Having the right tech on hand can make all the difference between a smooth trip and one filled with unnecessary hassles. Whether you’re trying to keep your devices charged, stay entertained during long flights or track your luggage, the right tools can make for much better travels.
After visiting over 100 countries, CNN Underscored’s travel team has learned which gadgets truly make a difference on the road. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best technology in the travel gear world, from portable chargers to noise-canceling headphones.
I just upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro from an iPhone 14 Pro, and I'm impressed so far. The camera is a huge step up and I'm happy to finally have an iPhone with USB-C.
- Andrew Kunesh, senior travel and money editor
This portable charger is effectively a portable charger without the headache of keeping it charged. I use mine as a daily wall port and unplug it for use as a portable charger whenever needed.
- Kyle Olsen, travel products editor
An all-in-one travel adapter compatible with European outlets with featuring four USB-A ports and one USB-C port to charge multiple devices simultaneously. I've had this adapter for years and it's accompanied me on dozens of international trips.
- Andrew Kunesh
I always see people struggling to keep their devices propped up. This adjustable phone mount clips onto airplane tray tables to offer hands-free viewing to enjoy media on flights.
- Kyle Olsen
I always keep an AirTag in my backpack and suitcase. This way, if my luggage doesn't make a flight connection or I leave it in a taxi, I can see where my belongings are on the Find My app.
- Andrew Kunesh
Looking to use your AirPods or other wireless headphones on your airplane's seatback monitor? This Bluetooth transmitter lets you connect two sets of wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems.
- Kyle Olsen
A portable battery is essential for long flights and train rides — and I like this budget-friendly pick from Iniu. It has a large 10,000mAh battery capacity and a convenient screen that shows the battery pack's current state of charge. Better yet, it's just $20 on sale.
- Andrew Kunesh
I've tested a ton of noise-canceling headphones and find these offer comfort and top-tier sound — a perfect combination for drowning out the background noise on planes or trains.
- Kyle Olsen
I love this eco-friendly toothbrush made from sustainable materials with a 40+ day battery. Charging it with USB-C is super convenient since I can just use my smartphone cable.
- Kyle Olsen
What I describe as perhaps the single best travel tech product I've used, this high-powered charger uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to deliver fast charging in a compact size. It has 4 USB-C ports to charge all your devices and is compatible with four outlet types.
- Kyle Olsen
My AirPods Pro never leave my sight, whether I'm traveling or at home. Their sound quality and active noise cancellation are great — especially when you consider how small these earbuds are.
- Andrew Kunesh
On long travel days, this laptop never seems to fail me. With up to 18 hours of battery life and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, it works well on long flights and at the office.
- Kyle Olsen
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