Essential travel gear: The must-have tech I can’t do without

The Travel Tech Essentials That Make My Life Easier

Over the years, I’ve found that packing has become significantly simpler—not because I bring less, but because I’ve learned which travel gadgets truly deserve a permanent spot in my bag. From keeping all my devices charged to making long flights, hotel stays, and days on the go that little bit easier, these are the products I reach for on every trip.

This list features the travel tech I actually use and recommend. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, these are the tried-and-tested essentials that help make traveling smoother, more organized, and a lot less stressful.

1. 5-in-1 Portable Charger

There’s a reason portable chargers are the number one item flight attendants say they never leave home without. You never have to worry about your phone dying so you can make calls, order an Uber, and take photos. This TESSAN compact power bank charges up to 5 devices at once, featuring built-in cables and multiple ports for iPhone, Android, and more. With fast charging and a foldable AC plug, it’s an easy, all-in-one travel essential. My wife and I used this constantly last month while traveling around Europe to keep our phones powered up on long sightseeing days.

2. Universal Slim Travel Adapter

Another TESSAN product I love is this four-in-one universal slim travel adapter. If you travel internationally, then you know a travel adapter is a travel essential. Unfortunately, most are so bulky and cumbersome to pack. I love that this one has a slimmer profile than most and works in over 150 countries.

Note:
This isn’t a power converter. You don’t need those for phones, iPads, or laptops, but as my wife will tell you, you definitely need one for a hair dryer, curling iron, or flat iron, unless you purchase dual-voltage hair tools. This is the one my wife recommends.

3. eSIMs

Speaking of international travel, before you depart for your trip, check what your cell phone provider charges when you leave the country. If it’s too expensive and if your phone supports eSIMs, then buy an inexpensive data plan before you leave. That way, you can activate it as soon as you land. There are a lot of companies to consider like: Airalo, Holafly, GigSky, Maya Mobile, and Ubigi. Here’s how to set an eSIM up.

4. Apple AirTags

I think everyone knows the importance of traveling with Apple AirTags or any tracking device. There have been countless stories about how travelers have found their bags when they’ve been stolen, including when a traveler to L.A. found her bag at a homeless encampment. My wife and I put Apple AirTags in every bag we travel with (checked and carry-on) as well as in our wallets. I especially like to use them in case my checked-luggage gets stolen and to see when my bags are loaded on the plane and when they’re offloaded, so I don’t have to rush to the carousel, only to be standing around waiting.

5. Meta Sunglasses

Last year, I wrote a post titled: The Sunglasses That Turn Me Into James Bond on My Travels. The sunglasses I’m referring to are Ray-Bans but not just any Ray-Ban sunglasses. Sure, they shield your eyes from the sun and make you look cool, but these sunglasses, the result of a partnership between Ray-Ban and Meta, basically turn you into James Bond. They allow users to listen to music, make hands-free calls, ask questions, take photos, record videos, and much more. The glasses act like an Alexa smart speaker (with a five-mic system) and you can ask any question and no one can hear the answer because the speakers are in the armbands. All you say is, “Hey Meta,” to activate them and then give your command or ask your question.

6. Laptop and Privacy Shield

I like to be productive when I’m flying, so I always have my laptop with me. I use a Macbook Neo and Lenovo Yoga 9. They’re both 14 inches and are great for travel. What surprises me is how few travelers, especially business travelers, use a privacy shield. It’s shocking the information I’ve read on some of my surrounding seatmates’ laptops, including a script a TV star was reading. You can also use a privacy shield for your phone, which I should probably get for my iPhone 17 Pro.

7. Mini Portable Fan

When I’m going somewhere warm, especially Europe in the summer, I make sure to bring portable fans. I’ve been using this one (pictured above), my son likes to use the JisuLife portable handheld fan (because it has a flashlight), and my wife and daughter have been using this one (pictured above), which they like best because it shows how much battery is left on an LED display. This past trip, I was sorry I had left my neck fan at home (I was trying to save space and weight in my carry-on). If you’re planning to travel somewhere warm, don’t leave home without one.

8. Portable Luggage Scale

I used to travel with carry-on only before I had kids. Now that my kids are small and go through outfits multiple times a day, we check a bag (or two). Depending on which airline we’re flying, I always put a portable luggage scale in my carry-on bag so I can check the weight of our checked bags and avoid overweight baggage fees.

Unfortunately, many international airlines also have strict carry-on weight limits, so I use it to check my bag’s weight before heading to the airport. Otherwise, I end up doing the embarrassing shuffle at check-in, moving items between bags to avoid overweight fees. I’ve had to do it many times when I forgot my luggage scale, including the moment pictured above, when I was trying to avoid a $100 fee.

9. Airpods and Earbuds

One of my biggest pet peeves when I travel (or any public space for that matter) is when I hear people talking on FaceTime, watching videos, or listening to music without headphones. It’s so inconsiderate of the people around them and it’s just not that hard to put on a pair of headphones. My kids use the Belkin Soundform Mini Kids Headphones, my wife uses Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones or AirPods, and I use either the Belkin SoundForm Isolate Wireless Headphones or wired EarPods when using my phone or iPad.

10. Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

This summer, my family and I rented an Airbnb in Italy. In the confirmation email we received, there were safety details including this: “Carbon monoxide alarm not reported: The Host hasn’t reported a carbon monoxide alarm on the property. We suggest bringing a portable detector for your trip.” You don’t need to warn me twice after reading headline after headline of this type of tragedy around the world. That’s why I pack a portable Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector. It costs around $25 and will give you peace of mind and a better night’s sleep.

11. Thermometer and Pulse Oximeter

I always travel with a toiletry bag packed with almost everything we would need in case anyone gets sick, including a thermometer and pulse oximeter.

12. Tech Case Organizer and Gadgets

I have extra charging cables for my phone and watch, plus international plug adapters, a USB car charger, and a Belkin USB-C Multimedia Hub, so I can connect multiple devices to my laptop. I use a tech organizer like this one to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

13. The AERO 70 from TESSAN

Over my decades of travel, I’ve tested my fair share of travel adapters, and my biggest complaint is always the same: they’re bulky and take up way more space in my bag than they should. That’s why TESSAN’s new AERO 70 caught my eye. It’s impressively slim, but it still packs 70W of fast charging, so it can handle my laptop, phone, and other everyday devices without needing to pack a separate charger. I also love the built-in smart display, which gives you a quick read on what’s happening instead of leaving you guessing whether everything is charging properly. And if you’re an Apple user, there’s another nice bonus: it supports Apple’s latest AVS charging technology, which means better compatibility with newer Apple devices. The AERO 70 just launched on Kickstarter, where you can grab the Super Early Bird price of $69 (46% off the $129 MSRP) before those spots are gone, with a $79 Early Bird tier after that. Shipping is expected to begin in August, so if you’ve got any upcoming travel planned, it’s definitely one I’d check out.

So, there you have it. These are the must-have tech gadgets I always pack, no matter where I’m going.