You’re heading out on vacation or planning a long trip and start wondering: “What should I pack to stay connected and entertained along the way?” These doubts are normal. How often do we forget to charge our phones or leave behind the right cable? Some might argue: “Why carry a bunch of gadgets when a smartphone is enough?” But what if you see banners with phrases you don’t know, like casino en ligne Sénégal in French or Negozio in Italian? You’d end up not knowing their meaning because your phone is dead and you can’t translate anything.
The good news is that there are plenty of compact, useful devices available today, and we’ll go through them here. Each section is designed to help you quickly find what’s most useful for your trip.
Chargers and Power
Portable Power Bank
A must-have on the road when there are no outlets around but your phone, tablet, or headphones need charging. Modern power banks are universal and support multiple ports (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB). An alternative would be carrying spare batteries for certain devices, though that’s usually bulkier and less convenient.
Universal Charger With Multiple Ports
It’s handy to have an adapter that can charge two or three devices at once: for example, your phone and camera charging simultaneously. This is especially useful if you’re on a three-day trip or travelling across countries. Better to prepare than waste time searching for chargers in an unfamiliar city. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t hate the endless chase for the nearest outlet?
Car Charger
If you’re driving, this one’s a must. Plug it into the lighter socket and all your devices stay powered. It’s especially useful for keeping your GPS running and a tablet playing cartoons for your child. A quick tip: choose a model with two USB ports so passengers don’t have to fight over a single slot.
Universal Travel Adapter
Flying abroad? This adapter will let you charge your gadgets in any socket worldwide. Instead of carrying a dozen different plugs, one cross-continental adapter with multiple plug types and USB ports is all you need.
Navigation and Connectivity
Smartphone With Offline Maps
Today your phone can be the most convenient navigator. Even without the internet, you can preload maps in apps like Google Maps, Maps.me, or Yandex.Maps. The key is keeping a power bank handy and, ideally, a car mount for safe navigation. Think how much easier travelling becomes when maps are right on your screen instead of unfolding paper maps.
GPS Navigator or Wrist Device
Some might say a smartphone is enough, but in remote areas, a standalone GPS navigator is invaluable. Imagine being far from the city — no cell service, but a good portable navigator still shows the way. As an alternative, GPS-enabled smartwatches are great for hiking or cycling.
Portable Wi-Fi Router or Spare SIM Card
Staying connected on the road is extremely useful for checking emails, booking a hotel, or simply keeping in touch. Instead of hunting for local SIM cards, many travellers bring pocket Wi-Fi routers (MiFi) or just enable roaming. There are even smart luggage trackers to always know where your backpack is.
Smartwatch
A handy gadget for any traveller. Beyond showing the time, smartwatches display notifications, weather, routes, and even let you answer calls without pulling out your phone. Many models have built-in GPS, making them especially useful for hikes or bike rides. And since their batteries often last longer than smartphones, they keep you connected when your phone dies.
Entertainment and Leisure
Wireless TWS Earbuds With Noise Cancellation
Compact, lightweight, and perfect for travel. They cancel out background noise, letting you escape chatter or engine sounds. Comfortable even while sleeping, they fit easily in your pocket. On one train trip, a friend of mine spent the entire ride enjoying his audiobook, completely unaware of the rattle of wheels beneath him.
Wireless Over-Ear Headphones With Noise Cancellation
For those who prefer comfort and high-quality sound, over-ear models are indispensable. Their noise cancellation is even stronger than in TWS earbuds, letting you tune out the roar of planes or trains entirely. The only downside is bulkiness. But if you’re not travelling light and value sound quality, they’re worth the space. One well-known travel blogger swears by them, claiming they save him from fatigue and stress during long-haul flights.
E-reader or Tablet
A lightweight Kindle or PocketBook is perfect for reading lovers — one charge can last through several books. Alternatively, you could use your phone with mobile internet, but that drains the battery much faster. Better yet, charge a tablet with a 20,000 mAh power bank, and no book will interrupt your adventure through its pages.
Portable Speaker
If you enjoy music with others, a Bluetooth speaker can set the mood even in a tent or at a picnic. Picture an evening under the stars, with the atmosphere lifted by your favourite songs. Bonus option: some even bring a guitar (not technically a gadget, but close enough in spirit).
Photo and Video Gear
Whether it’s a camera, an action cam, or simply a good smartphone camera, these are essential for preserving memories. A small tripod or selfie stick is a great addition. A friend of mine once bought a tripod specifically for star photography — great to have the right gear for capturing special moments.
Spare Batteries and Memory Cards
If you bring cameras, don’t forget extra batteries and SD cards. That way, dead batteries or full memory won’t stop you from capturing the best moments.
Hygiene and Health
Portable Oral Irrigator
A gadget many travellers overlook, but one that truly makes life easier and more comfortable on the road. Compact irrigators are especially valuable for those with braces or implants. When brushing properly isn’t an option, they remove food particles and refresh your breath better than a regular brush and floss. A friend of mine once drove across Europe for two weeks, and her irrigator saved her from unexpected dental visits in unfamiliar cities. A tip: choose USB-charging models for easier recharging on the go.
Electric Toothbrush and Mini Travel Iron
They may sound trivial, but a few minutes with these can boost your confidence before hitting the road. A compact steam iron smooths out travel wrinkles, while a dental kit keeps your smile fresh. Looking neat and refreshed can make a huge difference if you run into an unexpected meeting along the way.
First Aid Kit
Not exactly a gadget, but still essential. Pack plasters, painkillers, stomach remedies, allergy pills, and bandages. A diluted antibiotic or moisturizing cream might also be invaluable. You’ll be thankful when your kit matches every “what to pack in a travel first aid kit” checklist.
Portable Humidifier
A small device for frequent flyers, it helps prevent dry skin and throat irritation, especially on planes or in arid climates. Good sleep matters too, and a humidifier ensures you won’t wake up with a scratchy throat.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Always useful for blackouts or nighttime hikes. Compact USB models are easy to charge and toss in your backpack.
