I like tech. I like travel. Two of my special interests collide here, for you, dear reader. Here are my favourite gadgets and tech innovations that get me through long-haul flights and trips overseas.
A universal travel adapter
A travel adapter is the first thing I pack when going overseas. I have a Belkin travel adapter surge protector combo that I've been using for about a decade now. It has two Australian outlets on it, two USB-A ports, and five interchangeable adapters.
While Belkin doesn't sell the model I use anymore, it has a few other options worth considering. There's the BoostCharge Pro 140W Wall Charger, which as the name may suggest, is a 140W four-port GaN wall charger. This has three USB-C ports and a single USB-A. It comes with four different adapters in the box, covering most outlet types.
The downside of this model is that it doesn't have any Australian outlets on it, so you can only charge devices that support USB-C. While that's most of them, I've often thrown a hair dryer into my travel kit, as hotel ones tend to be useless.
Belkin has another interesting travel gadget called the BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger Power Bank Travel Kit. It's a blend of a 25W wall charger and a 5,000mAh power bank that comes with four different adapters. It's too slow to top up a laptop at any meaningful speed, but it’s not a bad solution if you're only travelling with smaller devices.
Laser has a cheaper option USB option with international adapters for $19.95: the Laser 4-Port USB Travel Charger with Global Adapters. The caveat is it has USB-A ports rather than USB-C, and has slower charging speeds. You'll only want to use this for phones, smartwatches, and headphones.
If you need a travel adapter that has an Australian outlet on it, consider a solution like the Ceptics World Travel Dual USB Power Plug Adapter. In addition to two USB-A ports, it has a universal power outlet for non-USB devices. And hey, you can always keep a power board in your suitcase.
A travel eSIM
eSIM has changed the game when it comes to getting mobile connectivity overseas. As long as your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a plan before you even get to your destination. I've typically used Airalo when travelling. While a little more expensive than some options, I've always had reliable connectivity no matter which country I've used Airalo in. I once opted for a cheaper travel eSIM provider, and I ended up getting stuck with speeds so slow I had to buy another plan.
Another option I've tested is one of Simify's unlimited eSIMs. While these are a poor choice for a short trip, the math can work out well if you're heading overseas for a month or so and have a heavier data requirement.
Even if some travel eSIMs aren't necessarily cheap, they can often be cheaper than international roaming, especially on longer jaunts overseas.
Wireless earbuds
I'm probably in the minority here, but I'm a weirdo who prefers earbuds to over-ear headphones for travel. I find them more comfortable for extended use, especially at altitude. My go-to are the AirPods Pro 2, but check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds for other great picks. If you're looking to use wireless earbuds with in-flight entertainment on a plane, the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 does a good job.
A two-in-one charger
I'm normally not the biggest fan of two-in-one chargers, but they can be genuinely useful on a long-haul flight where you only have one port for topping up devices. It's great to be able to recharge your phone and smartwatch at the same time.
Twelve South's Butterfly SE is a nice compact (albeit pricey) option that has fast charging for both your iPhone and Apple Watch. If you're in the Samsung camp, Samsung has the Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo.
AirTags (or a suitable alternative)
Chucking an AirTag or similar in your checked luggage is always nice for peace of mind. It's good to know that your bag has made it to the same city, during the achingly slow minutes you spend waiting at the carousel.
A tracker is even more helpful when your bag doesn't make it. While this is hopefully rarely happens, I dealt with this situation on a recent trip. I had just landed in Kraków, but my bag was still in Warsaw. Armed with this knowledge, I was able to get a head start on filing a lost baggage claim rather than endlessly waiting to see if it showed up.
AirTags are obviously great if you're in the Apple ecosystem, but there are also alternatives that use the same "Find My" network. Laser has a range of smart tags with Find My support, but the most interesting models are its Smart Cards. You set these up in the same way you would an AirTag, but they have an internal battery you top up with wireless charging instead of buying a new button battery every six to 12 months. Just note the Laser Smart Cards don't support precision finding.
For Android users, Moto Tags are a solid choice and integrate with Google's Find My Device network. One useful design decision is they're identical in size to AirTags, so you every single AirTag accessory will fit a Moto Tag.
Wise Virtual Card
Travel cards have existed forever, but Wise offers a free digital alternative that lives in Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your virtual card is set up instantly; you could even do it at the airport while waiting for your flight.
Using the Wise card is also handy because there are no foreign transaction fees. The small hit on every transaction adds up over the duration of a trip. You do pay a small fee when you convert money, but this is typically under $2 if you're looking at loading up $500.
Obviously, just make sure you're going to a country where contactless payments are accepted if you're planning on using a Wise virtual card on your phone or smartwatch.
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack
Okay, I know a backpack isn't technically tech, but I've been obsessed with my Cotopaxi Allpa since I got it. I was previously using my work backpack from trips, which, while great for day-to-day commutes, got annoying for travel. I was often faced with conundrums like "Do I want to take my Switch or a change of clothes for the flight?".
The Allpa 28L Travel Pack is a thoughtfully designed bag that solves this problem. It's super spacious and well-designed, and it means I don't have to pick between gadgets and essentials. There's a larger 35L version, but I went with the 28L. It's a happy medium where it's big enough for my needs, but still slides under an economy seat.
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Alex Choros
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