Here’s What You Need to Travel Like a Pro in 2024 - Things to Buy Before Travelling
There's a whole world out there waiting for you with open arms. As a recent victim of the travel bug or a seasoned globetrotter, you understand the value of travel and have probably locked down dates for your next trip locally or abroad. Now it's time to consider the practicalities, like what to pack in your carry-on. We've done some digging to find a bunch of products to level up your travel game. Some of these items are luxuries that might not work if you're traveling light, but they're all intriguing and demonstrate just how technology is changing travel experiences.
01 Smart Luggage Solutions for the Savvy Traveler
Imagine a suitcase with built-in tracking and weighing, remote locking, USB chargers, batteries, WiFi hotspots, or other convenient features. Smart luggage is becoming more refined by the day, and it's a matter of seeing which bag suits your needs best. Of course, you'll have to remove ejectable batteries to comply with regulations for checked luggage. If you're not sold on a smart bag, a separate digital luggage scale is a must to ensure your bags aren't overweight, which attracts unnecessary fees.
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02 Travel Pillow - Uncompromised Comfort at 30,000 Feet
The worst thing about long-haul flights or hours-long train rides is the uncomfortable sleep. Travel pillows can make these journeys more bearable and prevent the unintentional nodding that happens when our heads have no support. Lightweight, unfussy options are preferable, and for side-sleepers, flexible pillows will get you some precious shut-eye. Airlines provide blankets, but they might not cut the mustard. You have other options, like weighted blankets for nervous flyers and versatile, soft blankies that double up as scarves. Select one that's machine washable.
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03 Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Tech Gadgets for Entertainment and Efficiency
Noise-canceling earbuds can help you tune out the rest of the world while you're relaxing or working. Earbuds should fit snugly in your ears and sound good. Download the series or movies you want to watch on a flight while you have access to cheap WiFi on the ground, then fire them up when you're ready to unwind. E-reader apps on your phone give you access to your personal library without the weight of physical books. Just remember to turn your blue light setting down for less eye strain.
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04 Power Banks - Never Run Out of Power Mid-Flight
Planes on long-haul flights often include areas near your meal tray where you can plug in a device for charging. But a slim power bank is the solution if your devices charge too slowly while plugged in or the connection impedes movement. Universal adapters help your gadgets fit into various electrical outlets and are a must-have to keep your devices juiced wherever you are.
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05 Sanitizer Wands - Health and Hygiene on the Go
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If you're anything like us, you're probably grossed out by the speed at which airlines refresh aircraft between flights. The COVID pandemic was a boon for disposable mask and hand sanitizer manufacturers, and many of us got used to these health measures. Your preferred hand sanitizer or germ-busting wipes will make you feel more at ease in your little corner of the plane. Portable UV sanitizers do a similar job but are more expensive. They combat infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi and can sterilize phones, toothbrushes, and shoes by using UVC light to damage the genetic material of microbes. Avoid exposure to skin and eyes.
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06 Tech Organizers - Organized Travel Is Smart Travel
Compact and protective travel cases with pockets and straps can organize your cables and electronic accessories for easy access and device longevity. Without one, you can misplace small gadgets like dongles, end up with tangled and stretched cords, and feel like you're dealing with an e-mess at your destination. When you're packing your carry-on, you may want to put your toiletries into a transparent bag to speed up the process at airport security.
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07 GPS Trackers - Security That Travels With You
Post-COVID industry labor issues saw incidences of lost luggage increase dramatically. If there's a delay-related mishap, your bag might not make it on the plane with you. So, what can you do for more peace of mind, especially during international trips? Pop a tracker in your suitcase. These nifty gadgets will locate your luggage for you. GPS trackers use cell networks, and Bluetooth trackers work with an app. The tracker pings the closest devices running the same app to provide location updates well before your airline can notify you. The best trackers are straightforward to set up and accurate. RFID-blocking accessories are another security-related investment you may want to make. They can prevent your credit and debit cards from being stealthily read.
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08 Travel Keyboard - Work and Play Blend Seamlessly
Is productivity on the go, with temporary set-ups, important to you? Turn just about anywhere into an office with a slim foldable keyboard and compact external mouse. The mouse should have quiet clicks, be able to track on various surfaces such as granite, glass, wood, and rugs, and be small enough to fit on an airplane tray.
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09 Travel-Sized Mouse - The convenience of a wireless mouse
When you're constantly on the move, a wireless mouse can be a game-changer for your productivity and comfort. Unlike traditional wired mice, wireless mice offer unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing you to work efficiently in any setting, be it a cramped airplane tray table or a bustling café. They eliminate the hassle of tangled cords, fit easily into any bag, and pair seamlessly with your devices. Whether you're a digital nomad, a business traveler, or just someone who likes to stay productive on the go, a wireless mouse is an essential tool in your tech arsenal.
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10 Mini-Iron - Always Look Your Best
Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, looking tidy can improve your mood. One way to put your best aesthetic foot forward is to carry a steamer or mini iron. A crease-release spray works well in a pinch to make clothing appear crisp and neat. These smoothing sprays tend to smell amazing and reduce static too.
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11 Portable Gimbal - Capture Memories in High Definition
High-quality clip-on lenses can improve your mobile photography and attach to phones, tablets, and laptop cameras for wide angles and a macro or fisheye perspective. They need to be durable to withstand the pressures of traveling. If you want your videos to look more professional, a portable gimbal will help you stabilize your shots, preventing shaky movements on a camera or a phone. Portable gimbals can fold up, are lightweight, have good battery life, and may even possess built-in tripods. They're a must for smoother panning, tilts, and rolls.
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12 Mini-Diffuser - Elevate Your Space with Aromatic Bliss
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, creating a personal oasis wherever you are can be a game-changer for your well-being. Mini diffusers are the perfect solution to bring tranquility to your surroundings, whether at home, in the office, or even while traveling. Compact and portable, these diffusers are designed to fit into small spaces, effortlessly infusing them with your favorite essential oils. They help create a calming atmosphere, reducing stress and improving air quality. Ideal for those seeking a touch of relaxation in their busy lives, mini diffusers offer a simple yet effective way to enhance your environment, promoting a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
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13 Bluetooth Sleeping Mask - Restful Sleep in Any Time Zone
Keen on mimicking your at-home pre-sleep routine or creating enhanced conditions for slumber? A Bluetooth sleeping mask with earphones can draw you into a cozy, dark environment, while the built-in headphones project sleep podcasts, soothing music, or guided meditations.
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14 Large Water Bottles - Hydration To Go
Humans lose approximately eight ounces of water per hour from breathing on airborne planes. So fill your leak-proof 16+-ounce water bottle or travel mug after you pass airport security. Use the perfect temperature water, and enjoy that same temperature throughout your journey courtesy of double-walled stainless steel vacuum insulation. This way, you won't have to trouble a busy air host with multiple requests for H2O. Consider a collapsible bottle you can neatly pack away when you're done and your bladder's tolerance if you're sitting in a window seat. Constant trips to the bathroom can get annoying to strange neighbors.
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15 Reusable Silicone Bags - Eco-Friendly Tech for Conscious Travelers
Rather than employing flimsy plastic bags to store toiletries and snacks, use more durable, resealable silicone bags instead. They frequently come in sets with different sizes and can be used to organize your shopping and clothing.
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16 Travel Yoga Mats - Fitness Doesn't Take a Vacation
Keep practicing your asanas or doing burpees with a travel yoga mat. These mats are more lightweight (under 2.5 pounds) than regular mats and fold up small. A smartwatch will keep track of your steps even when you leave your phone behind. It also assesses your heart rate so you know whether hotter weather in your destination elevates your pulse too much.
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17 Portable Solar Panel - Stay powered on the go
A portable solar panel is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast or traveler. Not only does it provide a sustainable and eco-friendly way to keep your devices charged, but its high efficiency and compatibility with a wide range of devices make it a versatile accessory. Whether you're camping, hiking, or simply spending time outdoors, a portable solar panel ensures that you stay connected and powered up, no matter where your adventures take you.
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18 Headphones for Children - Keep them On Cloud Nine
Kids' headphones dim ambient noise and limit volume levels for ear safety. These headphones are also user-friendly and lighter, making them more comfortable for little ones. Check the sturdiness so the product can withstand inevitable accidents and subsequent toddler meltdowns. As for gaming, offline apps on a tablet can do the trick, and handheld gaming consoles with optimal parental control settings and lots of family-friendly content are an effective but expensive alternative.
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19 USB Beverage Warmer - Keep Your Coffee Warm Anywhere
For coffee lovers, there's nothing quite like sipping on a perfectly warm cup of coffee, especially during a busy day. A USB coffee warmer is an ingenious solution for keeping your beverage at just the right temperature, whether you're at your desk, in a meeting, or even in a hotel room. These compact, portable devices ensure that your coffee, tea, or any other hot drink stays warm for hours, eliminating the disappointment of a cold cup. They're easy to use, energy-efficient, and often come with additional features like a USB charging port, making them a practical addition to any workspace. For those who hate to rush through their coffee or find themselves constantly reheating their drink, a USB coffee warmer is a small investment that significantly enhances the daily coffee experience.
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20 Digital Notebook - Revolutionize Your Note-Taking with a Digital Notebook
In an age where digital convenience is paramount, digital notebooks have emerged as a game-changer for professionals, students, and creative minds. They bridge the gap between the tactile feel of traditional writing and the efficiency of digital storage and organization. With a digital notebook, you can jot down notes, sketch ideas, and annotate documents, all while having the ability to edit, search, and sync your work across devices. They're environmentally friendly, reduce paper waste, and offer the flexibility of carrying thousands of notes and documents in one slim, portable device. Whether in a meeting, classroom, or café, a digital notebook is an essential tool for anyone looking to streamline their workflow and embrace the digital age.
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