What The Tech: Summer Tech Gadgets
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
Travel Tech Essentials: The Gadgets I Never Leave Home Without
Summer vacations can be interrupted by all kinds of things. High gas prices, flight delays, and lost luggage are just the beginning. Fortunately, a few inexpensive gadgets can help prevent some of the most common travel
headaches. These are the travel tech essentials I never leave home without.
AirTag or Bluetooth Tracker
The first thing that goes into every bag is an AirTag. If your luggage takes a different flight than you do, you’ll know where it is before the airline does.
I put trackers in checked luggage, carry-on bags, and even my camera bag.
Apple users can track AirTags through the Find My app. Android users should consider Tile trackers or other Bluetooth tracking devices.
Charging Hub
Hotel rooms never seem to have enough outlets.
A compact charging hub can power your phone, smartwatch, earbuds, laptop, and other devices from a single wall outlet. It’s one of the most useful gadgets in my travel bag because it eliminates the need to unplug one device just to charge another. If you’re taking a cruise, check the cruise line’s rules before packing. Some prohibit certain extension cords and power strips.
Universal Plug Adapter
If you’re traveling internationally, a universal plug adapter is essential.
Power outlets vary around the world. Most of Europe uses 230-volt electricity, nearly double the voltage used in the United States.
Fortunately, most modern phone chargers, laptop chargers, and USB charging devices automatically handle both voltages. Hair dryers, electric razors, and other appliances may not. Always check your device before plugging it in overseas.
Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
Hotels are generally very safe, but vacation rentals, cabins, and older properties may not always have working carbon monoxide detectors.
Portable detectors are battery-powered, inexpensive, and small enough to fit in a suitcase. It’s one of those items you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad you packed it if there’s a problem.
Portable WiFi Router
A portable travel router can solve a couple of common travel frustrations.
Some hotels limit the number of devices that can connect to their network. A travel router creates your own private WiFi network for phones, tablets, laptops, and streaming devices. Simply plug the property’s internet jack into the router and connect your devices wirelessly. It can also add an extra layer of security when using public internet connections.
Portable Battery Pack
Your phone is your boarding pass, map, camera, travel guide, and often your hotel room key. If the battery dies, your trip becomes a lot more complicated.
A high-capacity battery pack can recharge multiple devices and even power a laptop. Look for one with enough capacity to keep your devices running through a full day of travel.
3-in-1 Charging Cable
Families often travel with a mix of devices.
A 3-in-1 charging cable includes Lightning, USB-C, and Micro USB connectors in a single cord. Instead of packing multiple cables, one cable can handle nearly everything.
One Important Reminder About Battery Packs
Portable battery packs should never be packed in checked luggage.
The FAA requires spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks to travel in carry-on baggage. If your carry-on bag is checked at the gate, remove the battery pack and keep it with you in the cabin. Some airlines have also begun requiring passengers to keep battery packs accessible rather than storing them in overhead bins.
The best travel tech isn’t always the most exciting. It’s the gear that helps prevent small problems from turning into vacation disasters.
