Travelling can sometimes be daunting even for the most well-versed travellers. Unexpected costs, unfamiliar territory and foreign languages are just some of the difficulties that you may face on your journey.
Here are eight products that will ease worries about your next adventure, and smooth hassles on the journey.
So much so they’re likely to become a necessity for future trips. Just like your passport and plane ticket, you won’t want to board a plane without these items.
AirTags
We’ve all stood around at airport luggage carousels, waiting forlornly for our bag to wend its way towards where we’re standing – only to become more forlorn as the carousel empties and we remain empty-handed.
These handy little devices are a solution to that. They help put a stop to travellers having to turn into detectives to try to figure out where in the world any errant luggage might have gone.
Putting one of these coin-sized gadgets in your suitcase allows it to be detected through Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My app. Cleverly, they will also ping off any of the other billion-plus devices in Apple’s cloud-base (without transferring data).
AirTags are available from Apple and major retailers for $49 each.
Those who don’t own an Apple product, and don’t want to, might like to consider alternatives such as the Cube Pro. They work in a similar way, to help keep track of luggage, keys, wallets and any other valuables.
Tweet from @engadget
Power bank
With phones storing vital information such as your plane tickets, offering access to maps and transportation, running out of battery is no longer an option.
Power banks are the solution. They allow for rapid charging of devices, so that travellers can stay connected throughout even a long-haul flight.
A word of warning. Power banks have to be in carry-on luggage, as airlines don’t allow them in checked bags.
The Anker Power Bank might be a bit pricey for some. There are cheaper alternatives available on Amazon that can be a life saver for those on a tight budget.
Tweet from @AnkerOfficial
OneAdaptr OneWorld 65
Wherever you plan on travelling, clever adapters such as the OneAdaptr offer the freedom to travel to multiple countries in a single trip without worrying about how you’re going to charge your items.
A universal travel adapter allows the user to plug into many, if not all countries’ outlets. It saves you rummaging around in that cobwebby box at the back of a cupboard to look for just the right charger for your destination.
Tech review site Gear Diary gives OneAdaptr a maximum five stars. It says the adapter is “just as convenient to use when out and about or travelling domestically as it is when travelling abroad”.
The OneAdaptr costs $69. Amazon also offers cheaper alternatives from as little as $30.
Portable wi-fi modems
Those who like to stay connected while travelling should consider a portable wi-fi modem.
We’ve all been there – keen to send photos from your trip to loved ones back home, and finding we have to rely on dubious hotel internet.
A portable wi-fi modem offers the comfort of not having to work out the details of an overseas phone plan or worry about being slugged with sneaky data roaming charges.
Most internet providers can offer an assortment of options for travel that can be bought outright or come with a plan that will suit your trip.
Telstra’s portable modems are available here: telstra.com.au/internet/mobile-broadband/telstra
Alternatives can be found at: reviews.org/au/internet/best-pocket-wifi-dongles/
Digital luggage scale
Many of the products on this list are particularly useful because they’re compact and easy to carry, meaning they can fit into carry-on bags.
This also applies to digital luggage scales. These handy devices allow travellers with just carry-on luggage to avoid additional costs – and might save the embarrassment of having to repack at the airport because you can weigh your bag before you get there.
Priced at just $9, Kmart‘s version is the most affordable product on this list and one that will potentially save you a large amount of money. Similar alternatives are available at many other retailers.
JBL Tune 660 wireless noise-cancelling on-ear headphones
There aren’t many things worse than when you’re about to fall asleep on a long flight and a baby co-passenger decides it is the perfect time to start crying.
This is why noise-cancelling headphones should be one of the first items into the carry-on bag.
These JBL headphones will allow you to drift off into silence, either to the sound of a favourite song or that podcast you’ve been meaning to finish.
These headphones cost $149.95, but a wide array of cheaper (and more expensive!) alternatives is available. Retailers such as JB Hi-Fi have a number of options from $89 to $579.
Tweet from @JBLSoundIn
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Aeroplane entertainment doesn’t cut it? Forgot to download your favourite Netflix show before boarding?
Kindle offers a handy alternative to the typical in-flight entertainment.
Adding one to your luggage will help simplify the decision about what book to take on the flight. Now all can be in the palm of your hand – with the added benefit of no extra weight.
The newest Kindle is available on Amazon for $249. If you would prefer a cheaper alternative that does the same job, look at the NOOK Glowlight 4e for $99.99.
Rushfaster Tech Pouch
Rushfaster Tech Pouches come in a variety of sizes to protect any of these gadgets you’ve decided you must take on your travels.
They can also store your laptop, cords and any other electrical items you’re taking.
The price for these starts at $52 and goes up to $200.