Our travels may be taking us to different places this holiday season, but a tech to-bring list should be, more or less, the same. Thoughtful planning ensures our travels are less stressful and cost efficient, as we reduce the need to buy what we already have. Without further ado, here are six essential tech must-haves as you celebrate the holidays away from home:
- Power banks. Choose the ones with built-in cables and multiple tips. These will be handy not only for your mobile phones but for your Wi-Fi gadgets as well. The variety of cables enable these power sources to be used for different kinds of devices. Make sure these are fully charged, especially on the day of your flight when you may have to travel further after landing to your accommodations. Charge these when you get back from a busy day of exploring so they can be fully ready for the next day of your adventures. A word of caution: If you’re going by air, you can’t have these in your check-in luggage. And check the maximum rating for a power bank allowed on your flight.
- Pocket Wi-Fi. If you are a constant wanderer, it’s probably time to invest in a gadget of your own. Being connected is an imperative, especially as you navigate new or unfamiliar ground. Your apps will always be available to translate languages, compute currency, book a ride, find a train station, and do research on an item you want to buy. Pocket Wi-Fis can be rented at airports or in hotels. Be on the lookout for promos and special offers – you can probably pay ahead and take care of the cost ahead of your trip.
- Headphones or earphones. Consider getting ones with noise-cancellation. These help you tune out when you need to do some work, for example. It’s also nice to be able to play the music or podcast you like during long drives or during flights. Invest in quality headphones or earphones, especially for your young ones, who use their gadgets during transit. When purchasing, consider the battery life, Bluetooth capacity, ear-cup padding, and portability.
- Smart tracker tags or luggage trackers. This for your peace of mind (which we all look for when we get away). Ensure that the brand you buy works with your device and phone applications. These tiny things help you track where your luggage is – an added security protection that may come in useful in the unfortunate event that you lose sight of your carry-on luggage, for example.
- Travel adapters. Various countries have their own power outlet configuration. Get an adapter that allows you to plug in regardless of what type you encounter. Invest in a good brand, especially if you’re the type to charge multiple devices at the same time.
- Headphone adapters. Tired of using a plane’s headphones? Flights are usually a good time to catch up on movies we’ve missed or discover new music offered in the in-flight entertainment choices. Headphone adapters are game changers since not all planes have Bluetooth-capable systems that allow you to use your own headphones or earphones.
- Electronic wipes. These are non-tech purchases but are definite must-haves! Imagine all the surfaces you will put your phone on all day. The cafes, restaurants, chairs in train stations, the pockets in the bus. Then imagine all the germs that are likely on these surfaces and how you put your phone near your face when you take a call. Ew! Get electronic wipes pronto – preferable in travel-size packs that are quick to dry and are scratch free.