Long flights, noisy hotels, and spotty Wi-Fi can turn even the most exciting trip into a frustrating ordeal. But with the right portable gadgets in your carry-on, you can transform chaos into comfort and stay connected, entertained, and organized no matter where your journey takes you. These nine must-have devices are designed to solve the biggest travel headaches, from dead phone batteries to lost luggage, so you can focus on making memories instead of managing meltdowns.
1. Sony WH-1000XM6 (or WH-1000XM5) Noise-Canceling Headphones
Airplane engines, crying babies, and chatty seatmates don’t stand a chance against Sony’s flagship noise-canceling headphones. The newest XM6 model packs improved processors and extra microphones that block out even more ambient noise, while delivering up to 32 hours of battery life on a single charge. The foldable case is slimmer than previous versions, making it easier to slip into your backpack or carry-on.
If you’re shopping on a budget, keep an eye out for deals on the still-excellent XM5s—they offer nearly identical performance at a lower price. Whether you’re trying to sleep on a red-eye or zone out during a long layover, these headphones create a quiet cocoon that makes travel feel a whole lot more peaceful.
2. High-Output Power Bank (Anker 737, 24K mAh)
Running out of battery mid-flight or during a marathon connection day is every traveler’s nightmare. Anker’s 737 power bank solves that problem with a massive 24,000 mAh capacity and 140W USB-PD 3.1 output, meaning it can charge not just your phone and tablet, but even many USB-C laptops at full speed. The built-in screen displays real-time wattage, battery percentage, and estimated time until full charge, so you always know exactly what’s happening.
Perfect for international flights where outlets are scarce or broken, this brick ensures your devices stay alive for work, entertainment, or emergency communication. Just remember to pack it in your carry-on, since high-capacity batteries aren’t allowed in checked luggage.
3. Pocket Travel Router (GL.iNet Beryl AX GL-MT3000)
Hotel Wi-Fi is notoriously sketchy—slow, insecure, and often limited to one device per room. GL.iNet’s Beryl AX travel router changes the game by creating your own private Wi-Fi 6 network from either hotel Ethernet or existing Wi-Fi, then securing it with OpenVPN or WireGuard encryption. That means you can safely connect your laptop, streaming stick, tablet, and even game console without worrying about hackers or bandwidth limits.
Small enough to fit in your pocket, this router is especially handy for business travelers who need secure connections for sensitive work or families who want to stream movies on multiple devices. Setup takes just minutes, and the peace of mind is priceless.
4. Universal Travel Adapter (Epicka TA-105)
Forget packing a different adapter for every country you visit. Epicka’s TA-105 universal adapter comes with swappable plugs that work in over 200 countries, plus multiple USB ports so you can charge several devices at once without hunting for extra outlets. The compact design means less clutter in your luggage and no more frustrating outlet Tetris when you arrive at your hotel.
One important note: this is an adapter, not a voltage converter, so make sure your devices can handle the local voltage (most modern electronics are dual-voltage and perfectly safe). For travelers who hop between continents regularly, this single brick replaces a whole drawer full of random adapters and makes packing a breeze.
5. Luggage Tracker (Apple AirTag)
Lost luggage is one of travel’s biggest stressors, but a tiny AirTag can save you hours of anxiety at the baggage carousel. Drop one inside your checked bag, and you’ll be able to see its exact location on your phone through Apple’s massive Find My network—even if the airline has no idea where it ended up. The tracker runs on a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts about a year, so there’s no need to remember to charge it before every trip.
AirTags work best for Apple users, but alternatives like Chipolo or Pebblebee offer similar tracking for Android fans. Knowing your bag made the connection before you even leave the plane? That’s priceless peace of mind.
6. E-Reader for Glare-Free Downtime (Kindle Paperwhite)
Lugging heavy paperbacks through security and worrying about water damage at the pool are problems of the past. The Kindle Paperwhite offers IPX8 waterproofing, so you can read worry-free by the water, and its adjustable warm front light makes nighttime reading comfortable without disturbing your travel companion. Battery life stretches for weeks on a single charge, meaning you won’t need to pack yet another charging cable.
With storage for thousands of books, you can bring your entire library without adding a single ounce to your suitcase. Whether you’re killing time on a layover or unwinding after a long day of sightseeing, this lightweight e-reader is a travel MVP that saves both eyestrain and precious luggage space.
7. Portable White-Noise Machine (LectroFan Micro2+)
Hotel hallway conversations, street traffic, and airplane cabin hum can make sleep nearly impossible when you’re away from home. LectroFan’s Micro2+ is purpose-built to drown out those distractions with non-looping fan and white-noise sounds that create a consistent audio blanket. Unlike apps that drain your phone battery, this tiny rechargeable device is dedicated to helping you sleep, and it doubles as a Bluetooth mini-speaker when you want to listen to music or podcasts.
Small enough to toss in your toiletry bag, it’s a lifesaver for light sleepers who struggle with unfamiliar environments. Turn it on, close your eyes, and let the soothing sounds transport you to dreamland no matter where you are.
8. Digital Luggage Scale (Etekcity EL11)
Surprise overweight baggage fees at the check-in counter can ruin your travel budget in seconds. Etekcity’s EL11 digital scale weighs bags up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in precise 0.1-pound increments, so you know exactly where you stand before you leave home. The built-in temperature sensor is a bonus feature that helps protect delicate items like chocolate or cosmetics from extreme heat or cold.
Compact enough to slip into a side pocket, this scale pays for itself the first time it saves you from a hefty airline fee. Weigh your bag before you zip it up, redistribute items if needed, and head to the airport with confidence instead of crossing your fingers at the counter.
9. Global Mobile Hotspot (SIMO Solis Lite)
When hotel Wi-Fi is too slow or nonexistent, a global mobile hotspot becomes your lifeline to the internet. The SIMO Solis Lite offers pay-as-you-go data in over 130 countries and can connect up to ten devices at once, making it perfect for families or business travelers who need reliable connectivity on the move. Battery life typically lasts in the mid-teens of hours, easily covering a full day of sightseeing or work meetings.
Keep in mind that performance depends on local cellular coverage, so speeds can vary by location. But for travelers who can’t afford to be offline—whether for navigation, communication, or remote work—this compact puck delivers freedom from flaky public networks.
