I never really saw my self growing up to be a traveler but here I am. I don’t travel frequently—just two or three times a year—but when I do, it’s usually for a week or two, often on the opposite side of North America. That makes Portable tech abnormally important, since I might be miles away from a wall outlet, much less my Gargantuan gaming laptop. The following are some gadgets that I have used while traveling or will use on my next trip. I should probably keep my stuff new since I am a tech journalist but I don’t like to haul my laptop around unless I am going to do some work. Even then, I often manage with just my iPad, as traveling light helps reduce stress.
So when I finally went from the iPhone 13, I decided to go with the iPhone 16 Pro because of my travel plans. One of the main reasons is because it has amazing battery life Apple says it has up to 22 hours of streaming video. This is an unrealistic number when it comes to actual use, but it is a far cry from the 15 hours that the iPhone 13 gets.
The other is the iphone 16 pro’s 5x optically stabilized telephoto lens. This makes it much easier to capture vacation moments, even when I’m too far from the action. How many times have I missed shots because of my phone’s lack of wide angle.
Additionally, the always-on StandBy mode is incredibly convenient. In a hotel room the iPhone 16 Pro would make a pretty good smart display, voice control, low light alarm clock. That is a nice change from the old hotel alarm clocks. I don’t really watch a lot of videos when I travel but the iPhone is indispensable for maps, podcasts, translations, and making reservations.
As I write this, I still have my Apple Watch Series 6, but a refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 is on the way. But the main reasons for the upgrade are better battery life and visibility in the outdoors. I’m so sick of having to use Low Power Mode to get through the day.
It’s very durable though, so that’s good for weight lifting and riding my EUC. For travel, a smartwatch eliminates small hassles. I can look at what time it is, read messages, present tickets, or get a weather report all without having to reach for my phone. It’s especially helpful when you’re rushing through an airport or don’t want to risk your phone getting damaged or stolen.
Power outlets can be scarce in airports and hotels, which is where Anker’s 3-in-1 wireless charging station comes in handy. Because I can charge my phone, watch, and earbuds all at the same time with one 40W USB-C adapter. It folds compactly, making it easy to pack, and it props up my iPhone for video and StandBy mode, reducing my need for an iPad as a bedside device.
This model is also future-proof. It is a Qi2 charger, so it will work with Android phones too, just in case I feel like jumping ship one day.
In shorter flights it’s no problem, but I can’t go on a long flight without my Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds. They support multipoint pairing, allowing me to switch between audio sources effortlessly.
They have active noise cancellation(ANC) and a secure fit, both requirements of travel. I don’t want to lose a bud in an airport terminal, and ANC makes it possible to enjoy movies or music despite the noise of a jet engine. Jabra dropped their consumer headphone line so I suggest that you get the Elite 7 Active before it’s gone.
For gaming on the go, I used to rely on my Nintendo Switch, but the Steam Deck OLED has taken over. It’s far more powerful and offers access to the vast Steam library of PC games. Not all games run perfectly on the Steam Deck but the amount of Deck-Verified games makes it a very nice portable gaming system. It’s cheaper in the long run as well, because Valve doesn’t keep Nintendo’s prices for older games.
The only downside is battery life. Although rated for 3 to 12 hours of gameplay, more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 will quickly drain the battery. So I carry around the 45W charger so I can plug it in at any time.
The iPad Pro (11-inch, 2020) is a powerful tool, but it is the one thing that I would consider not bringing next time. It’s perfect for movies, internet, or work(if necessary), however it is a little bulky to carry around, and it’s not exactly as professional as a laptop. Apple still holds iPadOS back too much when it comes to productivity apps like the desktop version of Photoshop.
The primary reason to take it with me is for entertainment without draining my iPhone’s battery or storage. However, as I attempt to travel lighter, I am finding the iPad more and more unnecessary.
Rarely do smartphones have two-day battery life, so an external battery is necessary during any extended trip. I have the Anker 622 MagGo and it is very thin and light and it sticks onto my iPhone with the MagSafe thing so I can still use my phone and it will charge. It has a folding kickstand and can put it into StandBy. I’ll likely upgrade to a more powerful battery when the 622 wears out, but for now, it meets my needs.
FAQs
Q1: Why is it that I want the iPhone 16 Pro when I go.
A: IPhone 16 Pro, with a long battery life, an excellent telephoto lens, and always-on StandBy, is the perfect traveling buddy.
Q2: How does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 assist while traveling.
A: Apple Watch Ultra 2 has better battery life, is more durable, and the fact that you can get all the important information without having to use your phone.
Q3: What is so great about a wireless charging dock, like the Anker MagGo 3 in 1?
A: It can charge more than one thing at a time with just one outlet, and that comes in handy when there are few outlets available.
Q4: Why is noise cancellation important for travel headphones?
A: Active Noise Cancellation helps block out background noise, making it easier to enjoy music or videos on flights or in noisy environments.
Q5: Is the Valve Steam Deck OLED sufficient to substitute a gaming laptop?
A: For many gamers, the Steam Deck OLED is a great substitute for a gaming laptop, thanks to its portability and access to a vast library of PC games.
Conclusion
When traveling, the right tech can make all the difference. From the Anker MagGo to keep everything charged, to the iPhone 16 Pro to take all of the pictures, each of these gadgets has found a home in my travel bag. They make my trips so much more enjoyable and the stress of being away from home so much less.
