember that translation devices are not 100% accurate, and cannot always pick up on language idioms and nuances. But they can really help you get a good gist of what is happening around you when it matters most.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Foodie Travel Destinations for Nature Lovers

travel tech accessories - portable power bank

4. Power Banks

A portable power bank can be extremely useful when traveling, and one that comes with a solar charger is even better. I have one of these, and it’s especially useful when we’re exploring remote areas!

Having a power bank means that you don’t have to dread that dying battery symbol on your phone, iPad, or laptop.

A backup power source can really help you out of a bind if you’re in an unfamiliar place with no phone battery.

If you find yourself with no power outlets and the “less than 10%” warning pops up, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have a little extra fuel to get to the next place.

Travel power banks come in various sizes, but some are very light, compact products that will add very little bulk or weight to your luggage.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Wildlife Parks & Wildlife Tours in the World

essentials for traveling - Noise-cancelling Headphones

5. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones have become one of our favorite travel must-haves.

Some can actually help with the changes in airplane cabin pressure, which anyone who has flown abroad knows can be very uncomfortable.

They can also help drown out ambient noise on flights and/or public transportation, leaving you with a chance for some peace and quiet in an otherwise disruptive setting.

There are an array of different models to choose from on the market, from the classic over-the-ear headphones to noise-cancelling earbuds.

Pro tip: If you opt for the wireless variety, look for a set that also comes with a cord option so that you can still plug into the in-flight entertainment system!

READ MORE: The Chicken Bus (Guatemala’s Unusual Mode of Transport)

6. WiFi Hotspot

A mobile WiFi hotspot allows you to connect to the internet when there’s no public WiFi available. It acts like a personal portable router, using a cell signal to connect to the closest available tower.

These days most smartphones have a built-in feature that allows them to be used as WiFi hotspots. But this tends to run phone batteries out quickly, and they don’t always connect to the closest tower with the strongest signal.

Alternatively, travelers can get a mobile WiFi device that’s super portable and can slip right into your pocket or backpack.

They work independently from cell phones, so they won’t use up any precious battery power. But they do need their own cell service or SIM card.

With a WiFi hotspot, you can take your online work, gaming, or streaming just about any place you need to be.

READ MORE: The 7 Safest Countries in the Middle East For Americans to Visit

best electronics for travel - Luggage Tracker

7. Luggage Tracker

In our experience, worrying whether your bag has made it onto the same flight as you (or has been sent on to its final destination, if you have a layover) can be nerve-wracking as a traveler.

We use trackers to keep an eye on all kinds of things these days, but what could be more useful as a traveler than the ability to track your luggage ?

Knowing that your luggage cannot get lost without you knowing its whereabouts brings such peace of mind.

Even if your bag manages to find its way far from you, you’ll always be able to pinpoint its exact location with a luggage tracker, which can be attached to any bag and uses Bluetooth, GPS, or cell connections to monitor your belongings.

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15+ Best Must-Have Travel Gadgets (Updated 2024)

I was thinking about gadgets that would make things easier while I travel and around 15-20 gadgets popped up in my mind. With some research and study, I have picked the 18 most helpful gadgets that you can carry around to make life easier when traveling. All of these gadgets are very new to the market and suit the best for your trips in the year 2024. Safe travels.

If you have any other gadgets to suggest, feel free to leave them in the comment section.

Being a tech enthusiast, I carry a lot of gadgets when I travel. My favorite ones are inCharge 6 , Sony XM4 Headphones, and River 600 power station (for road trips). Also, I carry an international power adapter and an inflatable neck pillow when I travel internationally.

These are our best gadget picks for travelers

1. minipresso – portable espresso machine.

MiniPresso GR by Wacaco is a super useful Espresso maker which is so portable. With this espresso maker, you can grind your own coffee beans to prepare the drink whenever and where ever you need. Look how good the product looks, I personally liked the ergonomics. Features like lightweight and easy to use make this cool espresso maker one of the must have travel accessories. No matter if you are visiting the chilling New York or hot Arizona, this gadget should be in your travel bag. Also, the espresso maker comes with a cup embedded in it that should be super useful. Costing just under $50, this cool gadget will be worth it.

Features You May Like

No Battery Needed
Easy to Operate

2. Zendure Passport II Pro Travel Adapter

Universal Compatibility
61W USB C Power Deliver Port
10A Auto Resetting Fuse
Simultaneously Power 6 Devices
Super Lightweight and Compact
Sleek and Aesthetic Design

3. Gravel Layover – A Portable Travel Blanket

Weighs 11.4 Oz
Easily Fits in a Backpack
Multiple Pockets

4. Trtl Fully Adjustable Travel Pillow

Trlt is a Unique pillow that solves a lot of problems with the traditional U shaped travel pillow. The company claims it as the Scientifically Engineered Travel Pillow With Premium Comfort And Breathability. The pillow is fully customizable. Comforts you in every direction, so the next time you are on a flight, don't worry about the sleep, you can turn around in any way, and yet sleep comfortably, thanks to this Trit pillow. ... [More info]

5. OYO NOVA – A Portable Personal Gym

Up to 40lbs / 18kg Resistance
Works out Different Muscle Groups
Portable (Fits in a Backpack)
Free Workout Videos

6. Sony XM4 or XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Premium Noise Canceling
Voice Assistant support
25+ Hours battery life
Fast Charging
Speak to Chat technology
Superior call quality
Wearing Detection
Smartphone app

7. Evo Shaver – World’s Smallest Travel Shaver Ever

Size and Portability

6000 RPM motor
Stainless steel
Mesh 0.07 millimeters
Unique Sound Technology for a cleaner shave
Travel lock mode
Self-sharpening technology
USB C Charging

8. EcoFlow River – Modular Portable Power Station

As you may be knowing, portable power stations are becoming more and more popular lately. We have featured more than 5 battery stations here on G for Gadget. Also, power stations aren't new to me and I personally own a couple of these, the biggest one being Ecoflow's new Delta Pro, read my review here . From my experience, the newer power stations are significantly more feature-packed than the older ones. They have a cool design and are super small. Today, I am gonna introduce you to a super cool and compact power station called R600 by Ecoflow. Update: Ecoflow ... [More info]

600W Power Capacity
288Wh Base Battery Capacity
1200W Surge Capacity
Modular Design
Expandable Battery
0 to 80% Charging in 1 Hour
MPPT Solar Panel Support

9. PGYTECH OneMo 25L Camera Backpack

Built-in Pouches
Water-Resistant
25L capacity
Perfect for Cameras & Drones

10. inCharge 6 – The Only Charging Cable you need

6 Different Combinations
Phone to Phone OTG charging
90 Layer braided copper wire
Magnetic Attachment

11. Uniquebella’s Cool Carry-on Garment/Duffel Bag

This versatile carry on garment bag is the perfect companion for any regular traveler. The duffel bag is made from durable high-density fabric that is waterproof, tear-resistant and lightweight. It can be attached to the top of a rolling suitcase while you make your way around the airport and then detached for boarding your flight. The 2 in 1 duffel bag has very strong zips that will stand the test of time and secure, comfortable straps that you can rely on while you’re on the road. When you open the bag you can lay it out flat to access your clothes and belongings but it can also be hung up and used in this way. Due to the bag’s expert design, it will keep your suits, dresses, and shirts clean and wrinkle-free making this the best carry on garment bag on the market. This is the best suit travel bag for men , but also accommodates all women’s needs as well. The ... [More info]

45L Capacity
Separate Shoe Pouch
Zipper Buckle

12. Midland LXT630VP3 – 30 Mile Long Range Walkie Talkie

It is always good to carry a pair of Walkie Talkie while are on an outdoor adventure

30 Mile Range
Weather Scanner + Alert System
121 CTCSS Privacy Codes
Rugged Design

13. BenjiLock TSA Fingerprint Padlock

Fast & Accurate Fingerprint Scanner
Stores up to 5 Fingerprints
Up to 6 Months Battery
Easy to Use
TSA Friendly
LED Indicators

14. SCOTTeVEST Revolution 2.0 Men’s Jacket With 25 Pockets

Stain and Water Resistant
Removable Sleeves
25 Utility Pockets
Anti-Pickpocket
Airport Friendly
2 Year Warranty
Machine Washable
Polyester Fabric

15. Omni 20 – Portable, High Capacity Powerbank

AC/DC/USB-C/Wireless Charging Options
Portable Design
Charges Laptopstoo

16. Pivo Pod – This Smartphone Mount Tracks You Automatically

Have you ever wanted to have a personal photographer who can capture stunning photos and videos? Have you ever wanted to capture mind-blowing time-lapse videos that you see on Instagram? How about a fully automatic videographer for your vlog or workout video? We have a... ... [More info]

17. VIVA Recharge – A Cool Travel Mug Under $50

Interchangeable Coffe and Tea Filters
6h Hot and 12h Cold
Leak Proof and Easy to Clean
Smart Brewer + Travel Mug
1 Year Warranty

18. MOFT Float – Invisible and Foldable Stand & Case for iPad Pro

Adjustable Height
Extremely Slim
3 Different Modes of Operation
Unlimited Angles

19. Insta360 ONE R Action Camera

4K Wideangle
Waterproof upto 16ft
1hr Battery Life
5.7K 360 Degree Module

20. Vesany – Hidden Camera Detector

Vesany has been discontinued, check out this nearest alternative

Spy cams are one of the worst gadgets that we have today, which can negatively affect you. Although they have some advantages, there is no denying the fact the spy cams can end up causing issues to your life. Often spy cams are misused in today's world. People are blackmailed and requested for a ransom to avoid their spy video from being leaked to the world. So, how can you avoid such issues and ensure your life remains private even when you visit places with hidden ... [More info]

Wireless Detection
Infrared Scanning
Long Detecting Range
Good Battery Life

If you know any other travel gadget that is your favorite, let me know in the comments below. I will check it out and may include it on this list.

29 Coolest Gadgets from CES 2020 - Our Best Picks

Vue Smart Audio Glasses Review - Did I just waste my $200?

19 best tech gifts and gadgets under $500, 25 ridiculously cool gadgets for men (in 2024), 21 best tech gifts and gadgets under $200, 10 expensive tech gifts that are actually worth buying, 7 best electric bikes for heavy riders, 35 ridiculously cool tech gifts and gadgets under $50.

very nice, please share more stuff!!

The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A person walking through an airport with the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on bag.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away. (In August of 2024, Cotopaxi released a slightly redesigned version of the Allpa 35L; we’re comparing it to the previous version and will report back as soon as we’re able.)

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy (see below).

A tester from behind, wearing the uniformly black, sporty Peak Design bag

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , and bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances .

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

A person sitting in an airport chair with our pick for best carry-on luggage in front of them.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Personal item (otherwise known as underseat luggage)

As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers. Our favorites include the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag , which shines as a tech organizer that still has enough room to also hold a change of clothes. And it’s still good-looking enough to carry from the plane to the office without raising an eyebrow.

If the Air Porter is too businessy for your taste, you may like the Monos Metro Duffel , a luxuriant shoulder bag with detailed organization and add-ons made specifically for simplifying travel. Should you prefer to roll your personal item aboard the plane, we suggest the remarkably maneuverable Travelpro Crew VersaPack Carry-On Rolling Tote —it’s large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip, but it still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. See our full guide to underseat luggage for still more options.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the 25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK. (In 2024, Eagle Creek redesigned the Reveal cubes yet again; we’re currently assessing the new version.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes. (The Isolate too has been redesigned in 2024; again, we’re taking a look and will report back.)

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Men and women's underwear laid out on top of each other.

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty. To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “We knit a longer lasting sock that stays comfortable season after season. We’re able to guarantee them for life because we knit them ourselves. If yours ever rip or tear, we'll replace them free of charge.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women’s Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men’s Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder that are great for traveling, as well as in travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel.

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

The Sea to Summit bag hanging open from a shower shelf.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

You save $2 (17%)

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

You save $5 (23%)

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and was briefly in stock. (It’s now out of stock again, alas.) If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

A person holding a red Repel Easy Touch umbrella in the rain.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

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The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Ivy Liscomb

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

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Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

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These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

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The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

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After hundreds of hours of research and 1,500 miles behind the wheel, we’ve singled out the gear that’s absolutely essential for your next journey on the open road.

The Best Travel Pillow

by Sabrina Imbler

After testing eight travel pillows on four red-eye flights in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the Travelrest Ultimate is the best for most travelers.

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Tech Essentials

The 13 Best Travel Cord Organizers of 2024

Keep your tech accessories tangle-free and easily accessible.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Ever spent a frustrating few minutes rummaging blindly through your carry-on in search of a charge cable? Or found it, only for it to emerge in a hopelessly tangled mess? A travel cord organizer provides a solution to both of these problems, and more, by keeping your cables and other small tech accessories — think charging bricks, power banks, plug adapters, and SD cards — in one purpose-built place.

A good organizer has dedicated loops for securing wound-up cables as well as a choice of slip-in and zipper pockets for storing other items. The case should have padding or a hard shell to protect your tech from impact, and it must be compact enough to fit easily in your backpack , purse , or carry-on. To help you find one that fits your needs, we’ve researched the best travel cord organizers across a wide spectrum of materials, features, designs, and price points.

Best Overall

Bellroy tech kit.

This kit combines ample padding with a softshell exterior that lets you squeeze it in even if your bag’s already full.

It’s not suitable for oversized charging bricks.

The compact version of a Bellroy classic, this Tech Kit was designed specifically with travel in mind. It’s slim, with an easily compressed soft-shell body that takes up very little space in your suitcase, yet sufficiently padded to protect everything inside. It’s made from Baida nylon, a recycled fabric that’s been heat treated for added wear and water resistance. It’s made to last trip after trip (ideal for those who travel frequently for work) and backed by a generous three-year warranty.

Despite its compact size, the travel kit is deceptively spacious. On one side, you’ll find two stretch pockets big enough for a standard mouse or small charging brick. On the other side, elastic loops in a variety of sizes keep cables of different thicknesses and lengths neatly wound — extending their lifespan and saving you endless frustration. Behind the cable loops is another envelope-style compartment ideal for folded documents or your passport, with a slip-in pocket for memory cards or dongles.

We especially love the smoothness of the kit’s zippers and the fact that it opens flat for easy packing and on-the-go access (no more searching blindly for your earbuds in a dark airplane!). It comes in five smart colors including black, navy, and bronze.

The Details: 6.7 x 5.1 x 2.2 inches | Baida nylon | 8 compartments | Zipper closure

Best Runner-up

Thule subterra mini power shuttle.

Despite its compact appearance, this case can fit a surprising amount and closes easily even when full.

It’s only available in black and is more practical than stylish.

The Thule Subterra Mini Power Shuttle is crafted from durable nylon with smooth-running, long-lasting YKK zippers and a hanging loop for attaching it to your bag with a carabiner. Its streamlined shape slips easily into a carry-on pocket, while contents are protected from bumps and weather alike by the padded, lined construction. It’s fairly utilitarian in its design and well-suited for the active, outdoor adventurer.

The case features a host of useful compartments. There’s a zippered mesh pocket, ideal for keeping track of smaller items like earbuds or memory cards, and an elastic mesh pocket perfect for spare camera batteries or a slim power bank. Store your wound-up cables in the large slip-in pocket or secure them using two pairs of elasticized loops. Even when stuffed full, the case’s molded corners allow enough room for you to close it easily.

The Details: 7.9 x 3.9 x 2 inches | Nylon | 5 compartments | Zipper closure

Most Compact

Dagne dover tech organizer.

It’s small enough to fit in your bag and cute enough to carry on its own.

It’s meant for essentials and probably won’t hold all your tech accessories on longer trips.

Made from hard-wearing, padded, and irresistibly tactile neoprene, the Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Organizer keeps your accessories safe and dry. It’s also vegan-friendly and sustainable, with a polyester lining and dust bag made from recycled plastic bottles. The square shape is wonderfully compact, fitting easily into almost any backpack or carry-on pocket; while a choice of gorgeous colors — from dune (mauve) to camel (golden brown) — makes it stylish enough to carry like a clutch.

Use the matching, color-plated zipper to open the case out flat. On one side, storage options include a large elasticized cable loop and a gusseted pouch for a power bank or hard drive. On the other side, there’s a large mesh pocket and two smaller elastic loops, ideal for shorter cables, an earbud case, or a dongle. You can even stash any last-minute addition or forgotten accessory in the case’s clever exterior mesh pocket.

The Details: 4.5 x 2.25 x 5 inches | Neoprene, mesh, recycled polyester | 6 compartments | Zippered closure

Qees Leather Cable Organizer Roll

This is an attractive option made from supple, vintage-looking genuine leather.

It lacks pockets and quickly becomes bulky if loaded with larger items.

If you roll your garments for efficient, wrinkle-free packing and want a cord pouch to match, you’ll love this leather cable organizer from Qees. It’s made from genuine, full-grain crazy horse leather — a type of cowhide known for its strength, durability, and unique distressed look. The hand-cut and sewn finish makes for a blacksmith-inspired aesthetic that we think suits a wide variety of travelers, whether you’re a high-powered businessman or a jet-setting sunseeker.

The roll opens up to reveal four cord loops and an envelope-style pocket perfect for documents or smaller items like a memory card or dongle. The loops can be adjusted to fit a variety of cords and other tech accessories. We love the versatility of the design, which is just as suitable for other purposes from carrying craft supplies to storing grooming products. Once loaded, the organizer rolls easily to keep everything in place and is secured by a supple leather cord.

The Details: 15.5 x 3.6 inches | Leather | 5 compartments | Tie closure

Best Hard Shell

July tech kit.

Translucent sides make it easy to see where everything is without opening the case.

The layout may be a little too unstructured for extra-organized folks.

Frequent travelers and those who subject their belongings to above average wear and tear will appreciate the indestructible nature of the July Tech Kit. It’s made from crushproof German polycarbonate with a translucent hard shell that keeps your tech protected while also making it possible to locate what you need at a glance. The case opens clamshell-style for easy access and packing.

One half is unstructured for maximum throw-and-go space. The other is dominated by a large, elastic divider that keeps your hard drive or power bank securely in place. Three smaller elasticized loops are sewn into this divider to keep cords tidy. The case comes with a cotton dust bag to prevent scratches, is covered by a five-year warranty, and can be personalized with a choice of three accent colors and optional monogramming.

The Details: 8 x 5 x 2.7 inches | Polycarbonate | 4 compartments | Zipper closure

Best Leather

Leatherology tech organizer bag.

This organizer comes in a choice of timelessly stylish colors that look good with everything.

It’s one of the most expensive options on this list.

If you have the budget to spare on a statement-making organizer made from butter-soft, full-grain leather, we love the Medium Tech Bag Organizer from Leatherology. Choose from five beautiful colors, including navy, cognac, and smoke (pale gray), that exude classic style and offer goes-with-anything versatility. For a small, additional fee, you can even have your organizer debossed with your initials.

The soft, supple exterior compresses to fit compactly at the top of your suitcase. Alternatively, use the exterior handle to carry it separately. Inside, you’ll find a zippered mesh storage pocket built into the lid and a deep bottom section big enough for bulky charging bricks, spare batteries, or international plug adaptors. Four elastic loops keep wound-up cables tidy, while all contents are protected from the weather by a water-resistant lining.

The Details: 8.5 x 5 x 3.25 inches | Leather | 5 compartments | Zipper closure

Best Transparent

Shape two-sided organizer cable pouch.

This is a no-nonsense, heavy-duty case meant for those who have a lot of tech to transport.

It takes up more space than most cord organizers and isn’t particularly stylish.

Intended for professional filmmakers and photographers, the Shape Two-Sided Organizer Cable Pouch is equally useful for anybody who has a lot of cables to carry — a family, perhaps, or any tech-heavy traveler on an extended trip. It’s built for sturdiness and practicality rather than as a fashion accessory, with a clever two-sided design and clear plastic panels that allow you to see where everything is before opening the case.

One side is deeper than the other, providing space for chargers, adapters, and power banks and a quick-access top zipper. The other side is shallow, with six elastic loops for keeping cables and other smaller items secure (think dongles or earbud cases.) A zip-around flap provides easy access on this side. With a limited lifetime warranty, this organizer is designed to last no matter how often you travel.

The Details: 10 x 7 x 2.5 inches | 7 compartments | Zipper closure

Twelve South BookBook CaddySack

This clever organizer looks great on your bookshelf and keeps tech hidden in plain sight.

Although it can be used for non-Apple gear, it is especially designed for MacBook Pro users.

Cleverly designed to look like a vintage, leather-bound book when zipped shut, the BookBook CaddySack from Twelve South is one of the most stylish options out there. We love that you can pack your essential travel tech inside and then leave it on your bookshelf, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. You could even use it to secretly store valuables such as passports or spare cash when you reach your destination, adding to its versatility.

The interior is just as attractive, featuring a black-and-white tweed lining with contrasting red loops of various sizes. Use the larger ones for securing power banks and long cables and the smaller ones for the adapters needed for Apple’s new USB-less design. You’ll also find a pen slot along the spine and a zippered mesh pocket for SD cards or AirPods. The paperback-sized organizer fits easily in your carry-on and has reinforced corners for extra protection.

The Details: 8 x 5.7 x 1.6 inches | Leather | 7 compartments | Zipper closure

Best Budget

Bagsmart single layer travel cord organizer.

This is a simple yet effective option for those who don’t have much budget to spare.

It can be difficult to close if all pockets are filled simultaneously.

Bagsmart’s Single-layer Cord Organizer costs roughly a fifth of the price of our overall winner, making it our top pick for budget buyers. Despite being so affordable, it’s well-made, using a synthetic fabric known for its water-resistant durability. Padding adds protection for your tech, while the quilted texture scores style points. Available in beige, black, or pale pink, it’s compact enough to slip in your purse or carried independently by the wristlet strap.

A full zipper provides easy access to the organizer’s interior, where you’ll find five sizable slip-in pockets for keeping your cables, adapters, and flash drives separate. There’s also one larger, elastic pocket perfect for a hard drive or power bank (though you’ll need to be careful not to overpack it if you want to use the pouches on the other side.) An exterior zippered pocket provides on-the-go access to things you may want mid-flight, like your earbuds.

The Details: 8.35 x 5 x 1.2 inches | Taslan | 7 compartments | Zipper closure

Most Durable

Bubm travel cable bag.

With its sturdy fabric and fastenings, this organizer is ready for adventure.

Be sure to secure smaller items in the zippered pouch to prevent them from slipping out.

Made from heavy-duty water-, dust-, and scratch-resistant nylon, the BUBM Travel Cable Bag is capable of withstanding the rough and tumble of frequent travel. Ample padding protects your tech accessories from unexpected impact, while the tri-fold design is secured by a sturdy plastic buckle rather than a zipper that could potentially break over time. When folded, the organizer is roughly the size of an iPad Mini.

Although the bulkiness depends a lot on the contents, the organizer is lightweight and compact enough to be easily packed. The interior offers one large zippered mesh pocket ideal for power banks or hard drives, or for securing smaller items that could otherwise fall out. You’ll also find two smaller slip-in mesh pockets, four elastic loops for adapters and SD cards, and five loop-and-mesh-pocket combos perfect for keeping longer cables tangle free.

The Details: 9.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches | Nylon | 12 compartments | Buckle closure

Best Weatherproof

Osprey transporter powerhouse.

This organizer’s TPU-coated polyester construction will keep your gadgets dry if you get caught out in the rain.

Some may not like the somewhat plasticky feel of the material.

If weatherproofing is a priority, you’ll appreciate the impressive water resistance of the Transporter Powerhouse from popular outdoor brand Osprey. The TPU-coated polyester is easy to wipe clean should it get splattered with mud or other mess, while the recycled polyester makes it a sustainable choice, too. Bear in mind that the zippers aren’t waterproof, so the case shouldn’t be fully submerged.

The interior organization offers two zippered compartments, a large slip-in pocket big enough for a hard drive or power bank, a dedicated pen slot, and 10 elastic loops. These can be used individually for smaller items, or in pairs to secure longer cords. This organizer also features a SIM or SD storage compartment integrated into a zipper pull. Finally, there’s an easy-access, exterior zipper pocket capable of accommodating a passport or wallet.

The Details: 8.9 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches | Recycled polyester | 15 compartments | Zipper closure

Best for Families

Travelkin cord organizer.

This organizer is expandable by up to 30 percent, making it possible to tailor the capacity for between two and four people.

It’s relatively bulky when packed full.

Planning a family vacation and want a solution that will keep everybody’s tech accessories together? Enter the Travelkin Cord Organizer, a structured nylon-twill case meant for up to four people. We love that the case can expand by up to 30 percent. This means you can easily access extra space when you need it, but also that it can be made more compact for when only one or two of you are traveling.

The case features a zippered front pocket with multiple, different-sized SD card slots. The interior (accessed via a zippered clamshell opening) boasts a clever multi-layered design. On top, there’s a pen holder, a large zippered mesh pocket, and two smaller slip-in mesh pockets. In the middle you’ll find three elastic cable loops and two more slip-in pockets, while the spacious bottom section is deep enough for larger items separated by adjustable dividers.

The Details: 8.3 x 5.5 x 3 inches | Nylon twill | 14 compartments | Zipper closure

Best Cord Wrap

Leatherology small cord wrap.

So simple yet so smart, this high-quality leather cord wrap adds a touch of sophistication to your travel tech.

It’s fairly expensive — consider buying a set for the best value.

Perhaps you have no need for a full organizer case, or perhaps you want to add an extra layer of tidiness to the one you already have. Either way, a cord wrap is the ideal solution for those who want to make sure their coiled cables don’t unravel. The small cord wrap from Leatherology is meant for phone chargers, earbuds and any other thin cable (if you have larger cords to secure, opt for the brand’s XL cord wrap instead).

Each one is made from high-quality, full-grain leather with a pebbled texture and supersoft finish. There are nine gorgeous colors to choose from. These range from the classic (onyx, navy) to the statement-making (scarlet, lime). Whichever cord wrap you go for, you can choose to have yours debossed with your initials for a smart-looking, final touch. Cords arrive beautifully gift boxed and can be purchased in sets.

The Details: 1 x 2 x 0.4 inches | Leather | Magnetic closure

Tips for Buying a Travel Cord Organizer

Consider how many devices you'll be bringing with you on trips.

Obviously, compactness is key when choosing a cord organizer, especially for travel purposes, but you also need to make sure it’s big enough to accommodate all your cables and other small accessories. To find the sweet point between “too big to travel” and “too small to be useful,” take a moment to mentally or literally itemize all the accessories you typically take on your trips — and then find an organizer that fits them all. To limit your packing list, consider whether any of your devices can share charge cables or, if you’re visiting multiple countries, if you can use a single multi-adaptor that works for them all.

Prioritize organization that eliminates cord tangling

There’s nothing stopping you from chucking your cables into any appropriately sized pouch, hard case, or roll. However, investing in a well-designed tech organizer keeps cords from getting tangled in transit, therefore preventing damage, extending their lifespan, and making them easier to find and use quickly when you need them. Look for elastic loops of varying sizes that can be used to secure cords of different lengths and thicknesses, as well as a selection of slip-in and zipper pockets for power banks, adaptors, and more.

Look for durable materials

A travel cord organizer needs to be durable for two reasons: first, so it lasts long enough to justify your investment and, second, so it provides efficient protection for your easily damaged tech. If opting for a soft-sided organizer, look for hard-wearing, abrasion-resistant materials like nylon, polyester, or vinyl. A water-resistant coating is ideal if there’s a chance you could get caught out in the rain, while full-grain leather offers durability and style in equal measure. For hard-side cases, choose shatter-resistant plastics like polycarbonate.

Cord organizers should be kept in your carry-on or personal item for two reasons. First, you’ll want to keep your tech accessories handy in case you want them during your flight. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, packing them in your carry-on can be a lifesaver if your checked luggage ends up missing or delayed for several days. Second, if you’re packing spare batteries for your camera, computer, tablet, or watch (or if you have a power bank), they’re likely to contain lithium ion batteries. Most airlines require these to be packed in your carry-on to eliminate the risk of them short-circuiting and catching fire in the hold.

Keep your cords tidy by choosing an organizer with loops, pockets, or straps specifically designed to prevent wound-up cables from coming loose and tangling. You could also invest in a multipack of cord wraps (available in Velcro , silicone , or leather ) to use either on their own or in conjunction with an unstructured organizer.

To avoid accidentally damaging your cords, make sure not to wind them too tightly. Instead, use loose circular coils and a specialist wrap (like the ones linked above) to secure the cord when you’re done. If the cord is attached to a charging brick, don’t wind it tightly around the brick. Instead, use the same loose coils on top of the brick and then secure the two together using a larger wrap.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear and accessories for more than 10 years. She’s carted her laptop and camera equipment around more than 50 different countries and often uses a cord organizer to keep her tech tidy. For this article she spent several hours researching the best products currently on the market by comparing prices, features, and user reviews.

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Ultimate Guide to Tech Gifts for Travelers: 2024 Edition

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and this is especially true for travelers. From staying connected with loved ones to capturing unforgettable moments, tech gadgets have revolutionized the way we travel. As we look ahead to 2024, it's clear that the latest innovations in technology will continue to enhance the travel experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the must-have tech gifts for travelers, ensuring that you're equipped with the best tools to make your journeys seamless and enjoyable.

The Top 25 Must-Have Tech Gifts for Travelers

Essential tech gadgets, 1. clutch charger v2.

The Clutch Charger V2 is a game-changer for travelers who rely heavily on their devices. This compact and powerful portable charger boasts a high-capacity 20,000mAh battery, capable of charging most smartphones up to five times on a single charge. With support for fast charging and multiple USB ports, including a USB-C port, the Clutch Charger V2 ensures that your devices stay powered up throughout your journey. Additionally, the built-in LED flashlight proves handy in low-light situations, making it a versatile and essential travel companion.

2. JOBY GripTight ONE Micro Stand

For travelers who love to capture and share their experiences, the JOBY GripTight ONE Micro Stand is a must-have accessory. This innovative phone stand features a patented grip system that securely holds devices of various sizes, ensuring stability even on uneven surfaces. The stand's versatile design allows for multiple configurations, including landscape and portrait modes, and can be adjusted to different angles to accommodate various viewing preferences. Whether you're watching videos, browsing the internet, or video conferencing on the go, the JOBY GripTight ONE Micro Stand provides a convenient and reliable solution.

3. Anker PowerCore

When it comes to long-term travel, high-capacity power banks like the Anker PowerCore are essential. These power banks provide extended battery life, ensuring that your devices remain powered up even during extended periods without access to a power outlet. The Anker PowerCore, for instance, comes in various capacities, such as 20,000mAh, 30,000mAh, and even 40,000mAh, which can charge smartphones and laptops multiple times. With fast charging capabilities and multiple USB ports, including USB-C, these power banks cater to the needs of tech-savvy travelers who rely on their devices to stay connected and productive on the go.

Travel Convenience Innovations

4. hybrid passport holder-charger.

Hybrid passport holder-chargers offer a unique combination of security and convenience for travelers. These innovative products combine the traditional functionality of a passport holder with the added benefit of a portable charger. With advanced security features like RFID-blocking material and secure closure mechanisms, these passport holders protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. The built-in USB port and rechargeable battery allow users to charge their devices on the go, making them particularly useful for travelers who need to keep their phones, tablets, or e-readers powered up during long trips.

5. In-flight Phone Mount

In-flight phone mounts are a game-changer for travelers who want to enjoy hands-free entertainment during flights. These mounts are designed to provide optimal viewing angles and comfortable usage, even in the confines of an airplane seat. With adjustable designs and secure grip systems, in-flight phone mounts ensure that your device remains stable and accessible throughout your journey. Whether you're watching movies, browsing the internet, or video conferencing, these mounts offer a convenient and reliable solution for in-flight entertainment.

6. MiiKARE Airplane Phone Holder

The MiiKARE Airplane Phone Holder is another excellent option for travelers seeking hands-free entertainment during flights. This holder features a 360-degree rotation design, allowing for comfortable viewing from any angle. Its adjustable clamp securely attaches to the airplane tray table, ensuring stability even during turbulence. The holder is compatible with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to tablets, making it a versatile accessory for any traveler. With its compact and lightweight design, the MiiKARE Airplane Phone Holder is easy to pack and carry, making it an essential addition to your travel kit.

Audio Enhancers

7. noise-canceling headphones.

Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for travelers who value immersive sound and peace during their journeys. These headphones use advanced noise-cancellation technology to block out ambient noise, providing a serene listening experience. Top picks like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM4 offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and battery life, making them ideal for long flights or road trips. With the ability to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a wired connection, these headphones offer flexibility and convenience for travelers.

8. True Wireless Earbuds

True wireless earbuds have become increasingly popular among travelers due to their compact size and convenience. These earbuds eliminate the need for cumbersome wires, providing a truly wireless listening experience. Popular options like the Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and long battery life. With their portable charging cases, these earbuds are easy to carry and keep powered up during extended trips. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls on the go, true wireless earbuds are a must-have accessory for tech-savvy travelers.

Smart Luggage and Accessories

9. smart suitcases.

Smart suitcases are revolutionizing the way we travel, offering a range of advanced features that enhance convenience and security. These innovative luggage pieces come equipped with built-in tracking systems, allowing travelers to monitor the location of their belongings in real-time. Some models even feature remote locking capabilities, ensuring that your valuables remain secure throughout your journey. Additionally, many smart suitcases include built-in charging ports, enabling you to keep your devices powered up on the go. With their durable construction and sleek designs, smart suitcases are a must-have for the modern traveler.

10. Luggage Scales

Luggage scales are a simple yet essential accessory for travelers who want to avoid overweight baggage fees. These compact and lightweight devices allow you to accurately weigh your luggage before heading to the airport, ensuring that you stay within the weight limits set by airlines. Some popular luggage scales, like the Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale and the EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale, offer high accuracy and easy-to-read displays. By investing in a reliable luggage scale, you can save time and money at the check-in counter and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Staying Connected

11. global sim cards.

Global SIM cards are a game-changer for travelers who need to stay connected while abroad. These SIM cards offer seamless connectivity in multiple countries, eliminating the need to purchase separate SIM cards for each destination. When choosing a global SIM card, it's essential to consider factors like network coverage, data packages, and customer support. Popular options like Keepgo and WorldSIM offer extensive coverage in over 100 countries, with a range of data packages to suit different needs. By investing in a reliable global SIM card, travelers can stay connected with loved ones, access important information, and navigate unfamiliar destinations with ease.

12. Travel Adapters

Travel adapters are an essential accessory for travelers who need to keep their devices charged while abroad. These adapters allow you to plug your devices into various types of electrical outlets, ensuring compatibility in different countries. When choosing a travel adapter, look for models that offer multiple USB ports, surge protection, and a compact design for easy packing. The Anker PowerPort Travel Adapter and the Eagle Creek Travel Adapter are popular choices that offer universal compatibility and reliable performance. By investing in a high-quality travel adapter, you can ensure that your devices stay powered up throughout your journey.

Productivity Boosters

13. mobile pixels dualscreen.

The Mobile Pixels DualScreen is a game-changing accessory for travelers who need to stay productive on the go. This portable dual-screen setup allows you to double your laptop's screen real estate, providing a more efficient and comfortable working environment. With its plug-and-play functionality and compatibility with a wide range of laptops, the DualScreen is easy to set up and use. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to pack and carry, ensuring that you can work efficiently wherever your travels take you. Whether you're working on presentations, spreadsheets, or coding projects, the Mobile Pixels DualScreen is a must-have for tech-savvy travelers.

Also see: Arzopa A1 Travel Monitor

Expand your productivity on the go. Extend your screen at the office, at home or on the go with this convenient, compact display.

Arzopa A1 Travel Monitor | 15.6” FHD 1080P Display

15.6" FHD 1080P Portable Monitor with Integrated Stand
Thin, slim, and lightweight, ideal for travel, with a thickness of only 0.36 inches and a weight of 1.60 pounds
Connects via a single USB Type-C cable
USB-A and HDMI port for devices without a full-functioned USB-C port

14. Eco-Friendly Charging Solutions

Eco-friendly charging solutions are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to reduce their environmental impact. Solar-powered chargers, like the Anker PowerPort Solar Lite and the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus, harness the power of the sun to keep your devices charged while on the go. These chargers are lightweight, compact, and durable, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. Other eco-friendly options include hand-crank chargers and kinetic energy chargers, which generate power through manual or kinetic energy. By investing in eco-friendly charging solutions, travelers can stay powered up while minimizing their carbon footprint.

Entertainment and Leisure

15. kindle paperwhite.

The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect companion for avid readers who love to travel. This e-reader offers a high-resolution display, adjustable lighting, and a long battery life, making it ideal for extended trips. With its waterproof design and compact size, the Kindle Paperwhite is easy to pack and carry, ensuring that you always have access to your favorite books. The device's built-in storage can hold thousands of titles, and with access to the Kindle store, you can easily download new books on the go. Whether you're relaxing on a beach or exploring a new city, the Kindle Paperwhite is a must-have for book lovers.

16. Portable Projector

Portable projectors are a game-changer for travelers who want to enjoy movie nights anywhere. These compact devices allow you to project your favorite movies, TV shows, or presentations onto any surface, creating an immersive viewing experience. When choosing a portable projector, consider factors like brightness, resolution, and portability. Popular options like the Anker Nebula Capsule II and the Epson EF-100 offer high-quality projection, built-in speakers, and long battery life. With their easy setup and compatibility with various devices, portable projectors are a must-have for travelers who value entertainment on the go.

Health and Safety

17. uv sanitizing wand.

UV sanitizing wands have become increasingly popular among travelers who want to keep their gear clean and germ-free. These portable devices use ultraviolet light technology to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on surfaces, reducing the risk of illness while traveling. When choosing a UV sanitizing wand, look for models with high germicidal efficiency, portability, and ease of use. Popular options like the PhoneSoap UV Travel Sanitizer and the InvisiClean Aura UV Sanitizer offer effective sanitization and compact designs, making them ideal for travelers. By investing in a UV sanitizing wand, you can ensure that your travel gear stays clean and hygienic throughout your journey.

18. Smart Travel Masks

Smart travel masks have emerged as a must-have accessory for health-conscious travelers. These innovative masks offer advanced features like air filtration, UV sterilization, and even built-in fans for enhanced breathability. When choosing a smart travel mask, consider factors like filtration efficiency, comfort, and additional features. Popular options like the AirPop Active+, R-PUR FFP3, and O2 Curve offer high-quality filtration, adjustable fit, and stylish designs. By investing in a smart travel mask, you can ensure that you stay protected and comfortable during your travels, even in crowded or polluted environments.

Photography and Videography

19. dji osmo pocket.

The DJI Osmo Pocket is a game-changer for travelers who want to capture stunning videos on the go. This compact stabilizer features a 3-axis gimbal and a high-quality camera, ensuring smooth and stable footage even in challenging conditions. With its intuitive controls and compatibility with smartphones, the Osmo Pocket is easy to use and perfect for vlogging or capturing travel memories. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to pack and carry, ensuring that you never miss a moment. Whether you're exploring a new city or embarking on an adventure, the DJI Osmo Pocket is a must-have for travel videographers.

20. Action Camera

Action cameras have become increasingly popular among travelers who want to capture their adventures in stunning detail. These rugged and compact cameras are designed to withstand the elements, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or snorkeling. When choosing an action camera, consider factors like video quality, image stabilization, and durability. Popular options like the GoPro Hero11 Black and the DJI Osmo Action 3 offer 4K video, advanced stabilization, and waterproof designs. With their easy-to-use interfaces and compatibility with various mounts and accessories, action cameras are a must-have for thrill-seeking travelers.

Wireless Charging Solutions

21. courant catch multi-device charger.

The Courant Catch Multi-Device Charger is a game-changer for travelers who need to keep multiple devices charged on the go. This sleek and compact charger features multiple charging coils, allowing you to charge up to three devices simultaneously. With its fast charging capabilities and compatibility with various devices, the Courant Catch ensures that your smartphones, earbuds, and smartwatches stay powered up throughout your journey. Its non-slip surface and folding design make it easy to pack and use, while its high-quality materials ensure durability and style. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the Courant Catch Multi-Device Charger is a must-have accessory for streamlined charging.

Travel Apps and Subscription Services

22. travel planning apps.

Travel planning apps have revolutionized the way we plan and organize our trips. These apps offer a range of features, from itinerary management to flight and hotel booking, making it easy to keep all your travel information in one place. Popular apps like TripIt, Hopper, and Google Trips offer user-friendly interfaces, offline functionality, and integration with other travel tools. By using a travel planning app, you can streamline your travel experience, saving time and reducing stress. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, these apps are a must-have for staying organized and informed.

23. VPN Services

VPN services have become increasingly important for travelers who want to ensure their online security and privacy while abroad. These services create a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, protecting your data from potential threats. When choosing a VPN service, consider factors like server locations, connection speed, and compatibility with your devices. Popular options like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark offer fast and reliable connections, extensive server networks, and user-friendly interfaces. By investing in a VPN service, you can browse the web safely and securely, even when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Fitness and Wellness

24. smartwatch with travel features.

Smartwatches have become increasingly popular among travelers who want to stay connected and track their fitness on the go. These wearable devices offer a range of features, from GPS navigation to heart rate monitoring, making them ideal for active travelers. When choosing a smartwatch for travel, consider factors like battery life, compatibility with your smartphone, and additional features like sleep tracking or stress monitoring. Popular options like the Apple Watch Series 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin Forerunner 945 offer advanced fitness tracking, long battery life, and stylish designs. By investing in a smartwatch with travel features, you can stay on top of your health and wellness goals, even while exploring new destinations.

from Garmin Forerunner 945 to Apple Watch Series 7

25. Travel Yoga Mat

Travel yoga mats have become a must-have accessory for wellness-focused travelers. These lightweight and compact mats are designed to be easily packed and carried, ensuring that you can maintain your yoga practice wherever your travels take you. When choosing a travel yoga mat, consider factors like thickness, material, and portability. Popular options like the Manduka eKO SuperLite, Jade Yoga Travel Mat, and Gaiam Print Yoga Mat offer excellent grip, cushioning, and durability. With their easy-to-clean surfaces and included carrying straps, these mats are perfect for yogis on the go. Whether you're practicing in your hotel room or at a local studio, a travel yoga mat is a must-have for maintaining your wellness routine.

Buying Guide

When choosing the perfect tech gift for a traveler, it's essential to consider their specific needs and preferences. Some travelers may prioritize portability and lightweight devices, while others may value high-performance gadgets. Consider the traveler's lifestyle and the types of trips they typically take, whether it's business travel, outdoor adventures, or leisure vacations.

Budget is another important factor to keep in mind. Tech gifts can range from affordable accessories like phone cases and power banks to high-end devices like laptops and smartwatches. Set a budget that aligns with your gift-giving goals and the traveler's needs.

Compatibility is also crucial when selecting tech gifts. Make sure the device or accessory is compatible with the traveler's existing gear, such as their smartphone, laptop, or camera. Consider the operating systems and connectivity options to ensure seamless integration.

Finally, keep an eye on the latest tech trends and innovations. Travelers often appreciate gifts that incorporate cutting- edge technology and offer unique features. Look for products with smart functionality, such as voice control or GPS tracking, that can enhance the traveler's experience.

In this guide, we've highlighted the importance of portability, functionality, and compatibility when selecting tech gifts for travelers. We've also emphasized the impact of cutting-edge technology and how it can elevate the convenience and enjoyment of journeys. Whether you're shopping for a business traveler, an outdoor adventurer, or someone who loves leisure vacations, there's a tech gift out there that will resonate with their travel preferences.

In conclusion, when choosing a tech gift for a traveler, consider their needs, budget, compatibility, and the latest trends in technology. With these factors in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect gift that will make their travels more enjoyable and convenient.

If you find this post helpful, don't forget to share it with your family or friends who may also benefit from this information!

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This easy $30 tech purchase is the best travel investment I ever made

The best investment you can make for an overseas trip? Not jamming a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on. Not paying hundreds for more legroom on the plane. It’s buying a local SIM or eSIM, specifically one that offers unlimited 5G data so you’re never disconnected.

In the past year, I’ve traveled to cover both Computex (in Taiwan) and IFA (in Germany), and on both occasions I purchased local SIM access for relative peanuts — about $30 or so for 7 to 10 days’ worth of data. Each plan I bought offered unlimited data on networks that were as good or better than what’s offered here in the United States.

Consider this: you’re likely going to be out and about, visiting museums, eating out at restaurants, streaming Netflix by the pool… Yes, you can use your hotel’s Wi-Fi, but only within range of the hotel. And with all the concerns about malicious actors lurking on public Wi-Fi , a dedicated cellular connection can be convenient and safe!

SIM and eSIM to the rescue

I opted for a local SIM over what my carrier already provides. T-Mobile (my wireless ISP) offers about 5GB of high-speed data when overseas, and your carrier may have a similar option. But if that limit is exceeded, throttling happens — not only does it slow down cellular data speeds, it also kicks you down to 4G or worse.

There’s a world of difference between the amount of data provided by a 4G network and how quick that data is. I’m willing to pay a little extra for the peace of mind in knowing that I’ll have all the data I want, when I want it! That’s thanks to local SIMs and eSIMs.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Most modern phones offer the option to use either a dedicated SIM card (physical) or an eSIM (digital). For the last several years, buying a new phone has generally meant swapping out your SIM card from the old phone to the new one. When you travel overseas, a local SIM provider gives you a different SIM card, which you then pop into your phone (and hold onto your personal SIM card for when you return home).

That process of popping a SIM in and out isn’t convenient, though. You have to make sure you don’t lose or break that tiny little card, and you need the dexterity to fiddle around with the SIM tray on your phone, get it open, insert your card, and close it again. That’s why eSIM is far more useful and what I recommend — if your phone supports it.

Why eSIM is better for travel

An eSIM (short for “embedded SIM”) essentially works by telling your phone to roam onto a local network with the authentication token to do so. When you buy an eSIM, the carrier sends data to your phone for activation, at which point you’re authorized to use their network.

What’s nice is that eSIMs work in conjunction with your home SIM — the eSIM can be programmed to access local data while your home SIM is still used for texts and calls. That’s especially useful if you rarely make phone calls but still want to send texts to friends and family.

Note: For me, T-Mobile offers unlimited texts overseas, so I can easily keep in touch with my friends and family that way. Just keep in mind that if you do place calls while overseas, you may be charged international rates.

When I visited Taiwan, I used a local SIM provider with my spare phone to be a dedicated “Taiwan” phone. And it worked! But having to walk around and hunt down a SIM provider after a 13-hour plane flight wasn’t exactly fun. That’s why when I visited Germany, I used this ByteSIM option that was about $30 for unlimited 5G data.

Picking the right eSIM provider does take a bit of research. Our sister site TechAdvisor recommends Saily , an app that serves as a front door to eSIM plans around the world. And if there’s a gotcha, it’s this: eSIM plans are activated in different ways. Some activate immediately (so your available time begins counting down as soon as the purchase is completed), others only kick in after you “redeem” the eSIM. The best ones only activate after your phone successfully connects to their network.

I particularly liked how ByteSIM advised me of what speeds to expect: I did get about 180Mbps on Germany’s Telekom network, and the SIM roamed freely between it and its competitors.

I also noticed an unexpected benefit: if you’re traveling in Europe, websites recognize you as an EU “citizen” and offer to clear your cookies. Hurray for EU privacy laws!

So, think about this the next time you’re traveling abroad: if you’re already going to spend thousands of dollars on airfare, hotels, meals, and activities, isn’t it worth spending just a few more bucks on a good foreign SIM or eSIM? Honestly, it’s the best travel investment you can make.

Further reading: Essential travel gadgets for your next trip

Author: Mark Hachman , Senior Editor, PCWorld

Mark has written for PCWorld for the last decade, with 30 years of experience covering technology. He has authored over 3,500 articles for PCWorld alone, covering PC microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, among other topics. Mark has written for publications including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science and Electronic Buyers' News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs because his office simply has no more room.

Travelpro’s New VersaPack+ Luggage Solved My Recent Packing Dilemma

My trusty hard-side suitcases didn’t have enough storage for everything I needed to bring. Enter the soft-side Carry-On Spinner and the travel tote bag.

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A couple of weeks ago, my fiancé and I were embarking on our first-ever trip to Montreal as a little end-of-summer getaway . To get there, we took a train upstate to meet a couple of our friends, then drove with them the rest of the way. Because of this (and the fact that it was a four-day trip), I knew it would not be wise to bring my large hardside luggage. But, my smaller, carry-on hardside also didn’t have as much room as I wanted. I was debating bringing my bulky duffel bag with it when a duo of luggage from Travelpro’s new VersaPack+ line showed up at my desk.

Travelpro launched its latest line of luggage, the VersaPack+, at the beginning of August. This collection includes soft-side checked luggage in two sizes and soft-side carry-on suitcases in two sizes. This line also features the VersaPack+ Lightweight Underseat Travel Tote Bag, which makes for a nice addition to the luggage, and all of these items are available in four colors on Amazon. The brand’s website offers sets and limited-edition colorways, so you can get VersaPack+ checked and carry-on suitcases together.

Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-On Spinner

If you’ve been wanting to get a soft-side suitcase or are looking to get one as a gift , the VersaPack+ collection is a great option. It easily solved my packing dilemma. The Carry-On Spinner Suitcase has a deep well that I filled with all of my jeans, light sweaters, pajamas, and other clothes. It also includes a mesh compartment on the other side where I stored socks and such. Plus, it came with a unit of small compartments that you can attach to the inside of the suitcase or leave out. I attached mine for the trip, just in case I needed a little more storage for souvenirs.

Perhaps the feature I liked the most about the suitcase, though, is its lock function. On the side, there is a three-number code you can use to lock your luggage. But what I really liked is that you inserted the zippers to lock it, so no one could open the main section of the suitcase. I didn’t feel the need to actually set the lock on this trip (I would utilize that feature if I were flying , though), but I liked being able to store the zippers in the slots on the side and easily eject them with the push of a button. With so many zippers on suitcases, this function made it quick and easy to locate the main zippers every time. It’s a small thing, but I found it to be a very nice touch.

Travelpro VersaPack+ Lightweight Underseat Travel Tote Bag

That said, if there’s only one thing you get from this collection, let it be the VersaPack+ Lightweight Underseat Travel Tote Bag . This is what truly resolved my minor packing crisis ahead of my trip. This tote bag is just the right size — not too big, not too small. I was able to store my toiletry bag, makeup bag, hair straightener, and an extra pair of shoes I never ended up wearing — and I still had a little room left for souvenirs. It held more than I expected but wasn’t cumbersome or uncomfortable to carry. I often slid the back loop over my suitcase handle so I could easily carry them together, though. My only gripe is that I wish the tote could lock onto the suitcase so I could pull the two as a unit together up a flight of stairs.

Overall, I loved using my new VersaPack+ carry-on suitcase and tote bag. The two held everything I needed and a little more, were compact enough to store on an overhead rack on a train and then in a car trunk, and housed plenty of compartments for easy organization. Plus, the Elemental Blue color I got my pieces in is so beautiful. As much as I love traveling for the adventure, culture, and exploration vibes, I’m also excited for my upcoming trips because it means I get to break out this stunning duo again.

Shop the TravelPro VersaPack+ Collection

Micki Wagner is a commerce editor for Hearst’s Enthusiast Group, where she is constantly on the lookout for exciting new products, great sales and deals, and fun gifts. Her work can also be found on Saveur and Worth . When she’s not writing about the latest and greatest products, you can find her checking out new restaurants, spending way too much time shopping online, and binging Parks and Recreation…yet again.

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COMMENTS

The 22 Best Travel Tech Essentials of 2024
Roughly the size of a credit card (albeit thicker) and weighing just 4.32 ounces, the TG90° Portable Charger is easy to toss in your bag or in your pocket. At 6000mAh, it holds less than two full ...
17 Travel Gadgets That Will Make Your Next Trip Smoother
Slim Mint ultra-thin RFID-blocking wallet. Another popular travel wallet option: the Slim Mint ultra-thin RFID-blocking wallet. The compact case can hold cash and whatever essential cards you need ...
The 27 best travel gadgets in 2023
A must-have for preventing and easing the aches and pains of traveling, the Hypervolt Go 2 weighs just 1.5 pounds and lasts up to 3 hours on a single charge. With three speeds and two ...
34 Best Travel Gadgets 2024: Cool Gadgets for Traveling
The LifeStraw can protect against a whopping 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites, making it a safe option for drinking water that comes from sinks and water foundations, and even some ...
The best travel gadgets of 2024
Best travel tech gadget overall. Tessan International Plug Adapter. Best adapter for international travel. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. Best travel headphones. AirPods Pro 2. Best travel earbuds ...
23 Best Travel Electronics and Tech Gadgets of 2024
Our tech pros love that it shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. If you want the most up-to-date GoPro technology and features, consider the ...
The 10 best travel tech gadgets for your next adventure in 2022
That way, you don't have to hang around your hotel room waiting for your phone to charge. 6. Portable charger. This charger has a 10,000 mAh battery. Credit: Belkin/Amazon. Ironically, the things ...
The Best Tech Travel Gadgets of 2024
We've reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best gadgets for traveling to pick up. Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. Best eReader. $190 at Amazon. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter. Best International Plug Adapter. $23 at Amazon. Sony WH-1000XM5. Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
23 Best Travel Gadgets 2023
Ember's travel mug will keep the contents inside hot at the precise temperature, and keep them secure with a leakproof, slide-lock design. $155 at Amazon $139 at Walmart $129 at B&H Photo. Not ...
12 Best Travel Gadgets for Any Trip in 2021
USB Flash Drive. Amazon.com. A USB flash drive (also known as a thumb drive) can come in handy on any number of occasions while traveling, such as sharing a document with the hotel front desk so ...
Travel essentials: 11 best travel tech devices and gadgets
Sony Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone. $ 84.99. $ 99.99. Amazon. $ 99.99. Guitar Center. 3. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones. If you want to kick things up a notch, a pair of ...
The 12 Best Travel Gadgets
Thanks to all of the available modernized tech these days, there's no need to endure all of travel's ailing qualities without some additional accessories to assist us. Looking to make life simpler for you as you get ready to go out and about, our guide to the best travel gadgets to buy is sure to ease any sense of travel uncertainty ...
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The best travel tech for your next getaway, according to flight crew members — Apple, Anker, Google and more. These 8 essential gadgets will forever change the way you travel.
My 9 Favorite Tech Gadgets For Travel
Apple MacBook Air. In the interest of being thorough with the travel tech "gadgets" I travel with, my go-to computer is a 15″ MacBook Air. While I've been using the MacBook Air as my primary computer for eons, last year I "upgraded" from the 13″ to the 15″. I'm thrilled with that decision.
The Best Tech to Travel With in 2024
JOOMFEEN. If you're traveling internationally, including areas like Canada, Russia, Asia, Central America, South America, and the Middle East, don't forget to bring the JOOMFEEN Travel Adapter to plug in your appliances and charge your devices easily. It's compatible with many iOS and Android devices, and you can charge up to three ...
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Best overall: The Guzo utility pouch. Best budget pick: Travelon tech accessory organizer. Best for remote workers: Mosiso laptop bag. Best for photographers: Peak Design tech pouch. Best for ...
25 best Amazon travel tech gadgets
The 25 best Amazon tech gadgets you need for travel. These popular travel gadgets provide convenience, comfort and safety when you're on the road. These travel gadgets from Amazon provide ...
The 11 Best Travel Tech Organizers of 2024
Best Roll-up: ProCase Travel Gear Organizer at Procase.com. Jump to Review. Best Everyday Use: Dagne Dover Tech Organizer at Nordstrom $50. Jump to Review. Best Folio: Mark & Graham Essential Tech ...
7 Travel Tech Essentials for International Travelers
The comfort and convenience of international travel has come a long way in recent years, thanks in part to the invention of more and more tech essentials for travelers. During my first international backpacking trip, I traveled with a portable CD player and the heaviest Lonely Planet guidebook you ...
15 Essential Tech Gadgets for Travelers
Apple MacBook Air (11-inch) Starting at $900. You can get by without a laptop if you're only traveling for a long weekend, but a notebook can be incredibly useful on extended trips, letting you ...
19 Ridiculously Cool Travel Gadgets (Updated 2024)
Being a tech enthusiast, I carry a lot of gadgets when I travel. My favorite ones are inCharge 6, Sony XM4 Headphones, and River 600 power station (for road trips). Also, I carry an international power adapter and an inflatable neck pillow when I travel internationally. These are our best gadget picks for travelers; 1.
The Best Gear for Travel in 2024
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men's underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we've tested ...
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The compact version of a Bellroy classic, this Tech Kit was designed specifically with travel in mind. It's slim, with an easily compressed soft-shell body that takes up very little space in ...
16 must-have tech items for your travel packing list
The Bellroy Tech Kit is a small organization bag that is made to hold and protect smaller items that tend to get lost in larger bags. With the many different types of cables, chargers, earbuds and ...
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Best travel tech to charge anything and everything. $30 at Amazon. Hot Logic Mini Portable Oven Best travel tech for hot meals. $35 at Amazon. Bubm Double Layer Electronic Accessories Organizer
Ultimate Guide to Tech Gifts for Travelers: 2024 Edition
Travel yoga mats have become a must-have accessory for wellness-focused travelers. These lightweight and compact mats are designed to be easily packed and carried, ensuring that you can maintain your yoga practice wherever your travels take you. When choosing a travel yoga mat, consider factors like thickness, material, and portability.
This easy $30 tech purchase is the best travel investment I ever made
Most modern phones offer the option to use either a dedicated SIM card (physical) or an eSIM (digital). For the last several years, buying a new phone has generally meant swapping out your SIM ...
LED Face Masks Are Now A Luxury Travel Must-Have. But Do They Work?
Beauty Tech For Luxury Travel. An island vacation is the perfect backdrop to turn moments of stillness into a full-blown practice—and this is precisely what Auberge Collection was banking on ...
Tech firms halve business travel in 2023 but Alphabet, Apple lag, study
Global tech giants halved their business flight emissions in 2023 compared to 2019, but companies like Apple and Google's parent Alphabet are falling behind, risking a return to pre-pandemic ...
I Tested Travelpro's New VersaPack+ Luggage
This line also features the VersaPack+ Lightweight Underseat Travel Tote Bag, which makes for a nice addition to the luggage, and all of these items are available in four colors on Amazon. The brand's website offers sets and limited-edition colorways, so you can get VersaPack+ checked and carry-on suitcases together.