Whether you’re getting geared up for a summer road trip or do a lot of travel for work, technology has made travel easier, more convenient, and more comfortable. From smart luggage to noise-canceling headphones, there’s a whole set of tools available to the savvy traveler – along with a few standards that have stood the test of time. Read on for some of our favorites.
12 must-have gadgets for every traveler
Get charged up!
No matter where you’re traveling, you need to be prepared for a potential power outage. Plus, you never know where the next electrical outlet will be– especially if you’re traveling somewhere remote. Take charge and get charged with these gadgets.
Anker Powercore 10000
A portable power bank is an essential travel item these days. Imagine this: you’re on a long flight, your smartphone dies, and there’s no outlet to be found. Avoid this inconvenience by investing in a power bank like the Anker PowerCore 10000. Charge it before you leave for your trip, and the bank will be able to charge up your electronics multiple times before it needs a recharge. You can even charge more than one device at once.
Universal Travel Adapter
Traveling abroad? Don’t forget how different a country’s charging outlets may be from your own! Prepare ahead of time by purchasing one of these nifty little universal travel adapters. While most airports and shops sell them, the prices are often raised for tourists– you’ll get a better deal if you don’t wait till you land!
Smart Luggage
Yes, it’s true: The era of the “smart home” is now the era of “smart luggage” as well. Raden, Away, and Bluesmart are just a couple of names in an industry that is now growing. These companies are making bags that include USB ports and charging cables, so travelers need not worry about being glued to an airport outlet. Some smart luggage includes GPS location devices so you can literally track your bag at all times through an app. And some of them even weigh themselves. These ingenious bags may come at a cost, but they are well worth the convenience– especially if you travel often!
Capture every moment
The best part of traveling is all of the experiences you gather along the way. What better way to remember your adventures than with gadgets to help you express yourself? Sure, most of us have smartphones with built-in cameras, which is great for some purposes. These specialty cameras and accessories will help you take your shots one step further.
Polaroid Originals OneStep 2
If you’re over 40, this camera probably looks a lot like the old instant cameras of the 80s. Welcome back, Polaroid, we’ve missed you! While old Polaroid cameras require batteries, this newfangled version simply charges with a USB cord. The great thing about traveling with a Polaroid camera is that you can share prints with new friends instantly. Make sure you pack extra film!
GoPro Hero
Perfect for the adventurous traveler, GoPro Hero is powerful and versatile. With app connectivity, you can instantly share your pictures and videos with friends and family miles away. Waterproof to 33ft, GoPro ideal for beach vacations, and its lightweight size makes it ideal for travel. And the camera’s voice control feature makes it easy to use hands-free… great when you’re mountain biking in Moab or skiing in the Alps.
Sabrent Bluetooth Selfie Stick
Ah, the selfie stick… friend of travelers, bane of those of us who live in tourist destinations and just want to get to work. We’ll admit it, though: having a selfie stick for your travels is a decent idea if you’re traveling solo (as long as you watch where you put that thing). What’s neat about the Sabrent Bluetooth selfie stick is that it has a battery built right into the grip and two USB ports for charging devices. And it will work with your GoPro as well as your smartphone.
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Find Out NowSounds of adventure
A pair of headphones is a must-have on planes and trains – you never know when you’ll be seated next to a screaming baby (or an adult who is acting like a baby by loud-talking on their cell phone). Plus, rocking out to your favorite songs can help get you pumped for your next excursion! These are the best gadgets to listen to tunes on the go.
Bose Wireless Headphones
There are plenty of excellent headphones on the market, but Bose sound systems always seem to reign supreme. Their noise cancelling headphones are perfect for any loud and busy atmosphere. Whether you’re trying to tune out others on an airplane or fall asleep in a busy hostel, these headphones will drown out any noise. Plus, these Bose headphones are super travel-friendly as they fold up, taking up next to no space at all.
JBL Clip 2
Looking for an ultra-light, ultra-rugged and ultra-powerful portable speaker? Look no further! The JBL Clip 2 is completely waterproof and provides eight hours of playtime, allowing you to take your music wherever you go, by land or sea! You can stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth, or plug it into any smartphone or tablet with its attached audio cable. Convenient, sleek, and super cool, you won’t want to travel without this speaker again!
Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Sharper Image (natch) has created the ideal travel pillow for your next adventure. This travel pillow makes it easy to listen to your music comfortably on the go, with a built-in media pouch that holds your smartphone for hands-free listening. From road trips and trains to air travel and more, this pillow will be your new BFF.
Camping made easy
Perhaps you’re more of a rugged traveler, one who is looking for gadgets that will really help when you don’t have access to more modern amenities. We’ve got you covered, too.
Scrubba Wash Bag
Planning a camping excursion? You most likely won’t be near a washing machine or dryer– but don’t worry. The Scrubba Wash Bag will soon be your new favorite. Simply drop clothes in the Scrubba and add water and detergent. Seal the dry-bag and open the side valve to release excess air. Grip circles on the exterior prevent the Scrubba from slipping while you rub the bag and activate the hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules that perform the work. While it’s not your typical gadget – there are no wires, plugs, batteries, etc. needed – it is definitely a cool tool to have!
VSSL Flask
Talk about a must-have! The VSSL Flask Light is a portable, cylinder-shaped flask that holds your beverage of choice and doubles as a flashlight. Its sleek waterproof design makes it easy to take on your adventures– perfect for mountain trips, festivals, you name it! Plus, the cap of the flask doubles as a compass.
goTenna Mesh
If you love the idea of going off the grid but are concerned about what happens in case of emergency, worry no more! goTenna Mesh lets you send texts and GPS locations– no service required! You won’t have to worry about where the nearest cell tower is anymore with this device in hand. Simply hook it onto your keychain, backpack, or belt buckle and you’ll be ready to go.
As technology speeds onward at a breakneck pace, new gadgets make it easier for us to venture to remote places in both comfort and style. While modern luxuries and amenities are nice, it’s always good to have backups when you’re away from home. You never know when a flight will be delayed or your camper will break down. With these gadgets, you can travel with more peace of mind and focus more on the adventure in front of you. Happy travels!
