10 Essential Travel Gadgets for Long-Term Travel
Overview
I travel frequently and for long periods, so I’ve learned how important it is to maximize luggage space. I’ve compiled a list of 10 essential gadgets I bring on every trip—whether it’s a weekend getaway or a two-year adventure abroad—that I think every traveler will find useful. Price estimates are accurate as of the writing of this article but are subject to change.
Laptop-Charging Power Bank
Price: $120 new from Amazon, can find cheaper used.
I invested in an Anker laptop power bank a year ago. I used to have a Panasonic Toughbook with a massive battery and hot-switching ability but when I switched to a new, portable laptop, I worried about battery life during long-haul flights. The power bank has multiple ports and its own fast-charging USB-C cable that doubles as its charger, which takes about 1 ½ hours to recharge (though this varies based on the strength of the outlet/cable you’re using).
That said, it’s not a magic bullet. I had hoped to do hardcore gaming (i.e. Baldur’s Gate 3) while in transit—but that was unrealistic. Still, I could recharge my laptop with poor battery life twice on a full charge. The power bank is a little bulky, but it’s worth it for long-term trips for peace of mind, knowing I can work on a plane, train, or elsewhere without worrying about battery limitations.
5-in-1 Travel Data Cable & Phone Stand
Price: $5-10 on Wal-Mart or Amazon
One of the best $5 investments I’ve ever made, this small phone stand comes with a USB-C cable that converts to USB-A, micro-USB, or Lightning, plus a SIM tray tool. Paired with my power banks, it lets me charge any device without needing to hunt for the right cable or port.
It’s also small and lightweight enough to slip easily into any bag. I carry it everywhere and use it almost every day.
Digital Luggage Scale
Price: $10-15 from Target, can also find cheaper through Walmart or Amazon
When I first started traveling, I tried to get by without a luggage scale and would panic at the check-in counter, worrying about overweight fees. When I moved abroad and had to pack two years’ worth of belongings into three bags, I used a standing scale to estimate the weight—awkwardly—and still got nervous again by the time I reached the airport.
So when I finally did get a portable luggage scale, it was a game changer. No more second-guessing last-minute additions, and I could maximize my weight limits without stressing (as much, anyways) at the check-in counter.
Having traveled extensively with and without a scale, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment and the small amount of bag space it takes, especially if you want to pack as efficiently as possible without extra fees.
Portable GPS Trackers
Price: Varies widely, but can find for $15-30 for a pack of 4 on Amazon
I mainly mean AirTags or similar GPS trackers. The off-brand ones can be totally fine —I’ve been using them for years without issue. The peace of mind of being able to see on my phone that my checked bags made it to the airport with me cannot be overstated.
I also have extra tags that I stick in my purse, my wallet, and other valuables. Occasionally, I admit, it’s annoying to get alerts that I’ve “left my bags behind” in a hotel room, but it’s a way better alternative to losing them altogether.
Universal Power Strip And Adapter
Price: Varies, but can find for $20-30 most places
I bought several European-outlet converters with multiple outlets (one 3-prong, one 2-prong, and two USB-A ports) that were so useful I could cry. They made it easy to set up charging stations near my bed in apartments or hostels. I mostly traveled in places with Type-C outlets, but I also carry a universal adapter just in case—both are well worth the luggage space.
Credit & Debit Cards Without ATM Or Foreign Transaction Fees
Price: Varies, plenty of no-annual-fee options
Less of a “gadget,” but having traveled extensively with and without no-fee cards, I can say they are well worth the time and effort to get.
I use Capital One’s Savor credit card and their debit card and have loved both. I appreciate the cash back on purchases and the absence of foreign transaction fees. The shopping offers are usually good, though sometimes I miss out if I don’t use the exact tab the offer opens in.
Full disclosure, the link to Capital One is a referral link from my account. I also used NerdWallet’s list of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees when I was researching cards, and I included that link as well.
For ATM withdrawals, the Capital One debit card works anywhere. Just be aware that it takes a few days to transfer funds and while they don’t charge their own ATM fees, they also don’t offer rebates for ATM fees like a few other options. I use it purely for foreign-currency withdrawals, so I don’t keep it topped up, but I always maintain at least a couple hundred dollars to cover unexpected expenses, and it’s worked out wonderfully.
Kindle / E-Reader
Price: Varies, the 2024 model is around $110 new
This is coming from someone who holds the written word sacred and much prefers books in their physical form: my e-Reader has been my biggest space-saver. It breaks my heart to travel without half my library in tow, but being able to have a million books at my fingertips without eating up my 22 kg weight limit is indispensable.
I prefer my old Kindle with manual page-turning buttons, though I recently started using a newer model with a backlight—perfect for nighttime reading without bulky booklights. Coupled with a Libby account through your local library, it’s a huge win, even if it requires the sacrifice of leaving your personal library at home.
Front-Open Hard-Shell Suitcases
Price: Varies. I got my set for $120 from Shein, it’s listed for around $170 on Amazon
When my old luggage set was essentially torn to shreds by the brutal streets of Rome (so many potholes, to say nothing of the 75lbs of personal belongings I had stuffed into one bag), I had to invest in a new three-piece set.
I considered high-end brands like Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and London Fog. While I liked the lifetime warranties, they didn’t cover theft or lost luggage. Traveling on a budget, I felt flashy, expensive luggage might make me a target, so I opted for something cheap and understated.
I found bags with USB ports, drink holders, and other snazzy features, but my three non-negotiables were: 1) built-in TSA-friendly locks, 2) compression, and 3) a front-opening hard shell.
TSA locks are convenient—I’d rather not lose them—and the compression zipper helps maximize luggage space. The hard shell is non-negotiable for me: it’s waterproof, sturdy, and worth the extra weight compared to soft-shell options. I chose front-opening because I often have to rearrange my bags at the last minute, and opening the whole bag in the middle of an airport lounge is irritating to say the least.
Front-open bags are awesome they require less space to open, nothing falls out, and it’s so much easier to stuff more things inside and still get the bag closed. A lot suitcase sets have front-opening for carry-ons but not for checked bags. In my experience, the convenience of front-opening outweighs any flashy extras. I’ve also heard horror stories of USB-charging suitcases being rejected—or even ripped—at check-in, so I’ll personally being sticking with my normal power banks for now.
Vacuum Cubes
Price: $20-40 depending on number of bags and type of pump
tried compression cubes before but found they weren’t very effective for my purposes. They compressed my clothes, sure, but mostly just forced them into bulky shapes instead of letting me pack them fluidly with everything else.
Vacuum cubes, however, were amazing. When I packed for two years in Morocco, they turned a situation of too much stuff and not enough space into plenty of extra room while staying within weight limits. At the time, I could only use the vacuum seal on the way there, since I didn’t have a vacuum for the return. Now, with portable bag vacuums—hand pump or electric (go electric)—they’re well worth the small extra space they take up, and I no longer worry about meticulously packing my clothes.
Portable SSD
Price: 4TB for $379 on Amazon, 2TB for $210, 1TB for $100
On long-haul flights or when traveling somewhere with spotty internet, it’s helpful to have content and games downloaded. Since my laptop has limited storage and I have a huge appetite for games and movies, a portable SSD is invaluable.
I used to have a 4 TB HDD, but switching to an SSD was worth the higher price. It’s about one-fifth the size and ten times faster than an HDD. I chose a rugged model (I’m very hard on electronics), and it has worked beautifully for the last two years. I have so many games, movies, and TV shows that deciding what to watch can be almost overwhelming—which is how I like it. For anyone struggling with laptop storage or traveling without reliable internet, a solid SSD is essential. A 1–2 TB drive is likely enough for most travelers, especially if you’re on a tighter budget.
Final Thoughts
While I’ve brought other useful gadgets on my travels, these ten are the ones I use most consistently and can’t travel without. Depending on your needs, some may be more helpful than others. Of all the items on this list, I especially can’t recommend the 5-in-1 Data Cable Holder enough—I lost my first one on a train and immediately had to buy another because I loved it so much.