There’s nothing better than travelling with someone who shares your passion for adventure, especially when they’ve got a fully charged phone to capture that perfect photo after yours dies. But what happens when both of your batteries run out? That’s when you realise: it’s time to pack a power bank (and a few other essentials).

Here’s my list of tech gear I never fly without.

Power Bank

I didn’t need a power bank until I did. It was a beautiful June evening in Montmartre. I was soaking in the most fantastic view of Paris. And when I reached for my phone to capture the moment, I realized it had run out of battery. 

 

That’s when I told myself: Power bank goes to the top of your packing list.

 

I always travel with a high-capacity model that can charge my phone multiple times. And that’s my first tip for you: look for one with at least 20,000mAh. It’s even better if it comes with a built-in cable and multiple ports so that you can charge more than one device at the same time.

Universal Adapter

Ok, let’s face it — outlet compatibility isn’t exactly the most exciting part of trip planning, but for international travellers, it’s non-negotiable. A universal adapter is one of those small yet crucial items that seasoned globetrotters never leave home without.

A friend of mine, who’s constantly on the move, swears by hers. You never know what type of outlets your accommodation might have — and being caught with dead devices in a foreign country is not the adventure anyone’s looking for.

It’s not about preference; it’s about being prepared. And while we’re on the topic: skip the overpriced, flimsy options at airport shops. Invest in a high-quality universal adapter — the kind that lasts trip after trip without falling apart when you need it most.

Entertainment  

Let’s be honest — airport delays and long layovers aren’t exactly the highlight of any trip. When it comes to these moments, I usually rotate between Spotify for music, Pocket Casts for podcasts, Netflix and YouTube for offline videos, and the Kindle app for catching up on a book. If I’m in the mood to learn something, I’ll open Duolingo or play a quick round on Elevate.

Lately, I’ve been adding a bit more fun to the mix with casual mobile games. That’s when I pull out my favorite online slots for a few spins. They don’t take much to get started, no complicated rules, no steep learning curve, and you can play for just a few minutes at a time. You don’t need the latest and greatest mobile phone to play. Most of them run smoothly even on older phones, and many offer offline play if you prep ahead. My current favorite? Chili Heat.

Smartwatch

When smartwatches became a thing, and some of my dearest people in the world started wearing them, I made jokes, asking them if they were trying to contact Zordon. For those who don’t know, Zordon is the mentor character from the 90s TV show Power Rangers. 

 

Time passed and I caved. I bought myself a smartwatch. Nothing fancy or packed with options. A simple model that meets my needs.

 

I’m a big fan of long walks, especially in unknown cities. And when I look at my watch and see how many steps I’ve taken during the day, it warms my heart and excites me as much (or maybe even more) as when I see the adjusted balance in my bank account once clients have paid their invoices. 

 

The model I use features a particularly helpful feature: guided breathing. Whenever I’m feeling stressed or anxious and my breathing gets fast and shallow, this function helps me slow down and reset. It’s simple but incredibly effective, especially during travel, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. Pairing a calming breathing session with the natural rhythm of a trip has become one of my favourite ways to stay balanced on the go. 

e-Reader

Like with smartwatches, I was sceptical about eReaders, complaining how they can’t replace printed copies, and the feeling that arises while holding an actual book.

 

However, I came to my senses once I started packing two or three books on every trip. As any traveler knows, luggage space is a precious resource that must be utilized to the maximum. These items not only occupy a considerable amount of space but also add to the overall weight, potentially compromising the allowed luggage limits. So, I took a deep breath (thanks to my smartwatch) and ordered a Kindle. 

 

It was a totally new reading experience for me. Not only did I have countless new titles to explore, but they were also available in multiple languages. Many books are available for free, while those that are charged come at a lower price than their hard-copy counterparts. 

 

There’s something about prepping the perfect travel kit that makes the world feel just a little more within reach. Whether you’re heading off on a weekend getaway or a months-long journey, may your bags be light, your battery full, and your Wi-Fi strong.