Packing your stuff when traveling abroad can be quite a chore. What’s even harder is choosing what items to bring, and which ones to leave at home. As much as you want to bring everything with you, especially for a long trip, do remember that airlines have baggage weight limits, so you should only pack the essential items.
Aside from clothes, we’ll talk about the essential gadgets you need to bring with you every time you fly out of the country. It doesn’t matter whether you’re flying to a nearby Asian country, Europe, or anywhere else in the world. Having these gadgets with you will not only make life easier but also your journey more enjoyable.
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Slim, High Capacity Power Bank
Not all power banks are made the same. Sure, you can bring your biggest and highest capacity power bank, but it will likely take up a lot of space inside your carry-on luggage. It will also be bulky to hold when you’re walking around.
You’d want to find a good compromise that is lightweight and high-capacity. One of the power banks we recommend is Anker’s PowerCore Slim 10000 PD. It already has a 10,000mAh capacity and even comes with 2 USB ports – a USB-A and a USB-C. There’s also fast recharge of only 4.5 hours using a 20W fast charger.
If you need more capacity, Anker also has the PowerCore III Elite 19200. This one packs an even larger 19,200 mAh battery capacity but is a bit bigger and heavier. Still, Anker says this model is capable of charging your laptop, meaning you can work on the go wherever you are.
Should you have any other preferred brands then those are okay too. Just make sure you factor in the size and weight when you order. Also do not leave them in your check-in luggage.
Apple AirTag
The last thing you want when traveling abroad is to lose your luggage or stuff whether it’s on the taxi, bus, or train. But thanks to Apple’s introduction of the AirTag, keeping track of stuff is now easier.
Just register the AirTag, put one in your luggage, bag, and more, and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, AirTags only work with Apple users for the time being via the Find My app. But there are some alternatives you can choose from if you’re not an Apple user.
One company that offers a great alternative comes from Tile. It works on both Android and Apple, and it is available locally via Shopee and Lazada. Like the AirTag, you can even use the Tile app to ring it assuming it’s in Bluetooth range. If not, use the app to view its location. Moreover, you can also use them even after traveling, be it for your keys, bag, or wallet.
Here are 5 alternatives for Apple AirTags.
Noise Canceling Head/Earphones
On the plane ride, your best friend is a great pair of headphones or earphones with noise cancellation. This is specifically true if there are some babies on board, which might end up crying during the flight.
Whether you’re going to be sleeping, listening to music, or watching a series on your laptop or tablet, having noise-canceling headphones go a long way. It’s especially useful on long-haul flights that take several hours since you won’t bore yourself to death. Plus the noise-canceling function is great since it allows you to be fully immersed or just don’t want to be disturbed.
One of the newest over-ear, noise-canceling headphones is Sony’s WH-100XM5s. I tried out my friend’s pair during our flight home, and I’m seriously considering buying one. Now with two processors and eight noise-canceling microphones, it’s a step up from its predecessor – the WH-1000XM4.
If you prefer in-ear models, Sony also has the WF-1000XM4. There are other more budget-friendly options out there too, just be sure they have the noise-canceling function.
Universal Travel Adapter
If there’s one thing that everyone needs to pack when traveling, it’s a universal charger. Do note that not all countries have the same outlet plug as we do in the Philippines. Luckily, Japan uses the same two-prong style outlet as the Philippines, United States, and others.
But if you end up visiting Europe or other Asian countries like Singapore, you’ll find some odd-looking power sockets. Two holes, three holes, and many more in various configurations. Thankfully, that’s where the universal travel adapter comes in.
If you check Lazada or Shopee, there are a bunch of travel adapters available ranging in various prices and specs. One of the most popular appears to be the Aukey PA-TA01. It comes with 3 USB ports – 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C. There’s also an AC Power socket to plug your gadgets into. To keep you safe, it also has a built-in fuse.
Extended-length Cables
A 1-meter cable may be more than enough for use at home. But when traveling, having extra long cables can help make or break your trip.
Depending on the hotel or Airbnb you’re staying in, the power sockets may not be easily located in the most accessible places. That means you will have to place your phones either on the floor or on a chair somewhere in order to charge them.
By having extra long cables (2 meters or longer), you’ll save yourself the hassle of having to place your phone, laptop, or tablet in awkward places just to charge. There are a bunch of reputable brands available on Shopee or Lazada, such as Anker and UGREEN. Just choose the type of cable one you need — Lightning, USB-C, or MicroUSB.
If you want an all-in-one cable there are also those that come with multiple ports in one cable. Depending on the brand, these can also charge two or more units at the same time. This means less downtime for your gadgets.
Bonus: Electronic Luggage Scale
If you plan on doing a lot of shopping, the last thing you want to have is overweight baggage. Most airlines charge an arm and leg when it comes to overweight luggage fees. To prevent that from happening, it’s best to bring an electronic luggage scale with you.
Oria sells a very affordable electronic luggage scale that is both accurate and compact, and it is available on Shopee and Lazada.
Since it is compact, you can easily fit it in your luggage for traveling needs. No more last-minute rummaging through your luggage to remove bulky items at the airport.
Pocket WiFi for Roaming
If you want to save on roaming charges (especially when you are using prepaid), you may want to opt and get a pocket WiFi with international roaming. CherryRoam is one alternative for a local service (we tried it in the United States last month with their 5G service). Here are 4 alternatives you can check out.
So what do you think? Did we miss out on anything else? Or, what other essential gadgets do you bring with you when you’re traveling abroad? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Another alternative to a Pocket Wifi is to avail an eSim if your smartphone is compatible. Cheaper with higher data package.