The 7 gadgets I never travel without (and why they make such a big difference)

I'm a remote worker and I take advantage of my no-office benefits by traveling around the world. After initial hiccups two years ago, I realized there are a few essential accessories -- a good backpack, portable chargers, power banks, and more that I need to carry to make my travel gear lighter and more functional. 

I've settled on seven must-have items that don't leave my backpack, and I hope these will help you, too. Here are my top picks for gear that I can't travel without.

My absolute favorite travel accessories

The Slim 65W charger from Nomad has been a game-changer for me and I carry two of these now. It's perfect if you have a MacBook Air and an iPhone. It may not be the best charger for MacBook Pro users, as the wattage output is limited to 65W, which is reduced to 45W when both ports are in use.

That said, if you have a mobile setup of a portable laptop and an Apple, Samsung, or Google phone, this is perfect for you. It features two Type-C ports in a slim profile that fits in every backpack pocket. I'm glad I no longer need to carry a power brick. When charging two devices simultaneously, it outputs 45W from the port marked blue and 20W to your cell phone. 

I carry at least four item trackers and none of them are AirTags. The Nomad Tracking Card has been in my wallet for as long as I can remember because it is rechargeable. However, it only works with Apple Find My, and I tend to carry a mix of Apple and Android products. Keep scrolling for an Android alternative to AirTags. 

I moved to the 20L Nomatic Convertible backpack this year, and it has been a reliable companion. From little pockets at the front to carry essentials like a power bank and perfume spray to having enough space for everything, it's a solid pick. The shoulder straps are comfortable, even when you need to carry it for almost a whole day (I've covered trade shows with it on my back). 

The Nomatic Convertible backpack is water resistant, offers hidden compartments, a luggage handle pass-through for added convenience and comes with a case for specs. At 3.9 pounds, it isn't the lightest but I haven't felt uncomfortable with it on my back. 

I carry one Chipolo Pop in my sling bag and backpack, and at least one of them is with me at all times. It stays with me instead of inside my trolley luggage because it's multifunctional. Chipolo's app allows me to use it as a remote shutter button for my phone camera, which helps in photographing myself when I'm traveling solo. 

My work includes a lot of data transfer and data management. Plus, I'm scarred by my past when I lost 500GB of footage because I didn't have a backup. I recommend the 1TB Samsung T7 Touch SSD, which has been a good companion for more than a year. It not only delivers fast read and write speeds but also offers added security with the fingerprint sensor. From transferring data from my photo to my laptop to edit a quick Reel to creating backups, it has been my go-to portable external storage.

I was a headphone person until I used the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. They save me space in the backpack while delivering quality audio and noise cancelation performance. The added benefit is that they fit me very well. 

Also: I replaced my bulky headphones with these Pixel earbuds for traveling - and can't go back

In fact, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the most comfortable pair of no-compromise earbuds I've used so far. I get access to all controls, Gemini for hands-free quick questions, as well as a stylish look. Plus, they don't fall out of my ears when I fall asleep on flights. I understand they might not fit everyone as well as they did for me but if they do, get 'em. They're on sale right now and available for $190.

They aren't a tech accessory but if you aren't using packing cubes, you're packing wrong. A year ago, I was under the impression that these things don't help much but using the Peak Design packing cubes changed my mind.

I have both Small and Medium cubes from them. The former is best for packing tees, swimming gear and shorts, while the latter can fit shirts and pants. Together, they save space in my luggage, so I can bring souvenirs and shop without the fear of not having enough space. When needed, they can also expand to fit more stuff.

I have carried the Insta360 Go 3s for its small form factor on most of my trips but I recently replaced it with the new Insta360 X5 for 360-degree footage and I don't think I'll go back. Both cameras are great in their own ways but the X5 offers new perspectives that wouldn't be possible with the Go 3s.

Also: I recommend this action camera to beginners and professional creators. Here's why

It is bulkier than the Go 3s or my GoPro Hero 13 Black but I don't mind the weight for improved low-light footage, 360-degree capabilities and some drone-like shots. If you want to shoot your adventures on an action camera, I'd recommend you pick the Insta360 X5. Paired with the Ray-Ban Meta footage, it could be beneficial for content creators. 

Meta Ray-Ban Glasses

Speaking of Meta Ray-Bans, I bought a pair of these smart glasses with low expectations during my CES 2024 trip, but they've surprised me in every way. Fast forward to June 2025, they've stayed in my bag for every trip and have only gotten better over time. 

Also: Why Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year

From recording the LA Universal Studios' Harry Potter ride and documenting Paris from my POV to my girlfriend (via a hands-free WhatsApp video call), the Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they make me look good while doing so.

These are some of my must-carry essentials for travelers. The iPad mini would be another item I'd recommend if you want a tablet. I'm still on the lookout for the perfect portable power bank and will be sure to update this story when I find one.

Other travel-friendly tech we recommend 

Why should you trust me?

I recommend products based on real-life usage instead of relying on synthetic benchmarks or advertised specs. In 2023, I started traveling to make my life more interesting and luckily, I haven't stopped since. In the last two years, I have visited over 25 cities across 18 countries. I love photographing places and traveling light, so most of my picks have a bias towards functional but lightweight items. I advise from the mistakes I made as a novice traveler and from experience with products that have traveled with me to over a dozen countries.

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