Whenever one travels, one tends to pack very light—the bare essentials, so to speak. However, the benefits of keeping a few handy devices will make your trip much more comfortable than you think. And it won’t even take you much travel space or weight!
Here are top tech travel essentials that deserve a spot in your luggage. All these devices aim to solve the most common problems that you may have forgotten about until you’ve experienced them firsthand.
All-in-One Universal Adapter
Gone are the days when you have to keep multiple adapters on international trips just to charge your devices. With a universal adapter, connecting devices on any socket, regardless of their type, is possible. Most of these adapters sport multiple connections, letting users charge their devices all at once.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Jet lag is no joke, especially for those who have to switch time zones regularly. Taking the necessary steps can help alleviate the symptoms. Make sure you’re well rested before you begin journeys, and bring along some noise-canceling headphones. These special headphones are one of the most useful investments any frequent flyer can make.
Planes, at the worst of times, are a breeding ground for noise pollution. This ranges from infants bawling their eyes out, to disgruntled passengers loudly complaining that they didn’t get what they ordered, to the constant whir of the engines outside. Use noise-canceling headphones to help shut out the sound for a more restful sleep.
USB Drive
USB drives give an extra form of storage at the cost of a little space. These devices are a must for any traveler, regardless of whether a trip is for work or for leisure. Have at least one in hand to have soft copies of important documents like identification or medical history. It can also be useful for storing photos and videos taken during the trip.
Portable Charger
Portable chargers, more commonly known today as power banks, are handy. They don’t weigh much and can provide enough juice to give an extra charge for your devices until the next outlet.
Don’t be fooled by cheaper power banks because they often last a couple of charges. It’s a better investment to purchase one that’s a little more expensive but coming from a reliable and trusted brand.
Car Charger
This device is essential for long road trips or nature hikes, when the nearest outlet can take days to reach. The number of times that your phones run out of power at the most inopportune moment is one too many, so having a car charger can be handy during emergencies. Realistically speaking, a simple phone call can mean life or death in certain situations.
Docking Station
Docking stations lets multiple devices connect to laptops. Gadgets such as digital cameras or flat-panel monitors aren’t always laptop-compatible. Against this backdrop, get a USB docking station or hub to easily bypass compatibility issues without hassle. Some units even double as a power hub that gives a couple of extra charges.
Solar Charger
Hard-core adventurers who love to spend prolonged periods away from the hustle and bustle of human civilization will find solar chargers a godsend. Backcountry hikers, campers, and climbers can use these chargers to power up their cameras, phones, and GPS devices. While some may think that this defeats the purpose of being one with nature, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a backup power source in case of emergencies.
Mobile Hot Spot
Mobile hot spots can provide a reliable source of internet for practical purposes, like checking emails and travel routes, to pure entertainment, such as checking social media or YouTube binge-watching. In some cases, mobile hot spots can be a money-saving option depending on the mobile plan used.
These devices can broadcast secure Wi-Fi signals that can be used practically anywhere, so one doesn’t have to rely on sketchy connections or pricey data to access the internet.
Final Word
There’s no best method of traveling, but many people have accepted the fact that traveling is oftentimes troublesome, so they just pack the bare necessities and rough it. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The more you prepare, the more you can make the most of your travel time and make the whole trip an enjoyable experience.