We are happy to report that traveling is back! A recent study from the U.S. travel association found overall spending on travel is 3% above 2019 levels. After a couple of years of isolating, pandemic cancellations and closed borders (I still tear up at my epic European trip that was canceled in 2020), it’s no wonder traveling is on people’s radar for 2023. Whether you are an avid traveler or finally planning that big special trip, 2023 is gearing up to be a big year for jetsetters. Learning how and what to pack can save you many unnecessary frustrations and help ensure your trips will be successful and inspiring.
When planning for trips, take an inventory of what you have and what you need to buy. While the best travel duffel might be the perfect accessory for a weekend road trip, small investments like Apple AirTags might be your best bet for avoiding holiday travel baggage nightmares. Technology is constantly moving us forward and the best travel tech essentials are an important addition to your packing list.
Small, affordable and problem-solving travel tech deserves space in your luggage. Here are our picks for the best travel tech that will make your trip a breeze.
Best Travel Portable Charger
myCharge HUB Turbo 10,500 mAh Portable Charger
What It Is: This portable charger allows you to remotely charge your tablet, smartphone and other portable electronic devices. It features integrated USB Type-C, USB Type-A port and an Apple Lightning charging cable. A built-in retractable wall prong allows you to easily plug the portable charger into a wall outlet. A four-light LED battery indicator alerts you to battery levels. The charger is 4.6 x 0.9 x 2.8 inches and weighs 0.26 pounds.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: No more worrying about a dead battery, and you can charge up to three devices at once, with two built-in cables and an extra USB port. If you are traveling with multiple devices, or multiple family members, this is a huge benefit.
Cost: $55.99 on sale from $99.99 at Amazon.com
Best Portable White Noise Machine
Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine
What It Is: This compact portable white noise machine is just 3.5 inches in diameter and weighs 3.8 ounces. A single charge will allow the machine to operate all night. The sound machine can be recharged via USB (cable included). Choose from three sounds: bright white noise, deep white noise or gentle surf and adjust the volume to your preference.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: A portable white noise machine helps combat unpredictable sleep that is all too common when traveling. No longer fear interrupted sleep from noisy HVAC machines, nearby construction, snoring or even eerie silence. This portable white noise machine is an easy solution for sleeping soundly while traveling.
Cost: $25.35 on sale from $29.99 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Hair Dryer
Conair miniPRO Travel Hair Dryer
What It Is: The Conair miniPro offers 1,200 watts of power with dual voltage making it suitable for worldwide travel. The design includes a folding handle, making it more compact and easier for packing in luggage. With two heat settings and two speeds, this miniPRO will get the job done.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: No need to worry about what amenities are provided at your end destination when you come prepared. Hair just looks better when it’s blow dried, not to mention when temperatures are low, it’s a necessity. This affordable travel hair dryer won’t break the bank and will keep you looking good while traveling.
Cost: $22.99 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Luggage Tracker
Apple AirTags
What It Is: Apple AirTags are small circular smart tracking tags that can be placed inside luggage or bags. The AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that sends the location to iCloud. The process is secure and uses encryption technology to protect privacy. Easily track your AirTag with the Find My app or your Apple device. AirTag batteries last more than a year and can be replaced.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: Even if your luggage gets lost, Apple AirTags will help bring you peace of mind. For a relatively small cost, you will be able to track your luggage with the Find My app, which is compatible with any iPhone, iPad or IPod Touch device that runs iOS/iPad OS 14.5 or later. If the luggage isn’t on the carousel when you arrive (we all know that sinking feeling), you can check if it made that tight connection with you, or if it’s still sitting at your previous airport. At the very least, it can save you the time you would have spent in the “lost baggage” line, just to be told your luggage didn’t make it on the plane with you.
Cost: $29 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Cable Organizer
FYY Electronic Organizer
What It Is: The FYY Electronic Travel Cable Organizer is waterproof and is a compact 7.5 x 4.3 x 2.2 inches. The dual-sided design allows for storage of cords, cables, USB drive, cellphone, charger, mouse, flash drive and other small electronic accessories.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: In this digital age, we all travel with multiple cords that not only look similar, but are all too easy to leave behind. Having a dedicated storage and organizer just for cords not only will make finding them easier when you pack and unpack.
Cost: $12.99 at Amazon.com
Best Universal Travel Adapter
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor
What It Is: The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is a perfect companion for charging your personal electronic devices internationally. The adapter is small and lightweight; its overall dimensions are 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches, and it weighs 5.1 ounces.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: When your plans include international travel, it’s important to pack plug adapters. The EPICKA delivers and then some. Useful in more than 150 countries, this adapter includes 4 USB and 1Type C charging ports.
Cost: $22.99 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Reading Light
Gocusent LED Neck Reading Light
What it Is: This small, lightweight flexible neck light allows you to read hands free. The light can be easily recharged with a USB cable. Customize your light preference with three color temperatures and three lightness levels.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: Enjoy your evening book wherever you end up with a portable neck reading light. This lightweight flexible light rests easily around your neck and allows you to read or work hands free without bothering others in the room.
Cost: $21.99 on sale from $29.99 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Earbuds
Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds
What It Is: Panasonic ErgoFit earbuds are highly rated and are available in a variety of fun colors with or without a microphone. These earbuds come with three sets of earpads in small, medium and large. The cord is 3.6 feet long making it easy to connect to various devices.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: It’s always a smart idea to take headphones when you travel, and these affordable earbuds will not cost you much. Whether you use them on the plane for watching movies, or back in the hotel for private phone calls, there are plenty of reasons to include earbuds on your packing list.
Cost: $23.01 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Headphone Jack Adapter
Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
What It Is: The Apple Lightning adapter is 2.7 x 0.7 x 3.5 inches and allows you to connect devices that use a 3.5 mm audio plug to your Lightning devices. Works with iOS 10 or later including iPod touch, iPad and iPhone.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: If you own any Apple devices it’s smart to travel with this small, affordable adapter. This allows you to convert headphones with lightning plugs to fit into any standard headphone jack, including those typically found in airline seats.
Cost: $9 at Amazon.com
Best Travel Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Soundcore by Anker Life P3 Noise Canceling Earbuds
What It Is: The Anker Life P3 Earbuds hold a charge for up to 10 hours, and recharge easily inside the case. These earbuds offer three noise canceling settings: transport, outdoor and indoor mode. There are also six microphones to help you conduct clear conversations on your smartphone.
Why It Makes Travel Less of a Hassle: If you want better sound quality while traveling in noisy aircrafts, trains or motor vehicles, this affordable wireless option will improve your travel entertainment experience without breaking the bank.
Cost: $74.99 on sale from $79.99 at Amazon.com
The post The Best Travel Tech Essentials for 2023 That Will Make Your Trip a Breeze appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
