10 Great Tech Accessories for Travelers

While studies show we are taking less vacation time than ever, we are still keeping it moving. In 2014, Americans spent $644.9 billion on domestic and international travel. That figure only pertains to leisure trips—businesses spent another $283 billion on travel last year.

[Related: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List for Couples]

The same studies also show we are increasingly planning our trips with technology. Mobile, social media, and travel websites are used by many to arrange travel plans. In fact, technology has become such an intrinsic part of daily life that even when we are on the road we tend to bring our tech along.

Although vacation time is viewed as the chance to disconnect, there is tech you want to consider throwing into a suitcase and bringing on your adventures. From keeping smartphones charged for uploading pictures of you zip-lining through a forest canopy, to luggage that is equipped with GPS, here are 10 great tech accessories for travelers:

Accell Home or Away Dual USB Charging Kit with International Plug Adapter
The Accell Home or Away Dual USB Charging Kit with International Plug Adapter is designed to provide high-speed USB charging for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices whether you are traveling domestically or internationally.

The adapter is fitted with a folding two-prong USA-style plug that is compatible with European, United Kingdom or Australian snap-on plug adapters. An auto-switching feature detects and adjusts the adapter to the proper voltage for the country you are in—preventing surges and damage to your connected devices.

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PhoneSoap: UV Cell Phone Sanitizer & Universal Charger 2.0
The PhoneSoap charger not only charges your phone but it will also clean and sanitize it while doing so. Travel can be messy and cell phones are generally about 18 times dirtier than a public toilet. PhoneSoap uses UV light to kill bacteria, so there is no heat, liquid or chemicals to damage the phone.

PhoneSoap’s universal design fits almost every phone, even larger smartphones such as the iPhone 6s. Its acoustic design allows users to hear calls, notifications, and alarms even when a phone is charging.

 

GekkoPod Smartphone Mount
GekkoPod is a tripod for smartphones. It’s designed to mimic the hand of a Gecko lizard. This design makes the GekkoPod bendable, yet durable. Users can slide a smartphone or GoPro into the GekkoPod and then wrap its five arms around a pole, branch, tree, drone or any object. This lets you take the perfect shots while hiking, biking or when engaging in any sort of activity, and allows for unique camera shots and angles. GekkoPod is constructed from silicone and metal yet it’s lightweight enough to take on the go. This successfully-funded Kickstarter project started shipping on Oct. 7 of this year.

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TurtleCell
Keeping track of headphones during travels is a nuisance as is keeping them untangled. TurtleCell is a gorgeous and durable iPhone case with built-in retractable headphones. The case is made from tough polycarbonate materials. The raised lip protects the phone’s screen from shattering and only adds 7mm additional thickness to the iPhone 6.

The custom-built headphones retract with a push of a button. TurtleCell also has a headphone retraction lock, a kickstand and allows access to the iPhone’s lightning port. It’s available in silver, red, gold, or black.

Kidz Gear Deluxe Stereo Headset Headphones with Boom Microphone
Mobile devices are excellent ways to keep kids calm and quiet during travel. However, you may not want to hear all the noise associated with their games and apps. Kidz Gear Deluxe Stereo Headset Headphones with Boom Microphone are award-winning children’s headphones ideal for travel. The boom microphone is lightweight and the KidzControl Volume Limited Technology keeps the volume at a safe level.

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Barracuda: Collapsible Luggage + Built-in Laptop Tray + GPS + Proximity Sensor + USB Charger
Nothing can ruin a trip faster than lost luggage. An ingenious Indiegogo project looks to make lost luggage a lost part of the travel experience. Barracuda is a rolling, carry-on bag and so much more. It’s “smart” luggage that features GSM-GPRS technology for location tracking. Any connected device can be used to track the location of a Barracuda.

In addition, it has Bluetooth so you can use an iPhone or Android device to quickly locate the Barracuda from short range (when it is on a baggage carousel, for example).

Other features

include a built-in USB charger, a built-in tray that pops out for laptop use, and an ergonomic handle for comfortable transport. The Barracuda is also collapsible. This successfully-funded product will start shipping in February 2016.

Petzi Treat Cam
Having to leave a pet behind can be a bittersweet part of going on vacation, even when you know you are leaving your furry friend in the good hands of a sitter. The Petzi Treat Cam can help you relax more about your pet when you are away.

This device can be mounted in the same location as your pet and connected to Wi-Fi. With the Petzi app and the Petzi Treat Cam, you can remotely speak and see your pet and you can also dispense treats from the Petzi Treat Cam through the smartphone app.

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TripIt
While not a gadget, TripIt from Concur is still a great travel accessory. It’s a travel organizing app which is used to create a master itinerary for your trips. Keep reservations, confirmations, directions, and more all in one location. TripIt syncs with Outlook, Google Calendar, or Apple iCal. The paid version will send real-time flight alerts and you can do other advanced trip planning such as searching for better seats on a booked flight.

Western Digital My Cloud
Western Digital’s My Cloud is a hard drive that connects to your home or business network. With its My Cloud feature, you can

upload or download files to the My Cloud from anywhere at any time. If you are on vacation, as long as you have an Internet connection and the My Cloud app, you can send your vacation photos to your My Cloud device at home. WD’s My Cloud is a great way to keep control over your files without the need for third-party online storage such as Dropbox.

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EMTEC Power Connect
EMTEC Power Connect performs double duty. It can be used to share data and storage and it can charge a smartphone.

The Power Connect can connect to a network via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. Once it’s connected, you can also connect a USB drive or micro SD card to share data and stream multimedia content to other devices. Additionally, the Power Connect can serve as a Wi-Fi router. It’s a handy gadget to have in a hotel suite where there may only be one wired Internet connection. You can connect the Power Connect to that connection and create an on-the-fly Wi-Fi network for other users and devices.