Technology is at the center of our lives. You can’t walk out the door without at least a mobile phone and a gadget or two in hand. When it comes to longer journeys, certain accessories are indispensable companions we cannot live without.
As someone who makes a living writing gadget articles, I always pack a tech backpack when I travel. Aside from the non-essentials, there are a few items that you should take with you on the go. To make your life easier, I am here to share my wisdom on technology and travel.
The right backpack can change the world
I’ve done my fair share of travel, whether by land, air, or sea. Naturally, choosing the right backpack is the first and most important step in carrying your gear correctly.
Having bounced between handbags, hiking backpacks, sling bags, and wheeled carry-ons, we know that not having the right bag can be a huge headache. You don’t want to fish for a charger in a crowded airport or in a car full of luggage. Once you’re all strapped on and ready to go on an expedition, you want your accessories to be easily accessible.
Naturally, a great tech backpack has lots of pockets, compartments, protective padding and preferably a USB outlet. The backpack itself should have comfortable straps and just the right size. It should not be too big or too small. Don’t forget the importance of features such as anti-theft and waterproof to keep your electronics from breaking.
Personally, I like using the Bange Smart Backpack. This is because it has all the features I mentioned and is reasonably priced. Many people at Android Central also love the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
ultimate backpack
Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack V2 has it all: anti-theft protection, ample compartments, tons of space, a waterproof coating, and adjustable dividers. The backpack alone is a little pricey, but its quality and adaptability make it worth the money.
Bange Business Smart Backpack
affordable alternative
You don’t have to bankrupt yourself with a simple tech backpack. The Bange Business Smart Backpack has a sleek look and all the great features you’d find in a Peak Design bag. It also has a USB output port and the laptop compartment is fleece lined to protect your valuables.
keep your phone at 100
Cell phones can literally save lives while traveling. Emergencies aside, there’s no denying that it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere without your cell phone these days. Everything is now digital, from tickets to itineraries. Can you imagine a vacation without Uber, Google Maps, or Airbnb?
Of course, a mobile phone alone is not enough. At a minimum, you should carry a compatible charger and cable. USB cables are pretty straightforward, but chargers aren’t. I lean towards GaN chargers with at least one USB-C and one USB-A port, high wattage, and folding prongs for easy portability. GaN chargers are half the size of regular adapters, so they easily fit in your pocket.
Power banks are more versatile than car chargers and can be taken anywhere.
If your mode of transportation doesn’t allow you to plug in a wall charger, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance. Power banks are more versatile than car chargers and can be taken anywhere. If your phone supports wireless charging, you can get a handy wireless portable charger.
Large capacity portable power banks like the 30,000mAh RAVPower Pioneer series and 10,000mAh Anker PowerCore Slim are great for long trips. For lightpackers, we recommend the 5,000mAh Anker 622 magnetic battery (MagGo), with a built-in kickstand and MagSafe support. for a little less, and you can even choose from five colorways just like Anker.
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)
No wires, no problems
Anker’s 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) Battery Pack is cute and extremely useful. It is exactly the size that fits in the palm of your hand. This 5,000mAh portable battery pack wirelessly charges compatible devices and supports Apple’s MagSafe technology.
Anchor alternative
Voltme’s MagPak 5K comes in a mix of light and dark shades. This 5,000mAh power bank supports wireless charging, MagSafe charging and features a flap-like kickstand on the back.
keep boredom at bay
They say life is a journey, not a destination. Anyway, this is not the case if you are stuck in an uncomfortable seat for hours with no means of distraction or mental peace. Too long a route is dauntingly boring, but thankfully you can save yourself from this sad state of using a few gadgets.
Choose one or two electronic companions according to your personal taste to make your trip more enjoyable. For me, this is my beloved e-book reader. If you’re a book lover like me, pre-load your Kindle or your preferred e-paper display with a variety of e-books and audiobooks. Especially thrillers and mysteries are great ways to pass the time.
We recommend Amazon’s 6-inch Kindle. It’s compact and perfect for travel. The Kindle’s legendary uptime is a life saver because you don’t have to worry about charging while traveling.
Reading is not for everyone. Such people are advised to download a large amount of their favorite music, movies and TV shows to their mobile phones. To compensate, bring the most comfortable Bluetooth earbuds with you and you’ll be ready for plenty of time.
Finally, a portable Bluetooth speaker can be a great vacation companion if you’re traveling for leisure. You can’t be the star of a party without a tune to get you in the mood. When choosing the best Bluetooth audio accessories, think lightweight, portable, rugged, and long-lasting. Edifier’s small but mighty MP100 Plus speaker is my personal favorite.
crowd favorite
The Amazon Kindle (2022) is a smart way to carry thousands of books without sacrificing luggage space or weight allowance. It lasts forever and the e-ink display is fun to look at.
expect the unexpected
Edifier blows your mind with the palm-sized Edifier MP100 Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This is a must-have audio accessory for frequent travelers.
easy work
You may be traveling for work, or you may be taking advantage of the ability to work remotely. Either way, you can’t carry a bulky laptop everywhere. Relying on Internet cafes is usually out of the question, given the potential security risks and added hassle.
Are you facing similar conundrums? Chromebooks are made for work, so don’t worry. Not only is it small, light and versatile, it can also be charged via USB-C. These flexible machines can do most basic tasks and work amazingly well. It also costs very little compared to a full-fledged laptop or computer.
Chromebooks are designed to be easy to set up and use. Chrome OS supports most of the apps you need to access for light work on the go, with all the connections and ports you need. Choosing the right model is completely subjective. We have a great guide to recommending the best Chromebook for your needs.
Pro Tips on Technology and Travel
Before anything else, my number one pro tip is: Get a universal travel adapter with surge protection. You can thank me later. A decent travel adapter comes with a number of plug points that work in the US, EU, and UK. Some of the more advanced ones have a variety of USB ports, like the fantastic EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter.
Make sure every device has USB-C, including earbuds, Kindles, power banks, and Bluetooth speakers. This eliminates the need to carry multiple Type-C cables and mess around with the million different cables that somehow form the most complex sailing knots at the bottom of your backpack.
Having a powerful dual-port charger that can charge anything is wise. Your best bet is to get a compact 60W or 65W USB-C charger. This allows you to enjoy the fastest charging speeds on all your devices. Usually less is more, but not in this case.
Finally, take advantage of the fact that all the best Bluetooth trackers come in creative form. It’s a smart idea to slip it into your bag or luggage. This makes it easier to find your belongings. After a 16-hour flight and a disgusting meal, no one enjoys ‘baggage hunting’. If you misplace something, a tracker can save you a lot of trouble.
These are just some of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years. Hopefully you learn something that will make your future travels a more enjoyable experience. Have fun and be safe!
EPICKA UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER
all. . Prong.
The incredible EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter has adjustable prongs that can be repositioned according to US, UK and EU requirements. It also has 1 USB-C port and 4 USB-A ports, as well as built-in surge protection.
