10 Must-Have Apps and Gadgets for Travel

As technology becomes more and more integral to our lives, it becomes increasingly harder to live without as we travel. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Here, we’ll look at some of the best apps and gadgets that allow us to make the most of our devices, no matter where in the world we find ourselves.

TripAdvisor

This free app is one of the most popular on the market. It is like a travel encyclopedia at your fingertips, with everything from comprehensive travel guides to short blurbs and reviews from fellow travelers. It also features offline maps, which are super handy when you’re wandering around without WiFi. TripAdvisor is great for finding all of the little hidden places wherever you travel, which is really what makes the traveling worth it!

Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio, which was originally started as a website, is an app that relies on users to share different, sometimes rather creative, ways to travel between cities all over the world. This app includes information on everything from local subways, to intercontinental rail lines, to planes, and everything in between. The app also includes some options for buying transportation tickets on the go, which makes it especially useful for last-minute adventures!

Portable Notebook Lock

There are plenty of ways for your laptop computer to go missing, and unfortunately, one of the most common ways is theft. A portable notebook lock is one of the best ways to keep someone from walking off with your computer. While a standard model couldn’t stand against some decent wire-cutters, having a lock on your computer definitely acts as a deterrent for thieves looking to take what’s yours.

 

 

 

Apple AirPort Express

This device plugs into any outlet and instantly allows you to create your own WiFi zone, wherever you are in the world. You can connect multiple devices to your WiFi and carry on as if your service was never interrupted by your decision to travel! This is a much safer option than using public networks. However, it’s still wise to protect this connection with a VPN or similar service, especially if you are crossing international borders. While this handy device can help you route the internet service, it doesn’t guarantee a safe or fast connection, depending on where you travel.

Power Adapter

If you plan to travel internationally, you absolutely must bring a power adapter! If you don’t have one, it won’t matter what cool gadgets you carried with you, because they’ll all be rendered useless without a way to charge them. If you’re traveling to a place with an iffy electric grid, it’s a good idea to get a model that acts as an adapter and a surge protector so that your batteries and gadgets don’t get fried!

External Charger

As you travel, you’ll find that you rely more on the functions of your smartphone or tablet, especially the maps and camera functions! This means that your battery charge might not last you through the whole day. When this is the case, it’s a great idea to have a fully charged external charger with you at all times. That way, you can be sure to make it home and have pictures throughout the whole day.

eBook Reader

Bringing along an eBook reader is a surefire way to keep your luggage within the weight limit. Reading is such a relaxing pastime, especially when you’re traveling for long stretches. But books are heavy! Many new models of eBook readers also connect to the internet and perform all the functions of a tablet, which makes them worth much more than just their weight!

Good Headphones with a Microphone

Everyone’s taste is a bit different when it comes to the perfect pair of headphones, so choose the model that works best for you. However, you should make sure that they have a microphone, especially if you plan to use a tablet as a means of communication. Calling home is easy with the internet, but only if the mic that you’re using is effective!

PackingPro

This app is perfect for those who always seem to pack just a bit too much. All you do is enter your destination, your purpose for travel and how long you’ll be traveling, and the app will give you an itemized list of exactly what you’ll need.

TravelSafe

This app offers all of the emergency numbers for any place that you could ever hope to travel. The premium version even features all of the embassy and consulate information for each country, as well as the option to add emergency services numbers to your home screen.

About the Author

Cassie is a technology and travel blogger for Secure Thoughts. She loves to write about how technology can be used to improve all areas of our lives, from tiny steps to big jumps!