Anyone who travels domestically or internationally knows that it pays to go prepared. As an Italian travel writer who travels abroad at least four times a year (and domestically as many), I’ve found that smart tech items and accessories can have a significant impact on your flying experience.
Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my packing lists to incorporate a variety of useful travel tech, including Apple AirTags, a portable digital luggage scale, and compact international adapters. Not only do these items significantly enhance my flying experience and help the time fly by (pun intended), they also help me out once I’ve reached my destination. If you’re looking to make your next travel day a little more comfortable, I’ve rounded up the 10 best travel tech accessories I always bring with me when boarding a domestic or international flight, with prices starting at just $8.
Apple AirTags 4-pack
Amazon
Apple AirTags are my best travel companions. Not only do they give me peace of mind when I’m on a plane and have a layover, but they’ve also helped me countless times to track lost luggage. When I left my suitcase in Dublin on a connecting flight from Boston to Rome, I was able to track it when it finally reached Italy and was routed through airport personnel to my home. This 4-pack is perfect if you’re traveling with friends or family, or if you want to use your AirTags for more than just traveling. I also use them to keep track of my keys and wallet.
Travel Inspira Portable Digital Luggage Scale
Amazon
This small yet powerful portable digital luggage scale can help even overpackers avoid overweight fees and save money. Compact enough to hold your personal items, this easy-to-use scale can weigh your luggage in both pounds and kilograms. At just $8, it’s a handy and extremely affordable device to bring with you on every trip.
Apple AirPods Pro
Amazon
In addition to being wireless and noise-canceling, I always travel with my Apple AirPods Pro because they’re incredibly compact and easy to carry. The carrying case the earphones come in fits easily in a jacket pocket, and you can purchase a travel case with a clip that can hook onto your bag strap to maximize your luggage space. The AirPods drown out the typical cabin noise and rumble of jet engines, allowing you to focus on your music, movies, or audiobooks in blissful silence.
Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter
Amazon
The days of cheap wired airplane-issued earbuds are over, thanks to a pocket-sized Bluetooth audio transmitter that travelers love. It lets you connect your AirPods Pro to the plane’s seat-back TV, so you can enjoy crystal-clear sound quality without the annoying cords. At just $35, it’s a great value, especially on long-haul international flights, and it takes up very little space in your crossbody travel bag.
Miady Portable Charger 2 Pack
Amazon
This pack of two pocket-sized portable chargers is roughly the same size and thickness as an Apple iPhone and is an essential accessory for any trip. They have traveled with me all over the world, from Iceland and Ireland to Rome and India.
These portable chargers are incredibly versatile. Each has two output USB-A ports, one micro USB input port, and one dual USB-C input and output port. I’ve used these portable chargers to charge everything from Apple iPhones and AirPods to Fujifilm camera batteries and Amazon Fire tablets, sometimes all at once. If that doesn’t convince you, consider that they have over 75,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and are currently on sale for $18.
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Amazon
Any traveler knows the importance of a good travel adapter, and this adapter from Epicka quickly became my favorite after trying it out during a week-long trip to the Azores. The adapter comes in a lightweight zippered carrying case that fits in the palm of your hand, making it especially convenient for those who travel light.
For such a small adapter, it’s pretty impressive when it comes to charging options. It has four retractable plugs for use in over 150 countries, four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and an AC socket that can charge up to six small, high-powered devices simultaneously. It also comes with two spare fuses and two USB-C to A adapters, so this is basically the only adapter you’ll ever need to carry.
Amazon Fire Tablet
Amazon
The Amazon Fire Tablet is without a doubt a must-have travel device. Holding a good hardback book in your hands is a joy, but packing just one in your carry-on suitcase can take up a lot of space and weight. This tablet, on the other hand, is thin and light, and can hold hundreds of books.
Additionally, I’ve found that if I’m only using the tablet for reading, I can go days without needing to charge it. Although I primarily use my Amazon Fire Tablet as a Kindle, I can also use it to play games, download and watch movies, and listen to music.
Fyy Travel Cable Organizer
Amazon
I tend to travel with a lot of technology: my laptop, power bank, camera, tablet, etc. That means I have to travel with a lot of extra items like chargers and cords. To keep everything organized and within easy reach, I use this cable organizer from Fyy. It’s slim, lightweight, and has lots of compartments, pockets, and pouches so you can get to what you need, when you need it. And it’s currently priced at just $8.
Ultimaxx Small Carrying Case
Amazon
This small, discreet camera carrying case is perfect for travel. Not only does it protect your device while you’re on the go, it’s small enough to wear at all times. It’s about the size of a small notebook, so you can wear it unobtrusively while sightseeing. It’s also compact enough to fit into larger personal items like backpacks and weekender bags. It also has an adjustable strap and two mesh side pockets for storing additional gear and accessories. It’s suitable for a wide range of compact digital cameras, although some makes and models may not fit. For reference, my Fujifilm XT30 fits perfectly and there’s enough space for a spare battery and charger.
Voova Laptop Sleeve Case
Amazon
This laptop sleeve case is my favorite because it’s simple in design but well-padded. It’s cushioned and protects your laptop without being too bulky. It has great storage, including two front zippered pockets for everything from cables and mice to external hard drives and USB memory sticks.
But in my opinion, the bag’s best feature is also its most basic: the laptop sleeve is incredibly portable and easy to slide in and out of your personal belongings, thanks to the flexible, retractable top handle. This is especially useful when going through busy security lines, since you can grab it from your personal belongings one-handed.
Love a good deal? Sign up for the T+L Recommends newsletter to get the best travel deals every week.
