Essential Portable Devices for Travel
- Kimi's Travel Thoughts
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
The rapid evolution of technology has allowed the world to become more connected than ever before. Technology has become smaller over time and many devices have become all-in-one portables capable of doing the work multiple, larger devices had previously been relied on to handle. When it comes to travel, there's a plethora of gadgets that can be used to make your trip more comfortable and easier to manage. With so many options, it's sometimes difficult to know exactly what you need. To make figuring out what devices to pack a bit easier, here are my recommendations for essential portable devices for travel:
Essential Device #1: Universal Travel Adapter
Yes, this list does include technology that is considered analog. A travel adapter is a necessity if traveling abroad! Wall outlet designs and wattage will vary by country, so the adapter ensures that you will be capable of charging and power the other devices that you are taking with you on your trip. I got mine randomly at a Marshalls for less than $10 one day when I was shopping for some things before taking a trip to Europe about a decade ago. However, features have changed since then. If you want to have an adapter with a USB or USB-C port, you need to be willing to pay more. Travel adapters are available to purchase at many retailers online and in brick-and-mortar, so just pick the one that fits your device needs and outlets for your anticipated destinations. You can typically find a cheaper adapter that can be converted for use across a minimum of 3 different wall outlet styles.
Essential Device #2: Cell Phone
Let's face it, you were going to take your cell phone with you on your trip anyway which is precisely why I had to include it on this list. Your life is probably wrapped up in your phone. You can use your phone for making payments, ordering a rideshare, managing flights, handling public transit fares, keeping up with your itinerary, navigating around your destination, and much more. Phones have become all-in-one devices that make everything extremely portable. Slip your phone in your bag or pocket and you're pretty much covered for whatever technology needs you have that must be fulfilled!
Essential Device #3: Portable Charger
While cell phones are more capable than ever before of meeting your technological needs, the battery life is limited and loses its ability to hold a charge over time. Due to this, many people (including myself) have started to rely on portable charging devices to keep our phones and other technology charged while on the go. These portable chargers are great in theory, but they do come with the risk of being a fire hazard. Portable chargers are lithium ion batteries which have a tendency to overheat while in use or when exposed to warmer temperatures. This is the same reason why your phone may begin to overheat at times. Keep an eye on any recalls in the news for portable chargers and follow instructions for how to dispose or recycle devices with lithium ion batteries. Additionally, airlines are changing their requirements for how you can pack and use portable chargers during your flight. Before you fly, make sure to read the requirements regarding what is allowed in your carry-on and what is expected of you if using a portable charger while on the plane.
Essential Device #4: Headphones
This device is mutually beneficial for you as the traveler and for others around you. Headphones allow music, audiobooks and podcasts to filter into your ears and drown out the sounds around you. Noise-cancelling headphones mean you won't hear a thing which is great for when you're just trying to get through a long flight in peace. The people around you will also appreciate your use of headphones because they don't have to hear whatever you might be listening to. There are far too many types of headphones on the market for me to name, but pick whatever is most comfortable for you! Wired, wireless, earbuds, on the ear, over the ear -- the possibilities are endless and the price ranges are expansive.
Essential Device #5: Camera
If you plan to take a lot of pictures and videos while traveling, I recommend packing a separate camera. Your phone is very powerful and likely has a high camera quality that is capable to capturing things exactly as you want in real time. However, that means your camera will also be draining your phone's battery. You can go with something as simple as a disposable camera or as fancy as a GoPro or Nikon. Choose a camera that works for your budget and artistic vision. Another option that I recently decided to use is an old phone as my camera. I bought a new phone and will now be using my old phone to take photos, videos, and manage my blog when I travel. I can guarantee longer battery life on my new phone in case some emergency comes up while still taking all the photos and video I need to remember all I did during my trip.
Essential Device #6: Personal Mini Fan
As the world continues to experience climate change, average temperatures are increasing globally and warmer weather is extending into seasons when the temperature should be cooler. That calls for a personal mini fan! You can see people with them everywhere these days. These tiny fans have been around for decades. When I was growing up, I had a few of them and they all required some sort of alkaline batteries. Now, you can find some that have lithium batteries which makes them rechargeable. These personal fans are easily found and available for purchase online and in many brick-and-mortar stores. You can get a handheld personal fan or a neck fan that looks similar to headphones being worn around your neck. The options are endless and having something to keep you cool is a necessity for your well-being!
Comments