Don’t Leave Home Without These Travel Tech Essentials
by, WandeRVing Jews
We live in a world that is increasingly more reliant on tech. Here are the 11 indispensable travel tech essentials I don’t leave home without. Most even daily–not just when traveling.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means WandeRVingJews will receive a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Smart Phone (and a few App recommendations)
I don’t think I need to expound on the indispensableness of the smartphone nowadays. Even some of the “travel” uses are things we all use our phones for on a near-daily basis at this point. This may include anything from ordering a rideshare, checking reviews, or making reservations to the GPS, and camera functions.
Kosher Tip: Don’t forget apps like Kosher GPS as well as have access to GoDaven. Always be sure to confirm the listings’ accuracy.
Powerbank
I own several of these powerbanks. I keep them in my backpack, car, and handy on my kitchen counter. While there are definitely smaller or cheaper models available–although not necessarily smaller and cheaper–I like this one. It plugs DIRECTLY into the wall, has an iWatch, and three other types of charging cables built right in (lightning, micro-USB, and USB-C). It also has an input for a USB and USB-C and a digital display indicating how charged the power bank itself is.
Wireless Earbuds
You can find a set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds from as low as $10 to as high as several hundred (or even several thousand) dollars. You have to get what works for your budget and lifestyle. But be sure to read the reviews if you’re going with a low-cost no-name brand. Some things are worth paying more for.
Some in-flight entertainment systems now have Bluetooth technology and you can use your wireless earbuds with them. For those that don’t, you can use this adapter to connect your wireless earbuds.
Smart Watch
My smart watch allows me to be hands-free for so many things–which is helpful with kids. I can text and talk from my watch. But I can also control the camera on my phone with my watch; it can give me step-by-step directions so I don’t have to be staring at my phone while walking or driving; and I can access my contactless payment options and boarding passes from my watch. When you travel, it will automatically adjust time zones and count your steps and exercise minutes as you run through the airport or take a walking tour.
Chas v’Shalom something happens, some smart watches allow your loved ones to track you, call emergency services, and have fall/crash detection even internationally. This is exactly why I bought one for my mother.
AirTags
If your airline loses your luggage, you can locate it before they do with an AirTag in your bag. You’ll know that you don’t have to rush to baggage claim since you can see that your suitcase is still on the plane. And you won’t have to wait until the last bags are off the carousel to know that yours got left behind–you can beat the rush to the baggage services counter.
There are many accessories available to attach them, hang them, or insert them in various places–even on your children and pets. And the battery is supposed to last one year. This is a piece of travel tech with endless possibilities.
Laptop
I am not going to recommend a laptop model or discuss the benefits of a computer. We all know what we use them for and the features we look for. Occasionally (rarely), I am able to travel without mine. I am sure that many of you can do so more regularly, but many of you may be traveling with a laptop and/or a tablet for each member of the family. Enough said.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
There is travel specific advantage to having a VPN–and not just while on public networks. There are certain sites or services you may need to access that are only accessible from your home country. When you log on through a VPN, you can pick the country that you want your computer “to be in”. Another advantage of a VPN is that you may be able to access cheaper airfare.
3 Simple Money Saving Airfare Hacks
4-in-1 Charging Cable
Since I use my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch daily, I need to charge them daily. However, this 4-in-1 charging cable is the first thing on my travel tech list that I really only use for travel. The simple reason is because at home I have a charging station on my nightstand that holds all three items. (Note: you can get the version that works for your needs if you don’t use Apple items.) I really only take it in case there isn’t a conveniently located outlet, because otherwise I would just use the set-up above. But I can plug this in directly into the powerbank–no cube needed.
Luggage Scale
Lightweight compact digital luggage scales have become a necessity as the airlines are cracking down on overweight baggage–even for carry-ons. This one is simple to use, accurate, and weighs less than a couple of ounces. I bought the two-pack and sent one to camp with my son and one with my girls. This way they could weigh as they packed and be prepared for the airport when they flew home alone.
Universal Adapter
This piece of travel tech is only necessary for travel outside your home region. For example, we live in the US, so we wouldn’t need anything like this adapter within the US, Mexico, and Canada (and some others). This one can be used in over 200 countries and regions without needing any extra parts or connectors that you may lose or forget. It also has multiple USB-C and USB-A ports (again, leave the cube behind).
It’s more expensive than many other options, but it is one of the few that has 65W GaN technology. One benefit of this is that you can use it to charge your USB laptop as well as plug-in high powered devices like hairdryers and electric kettles.
It’s compact enough that I recommend having at least two, since with all the tech we rely on nowadays, you don’t want to be caught short-handed in the charging department. This would be a true example of “two is one and one is none” (as the Navy Seals say).
SIM or E-SIM
In all likelihood, you’ll want to use your current cell phone when traveling. Today, you can pick up a local SIM card either before you go or upon landing. These cards are generally for a limited amount of time and data, but they can always be topped up. SIM cards are tiny, so if you have several you may want to consider a storage case like the one pictured below. Personally, I keep mine in my phone case. If you only have one foreign SIM, you could use a dual SIM tray and just keep it in your phone (with your local one). Caution: SIM trays can be phone model-specific.
E-SIMs are also an option. They are exactly what they sound like. It’s an electronic SIM card. The advantage is that you don’t need to make sure it arrives ahead of time or need to purchase it upon landing. You order online, it’s almost instant delivery to your email, and as long as you activate correctly, you should be able to use it as soon as you land. (And you won’t have to worry about dropping the tiny SIM card on the airplane floor when you try to switch them.)
Most phones also allow you to use your E-SIM number and your home number simultaneously, but beware of roaming charges. Try to only turn on your home number when on wifi.
Most are data only, which is not so bad for most people. You can use the phone while on a hotspot to ration your purchased data. There are a few options that include a limited number of international talk minutes as well. I recently had a good experience with an all-inclusive plan with Orange in Europe and plan to keep my number for the future.
I am also currently looking into a US-based mobile carrier that includes international calling in its plans as well as international native roaming. I’ll update you in the future if I go that route.
Tip: WhatsApp calls can be made internationally over data rather than using the limited number of cellular minutes you get on the Orange plans.
Miscellaneous Travel Tech
There are several items that I left off this list that are often included in other travel tech guides. I personally prefer an actual book to an e-reader even if it takes up more space–and it’s Shabbos friendly. Also, I don’t really see the need to travel with a tablet and a computer, but my laptop is technically a 2-in-1. I know people like portable video game consoles. Again, I think there’s a redundancy if you have your laptop. Unless you have unlimited space or are looking for devices for each member of the family.
I also know that many people like the cable and charger organizers. At this point, I don’t really feel the need for one. As you can see, I don’t have that many cables and chargers (or any).
I do have a very compact surge protector. This model has 2 outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, and a detachable 5-ft cord. It comes in handy when there aren’t enough outlets in an accessible location.