Tech Essentials for the Modern Traveler

Packing for a trip, whether a quick business excursion or a long-awaited family vacation, requires careful consideration. Bringing the right tech can significantly enhance your travel experience, making it more efficient, enjoyable, and connected. At PCWorld, we rigorously test the latest gadgets to identify the best tech gear and accessories specifically designed for travel. This curated list offers top-notch recommendations to optimize your next adventure, ensuring you’re prepared for anything the road or sky throws your way.

Power & Connectivity

Bestek Universal Travel Adapter & Mapambo Converter: International travel presents unique challenges, especially regarding power. The Bestek Universal Travel Adapter is a must-have when traveling from the U.S. to Europe. It converts 220V outlets to the U.S.-standard 110V, preventing damage to your devices. This affordable adapter features three AC outlets and four USB ports, accommodating multiple devices simultaneously. It also includes extra plug adapters for added convenience. For a more compact option, the Mapambo converter offers one AC plug, two type-C ports, and two type-A ports.

Rolling Square inCharge 6 Portable Charger Cable: The modern traveler often carries multiple electronics, including cameras, phones, laptops, and headphones. Managing the associated charging cables can be a hassle, leading to tangled messes and wasted space. The Rolling Square inCharge 6 Portable Charger Cable offers a versatile solution. This compact cable features USB-C and USB-A inputs, as well as Micro USB and USB-C outputs, all in a keychain-sized design.

Anker Prime Power Bank: A dead phone battery in an unfamiliar location is a traveler’s nightmare. The Anker Prime power bank serves as both a wall charger and a portable power source. When plugged into a wall outlet, it recharges your devices in your hotel. When you’re on the go, its 10,000mAh capacity can charge your phone twice. The charger features three ports, including two type-C ports capable of 65W charging.

Solis Lite Mobile Hotspot: Reliable Wi-Fi is essential for modern travel. Whether you need to work remotely or simply look up local recommendations, internet access is invaluable. Solis offers pocket Wi-Fi for travelers, providing reliable global coverage in 135 countries. The Solis Lite Mobile Hotspot requires a one-time purchase, after which you can subscribe to flexible Wi-Fi plans tailored to your needs.

Tracking & Audio

Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag2, Tile Pro: Losing luggage is a common travel frustration. Bluetooth trackers can help you keep tabs on your bags and assist in locating them if lost. Apple users can leverage the AirTag, while Android users can opt for the Samsung SmartTag2. The Tile Pro is a suitable option for users of both platforms. For wallet tracking, the Tile Slim is a discreet choice.

Twelve South AirFly Pro & Ugreen Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver: Enjoying in-flight entertainment with your wireless headphones is now easier than ever. The Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter plugs into the headphone jack on airplane seats, converting it into a wireless Bluetooth transmitter. This allows you to connect your noise-canceling headphones and relax. Alternatively, the more affordable Ugreen Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver offers similar functionality and can connect up to two earbuds or headphones.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 & Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: Noise-canceling headphones are essential for comfortable flights. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer excellent noise cancellation and a compact size, making them a great choice for iPhone users. Android users may prefer the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, known for their superior sound quality and secure fit.

Sony WH-1000XM5 & Apple AirPods Max: For those who prefer over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are renowned for their exceptional noise cancellation and audio quality. Apple fans may find the AirPods Max appealing, praised for their industry-leading active noise cancellation.

Photography & Organization

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12: Capture memories instantly with the Fuji Instax Mini 12. This retro instant camera offers a fun and convenient way to print photos on the go, reminiscent of old-school Polaroids. Remember to purchase and carry film separately.

Bellroy Tech Kit: Keep your cables and small peripherals organized with the Bellroy Tech Kit. This well-designed, travel-friendly bag features a folio-style opening for easy access to all items. The waterproof fabric protects your gear from spills.

Entertainment & Productivity

Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, Backbone One: Long flights can be tedious, but handheld gaming systems can make them more enjoyable. The Steam Deck allows you to play your favorite PC games on the go. The Nintendo Switch OLED is another fantastic gaming console. For mobile gaming, the Backbone One enhances your phone gaming experience by providing a controller-like interface for both Android and iPhone models.

Logitech MX Keys Mini: Laptop keyboards can be cramped and uncomfortable for extended typing. The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a compact wireless keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience with quiet keys. Its semi-customizable layout and multi-device switching make it a convenient travel companion.

Kindle Paperwhite: Instead of carrying heavy books, opt for an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite. This lightweight tablet allows you to bring an entire library with you. The Paperwhite version features an anti-glare screen and adjustable brightness settings, perfect for various lighting conditions.

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD: Stay entertained on the road with the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD. This device allows you to stream your favorite shows on any TV with an HDMI port. Simply plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy.

Health & Hygiene

Philips Water GoZero Bottle: Access to clean water is essential when traveling. The Philips Water GoZero bottle uses UV technology to eliminate up to 99.999 percent of bacteria and 99.9 percent of viruses in just a few minutes. The bottle also keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours or cold for 24 hours.

Accessories

Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount: Enjoy hands-free phone use on airplanes with the Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount. This mount easily clips your phone onto an airplane seat, allowing you to watch shows or play games without straining your neck.

Laptops & Monitors

Zenbook S 14: A super-light laptop such as the Zenbook S 14, which weighs just 2.65 pounds, is a great pick for traveling. Enjoy the fantastic battery life and lovely large OLED screen. This laptop has an Ultra 7 processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: If you want a more versatile laptop, then a 2-in-1 model such as the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, whose 360-degree hinge will make it easy for you to turn this laptop into a tablet is perfect. The 14-inch OLED touch display is gorgeous.

Azorpa A1 Gamut: Sometimes you just need a second monitor, even when you’re traveling. The extra screen really helps productivity for business travelers and it makes for a great way to play your portable games on a larger screen while on the road.

Storage

Crucial X9 Pro: If you plan on taking about a million pictures and videos and you want to have a safe way to back them up without relying on random hotel Wi-Fi, then you can also grab a portable SSD. The Crucial X9 Pro is the best external SSD because it’s not only affordable but also super fast.

By carefully selecting the right tech gear, you can significantly enhance your travel experience, making it more efficient, enjoyable, and connected.