2018 is around the corner and that means it’s time to start planning your next adventures. Wherever you might be going next year, it can help to have some handy gadgets with you as you go.
One of the best things you can do for an upcoming trip is to figure out what you might need while traveling to your destination and once you’re there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve learned my lesson leaving the house without a charger or backup battery while on a trip (some day that lesson will stick with me)
Whatever your next trip may be, here are five gadgets every person should have in their travel bag:
Power Adapter
Whatever your destination is, you’re likely going to be bringing a few electronics along. These might be your phone, camera, digital reader or laptop, among others. If you plan on using your gadgets while you travel, you’re going to need to charge them as you go.
There are many adapters out there that offer the ability to change out the plug for a foreign outlet. Investing in an “all-in-one” option like a Samsonite Worldwide Travel Adapter or a Conair All-in-one Adapter with USB can help make sure you have all the plugs you need without having them take up extra room in your luggage.
Backup Battery
If you’re planning to be away from your hotel or hostel for much of the day, it can be super helpful to have a portable battery on hand. You might end up using your phone more than you expect—whether it’s navigating around with a maps app or trying to get that perfect skyline shot for Instagram.
If you’re looking to have a battery just for your phone, try a smaller option like this pocket-sized BlitzWolf power bank. If you need something that can support your different electronics like gaming consoles or laptops, a RAVPower portable power bank might be a better option.
A new trend in travel luggage is smart suitcases. They often look and work just like a regular suitcase but with the added bonus of a battery built into the bag! Popular luggage start-up Away offers different sized bags with a removable battery and built-in lock systems and USB ports.
Filtered Water Bottle
Clean and safe water isn’t always guaranteed wherever you go. If you’re planning to venture outdoors or go somewhere more remote, having a filtered water bottle can help when deciding if the water is safe for a drink.
As a kind of two-in-one feature, LifeStraw Go Water Bottles come with a removable filter straw. The refillable water bottle is perfect for on-the-go use and can filter out bacteria or parasites that might be hiding in your water. It’s simple to use and clean too.
Smart Wallet
It’s important to make sure your cards and important documents are safe whenever you’re in an unfamiliar place. Keeping all those items safe in the age of modern technology can require more than just keeping them out of sight.
Smart wallets can be a great added layer of protection as you travel. Brands like Zoppen offer customizable travel wallets that can hold your cards and tickets while protecting your personal information on them with RFID technology. Other wallets, like these by Volterman, also have GPS tracking technology built into them. You can be notified via a phone app if you leave it behind somewhere by accident.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
No matter where you’re going or how long it takes you to get there, traveling can be exhausting. If you’re flying or settling in for a long train or bus ride, noise-canceling headphones should definitely be an item in your bag.
This type of headphone can be perfect to have on hand if there are noisy babies around you or if you’re trying to focus on a movie or book. Bose’s QuietComfort headphone series comes with noise-canceling technology and cellular capabilities so you can take phone or video calls while wearing them.
