Whether you’re flying, driving, or riding, travel can take its toll on the adventurer.
Travel is supposed to provide a new and exhilarating experience. However, there is nothing more nerve-racking than missing luggage, dead batteries, and getting lost.
Even if you’re spending a weekend in the great outdoors, there are small ways that technology can make your life away from home easier. These gadgets keep you charged and in check so you can get back to actually enjoying your travels.
1) Solar-powered bookbag
Amazon
When you’re exploring the great outdoors, you don’t have access to outlets, and you probably don’t want to worry about devices. The SunnyBAG Explorer 2 will keep your phone’s battery topped off with a few hours of daylight.
2) iPhone charging case
Amazon
Amazon
The last thing you want is to be lost with a dead phone in an unfamiliar town. This one does all the work for you without having to hold anything extra.
3) Anker Astro E5 16000mAh portable charger
Amazon
The takeaway here is that you can never have too many chargers. If you need something with a little more juice, this candy bar-sized device can replenish your phone’s battery four to six times (depending on what you own) in one charge. It fits comfortably in your pocket or bag without weighing you down or taking up too much space.
4) Canon SL-1 camera
Amazon
If you want a professional camera to document your travels, the Canon SL-1 is as light as it gets when it comes to DSLR. Its higher ISO maintains quality, meaning better photos in dim lighting. This camera also shoots 1080p video, so you can switch between capturing still and moving memories.
5) Olloclip 4-in-1 iPhone camera lens
Amazon
If you prefer to travel lightly, this versatile attachment kit will take dramatic, crystal-clear shots of all the tourist attractions to boost your Instagram likes. It comes with a wide-angle lens, a fish-eye lens, and two macro lenses, all costing you less than the price of one regular lens for a DSLR.
6) PolarPro PowerPole selfie stick
Amazon
Go big or go home, right? Whether you love or hate a selfie stick, you can’t deny they’ve become a practical item to pack for travel. This bad boy has a built-in portable charger, extends 30 feet for better group shots and can accommodate a phone, camera or GoPro.
7) HYDRA smart bottle
Amazon
No, not that HYDRA. It’s always important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re traveling. This bottle doubles as a charger (Did we mention you should be charging?) and has a built-in Bluetooth speaker so you can party while you get water wasted.
8) Smart carry-on suitcase
Amazon
Amazon
Luggage can be pricey on its own, but a bag packed with this many features is a steal. The Bluesmart bag is Wi-Fi-enabled so you can track it with your phone if ever apart. You can also lock it remotely, for extra security. It has two USB outlets with a built-in power bank that can charge your phone up to six times, so you never have to awkwardly roam the airport for an outlet again. For good measure, the handle doubles as a scale to prevent overpriced airline weight fees.
9) Solar-powered inflatable lamp
Amazon
Forget the oil lantern. The LuminAID packs flat and travels light. A full, solar-powered charge will keep this lamp glowing for 14-16 hours. There’s also an on and off switch to help conserve energy.
10) Portable shower
Amazon
Roughing it doesn’t have to smell rough with this helpful gadget. The portable shower turns any pool of water into an overhead stream so you can scrub off the sweat, sunscreen, and bug spray before getting into a sleeping bag.
11) Travel adapter with built-in power bank
Amazon
International travel means different outlets. The LOOP power adapter keeps you charged around the world and on the go. With dual USB outlets and a built-in power bank, you can keep charging even after you leave the hotel.
12) Apple Watch
Apple
Traveling for business? The smartwatch of all smartwatches will keep you connected on the go so you don’t have to worry about missing appointments or emails. If you’re a fitness fiend, the Apple Watch tracks and monitors your activity and syncs with all the apps you usually pull up on your phone, making overall navigation lighter and easier.
13) Pebble Watch
Amazon
If you’d prefer a watch that keeps you on top of work without all the bells and whistles, the Pebble Watch is a great, less expensive alternative that will get the job done.
The Daily Dot may receive a payment in connection with purchases of products or services featured in this article.
Photo via Bluesmart