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When you spend as much time on the road as I do, you learn quickly which gadgets earn their space in a carry-on and which just add weight.
Some trips are about golf, some are about work, and plenty are a bit of both. I've written blog posts from cafés in A Coruña, coffee shops in Coconut Grove and beachside spots in Tamarindo, and the same problems come up every time: a phone at 5%, a plug that doesn't fit, a noisy flight, a bag that didn't show up.
These are the five travel gadgets I'd recommend to anyone who travels regularly, whether it's for golf, work or a long weekend away, plus who each one is for and what to watch out for.
Quick Picks
Short on time? Here are my top picks at a glance.
Best overall: Anker PowerCore 10K Power Bank
Best for long flights: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best peace of mind: Apple AirTag (4 Pack)
Best for beach days: Kindle Paperwhite 16GB
What Makes a Travel Gadget Worth Packing?
It solves a problem you actually have on trips, like low battery, lost bags or noise.
It's small and light enough that you don't think twice about packing it.
It works everywhere. Universal plugs and USB-C charging save a lot of hassle.
It's allowed on planes. Power banks and batteries need to go in your carry-on, not your checked bag.
1. Anker PowerCore 10K Power Bank
A dead phone in a new city means no maps, no boarding pass and no way to call a taxi. A compact 10,000mAh power bank gives a phone roughly two full charges and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket. It's also within airline carry-on limits.
Best for: Anyone who uses their phone for maps, tickets and boarding passes.
Good to know: Power banks must travel in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.
2. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
One adapter that works in over 150 countries, with USB-A and USB-C ports built in. Instead of packing a different plug for every trip, you pack this one and charge everything from a single socket.
Best for: Travellers who visit more than one country a year.
Good to know: Adapters don't convert voltage. Most phone and laptop chargers are fine, but check hair tools before you plug them in.
3. Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Good noise cancelling turns a long-haul flight from exhausting to restful. The XM5s block out engine noise, have around 30 hours of battery and are comfortable enough to wear for a full flight.
Best for: Frequent flyers and anyone who works in busy cafés.
Good to know: They fold flat but are still bulky, so keep them in the case to protect them.
4. Apple AirTag (4 Pack)
Pop one in your suitcase, one in your golf travel bag and one in your backpack, and you'll always know where your luggage is, even when the airline doesn't. For iPhone users it's the cheapest peace of mind you can buy.
Best for: iPhone users who check bags or travel with golf clubs.
Good to know: AirTags only work with Apple devices. Android users should look at a Tile or similar tracker.
5. Kindle Paperwhite 16GB
Books are heavy. A Kindle holds thousands of them, the screen is easy to read on a sunny beach, and the battery lasts weeks. It's my top pick for anyone who reads on holiday.
Best for: Readers who don't want to carry heavy books.
Good to know: Download your books before you leave, in case the hotel Wi-Fi is slow.
At a Glance
Anker PowerCore 10K Power Bank: Anyone who uses their phone for maps, tickets and boarding passes.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter: Travellers who visit more than one country a year.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones: Frequent flyers and anyone who works in busy cafés.
Apple AirTag (4 Pack): iPhone users who check bags or travel with golf clubs.
Kindle Paperwhite 16GB: Readers who don't want to carry heavy books.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but only in your carry-on. Most airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh without approval, and a 10,000mAh bank is well under that.
Do I need a travel adapter or a converter?
Usually just an adapter. Phones, laptops and most chargers handle different voltages on their own. Check the label on anything with a heating element.
Are AirTags allowed in checked luggage?
Yes. Airlines allow AirTags in checked bags, and many travellers use them to track lost luggage.
Is noise cancelling worth it for short flights?
It's most useful on long flights, but many people also use it on trains, in airports and in busy cafés.
Final Thoughts
If you only buy one thing on this list, make it the power bank. It's the gadget that saves the day most often.
Now I'd love to hear from you: what's the one gadget you never travel without? Send me a message on Instagram, I'm always happy to add to my packing list.
