I often fly for work and occasionally for pleasure. In the past few years, I have traveled to the U.S. from Canada numerous times, and to Europe and Asia, logging thousands of miles in the air. There are technologies that make long trips comfortable and safe, and certain tech items I never fly without. These include a portable power bank to use both on the plane (for airlines that allow them) and on the go at my destination, as well as noise-canceling headphones to quiet the hum of the airplane engine so I can listen to tunes, watch a movie, or catch a few hours of sleep on longer flights.
But there are a few affordable gadgets I take along as well that don’t cost more than $100. These under $50 items are useful for air travel, some on the plane, some in the hotel, a few while you’re exploring, and even all of the above. I’d recommend investing in each one for your carry-on bag or suitcase.
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These are the apps I use to travel cross-country and beyond on a regular basis.
Charge on the plane
Most gadgets nowadays use USB-C, so they probably come with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. This is great for connecting to a multi-outlet power block you’re probably bringing along. But on planes, most airlines still have only USB-A outlets for charging. Most hotels also only have legacy USB-A ports built into wall outlets or alarm clocks. I have been in a situation before where every cable I had with me only had USB-C on both sides. Since then, I have bought and kept a USB-C-to-USB-A cable in my carry-on backpack.
Beyond being unable to find any USB-C outlets, most power blocks have a mix of USB-C and USB-A. When charging your phone, tablet, earbuds, smartwatch, and more, you’ll quickly notice you run out of USB-C outlets and need to use a USB-A one to get everything back up and running at the same time. This is a cheap accessory you’ll find you use more than you realize, and a USB-C accessory I always keep in my bag.
Multi-outlet power block
Turn one outlet into many
Hotel rooms are notorious for either not having enough power outlets or positioning them in the weirdest of places. What on Earth can I charge in the back corner of the wall beside the bed on the opposite side of the nightstand? A multi-outlet power block can expand the functionality of the one outlet that’s in a useful spot, like on the nightstand, in the bathroom, or at the desk.
I prefer models with multiple USB-C ports, given that most gadgets nowadays come with USB-C-to-USB-C cables for faster, more efficient charging. But it’s also crucial to have at least one USB-A port for legacy devices, maybe something that you are going to keep plugged in to charge overnight, like your phone, or a device that charges super quickly anyway, like a fitness tracker or earbuds. The more USB-C ports, the more expensive the power block will be. But you can find ones for under $50 that include both. It’s one of the travel gadgets I never leave home without.
USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter
Connect to the seatback entertainment system
Just as planes usually have only USB-A outlets for charging, they also generally still rely on 3.5mm outlets to connect to the seatback entertainment system. Most of us use wireless noise-canceling headphones nowadays, but the best ones, like my favorite pair for long flights, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, can also connect via cable. However, if they come with a cable at all, it’s likely a USB-C-to-USB-C one, especially Hi-Res certified ones. Some might include a 3.5mm cable instead or as well (the aforementioned Bose ones have both), but not all do.
If your favorite headphones only come with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, you can grab an affordable USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter to position between the included cable and the plane’s outlet. The alternative is to use a cheap pair of wired earbuds that some airlines offer for free or a small fee. But with this adapter, you can use your own and enjoy benefits like noise canceling and better audio quality while watching a seatback movie.
Vacuum-packed travel bag
Pack more with less
Not everyone is an over packer like me. But if you are, or you’re traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather, you’ll want to pack a jacket or sweater. But you don’t want to worry that it will take up room in your suitcase, especially when you don’t even know if you will need it. Inevitably, if you leave it at home, chances are you will regret not having it. I bought a set of vacuum-packed travel bags, and they’re a game-changer for packing more in the same space. Load it up with clothing, seal it, and suck out the air using the tiny rechargeable air pump. Don’t forget to pack the air pump for repacking.
I have found I’m able to pack two to three more sweaters than I otherwise would. For a beach vacation, there could be a bigger selection of bathing suits or swim trunks, and an extra Hawaiian shirt or two. If you are trying to travel carry-on only for a shorter trip, especially with the rising costs of air travel and extra baggage fees, this investment pays off instantly. There are expensive vacuum travel bags, but you can also find decent options for under $50.
MagSafe phone wallet case
Stand, grip, wallet
I haven’t gone without a phone grip on the back of my iPhone in years, and if I ever forget it at home, I instantly miss it. These are great for getting a better grip on the device while walking and holding it, texting, and especially for selfies. They also double as a phone stand, holding the phone in portrait or landscape mode. I use it in portrait mode while flying to scroll social media (if I have free Wi-Fi or have paid for a plan on longer flights) and in landscape for binging TV shows I have downloaded to my device.
Ones with a built-in wallet, like the Moft one I have, can also hold a couple of credit cards, a room key card, and a bit of cash if you want to travel light and leave your purse, wallet, or fanny pack in the room. But this is also useful on a flight for paying for snacks, so you don’t have to rummage around for your purse or wallet to get the physical card, since many airlines still don’t accept tap-and-pay. You can have your card at the ready.
Load your bag
Invest and keep them packed for travel
There are items I always add to my carry-on bag before I fly, and ones I leave permanently in it. I keep my travel headphones in there, a portable power bank, a power brick (including one with European adapter outlets), and extra USB cables. The day or night before traveling, I recharge what’s needed. The vacuum-packed bags, meanwhile, stay in my suitcase. Since so many of these gadgets are affordable, it’s worth investing in multiple ones, so you have some that always remain in your travel bag and others you use at home. This way, you’ll never travel without what you need.
