Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or both, chances are you’re packing at least some tech gear. Most people pack a smartphone, but many also pack a laptop, tablet, and a listening device like headphones or earbuds.
Connection
I always carry an extension cord. Nothing fancy, just a simple six-foot two-prong cord like you find almost everywhere. This is especially handy in hotels where the outlet isn’t necessarily where you want to plug in your gear, but sometimes I need one because the only outlet nearby is behind a nightstand. It also gives you at least two outlets. There are three outlets in a standard cord, but two large ones, like those for smartphone or laptop chargers, can block an adjacent outlet. If I have a lot of gear, I can also bring a second cord or a small travel power strip, which usually has multiple outlets and often two or more USB ports. For travel gear, I try to avoid three-prong outlets, but make sure you have an adapter if you need one.
If you have multiple USB devices, or if you and your travel partner each have a phone, it’s a good idea to consider a USB charger with multiple outlets. I now carry a USB charger with two USB A ports and three USB C ports. Many newer devices, including most smartphones, now use USB C, although many of us still use devices with the older, larger USB A port.
Cables have a nasty habit of getting tangled in your carrying case. I often put mine in plastic bags that are just big enough for one cable. Another option is a braided magnetic cable that stays neatly coiled when not in use. I bought one on Amazon for about $20.
If you’re going to be away from a power outlet all day, it’s a good idea to bring a portable power bank, unless you’re confident your phone’s battery will last all day. But be aware that navigation apps like Google Maps use more battery life when they’re running, so a phone that typically lasts all day may not work if you’re using it to navigate an unfamiliar area. Before traveling to an area where cell service may be poor, it’s a good idea to download a Google map of the area you’re in.
Navigation and entertainment
Speaking of navigation, here’s a Google Maps trick you might not know about when using it for walking directions. Once you start walking, you’ll see the live view icon, which looks like a teardrop surrounded by four curved lines. If you click on it and point your camera at a building or sign, an arrow will show you which direction to walk. It’s not perfect, but it generally works well.
When I fly, I usually bring a small tablet. Before I go, I download movies and TV shows from Amazon Prime and Netflix, which allow subscribers to download some, but not all, content for offline viewing. I also have a small stand to prop up the tablet. Sometimes I watch movies on the seatback screen. Most wireless headphones come with a cord that plugs into the airline’s headphone jack, but if you have Bluetooth headphones, you’ll need a small airline adapter (usually about $30) that plugs into the headphone port and transmits audio over Bluetooth.
If you’re traveling for business, I recommend a lightweight laptop like a MacBook Air or Asus Zenbook or several models from HP and Lenovo.
Non-technical articles
Other things I try to bring with me include a small flashlight, which is useful on the plane, especially if you don’t have your phone handy to use as a flashlight. I also bring a travel-sized bottle of baby shampoo, which I use for a variety of purposes, including washing clothes in the sink. Resealable plastic bags are handy for a variety of things. The jumbo bags are big enough to hold a suit, which minimizes wrinkles. I also bring smaller zippered bags and a lightweight nylon backpack on the plane and when I’m out and about during my trip.
Facebook friends and followers give their opinions
I asked my Facebook friends and followers what they liked to bring and got several suggestions, including a bright light bulb for dark hotel rooms, a small electric teapot, a small first aid kit, a variety of foreign power adapters, slippers for the plane, a mini umbrella, a portable water filter, a lightweight wool shawl for cold planes, candy to give to flight attendants, small bills for tips, AirTags or other luggage trackers, Covid test kits, Paxlovid, and antibiotics.
Practical applications
Apple or Google Wallet can be very handy for your credit cards and other documents. I also have photos of my passport, driver’s license, eyeglass prescription, and other essential documents on a cloud storage system with a link on my phone. I have apps from my favorite pharmacy and healthcare provider with prescriptions and other health information, as well as apps from the major airlines I use, as well as my favorite online travel site. When I’m abroad, a currency converter app can help me see how much things cost in dollars. I also have my credit card app handy so I can double-check the accuracy of transactions, including currency conversions, and I always ask them to charge me in the local currency to avoid extra conversion fees.
Comcast, DirecTV, and YouTube have apps that let you watch your shows while traveling, but if you’re outside the US, you may need a VPN service to watch them. I also download my favorite music to my Spotify app so I can listen to it while I’m on the air or offline.
Larry Magid is a technology journalist and Internet safety activist. Contact him at larry@larrymagid.com.
Originally published:
California Daily Newspapers
