You’ve booked your flights, sorted your accommodation, and you’ve even got your travel insurance sorted. But here’s the thing about modern travel: the difference between a smooth adventure and a frustrating mess often comes down to the tech you’re carrying. After spending months on the road through Egypt, Southeast Asia, and beyond, I’ve learnt the hard way which gadgets are genuinely essential and which ones are just dead weight in your backpack.
Technology has completely transformed how we travel. Gone are the days of lugging around bulky guidebooks, getting hopelessly lost with paper maps, or searching desperately for an internet café to send a quick email home. These days, your smartphone can be your translator, your tour guide, your camera, and your lifeline all rolled into one. But you need the right tech setup to make it all work seamlessly.
Let me walk you through the travel tech that’s genuinely worth the space in your luggage.
Portable Chargers and Travel Adaptors: Keep Your Devices Powered
Nothing kills your travel vibe faster than a dead phone when you’re trying to navigate a foreign city or capture that perfect sunset. Trust me, I learnt this lesson the hard way in Cairo when my phone died right as I was trying to find my way back to the hotel after visiting Khan el-Khalili bazaar!
A quality portable power bank is absolutely non-negotiable. Look for something with at least 20,000mAh capacity. That’s enough to fully charge most smartphones 4-5 times. Brands like Anker, RAVPower, and Belkin make reliable options that’ll last you for years. Expect to pay anywhere from 50AUD to 150AUD depending on capacity and features. Yes, it adds a bit of weight to your day pack, but the peace of mind is priceless.
Here’s a pro tip: get one with multiple USB ports so you can charge your phone and camera simultaneously. Even better if it has USB-C Power Delivery for fast charging. Some newer models even come with built-in cables, which means one less thing to remember to pack!
One crucial thing to know: there are strict airline regulations about power banks. Make sure you’re aware of which power banks are banned on flights before you pack. Generally, anything under 100Wh (around 27,000mAh) is fine in carry-on luggage, but they’re never allowed in checked baggage. Always pack your power bank in your hand luggage!
And speaking of charging, you absolutely need a universal travel adaptor. Different countries use different plug types, and there’s nothing more annoying than arriving somewhere exhausted after a long flight only to realise you can’t charge any of your devices. Get one with USB ports built in so you can charge multiple devices without needing separate plug adaptors. They typically cost between 30AUD and 80AUD. Make sure it’s rated for the voltage in the countries you’re visiting. Most modern adaptors handle 110-240V automatically, but it’s worth double-checking.
eSIM and Portable WiFi: Stay Connected Anywhere
Let’s talk about staying connected. Having reliable internet access while travelling isn’t just convenient, it’s essential for safety. You need to be able to look up directions, translate languages, check accommodation reviews, and stay in touch with people back home.
An eSIM has genuinely revolutionised how I travel. Forget about hunting for local SIM cards at airports or dealing with expensive roaming charges. With an eSIM, you can purchase and activate a data plan before you even leave home, and switch between different plans as you move between countries. Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad offer plans starting from as little as 10AUD for 1GB. For longer trips, you can get 10GB for 30-50AUD depending on the country.
The beauty of eSIMs is that you keep your regular phone number active for receiving texts and calls (handy for those two-factor authentication codes), whilst using the eSIM data for internet. Most newer iPhones and Android phones support eSIM technology. Check your phone’s compatibility before you travel!
If you’re wondering whether eSIMs are genuinely worth the investment, have a read of this detailed breakdown on whether global eSIMs actually save Aussies money when travelling. Spoiler alert: they usually do, especially if you’re visiting multiple countries!
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, a portable WiFi hotspot is your next best option. These pocket-sized devices connect to local networks and create a WiFi signal that multiple devices can share. Perfect if you’re travelling with family or friends. They cost between 100AUD and 200AUD to purchase, plus you’ll need to buy data plans or SIM cards for each country you visit.
Travel Photography Gear: Cameras, Gimbals, and Memory Cards
Your smartphone camera is probably pretty decent these days. Most new phones take incredible photos that would’ve required a professional DSLR just a few years ago. But there are a few accessories that’ll take your travel photography to the next level.
A compact phone gimbal stabiliser makes a world of difference for video. There’s nothing worse than watching shaky footage of your snorkelling adventure at the Blue Hole in Dahab. A good gimbal keeps everything smooth and professional-looking. DJI Osmo Mobile and Zhiyun Smooth are popular choices, costing between 150AUD and 300AUD. They fold up small enough to fit in your day pack.
If you’re serious about photography, consider a compact camera like the Sony RX100 series or the Canon G7X. These pocket-sized powerhouses have much larger sensors than smartphones, which means better photos in low light and more control over depth of field. They cost between 800AUD and 1,500AUD, but if photography is important to you, they’re worth every dollar.
Don’t forget extra memory cards! Nothing’s worse than running out of storage space halfway through an amazing experience. Get at least a 128GB card, preferably two. They’re cheap insurance, costing around 30-60AUD depending on speed and capacity.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Long-Haul Flights
Long flights, noisy hotels, crowded buses… travel involves a lot of situations where you’ll want to block out the world. Quality noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds are an absolute game-changer.
I swore by my wireless earbuds throughout my time in Egypt. They’re small, easy to pack, and perfect for listening to podcasts during long bus rides or unwinding with music after a big day exploring. Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Jabra Elite are all solid choices, ranging from 150AUD to 400AUD.
If you prefer over-ear headphones, Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort are the gold standards. They’re bulkier but offer superior noise cancellation and comfort for those 14-hour flights. Expect to pay between 400AUD and 550AUD. Trust me, they’re worth it when you’re trying to sleep on a plane!
Luggage Trackers and Security Devices for Safe Travel
Travel tech isn’t just about convenience and entertainment. Some gadgets are genuinely important for your safety and security.
A luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or Tile Pro gives you peace of mind that your bags haven’t gone astray. Slip one inside your main luggage and you’ll always know where it is via your smartphone. They cost between 30AUD and 60AUD for a single tracker, or you can get multipacks for better value.
Consider a portable door lock or door alarm for accommodation security, especially if you’re staying in hostels or budget hotels. These compact devices add an extra layer of security to your room and cost as little as 15-30AUD. They weigh almost nothing and take up minimal space.
A good quality padlock is essential too. The TSA-approved combination locks are perfect for securing your luggage and hostel lockers. Get a couple and you’ll use them constantly. They cost around 15-25AUD each.
Water Purifiers, E-Readers, and Bluetooth Speakers
These aren’t absolutely essential, but they can make your trip significantly more comfortable.
A portable water purifier like a SteriPEN or LifeStraw eliminates the need to constantly buy bottled water. It’s better for the environment and saves money in the long run. Costs range from 50AUD to 150AUD depending on the system.
An e-reader like a Kindle Paperwhite is brilliant for long trips. You can carry thousands of books in a device that weighs less than a paperback and has battery life measured in weeks, not hours. They cost between 150AUD and 350AUD depending on the model. The waterproof versions are perfect for reading by the pool or at the beach.
A compact Bluetooth speaker means you can enjoy music in your hotel room or at a beach picnic. Look for something waterproof and durable. JBL Clip and UE Wonderboom are great travel options at around 60-150AUD.
Essential Pre-Trip Tech Preparation
Here’s the reality check: don’t go overboard. Every piece of tech you pack is something you have to carry, charge, and keep track of. Focus on the essentials that’ll genuinely improve your trip.
Make sure everything is fully charged before you leave. Download offline maps for the areas you’re visiting. Save important documents, booking confirmations, and emergency numbers in offline-accessible formats. Back up your photos regularly, either to cloud storage or a portable hard drive.
And here’s something many travellers forget: check your travel insurance policy to see what electronics are covered and what the limits are. Some policies have surprisingly low limits on tech, so you might need to add extra coverage if you’re carrying expensive gear.
Choosing the Right Travel Technology for Your Trip
Technology has made travel infinitely easier, safer, and more enjoyable. But the best tech setup is the one that works seamlessly in the background, letting you focus on actually experiencing the places you’re visiting rather than fiddling with gadgets.
Start with the essentials like power banks, universal adaptors, and eSIMs. Add the items that suit your specific travel style. If you’re a photography enthusiast, invest in good camera gear. If you’re all about the beaches and relaxation, maybe skip the laptop and load up your e-reader instead.
The goal isn’t to have the most tech, it’s to have the right tech that makes your journey smoother. And remember, the most important thing you can do with all this technology? Put it down occasionally and actually be present in the moment. Some of my best travel memories came from moments when my phone was safely tucked away in my bag!
