In our ever-evolving world of gadgets and gizmos, companies everywhere are competing for a bite of your budget and a spot in your travel bag. From heavy-duty headphones to language translation, here are five of our favourite tech goodies available to bring along on your next trip abroad.
1. Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Long-haul flights are stressful enough already – factor in screaming children, family chatter and flight attendant sales and it can be hard to get even a wink of sleep, so why not try noise-cancelling headphones? A pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s will have you in a world of your own, after the in-flight safety briefing, of course. Top of the line and with a price point to match, these are great for blocking out any and all potential background noise. Connect with your phone to play a music track or podcast from your app of choice – WhatHiFi gives the XM3s a 5/5 review, and we’re inclined to agree.
2. Google Pixelbook Laptop
Slim, light and easy to use: presenting the Google Pixelbook Laptop. It’s small enough to fit on a train or airplane tray, or indeed your lap, and it’s powerful enough to support most any and all travel needs. Great for hand luggage. Great for flicking through your YouTube subscription box, or finding the best gaming apps to download for later. Any game you can play on an Android smartphone can run on a Chromebook, from PUBG Mobile to online casino slots or classic shooters like Quake. The Google Playstore has a list of the most popular arcade apps out right now, while BonusSource has a comprehensive guide on their site to help you find the best bonuses and deals online for casino and slot games. Whatever your type of fun, the Pixelbook is high tech enough to play on the go. Just remember, if you are using a public WIFI network on your travels, always use a VPN to stay secure online.
3. Anker PowerCore 20100 Portable Charger
When travelling, whether for business or for pleasure, your phone is your lifeline. It’s your first and last defence, your pocket watch, your timetable, your ticket, even your credit card. Needless to say, keeping its battery topped up to full is mandatory for peace of mind when abroad. Weighing in at just 12.5 oz, the Anker 20100 offers exactly that – peace of mind – with power cords for both Apple and Android devices, it can hold enough charge to refill an iPhone 8 to full six times over.
4. TripLingo
Whilst not technically a device per se, the TripLingo language and translation app deserves an honourable mention. Designed to be used in conjunction with your smartphone and or tablet, this nifty piece of software breaks down language barriers abroad like nobody’s business. Forget Google Translate – the free version of TripLingo alone is an improvement, and the subscription iteration of the app is practically the best available software on the market, offering multiple interpretations of any given translated phrase, and even slang versions of certain words.
Great for adventurers headed into a new language or culture for the first time and veterans alike, TripLingo is developed with travel in mind.
5. Bez Universal Plug Adapter
Cheap, compact and always useful to have on hand, Bez’s Universal Adapter is hard to beat. Charge up your electronics hassle free in over 150 countries with this one hunk of black plastic. Most every other device on this list needs battery life to run – even Anker’s portable battery! A universal adapter is one of the most helpful and practical things to fit into your rucksack, no matter where you’re headed or for how long, and Bez’s is one of the most reliable out there.
Travel is never easy, but it can certainly be made easier with the right tools on hand. Check out the gadgets above and others like them online before checking in for your next flight.