Let’s be real: traveling is stressful. So, whether you’re traveling a few miles or halfway around the world, it’s crucial to be well prepared.
I don’t need to tell you to pack suitable clothing, sun protection or a passport if you’re going abroad. And by reading this article, I’m going to assume that you already have a reliable smartphone and travel adapters to charge your tech while you’re away.
(Alternatively, check out our roundup of the best smartphones and best travel adapters for inspiration.)
However, this article focuses on four items that I personally use almost every time I spend a night away from home. Even though much of my travel is for work, these gadgets have near-universal appeal.
Laptop charger
If you plan to take your laptop with you while traveling, a portable charger is essential.
The problem is that the cell phone charger you already own probably isn’t powerful enough to charge your laptop, so you need one specifically designed for the job.
There are many options, but the one I use is the Anker 737 PowerCore 24K, which combines a compact design with a large 24,000 mAh capacity. For context, that’s enough to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra almost five times.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
However, the important thing here is that it can fully charge almost any laptop and have spare capacity. And with support for Power Delivery 3.1, it can reach speeds of 140W input and output.
My work laptop has terrible battery life, so this has saved me on several occasions. Without it, I simply would not have been able to do my job.
Noise canceling headphones
If you’ve ever traveled on a noisy train or plane, you’ll know the value of noise-canceling headphones.
Being able to suppress the sound around me has been a godsend on several occasions. This allowed me to concentrate on my work when necessary or take a well-deserved rest.
I often wear them without music, but the noise cancellation helps provide more immersive sound. You can of course connect via Bluetooth, but the 3.5mm jack means they’re compatible with almost any in-flight entertainment system.
Personally, I use the PuroPro headphones that I tested a few years ago. They combine decent sound quality with solid noise cancellation, exceptional comfort, and decent battery life.
However, for the best noise canceling experience, I would recommend the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Reading light
An e-reader is a useful gadget for any book lover, allowing you to store thousands of volumes on a single device.
But its effects are amplified while traveling, where you don’t have access to your bookshelves or the local library for physical books.
I find reading to be a helpful way to unwind before bed, but it can also help pass the time during long flights or anytime you want a break from color screens. The e-ink technology used in e-readers is known to be easier on your eyes.
My current e-reader of choice is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which lasts for ages and supports audiobooks through Audible.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
However, a Kobo might be a better choice for you, especially if you want to access e-books from your local library.
Awakening
If you’ve read my article about my favorite technology of recent years, you’ll know that I’m a fan of physical alarm clocks.
This remains the case when traveling, partly because I’m paranoid that my phone will run out of battery and won’t wake me up. But of course a mains powered light alarm isn’t suitable, so I use a small portable alarm instead.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
This Tisaika model is inexpensive, quite durable, and powered by a single AA battery. Its hands glow in the dark and, crucially for me, it doesn’t bother me with a ticking sound.
With these four items in my bag, my travel experience is more enjoyable and less stressful than it would be otherwise.
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