Hot List: Must-Get Travel Tech
I know few people who speak passionately about their luggage. More important to frequent fliers is what’s in the carry-on. And these days, it’s all technology. Our laptops, smartphones, and tablets have become essential travel companions—so much so that they require their own on-the-go accessories to keep things running smoothly. Here are five add-ons to pack for your next trip.
> Mophie Space Pack
Mophie’s popular battery case gets a major upgrade in the Space Pack, and it’s ideal for travelers. This super-powered case not only extends battery life, it has built-in storage, allowing owners to download more movies, music, and photos without maxing out their phone’s capacity. Fourteen more hours of iTunes for that next long-haul flight? Yes, please. Small downside: This one’s for iPhone users only.
What Mophie’s Space Pack does for phones, LaCie Fuel does for tablets and laptops. This compact external hard drive boasts ten hours of battery life and a terabyte of wireless storage, so travelers can go nuts downloading prior to a trip and still not fill the space. For MacBook Air users looking for more storage on the go, the Fuel doubles as a good data back-up plan.
> Accell Home or Away
Flight delays are a given these days, and spats over limited airport outlets could spiral into Knee Defender territory as travelers struggle to keep devices charged while waiting for take off. With Accell’s Home or Away, one plug magically multiplies, making dying iPad, iPhone, and laptop batteries a thing of the past. The power strip is small enough to fit in a pocket, yet provides three outlets as well as two USB ports. The best part? The plugs are appropriately spaced so you can utilize all at the same time. Added bonus: Surge protection keeps devices safe.
This multi-tasking tool can be used to dock, sync, or charge your phone. But, in a twist, its sturdy-yet-bendable cable holds the position you create, meaning it makes an ideal stand, great for holding your phone in place when you squeeze in some quality FaceTime with the folks at home while you explore a new destination or take in a flick on your red-eye home. Say goodbye to wrist cramping!
> Bose QuietComfort 20
- Nat Geo Expeditions
Bose’s full-size noise-reduction headphones are on plenty of must-have travel lists, but their bulk has always deterred me. Enter the QuietComfort 20, a much smaller in-ear device that makes peaceful flights compatible with my packed carry-on. Warning: These don’t come cheap, and should probably rank as essential for people who are either very sensitive to noise or very frequent travelers. But if you’re regularly hopping a flight for business and trying to work or sleep, they’re a sound investment.
Henley Vazquez is the co-founder of Feather+Flip, a new travel website for globetrotting families. Find out more @featherandflip.
