Best Travel Tech: 10 Musthave Items To Buy Before You Fly

In recent years it has been my mission to travel whenever possible. Whether it was a quick weekend trip to Chicago or a two-month trip to Europe, I tried to take advantage of remote work. My latest adventure involves moving from New York to London for graduate school. After much trial and error, I can safely say that I have become a pro at tackling the most difficult part of any trip: packing.

Yes, I sometimes face the dreaded problem of excess luggage (you can never be too prepared, right?), but I've already pared down my travel essentials. My travel essentials include everything from headphones to a device that will help you stay safe on night walks. I cannot express how much I loved these products when I first started traveling; They will definitely save me a lot of time and money. Below are my top picks for the best travel tech in 2023.

• Apple AirTags

  1. The best hiking gear

• Image credit: Bose/Pocket-Lint

  Bose 700 Noise Canceling Headphones

  2. The best value for money noise canceling headphones.

• Jbl clip 4

  3. The best small portable speaker

• Apple AirPods Pro2

  4. The best noise canceling headphones

• Smart Tech organizer bag

  5. Best travel technique to stay organized

The best technology for travel: our top picks

Apple AirTags

1. The best hiking gear

Never lose your luggage, wallet or keys again.

$89 $ 99 Save $10

Apple AirTags have a sleek, lightweight design and built-in Apple Find My technology, making them easy to track, especially for iPhone users.

strengths

• Small and convenient
• You can easily control from your Apple device

disadvantages

• Not optimized for Android
• A retainer is usually required

In 2018, my luggage was lost while traveling from New York to Australia; Oh, how I wish AirTags had existed back then. AirTags are a game changer when it comes to lost luggage, keys or wallets. It's simple: tag any item you're afraid of losing and you'll be able to track your stuff wherever you go. You can easily track your AirTag on any Apple device using the Find Me feature. AirTags are a great way to never suffer from lost luggage again.

AirTag cannot be configured on Android, but Android users can track AirTag using the Tracker Detect app. The app tracks Bluetooth trackers and supports Apple's Find My app. While the app helps Android devices track AirTags, I recommend looking for other Bluetooth trackers to track your stuff on the go.

Image credit: Bose/Pocket-Lint

Bose 700 Noise Canceling Headphones

2. The best value for money noise canceling headphones.

Enjoy your music in peace on your next flight with these noise-canceling headphones.

$299 $ 379 Save $80

Block out all the crying babies on the plane with the Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones. With adjustable noise-canceling levels and the ability to connect the headphones to in-flight entertainment systems via an accessory, the Bose 700 is a must-have. To travel.

strengths

• Connection to on-board entertainment systems.
• Charging box
• Adjustable noise reduction

disadvantages

• Noise canceling isn't as good as more expensive headphones.
• Aesthetically, it's not as pleasing as other headphones.
• bulky

Whenever I fly, I always bring a pair of headphones that can be connected to the in-flight entertainment systems, so I don't have to buy a pair of cheap wired headphones sold on the plane. I previously had the Bose Noise Canceling Quiet Comfort 45 headphones which were good enough for the small everyday tasks I used them for, but the Noise Canceling 700 headphones are definitely a step up.

Walking around New York, I'm always tired of headphones that completely block out all ambient noise, but these headphones allow you to adjust the level of noise cancellation in the Bose Music app, giving users more control over volume levels. Plus, the Noise Canceling 700 lets you use Alexa without power. Overall, I'd say the Bose 700 Noise Canceling Headphones are solid noise canceling headphones that are definitely worth their $299 price tag.

Jbl clip 4

3. The best small portable speaker

Loud music wherever you go

$80 $80 Save $0

The JBL Clip 4 proves that good things come in small packages. The Clip 4 can be easily attached to any bag, making it the ultimate travel speaker.

strengths

• It can be attached to any bag
• light
• Good sound for its size.

disadvantages

• The sound is not as loud as with large speakers.
• Choose the more expensive side

If you want to throw a small speaker in your bag, then the JBL Clip 4 is for you. Despite the small size of the speaker, it produces quite good sounds. I always attach this speaker to my personal item and take it with me when I go for a walk, to the beach or even on a short bike ride.

In my opinion, this speaker has withstood some abuse and still produces good sound quality. Sure, it doesn't have as much bass as the Sonos speaker, but what it lacks in power, it makes up for in a solid, portable form factor, and it's still loud enough to listen to music in the dorm while you're relaxing. with new friends or on Airbnb.

Apple AirPods Pro2

4. The best noise canceling headphones

Listen to music wherever you are

$199 $ 249 Save $50

Do you prefer headphones over headphones? Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro are easy to carry and offer superior noise cancellation.

strengths

• It can fit in your pocket
• Reliable noise reduction
• Waterproof

disadvantages

• Only two modes of noise cancellation
• Not very long battery life

If you're looking for something less bulky and slimmer than in-ear headphones, I recommend the AirPods Pro 2. I always prefer using the AirPods Pro 2 when I'm exploring new cities or going for a run. AirPods Pro easily connect to any Bluetooth device.

The noise canceling isn't as effective as in-ear headphones, but you still have the ability to block out most of the noise around you, which is helpful during a noisy flight. Also, Airpods Pro does not allow you to adjust the noise canceling level, but the user has three different options: full noise canceling, transparent mode, and no noise canceling. I love the Transparency mode available on the AirPods Pro, which allows you to partially hear the noise around you while blocking out the most distracting sounds.

Bagsmart tech organizer

5. Best travel technique to stay organized

Cable management

$19 $23 Save $4

This bag helps me stay organized with multiple mesh pockets perfect for cable ties, pen compartments, and zippered pockets for other accessories.

strengths

• Several pockets for the charger.
• Waterproof

Every time I pack, I somehow end up with five million (I think) charging cables in the bottom of my bag, and somehow I always manage to never bring the charger I need. A technology organizer goes a long way toward solving this dilemma. Keeping all your charging cables, portable chargers, headphones and more in one place helps you keep track of what you're bringing and what you're leaving out.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

6. The best travel adapter

Charge your devices from anywhere in the world

Stay charged anywhere in the world with the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter.

strengths

• Fits AU, UK and EU plugs.
• Multiple USB slots

disadvantages

• Sometimes it is too big to fit standard European round forks.
• It doesn't actually work on high voltage items like hair dryers and rectifiers.

Different countries have different releases, which I didn't know about when I first went abroad. Due to my lack of knowledge and research, I was forced to purchase an expensive adapter at the airport. Then I went online and found the Epicka universal adapter, which made my international travels a lot easier. The adapter is compatible with AU, UK and EU plugs; However, sometimes the round EU plugs make it difficult to install the adapter. In general, those who plan a trip abroad need an adapter.

Anker Power Bank Portable Charger

6. The best portable phone charger

A convenient charger that fits in your pocket

With its long-lasting battery and compact size, the Anker Portable Charger is the perfect charger for your travels.

strengths

• Easily transportable
• Long battery life

disadvantages

• Compatible with Apple devices only
• Not compatible with USB-C devices.

Before purchasing the MagSafe phone case and charger, my portable phone charger was the Anker Power Bank. Unlike other portable chargers, this charger fits in your jeans pocket without tearing the seams. The battery life is quite good and Anker consistently makes reliable chargers that have never let me down.

The only downside is that for those interested in the new iPhone 15 model or Android users, the Anker charger does not support USB-C port.

GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

7. Best access point

Work online from anywhere in the world

Attention all remote workers: Work virtually anywhere with this Glocal G4 Pro portable hotspot.

strengths

• Portable computer
• No SIM card required
• 9 GB data included

disadvantages

• It can be expensive
• 8GB of European data and 1GB of global data

As a remote worker, I know how difficult it can be to walk from coffee shop to coffee shop hoping to get a reliable Wi-Fi connection. I once spent 8 hours working in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel until the party guy had to kick me out because I wasn't a guest there. To avoid further confusion, I invested in a Glocal mobile hotspot. The hotspot allows you to connect up to 10 devices almost anywhere. If you're traveling somewhere for more than a month, I'd look for a more convenient option through your phone or ISP, but if you're only going for a few weeks, the Glocal hotspot is definitely worth it. investment. V.

Polaroid Go Mini instant camera

8. The best instant camera

Save your memories instantly

$75 $100 Course $25

Take instant photos wherever you go with Polaroid Go.

strengths

• Instant photo printing
• Portable computer

disadvantages

• Compatible with Polaroid Go film only.
• This film is smaller than other Polaroid films.
• Film refills are expensive

Polaroid cameras are always fun and add a special touch to any trip. When I travel, I always carry a Polaroid camera with me to instantly capture every memory and share the photos with others. Polaroid Go's smaller size compared to previous Polaroid cameras makes it easy to store in your personal belongings or carry-on luggage.

The smaller size of the Polaroid Go compared to a classic Polaroid camera means that the film required for the Polaroid Go is also slightly smaller. Polaroid Go's smaller film size makes it easy to store photos in any wallet, album, or collage you plan to make after your trip. If you're looking for cute books for all your Polaroid photos, you can choose from the many Polaroid albums on Amazon.

Birdie personal security alarm

9. The best way to stay safe

Travel alone in complete safety with Birdie

Traveling alone can be scary, but Birdie's personal security alarm helps individual travelers feel safe while traveling. Unlike pepper spray and other means of protection, Biride is allowed on all flights and in all countries.

strengths

• You can take it with you anywhere and on the plane.
• Attach it with a key ring

disadvantages

• It can be activated easily
• Cannot be used for true defense.

Traveling alone can be very rewarding, but it can also be very scary. As a child, I always look over my shoulder when I'm walking down the street alone or even when I'm with friends. Birdie's self-defense alarm gives me peace of mind when I'm traveling alone. All you have to do is remove the top of the device and it will play a loud beep that will hopefully get your attention and scare off anyone who tries to harm you. Since the alarm does not act as a weapon like pepper spray, it is legal on all flights and in all countries. Warning: The alarm clock is loud , so make sure you don't accidentally set it off like you do, which will lead to an extremely difficult scene.

MEE Audio Connect Air Bluetooth audio transmitter for flying

10. The best way to bond in paradise

No Bluetooth? No problem

Did you only take wireless headphones on the plane? Don't worry, the MEE Audio Streamer will stream audio from your in-flight entertainment system to your Bluetooth devices.

strengths

• It plugs into the headphone jack on the plane.
• Connect to two Bluetooth devices

disadvantages

• Sometimes there is a sound delay.
• Requires charging

Somehow, in 2023, most airline inflight entertainment systems are stuck in 2016 and can't seem to catch up with Bluetooth technology. I can't count the number of times I've gotten on a plane and realized I only had AirPods with me, only to end up buying crappy headphones that the flight attendants sold at an inflated price. The MEE Bluetooth transmitter plugs into the airplane's headphone jack and allows you to connect to any type of wireless device you have. The sound has some lag at times, but overall it's a good bluetooth transmitter that makes long flights a lot easier.

Conclusion: Which technology is best for travel?

Travel is expensive, from flights to hotels, there are many factors to consider when preparing for your trip, so only invest in the technology and extras you need. If I had to pick just three things from the list as must-haves, I would definitely invest in Apple AirTags. After a traumatic experience with lost luggage, I will never travel without an AirTag again. AirTags are the most convenient way to keep track of all your belongings and take the stress out of traveling.

Apple AirTags

Editor's Choice

$99 $99 Save $0

How I Picked the Best Tech Gear for Travel

Over the past few years, I've spent a total of three months traveling in Europe, four months living in hostels and apartments in Hawaii, and driving interstate to visit friends across the country. Last week I flew home from Hawaii to New York, but ten days later I left for graduate school in London. It goes without saying that I've been through all the trials and tribulations that every traveler faces at one point or another, and I've found that the technology mentioned above has helped me tremendously on every trip I've taken. Of course, there is still a lot to travel and learn, but so far advanced technology has served me well.

You don't need to attach an AirTag to every item you carry, but I recommend attaching it to at least one of your checked bags. AirTags are TSA approved and do not contain enough lithium, so there is no reason not to buy them. You can easily track your AirTag on any Apple device using the Find Me feature. If you're notorious for constantly losing your keys or fear losing your luggage in the shuffle, AirTags are a great way to calm your nerves.

Do travel adapters work with hair dryers?

Most travel adapters are not voltage adapters, which means they usually don't work well with high-voltage items like hair dryers or vacuum cleaners. In my experience with the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter, it usually doesn't work with blow dryers, but it has occasionally worked with straighteners or curling irons in the past. If you are going on a long trip abroad, I would buy a device that already has the same plug that fits the outlet in the country you are in. Before moving to London I bought a very cheap hairdryer which already has a UK plug so I didn't have to worry about the fuse blowing on the adapters.

What are the best headphones for travel?

Bose 700 headphones with a microphone have become indispensable not only in travel, but also in everyday life. The Bose 700, which is now under $300, offers pretty solid noise cancellation and allows you to adjust the noise level in the Bose Music app. I love traveling with the Bose 700 thanks to the auxiliary cable that comes with the headphones that allows you to connect them to in-flight entertainment systems. In addition, the Bose 700 case allows you to charge the headphones. All you need to do is pre-charge the case, then you can charge your headphones on the go using just the case.

The journey