Our technical experts discuss packing your tech travel kit
Electronics can enhance any vacation or business trip, but you need to be prepared if you want to get the most out of your electronics while traveling. Whether you’re considering what to bring, how to protect your electronics, or what you need to keep your battery charged, planning is essential. To learn more about packing the perfect tech travel kit, we interviewed our technical expert Jaime He Vasquez.
Considerations When Packing Your Tech Travel Kit
Which electronics should I bring?
- All-in-one USB cable: These cables typically include USB-A, micro USB, USB-C, and a lighting cable in one convenient package. No more carrying around multiple cords and charging multiple devices at the same time.
- Portable charger: These can be a life saver if you’re stranded at an airport or somewhere without an outlet. Laptop batteries typically store about 5,000 mAh, while smartphones store about 3,000 mAh. You will need a portable charger that can provide enough power for your favorite device.
- Noise canceling headphones: These have improved significantly over the last five years and can improve travel on crowded planes. According to Vazquez, “Most noise-cancelling headphones are wireless, and he has a pair of wired headphones for travel, so the battery won’t drain when he needs to charge his phone.” There is none.”
- Tablet: If you’re traveling with children, it’s a good idea to travel with a cheap tablet in case it gets lost. It’s important to set security features so that your personal information isn’t at risk if your device is stolen.
How to organize your electronics
Consider bringing a backpack with numerous storage compartments. Keeping your electronics separate is a great way to avoid scratched screens and tangled cables. Reducing the number of cords and items you bring is another way to organize your tech travel kit.
According to Vazquez, “My travel secret weapon is a set of packing cubes.
Other tech travel tips from our experts
- Weigh the item: According to Vazquez, I personally bring my laptop, tablet, battery and all-in-one cable. They are all light on their own, but heavy together. The total weight of your electronics can affect what else you can pack. “
- Know where to pack your tech: You will want to store each electronic device in a specific place and put it back when you leave. Knowing where each device is stored makes it easy to determine if something is missing.
- Bring Item Finder: Small tracking devices such as Tile and AirTag can help you track your package.
Tech Travel Kit Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put lithium batteries in my checked baggage?
A. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, devices containing lithium batteries are best placed in carry-on baggage. You can still put it in your checked baggage as long as it’s powered off and packed to prevent damage. Lithium metal and lithium ion batteries that have been removed cannot be placed in checked baggage.
How many laptops can I bring?
A. There is no quantity limit for laptops, but it may be easier to travel with a tablet. We are often asked to put each laptop in a separate bin before sorting the merchandise.
Do portable chargers work with all phones?
A. Most portable chargers have a large number of inputs and work with almost any phone. If you have purchased a portable charger that is not compatible with your phone, you can usually purchase a converter to make it work.
Are noise canceling headphones good for your ears?
A. Noise-cancelling headphones are a great way to enjoy music and movies in crowded environments, but they can’t protect your hearing from ambient noise.
Tech travel gear recommended by experts
USAMS 4ft Multi Charge Cable
This cable includes USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning connections. Each one is color coded so you can easily find what you need. Cables are braided for added durability. Many people like that it lights up when connected.
is sold by Amazon
Lowepro ProTactic Modular Backpack
It’s durable and includes modular compartments to keep your electronics separate. It features a sleek black design and is available in a variety of styles.
is sold by Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 10 inch tablet
This affordable device is perfect for traveling with your family. Choose from black, denim, lavender and olive. Compatible with dozens of entertainment apps, it lasts 12 hours on a single charge. It has Alexa voice command functionality.
is sold by Amazon
Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro
It is available with up to 512 GB of storage. Incredibly fast thanks to the top-notch Apple M1 chip. The 12MP rear camera takes great pictures and the battery lasts all day.
is sold by Amazon
Veken packing cube
This set includes 6 packing cubes in multiple sizes. Available in 12 colors and prints. Many were impressed with the quality and durability of the fabric.
is sold by Amazon
Osprey packing cube set
A 3-piece set with convenient top handles and side zippers. It is a stylish design based on black. Light weight and plenty of space.
is sold by Amazon
Apple AirPods Max
They feature a comfortable design and are available in 5 colors. Audio quality is impressive. Made of durable aluminum. The noise canceling and transparency features are excellent.
is sold by Amazon
Sony MDRZX110NC noise canceling headphones
These wired noise-cancelling headphones are more affordable than most. Battery lasts up to 80 hours. It’s foldable so you can easily take it with you on the go.
is sold by Amazon
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
This charger supports QuickCharge 3.0 and features a lightweight design. You can choose from black, red, white and blue.
is sold by Amazon
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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