Tech Gear Essentials for Travelers

I can’t imagine traveling without some of our tech gear.

From navigating in a new city using Google maps on our smartphones to making sure our devices can be recharged with power adapters, technology has become integral to travel.

Since we work remotely while traveling, compact, portable, and effective technology is essential on our trips. But you don’t have to be a digital nomad to need today’s essential tech tools for travel.

To help travelers perfect their packing lists, we put together our recommendations in this list of essential tech gear every traveler should have.

You might also like these travel gear posts:

– Long Term Travel Essentials: Clothing Recommendations
– Packing Hacks of Frequent Travelers
– Should travelers use eSIMs? Review and How To
– My Portable Ergonomic Workstation Set Up for Digital Nomads

Updated: November 2023. Originally published: March 2018.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase using one of our links, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

One of the things we want to say up front is that there are two tech gear essentials we are NOT going to go over in great detail: our laptops and smartphones.

Why? Expensive items like phone and laptop are highly personalized purchases. 

These two devices are higher priced items that truly deserve more intentional consideration of your own requirements before purchasing. We could recommend laptops and smartphones we use, but we got them to match our exact needs and preferences.

This tech guide is about the little things we’ve found to be essential for travelers, which does not require quite the personalization we feel purchasing a laptop or smartphone requires.

Finally, this tech guide also reflects devices we believe help enhance a travel experience. They’re are tools.

The best tools are those you actually use. There are countless products designed for travelers, but we only wanted to share the ones that we always have with us, no matter what the trip.

Digital Nomad Essentials: Video

We put together this five minute video to show what gadgets and gear we packed for a digital nomad trip in Southeast Asia a few years ago. We cover most of these items in the post below, as well as a few new ones.

Let’s start with some power!

Power Adapters and Power Converters for Travel

What’s the difference between Power Adapters and Power Converters?

We’re not electricians so we’ll try to explain this in the most simple and accurate way we can.

A travel plug adapter is a device that changes a foreign/international outlet into one that works with the plug of your device. Between adapters and power converters, most of the time you’ll just need travel adapters so that your devices can fit the shape of the foreign outlet.

Power converters are devices that convert voltage so that your device can be safely used. Most mechanical or heating appliances such as hair blow dryers, blenders, and fans are designed to be run on a specific voltage.

Running a device on the wrong voltage will either not work, slowly overheat, or worse: cause immediate damage.

If you plan on traveling with a specific device like this, you’ll want to check the voltage marked on your device. Then do a web search for your destination country to see if their voltage is the same.

If the voltage is not compatible, leave it at home. Consider buying or borrowing that type of appliance in-country instead.

OR

Bring a power converter with you that you’ll use specifically with the device/appliance.

To be honest: if you have an expensive appliance like a really nice blow dryer, we don’t recommend traveling with it outside of the country it was meant for. It’s just not worth the risk of something happening to it.

Digital devices such as laptops and smartphones are designed to work with a range of voltage standards, which means they can be used in most outlets around the world.

When in doubt, it doesn’t hurt to purchase a converter for extra peace of mind. It just might be unnecessary most of the time.

If your destination has power issues or significant lightning strikes, then a surge protector is a good idea to protect from damage and fire. 

Will I need a travel plug adapter AND a power converter? If you’re using a power converter, you’ll most likely need a travel adapter for it to work. If you don’t need a power converter, you’ll most likely just need a travel adapter.

What we travel with:

• Travel plug adapters
• Surge protector/power strip
• Power convertor (when we need it)

Since we’re traveling to different countries, we need different plug adapters to plug in our electronics.

In some cases, we also need to convert the electricity so that it doesn’t mess up our devices. We also need a surge protector – we don’t want our laptop to get fried because of an unexpected power surge.

We have an all-in-one adapter and converter to cover all of our bases. It’s bigger than just carrying an adapter but still manageable.

Also, our style of travel is to live in one place for a while so this allows us to set up a “charging station”.

We also travel with a smaller adapter for places like international airport lounges or hotels when we don’t want to bring out the full charging station.

The Best Travel Plug Adapters

Bestek Travel Plug Adapter: The most essential thing for travel

This two set pack can cover just about every major international outlet. Additionally, we like its size.

It’s light, not bulky at all, making it easy to bring in a carry-on bag or to a local coffee shop. Remember this is NOT a converter.

Though it only gives you one outlet to work with, sometimes that’s all you need!

Check out the Bestek Travel Plug Adapter (2-Pack) on Amazon >>

Specs: 2.6 x 1.4 x 1.1 inches and 3.84 oz

Pros:
– Adapts international travel outlets to US standard, 3-prong plug: Type A(JP/US), Type G(UK), Type C(EU) and Type I(AU)
– Can cover over 150+ countries
– Extremely portable
– Comes in a 2 pack at a great price

Cons:
– It only has one outlet and no USB ports

Travel Power Convertors

Bestek 220v to 110v Voltage Convertor: All-in-one device

If you’re looking for one electrical device to pack – especially if you’re hunkering down at an international destination for a while and just want peace of mind – this is your device.

First and foremost, it’s a power convertor. This means you might be able to use some of those special devices or appliances from home. Just double check to make sure this convertor is compatible with your devices.

This is also a surge protector and has multiple ports for charging, including a second outlet.

Did we also mention it comes with its own travel adapters so that it works with most international plugs?

The only downside: it’s a little large. We don’t suggest using this travel power converter in a plane or public place.

Check out BESTEK 220v to 110v Voltage Converter on Amazon >>

Specs: ‎6.7 x 3.3 x 1.6 inches and 1.34 lbs

Pros:
– Converts voltage from 220v to 110v
– Has 2 outlets and 4 USB A ports (1 quick charging capable)
– Surge protection
– Has its own travel adapters to work in 150+ countries

Cons:
– Bulky compared to a regular travel adapter
– Not guaranteed to work with high powered electrical appliances like hair dryers

The Best Power Strip for Couples and Families

Mifaso Power Strip and Surge Protector: Charging station for multiple devices

As a couple with multiple devices, we have found that creating a “charging station” wherever we travel has been great.

We find one outlet, use a travel adapter, and then connect it to this power strip. This provides multiple outlets and 3 USB ports capable of charging all of our devices at the same time.

The surge protection is also a must as you’ll want to protect your devices from sketchy power situations and lightning storms.

Our favorite power strip has over 10,000+ reviews(!), is pretty lightweight and portable, and is really affordable.

Check out Mifaso Power Strip and Surge Protector on Amazon >>

Specs: ‎4.2 x 3.4 x 1.3 inches and 9.6 oz

Pros:
– Great price
– Portable and lightweight
– Multiple outlets and 2 USB A ports
– Surge protection
– Great for couples or families

Cons:
– Still too big to use on a plane or cafe IMO
– No power converting capabilities
– No included travel adapters

The Best Power Strip for Solo Travelers

Anker USB C Power Strip and Surge Protector: The only charging station you need

If you’re a solo traveler, you may not need to charge a ton of devices. You might prefer a smaller power strip and surge protector. One of our favorite brands, Anker, makes a perfect travel power strip for individuals.

Check out Anker USB C Power Strip and Surge Protector  or Get it on Amazon >>

Specs: 2.2 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches and 5.3 oz

Pros:
– Great price
– Portable and light
– Multiple outlets and 2 usb-a + 1 usb-c ports
– Surge protection
– Great for solo travelers

Cons:
– Still too big to use one a plane or cafe IMO
– No power converting capabilities
– No included travel adapters

Power Banks for Travel

Why You Should Travel With a Power Bank

A power bank is a portable battery that can be used to recharge electrical devices from a USB cable.

Power banks are mostly designed for smartphones but some have the capability of charging larger devices like tablets and even laptops, like Macbook Air (though we don’t recommend doing so).

It’s another peace-of-mind device for those long days exploring a city or going out on a day hike. You’ll always be able to have a fully charged smartphone in case you need it.

We wrote an extensive guide on power banks, but here’s a quick look at what to consider when purchasing a power bank:

• What are your charging needs?
• What devices do you want to make sure you can charge?
• What type of USB cable do you need to charge your devices?
• How much capacity do you need?*
• What kind of features do you need?**

*This consideration is for the physical size of the powerbank. Most of them are pretty travel friendly but you definitely want to find the Goldilocks size that best meets your needs. Not too small that it doesn’t have enough capacity. Not too large that the weight and size is a burden to carry around.

**Some power banks offer quick charging capabilities with compatible cables and devices. This is a nice feature so that you’re smartphone doesn’t have to be stuck to a cable and power bank for a long time.

Let’s take a look at our favorite power bank.

Our top choice: POWERΛDD PRO Portable Charger – 20000mAh

PowerΛDD is a relatively new company who sent us a sample to test, and we really like how they have leveled up their power bank.

One of the biggest issues we had with previous devices was knowing how much capacity our power bank had left or what its current charge was. PowerΛDD has solved this with a simple but VERY helpful LED display. 

This is in addition to a great feature set of fast charging (single devices at a time), multi-device charging (up to 3 at the same time), and all packaged in a easy-to-carry size.

The 20,000 mah has more than enough capacity to recharge our phones several times and enough power to recharge an iPad.

Oh, and did we mention it’s one of the most affordable options, making it a great value.

Check out the POWERΛDD PRO power bank on Amazon >>

Specs: 7.87 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches inches and weighs 13.4 oz

Pros:
– An LED display to show current battery capacity.
– Great price and value
– Portable
– 2 usb-a, 1 usb-c, 1 usb-mini ports
– Multi-device charging
– Quick charging capable

Cons:
– Cannot recharge larger devices such as laptops

Apple AirTags for Travel

I love useful advances in technology. Apple AirTags are a recent example of that.

Since purchasing and using our AirTags for luggage tracking, we’ve had a better sense of where our bags are. We know that if something were to happen due to mishandling or even theft, we have a chance to find our bags.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s an inexpensive device with more upside than quirks.

Read our extensive guide and review about AirTags here

Apple AirTags (4-pack)

As a couple with several items we wanted to track, we bought a 4-pack. You can easily pick up a single AirTag, so choose the option that best meets your needs.

We also HIGHLY recommend getting keychain cases for each AirTag so that you can attach them easily to bags. The bright colors also help you see them visibly. They’re not technically needed for the AirTags to work, but it’s worth the extra purchase.

Note: There are non-Apple tracking devices but because we haven’t tested them ourselves, we can’t recommend them at this time. You can view a list of those here.

Check out the Apple AirTags (4pack) on Amazon >>

Check out the AirTag Silicone Cases (4pack) on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Tiny and decent battery life
– Great tracking ability
– Works well with Apple devices

Cons:
– Only works with Apple devices

Wireless Earbuds for Travel

Why You Should Travel With Wireless Earbuds

Did you know that one of Apple’s most successful products after the iPhones are their earbuds? Apple sells BILLIONS worth of Airpods, their wireless earbuds, annually. Let that sink in.

Wireless earbuds are extremely popular and it makes sense why.

What other device can you use to listen to your device while traveling that is private (and considerate to others)? You could say wired earbuds, but wireless earbuds are so much more convenient.

The technology has evolved so much that many wireless earbuds also have built-in microphones and chips that allow outside noise to be effectively canceled.

The technology can pass through certain sounds, like voices, so you can more accurately hear conversations in crowded or noisy environments (think: smarter hearing aids).

And because these devices are SO popular, there’s a huge range of options out there. Here are our favorites. We categorized them by the smartphone device they go with.

Jabra Elite 10: Best Wireless Earbuds for Travelers Regardless of What Smartphone You Use

There’s an argument that Apple products are unnecessarily expensive and there’s some truth to that. Just because you have Apple devices, doesn’t mean your accessories have to be Apple as well. Earbuds are a great example of this. 

I started using Jabra a couple of years ago and have been more than satisfied with the experience. I use these wireless earbuds between my iPhone, iPad, and Macbook Pro and have not had any issues connecting with any of these devices. 

What I like about Jabra is that they have a great feature set, decent price, and are the most comfortable in my ears*.

*above all features/price, this should be the most important factor to consider when buying earbuds. Only get ones that fit comfortably in your ear for the best sound AND doesn’t cause any pains or uncomfortable issues. 

Music sounds great (though slightly bass heavy, which you can turn down). I take calls and do video chats with these buds all the time and though they aren’t as clear as a computer mic, they perform good enough for calls.

Jabra’s version of “transparency” mode is called “hear through” and it works well. I’m always amazed at how often I use this setting.

One big advantage over the Apple Airpods Pro is also physical buttons on both earbuds. 

Check out Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless Earbuds on Amazon >>

Specs: 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, 27 hours with charging case

Pros:
– Works with all smartphones via Bluetooth (even Apple devices)
– Good noise canceling and decent transparency mode
– Physical buttons on earbuds for additional controls
– Wireless charging
– Good battery life

Cons:
– Sound is bass heavy, not as balanced compared to others

Apple Airpods Pro 2: Best Wireless Earbuds for Travelers with iPhones

It’s probably not surprising that we are recommending an Apple product to work with Apple devices. It was made for this. And because of that, the experience is seamless.

Apple made a first generation pro model and they have multiple non-pro models. But we recommend this version for the combination of the sound quality, noise-cancellation quality, and maybe its best feature: transparency mode. 

Transparency mode smartly boosts voices for conversations in noisy environments.

Check out Apple Airpods Pro 2 on Amazon >>

Specs: 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, 30 hours with charging case

Pros:
– Works seamlessly with Apple devices
– Great sound and feature set
– Transparency mode is amazing
– Wireless charging
– Decent battery life

Cons:
– Expensive, considering all other options
– Design is controversial – you either love it or hate it

Why You Should Travel With eSIMs

This is a game changer technology for travelers. E-SIMs are a convenient way to purchase prepaid data plans for use in international countries.

eSIMs are a relatively new tech tool and haven’t become mainstream – but they will. Since 2017, smartphones have started to fully embrace eSIMs.

Check out Airalo’s website for a comprehensive list of what smartphones have eSIM capability.

You can read our in-depth guide on all things eSIMs and also our review of two major eSIM companies, Airalo and Nomad during a trip to SE Asia.

Here are some basics about eSIMs:

• An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card for your phone or tablet.
• eSIMs combined with a prepaid data plan gives you cellular data connectivity in the county or region of your choice.
• Because eSIMs are digital, installation is quick and convenient. E-SIM set up can be done without going into a phone store or navigating a foreign language..
• Data plans through eSIMs are significantly more affordable than purchasing international plans from US cell phone companies. Cheaper data plans could be found in the country you’re visiting but eSIMs are fairly comparable to those prices.
• Most recent smartphones allow dual sim functionality which means I can keep my T-Mobile SIM going at the same time while using a temporary travel eSIM.
• You can install eSIMs from different companies and purchase plans based on your travel needs. In other words, there’s no contract and you don’t need to purchase from your home phone provider.

Here’s a quick snapshot comparison of options we had for SE Asia:

*T-Mobile data pass works in 215+ countries, at varying speeds.

Important note: prices, data options, and availability change all the time with both companies. What you see above was what was available to us at the time of writing (01/2023).

As you can see, data plans from Airalo and Nomad were better options. They gave much more data and longer times to use it than our cellular company in the US.

The Best eSIM Companies for Travelers: Airalo and Nomad

We have tested and highly recommend both companies. Both Airalo and Nomad have similar processes:

1. Search for a prepaid data plans using their websites or apps
2. Purchase a plan that best fits your travel itinerary and data needs
3. Install their eSIMS
4. Activate and manage your plan and data usage with their apps

The user experience using both of their websites and apps were good and smooth. It did exactly what they said it would.

Check out eSIM plans on Airalo >>

Bonus: Best Smartphone Apps for Travelers

It’s hard to travel without our smartphones.

Can you imagine all the things a smartphone replaces in one device? No need to carry a map, a phone, a camera, a walkman, a computer, etc… you have all of that power in the palm of your hands. No wonder why nearly everyone has one.

Here is a list of apps we use most while traveling:

• Google Maps
• Google Translate
• Currency
• To Do List
• WhatsApp
• DuoLingo
• TripIt
• Yelp or TripAdvisor
• Find My…

Check out our complete travel app guide here and let us know what your favorite travel apps are in the comments below.

Tech Gear Essentials for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

This is a special category for travelers like us – those that work remote and live abroad at the same time.

This list of digital nomad equipment is curated especially with the traveler in mind. We just don’t have enough room to carry a lot of items.

Let’s start with the mobile desk setup.

Digital nomad essential gear for getting work done

We need to set up a mobile office no matter where we go. We’ve hunkered down at airport lounges for 6+ hours, created office spaces in countless Airbnbs, and worked from local coffee shops.

A few special pieces of lightweight, portable equipment can really help when spending several hours at a laptop.

Nexstand Laptop Stand

If we had to recommend just one item for your mobile office setup, it’s a laptop stand. No kidding.

This amazing light-weight and well-designed stand is pretty near perfect. It’s easy to setup and easy to break down because it’s foldable. Though made of plastic, it’s incredibly sturdy.

It’s also durable. Michelle and I have had our stands for over 8 years(!) and have not had any issues with them.

It adjusts to four different height levels to find the perfect viewing angle. Protect your neck and posture by raising your laptop screen to eye level. Your body will thank you.

Check out Nexstand Laptop Stand >>

Pros:
– Lightweight and sturdy
– Folds up for easy transport
– Can hold a wide range of laptops with height adjustment
– A lot more affordable than the Roost version on Amazon

Cons:
– None that we can think of. Seriously!

Wireless keyboards for remote workers

So if you decide to save your head and neck and get a laptop stand, you’ll need a wireless keyboard and mouse. Though technically, you could use the keyboard while on the stand, it’s not advisable to do work this way.

Thankfully, there are a lot of great options that are perfect for travelers. Here’s our 3 favorite keyboards:

Apple Magic Keyboard: Best keyboard for Apple users

This is my personal keyboard. I love that it’s lightweight and can go for at least a month (maybe two) on a single charge.

I almost paid extra for the touch sensor but couldn’t justify the cost just for that one feature.

Check out Apple Magic Keyboard on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small, lightweight, and solid key feel
– Great battery life
– Works well with Apple devices

Cons:
– Can only pair with one device at a time
– Expensive compared to all the other options out there

Logitech MX Keys: Best keyboard for multiple devices

If I had to switch between multiple devices, I probably would have gotten this keyboard. I’ve used Logitech keyboards before and really like them.

This is a great option if you need to switch between a computer, tablet, and even your smartphone with ease.

Check out Logitech MX Keys Keyboard on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small, lightweight, and solid key feel
– Great battery life
– Works well with multiple devices

Cons:
– Expensive compared to all the other options out there

Goldtouch Ergonomic Foldable Keyboards: Best travel ergonomic keyboard

Michelle uses this keyboard and it only needs to be charged about once per month.

While researching ergonomic workspaces, we learned that it’s best to have an adjustable keyboard. This way, your hands can rest in a more natural position without tweaking the wrists.

Also, keyboards without a number pad on the side are best for keeping your arms at a natural angle.

Goldtouch has a number of ergonomic, adjustable keyboards for Macs and PCs. Michelle chose the wireless bluetooth version to avoid dealing with more cords.

I tilt the board up slightly from the middle and it rests solidly on the table. Then I fold it in half when packing it in my carry on.

Check out Goldtouch Keyboards on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Ergonomic, adjustable design
– Foldable/packable
– Good quality and durable

Cons:
– Bigger and a touch heavier than the other keyboards we’re recommending (but it has an ergonomic design/function).

Wireless Mouse for Digital Nomads

Trackpads on laptops are pretty good these days but they’re still not the best replacement for a mouse. Also, wireless mice these days are small, accurate, can last for a long time, and are easy to travel with.

Apple Magic Mouse 2: Best mouse for Apple users

This is the mouse we both use. We like how small and easy it is to use with no moving parts. The charge lasts a long time and it works well with our Apple computers.

Check out Apple Magic Mouse on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small, sleek design
– Long charge
– Can be used with non-Apple products

Cons:
– Expensive compared to other available products
– Requires charging through a lightning cable (the one that normally comes with iPhones)

Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse: Best mouse for non-Apple users

Before I used an Apple mouse, I was using this Logitech mouse.

My only complaint was how much bigger it was, which made it not as portable. However, it was more comfortable to use than the Apple mouse in my opinion.

Check out Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Ergonomic design
– Customizable
– Works with a wide range of computers
– Rechargeable via USB

Cons:
– Battery life is ok, not great
– Larger than most
– More expensive than other products out there

Travel Router for WIFI Signal Boosting

When thinking about essential digital nomad tech gear, traveling with a router didn’t seem important. But looking back, I just didn’t know what was possible.

Recently, we traveled to Italy and Vietnam in the same year and had trouble connecting to our Airbnb’s WIFI. The signal inside the thick walls of our accommodations were weak at best and non-existent in certain areas.

Once we purchased a portable router, our WIFI connection/signal issue was solved.

It’s important to know:

• A travel router can extend or boost an existing WIFI signal (it’s not the source of the internet/data connection like a wifi hotspot device).
• A travel router does not boost speeds but creates a stronger connection.
• A travel router can be used to provide an extra layer of protection for your internet activity using a VPN service.
• Travel routers are small, portable and can be powered by a USB cable. It can even be powered by a power bank on the go.

This is definitely not a product everyone needs but can be an essential digital nomad tool. If your livelihood is dependent upon a strong internet connection, the router can help ensure you can get your work done.

GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel Router

This travel router is small but mighty. It’s easy to set up and use.

We also like that it can be powered with a usb-c cable (which means you can power it with a power brick, computer, etc…). Its light and antennas fold up nicely, making it easy to travel with.

Check out GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel Router on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small and portable for it’s feature set
– Lightweight with great features
– Can be used as a stand alone router, a repeater, or an extender
– Can be powered simply by a usb-c cable
– Setup is pretty straight forward

Cons:
– May be more confusing to use for someone not comfortable with technology

Backup External Drive for Travel

Thanks to our evolving technology, digital storage has gotten bigger (capacity wise) but the physical form factor has gotten smaller and has fewer parts to break.

Funny enough, the biggest problem with using external storage is that they’ve become so small that it’s easy to lose the device (which has happened to us abroad).

You might be asking why an external drive might be needed if we have great business tools like Dropbox or Google Drive. Well, those are internet based.

Not only do you need an internet connection to access online storage, but your performance will be dependent upon how fast your internet speeds are.

For any digital nomad or remote worker that is creating and editing videos, working with an external drive is usually a better option.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable Solid State Drive (SSD)

This is a remarkable external storage device that’s portable and durable. We also love the fast transfer speeds and that keychain feature is underrated.

1TB should cover most people’s needs but they do offer larger capacities at higher prices.

Check out SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Perfect form factor
– Fast data transfer speeds via usb-c
– Good price for data capacity
– Durable and stylish

Cons:
– May be more than what some travelers need

Why digital nomads should get a nice backpack

One of the best investments I made was in my backpack. It’s my mobile office carrier.

Since we travel 50% off the year and often fly to our destinations, I wanted to make sure I found a pack that:

• Can carry all my important and essential digital nomad gear
• Is sturdy enough to protect my back and shoulders
• Has a ton of pockets because I LOVE pockets
• Is durable and will last many years, with protection against minor weather situations

After doing a ton of research, because there are a LOT of backpacks out there, I landed on my favorite one from Boundary Supply.

Boundary Supply Errant Pack

There’s so many things I like about this pack. First, you can access the main bag area two different ways.

I can hold a laptop AND and iPad comfortably and safely in their dedicated pockets. There’s also a wet compartment at the bottom if you need to put things like wet clothes, dirty shoes, or gym clothes that you don’t want to come in contact with the other parts of your bag.

I like the firm support and vents for the back.

And I just love the way it looks. Oh and even fully packed, it can still fit under an airplane seat if needed.

Check out the Boundary Supply Errant Pack >>

Pros:
– So many great features
– Holds all of your devices securely
– Stylish and durable. You shouldn’t need to buy a new bag for a long time.
– Perfect size

Cons:
– Expensive. It’s definitely an investment.

Nice-to-Have Gear for Travelers

The following section of tech gear is subjective. This is gear that we always take on our travels but may not be necessary for all travelers.

Think of this as the entertainment and self-care section.

We travel with these products and find them helpful. We’re always interested in what others think are “nice-to-have” gear so if we’re missing something, share it in the comments section at the end of this post.

The Best Streaming Device for Travelers

Streaming devices have come a long way. They are small, inexpensive and are easy to use. You plug them into a TV with an HDMI connection, power them with a cable, and connect them to the internet.

You can usually stream Netflix and YouTube and maybe other streaming networks, depending on the country you’re in.

We’ve also used the screencast features through Apple Airplay to send our workouts from a paid site onto the TV. This way we have a larger screen to see the exercises.

Streaming devices work with any HDMI TV so we’ve used these mostly at our Airbnbs and hotels. Is it necessary? No. Is it nice to have sometimes? Yes.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

This is a small, travel friendly device with a good interface. It also has Apple TV+ and Apple Airplay support.

It’s the best non-Apple streaming device that officially supports Apple streaming items. It’s really easy to use, truly plug and play.

Check out Roku Streaming Stick 4K on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small, great portability
– Comes with good remote, cables, all you need for plug and play
– Apple Airplay compatible to screencast from Apple devices
– Really affordable compared to Apple TV

Cons:
Similar with all streaming devices, when you use this out of country, you can’t access regular content like you normally would. You’ll need to screen-cast from a laptop with the use of a VPN.

Other devices to consider: Apple TV (kind of big for travel), Google Chromecast (good portability, no Apple support).

Tech Travel Accessories

HDMI cable: You seriously travel with an HDMI cable? We do sometimes. We use it to connect my computer to TVs, to watch digital media we have that can only be played on our laptops.

It’s not really necessary if you have any of the media sticks above, but it’s a super affordable alternative to an Apple TV. $10 vs. $170.

Here’s an equivalent HDMI cable on Amazon >>

Cord ties are another essential for keeping all the cords to our electronics from getting tangled up and unruly. There are a wide variety of cord tie options out there, from cheap velcro to fancy leather.

Camera and Accessories for Travel Blogging or Client Work

These days, smartphone cameras are perfectly capable for travel. But you might find that you want a separate device for a number of reasons.

Having a good camera and lens makes a huge difference with image and video quality. Unfortunately, that also means equipment can get expensive and bulky. 

At different times, we have used a point-and-shoot and a mirrorless camera. More and more, however, we only use a camera for special projects and end up using our smartphones for day-to-day purposes.

The Best Camera for Most Travelers

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera

We really like our point and shoot camera from Sony. It’s small and unassuming but takes good photos and video.

When we have it with us, it doesn’t look like an expensive camera that would make us a target for theft. It’s also way less intimidating to ask someone if you can take a picture of them because you don’t look like a professional.

Finally, we love how portable it is. We don’t carry a huge kit of lenses or batteries. It just fits neatly in our day bag and we’re good to go.

If you’re a professional content creator, you’ll probably seek out a different setup, but for most travelers, this camera has all the features you’ll need, a good price and perfect size.

Check out Sony ZV-1 on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small, great portability
– Good video and images
– Autofocus and portrait modes are awesome

Cons:
– Maybe not the best for professional looking images and videos.

Sony Mirrorless Camera for Travel

Sony A6500 Camera (body): This camera is amazing because of its built-in stabilization, focus technology, and image quality. It’s also got a great size and feel.

It doesn’t look too much like a professional camera (which is great for keeping a low profile when traveling), but it still puts out amazing images and video.

Check out the Sony A6500 camera on Amazon >>

Sony SEL1670 16-70mm F4 Lens: We kept just one lens. We like this lens for our overall travel needs because of the variety of ways we can use it.

It’s got a decent zoom and width, and the images are sharp. It’s not particularly made for portraits or low light situations though.

Check out this camera lense on Amazon >>

Gorilla Pod: We’d love to carry a full tripod, but we don’t have the space to do so. The Gorilla Pod is great because it’s strong and flexible enough to be wrapped around things like branches but small enough to fit in any backpack.

Check out the Gorilla Pod portable tripod on Amazon >>

Sony ECMXYST1M (Camera Microphone): When we shoot video interviews with our camera, we sometimes use this mic to help capture more clear sound.

Check out the Sony camera microphone on Amazon >>

Olympus Digital Voice Recorder: So it’s not a camera accessory per se, but this portable voice recorder is used as back up audio for our video interviews. It’s also great to capture ambient sounds.

Check out the Olympus voice recorder on Amazon >>

Why You Should Use a Gimbal For Your Camera or Smartphone for Video Recording

If you check out our earliest videos on our humble YouTube Channel and then watch more recent videos, you’ll see a huge difference in quality.

The difference is that we started using a gimbal – a stabilization device. Even though there is ton of movement from your body, a gimbal with its motorized stabilization will keep your camera or smartphone steady. 

It smooths out the video.

Professionals have been using these devices for a long time but now tons of companies make gimbols for amateurs like us. It’s an easy upgrade to get better video quality.

Here’s what we use and recommend:

Zhiyun Crane M2

We like our gimbal because it’s pretty small when folded up. And it’s easy to use.

It attaches perfectly with our point of shoot camera and will also work with action cameras and smartphones.

Zhiyun has been a trusted brand in this field but know there are different sizes for different cameras. If you have a larger camera, check out their store to find the best model for your camera. 

Check out Zhiyun Crane M2 on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Works well with our point and shoot camera to provide smooth video recording
– Compact and foldable
– Long battery life

Cons:
– The included joystick button to control the movement of the gimbal falls off. Not a deal breaker but just more of an annoyance. You can still use the gimbal even if you lose this part.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Best E-reader for Travelers

Yes. The feel of a physical book will always be more magical than books on an eReader (electronic reader). But how many books can you carry with you when you travel?

Michelle loves her Kindle Paperwhite and uses it every day, whether we are home or on the road. We recommend the version without ads.

It’s got a good screen with great readability. It can hold a huge library of books without taking up more room in luggage.

If you’re an avid reader and a traveler, an eReader is a no brainer. Pro tip: check with your local library about how to borrow ebooks to use on your eReader even when you’re out of town.

Check out Kindle Paperwhite (no ads) on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small, great portability
– Good screen visibility and readability
– Enough space to hold a ton of books
– Easy to use
– They last a long time. Michelle’s first Kindle lasted over 10 years!

Cons:
– Working with Amazon’s ecosystem

Smartwatches for Travelers

There’s a debate in our household as to whether or not smartwatches are a necessary tech gear for travelers.

I like smartwatches a lot, though I wish they weren’t so expensive. I personally like the fitness tracking features. And I actually like being notified on my watch about certain things like phone calls and messages from loved ones without needing to pull out my phone.

Finally, I can’t tell you how often I check my phone just for the time. I’m one of those people that likes to know what time it is, and it’s kind of annoying to keep getting my phone out, just for that purpose.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Best smartwatch for travelers with iPhones

This is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users. Sure Apple makes an 8 series and an Ultra version but I’m not convinced everyone needs all of the features those watches have.

I just can’t justify the price increase from the SE which does everything you’d want it to do for a smartwatch. The only people I wouldn’t recommend this smartwatch to are Android users.

Check out Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Lots of great features for a decent price
– Works great with other Apple devices
– Good battery life

Cons:
– Does not work with Android devices
– Personally think it’s still too expensive for an entry level device

Google Pixel Watch: Best smartwatch for travelers with Android phones

This is Google’s first branded smartwatch and it’s strikingly beautiful. Google also acquired Fitbit, a leader in the fitness tracking wearable market, and has integrated its technology into this watch.

Overall, this is a good watch but our biggest gripe is the price. It’s way too expensive compared to the Apple Watch SE which is a more than capable watch.

If you want the best Android smartwatch at the moment, this is it. Also consider looking at Fitbit smartwatches which are still available despite being acquired by Google.

Check out Google Pixel Watch on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Beautiful watch
– Plenty of helpful features
– Works well with Android devices

Cons:
– Does not work well with iPhones
– Expensive
– Battery life should be better at this price

Rechargeable Toothbrush for Travelers

I was skeptical about electric toothbrushes but now I’m convinced of their cleaning power. Since using one, I’ve not had a cavity (knock on wood) and my teeth feel really nice after brushing.

We like that there’s a lot of options now that come with cases and can be recharged by USB. Most of them also last fairly long before needing to recharge.

What we don’t like? The replacement heads can be fairly pricey. Also, make sure to use soft brush heads and don’t press too hard. You CAN over-brush and cause gum issues.

Phillips Sonicare 6500 Electric Toothbrush

Phillips Sonicare has been an industry leader and their toothbrushes are well made. They are easy to use and there are a variety of options to choose from. We like this model that comes with a pressure indicator, travel case, and USB recharging.

Check out Sonicare 6500 Electric Toothbrush on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Cleans your teeth well
– Comes with travel case
– Can be charged with a USB cable
– Easy to use

Cons:
– Brush replacements can get costly
– Isn’t a regular tooth brush good enough?

Portable Massage Gun for Travelers

Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun

I never thought I would be traveling with a massage gun. But as we’ve gotten older and muscles seem to stiffen more easily, this has become essential gear for us to pack on our travels.

Our favorite model is not that expensive, fits in a backpack, and can charge by usb-c. Why wouldn’t you travel with a massage gun?

I was doing research on massage guns and saw that the two best brands were over $100 different in price! Both had great reviews, but Bob and Brad’s product was the cheapest.

My mother-in-law, who is an Occupational Therapist, told me: “Bob and Brad? Those guys are great. I watch their PT videos all the time”. I was sold.

We picked up this travel massager and it’s amazing. Small. Quiet. Rechargeable by usb-c. And it does exactly what you want – helps get out the knots.

Check out Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun on Amazon >>

Pros:
– Small and portable
– 5 levels of intensity. Plenty of power and speed to be effective
– Recharges by usb-c
– Decent battery life
– Quiet
– Affordable, especially compared to its main competitor

Cons:
– It shuts off after 5 minutes of use and you have to start it again. Not a deal breaker.

Cordless Hair Clippers and Electric Razor

For those of you looking to trim and cut your own hair on the go, here are the hair clippers and electric razor I use on our travels.

Surker Cordless Hair Clipper: In over 4 months, we’ve used this four times and have still yet to charge it. We think it’s currently at 70%, which means the battery life is great.

They cut my hair easily, which is impressive cause I have thick hair. We just wish it could be charged by USB (instead, it requires its own charging cord).

Check out the Surker hair clipper on Amazon >>

Panasonic Arc4 Electric Razor: I really, really like this razor. It’s made to use dry or in the shower. It cleans easily. It’s durable. It has a great battery life and charges quickly.

The only issue – similar to the hair clippers: it would be nice if it charged by USB instead of its own cord. Too many cords to travel with! 

Check out the Panasonic electric razor for men on Amazon >>

Well, that wraps up our epic list of tech essentials from travelers. Even if you’re not a digital nomad working remotely, we hope you find some helpful recommendations to enhance your trips.

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