When it comes to summer vacations, getting to your destination is half the fun.
But no trip is complete without proper preparation. Whether you’re heading halfway across the world or just heading out for a weekend getaway with friends, the technology you bring with you is essential to making your experience relaxing and fulfilling.
But let me be honest and warn you: there are a ton of travel gadgets out there, but many of them just add weight to your luggage. However, there are some standout gadgets that perform the best and provide solutions to problems you may face when you’re away from home. Not only are these gadgets highly functional, but they’re also compact and easy to pack in your luggage or carry-on.
For example, a portable battery will ensure your phone doesn’t run out of juice while you’re wandering around a bustling foreign city, while a headphone adapter will allow you to comfortably enjoy in-flight entertainment with your preferred earphones.
In our curated list below, we’ve separated the really good products from the not so good. Many of these travel tech products have been on trending lists on TikTok and other social media, and have received high reviews on Amazon. With your Prime membership, you can choose the products that fit your requirements and have them delivered before your summer vacation.
1. Best Charging Cable: Rolling Square inCharge X Portable Keychain Charging Cable
Strong Points
6 connectivity options Fast charging Compact and durable
Cons
You must remove the phone case when charging
When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is a tangled cable. Yet, with so many devices you want to keep close at hand, from smartwatches and smartphones to earphones and e-readers, a charging cable is a necessity. The inCharge Keychain Cable from Rolling Square is a great solution. It offers six different connection options, including USB to USB-C and USB-C to micro-USB. This multi-device charging cable also allows for data transfer and super-fast charging up to 100W. It can also charge laptops and tablets. Made from high-quality materials, it’s durable, lightweight, and magnetic so you can hang it on your keychain. However, you may need to remove your phone case to charge with this cable, which can be inconvenient.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “PRIME2024” to receive 15% off this purchase.
2. Best Travel Adapter: Lencent International Travel Adapter
Strong Points
Charge 4 devices simultaneously GaN III technology Fast charging
Cons
A reliable travel adapter is a must-have for international travel. Lencent’s 120W adapter comes with four interchangeable plugs (US/UK/EU/AU) and supports universal voltages from 100V to 250V, making it suitable for travel to 195 countries. It has one AC port, one USB-A port, and three USB-C ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. This adapter is packed with top-of-the-line features, including GaN III technology that boosts charging efficiency and works with a built-in protection system. Reviewers are amazed by this compact adapter’s Power Delivery (PD) fast charging capabilities. The USB-C port reaches up to 100W, so you can charge your iPhone from 15 to 89% in just 30 minutes. It can also charge two laptops at once, making it a versatile gadget that the whole family can use while traveling. However, some reviewers point out that it’s quite bulky, so it tends to fall out of the socket when plugged in, and you might need to support it to get it to work properly.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “FIRST30” to receive 30 percent off this purchase.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty with Salama Care for Dh12 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh17.
3. Best Bluetooth Transmitter: Twelve South Airfly Pro
Strong Points
Functions as both a transmitter and receiver Can be used with wired speakers, in-flight entertainment, gym equipment and wireless headphones Supports Bluetooth 5.0 aptX audio codec 16+ hours battery life
Cons
Wired headphones require an audio jack port
There’s nothing worse than getting on a plane and not being able to connect to the in-flight entertainment system with your wireless headphones. With the Bluetooth audio transmitter and adapter, you can seamlessly watch content by simply plugging it into your seatback TV and pairing it with your headphones. Airfly Pro has a battery life of over 25 hours, so you can stay comfortable even on long flights. It can also be paired with wireless headphones or two AirPods, so you and your partner can watch the same movie at the same time. The device is small and comes with a keychain attachment that can hook onto your bag or keys. It’s important to note, however, that Airfly Pro doesn’t have an audio jack, so you can’t connect wired earphones.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “PRIME2024” to receive 15% off this purchase.
Warranty: Amazon offers a two-year extended warranty with Salama Care for Dh29.
4. Best eReader: Kindle Paperwhite
Strong Points
6.8″ large screen display, long battery life, glare-free display that reads like real paper, adjustable warm light, IPX8 waterproof rating
Cons
Not suitable for cartoons or graphic-heavy content
If you’re a bookworm, don’t waste your luggage space with heavy books. Opt for a compact e-reader instead. When it comes to storage space and readability, nothing beats the Kindle Paperwhite. The latest edition features a 6.8-inch display with thinner borders than its predecessor, making page turns 20% faster. Adjust the warm light to suit your surroundings, so you can read wherever you want, whether it’s a beach on the Maldives or a street cafe in Paris. The 300ppi glare-free display reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight, and is IPX8 waterproof. With 16GB of storage space, you can download thousands of titles and enjoy up to 10 weeks of battery life. On the downside, the Kindle Paperwhite doesn’t support color, so it’s not the best device for comics or graphic novels.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “PRIME2024” to save Dh50 on this purchase.
5. Best Power Bank: INIU Power Bank
Strong Points
Compact and portable form factor, fast charging, large capacity 10,000mAh battery, LED battery indicator, USB-C cable included
Cons
Reviews say it heats up while charging
There are hundreds of power banks out there, many of which are good enough for travel. But the INIU power bank stands out with its ultra-portable form factor and high-capacity battery. It’s incredibly compact and feels like a card you can slip into your pocket. With a large 10,000mAh battery and USB-C input and output, it’s suitable for charging both Apple and Android devices. The 22.5W device combines advanced PD 3.0 and Quick Charge (QC) 4+ fast charging technology, so it can charge an iPhone 15 from zero to 71% in just 25 minutes. The device has one USB-C port and two USB-A ports for simultaneous charging. Reviewers love the LED battery indicator, which is front and center for quick checking. The device also comes with a USB-C cable and a handy travel pouch. With over 7,000 4.6-star reviews on Amazon, there aren’t many complaints about this power bank. If anything, it does tend to get hot while charging.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “PRIME2024” to receive 15% off this purchase.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a three-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
6. Best Bluetooth Tracker: Tile Mate (2-Pack)
Strong Points
Compact, lightweight, long Bluetooth range, can ring your phone remotely, IP67 waterproof rating, long battery life
Cons
Critics say the sound could be louder
While AirTags are the go-to Bluetooth tracker for Apple users, we think Tile Mate is the best choice for everyone else. This multi-function tracker helps you keep track of your belongings, which can come in handy when traveling. Reviewers show how they attached Tile to luggage, keys, and even their kids when they go out to crowded places. Bluetooth has a range of 250 feet, and if you’re out of range, you can use the Tile app to view their latest location on a map. You can use Tile to remotely ring a lost phone, which isn’t possible with AirTags. However, reviewers note that the sound is often not loud enough to draw attention. The device is IP67 water resistant and has a battery life of up to three years.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “PRIME2024” to receive 15% off this purchase.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty with Salama Care for Dh12 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh17.
7. Best Camera: GoPro Hero 12
Strong Points
Excellent stability Multiple mounting options Bluetooth audio support Clear and smooth video capture
Cons
Battery life could be better
You may be using your smartphone for your holiday photography, but if you want to take it to the next level, go for the GoPro Hero 12. This ultra-wide-angle action camera offers incredible stabilization and a ton of features that will come in handy when capturing your holiday adventures. It has a 27MP 8:7 sensor and can shoot video at up to 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at up to 120fps. GoPro has also added high dynamic range (HDR) video capture to the Hero 12, so it handles highlights and shadows better. The device’s audio has also been improved, with support for wireless audio from a Bluetooth microphone (even the microphone on the wireless earphones). Reviewers rave about the HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization feature, which makes footage crisp and smooth. GoPro has a ton of accessories to perfectly match the Hero 12, so you can choose the one you like depending on your style of photography. For example, the 1/4-inch screw mount on the base is perfect for a mini tripod.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments from selected banks and pay Dh97.33 over 12 months.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty with Salama Care for Dh69 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh97.
8. Best Luggage Scale: Etekcity Luggage Scale (2-Pack)
Strong Points
Lightweight and compact gadget Can carry up to 50kg of luggage Long battery life
Cons
Measurement discrepancies reported by reviewers
If you have a tendency to overpack or you want a way to ensure that your luggage does not exceed the limit, buy Etekcity’s highly rated luggage scale. There’s a good reason why it has garnered over 51,000 4.7-star reviews on Amazon. This scale has a high-precision sensor and can weigh luggage up to 50 kilograms with an accuracy of 50 grams. The scale has low battery and overload indicators and saves energy with auto-off and tare features. This gadget is lightweight and can be easily placed inside your luggage without taking up much space. Some reviewers have noticed that the scale displays different weights when trying to weigh luggage multiple times. Others have stated that for the most accurate measurement, you should hold the scale with both hands and place the luggage in the center of the scale.
Bonus: Enter coupon code “FIRST30” to receive 30 percent off this purchase.
Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty with Salama Care for Dh12 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh17.
Our recommendations are independently selected by Gulf News editors, and if you shop through links on our website, we are a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn an affiliate commission.
