'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
My tech secrets to stress-free travel: 9 essential gadgets and how I track everything
Leaving, on a jet plane... don't know if I'll see my luggage again!
Unless you're particularly chilled, or spend most of your time on planes, trains, and automobiles crossing borders, travel has its stressful moments. For many people, the main pinch point is getting to a port -- whether by air or sea -- and boarding their chosen mode of transport. There are passports and paper or digital boarding passes to juggle.
I've been working on streamlining this process as much as possible. Based on how my last few trips went, my approach seems to work well. Here's the kit I use and how I pack it.
Also: Smartphone overheating? Here are 3 ways to cool it down fast (and what not to do)
I divide the kit I carry into two categories:
- The essentials I don't want to lose
- Everything else
Let's dive into these two categories.
The essentials
- AirPods Pro
- 5,000mAh magnetic wireless charging power bank
- Backup 10,000mAh power bank in case of delays
- Charging cables (for my phone and Apple Watch)
- Universal adapter
- Folding toothbrush
- Magic compressed washcloths
- AirTags
- Chest/shoulder sling bag
These are things I must have on me when traveling -- passport, smartphone (lots of tickets and boarding passes are now digital, not to mention credit/debit cards), my essential keys (I thin down my keys as much as possible before travel, so there's less to carry and lose), wallet, earbuds, any medications I need, a power bank (I generally find that I have space for a 5,000mAh magnetic wireless charging power bank for charging on the go and a backup 10,000mAh power bank in case of delays), charging cables (for my phone and Apple Watch), and a universal adapter.
If I'm traveling with a laptop or drone, these devices also come with me, along with any specific chargers.
Keep tech as simple as possible. Remember, you'll get your kit out for X-ray trays at security points. The less your stuff looks suspicious, the quicker you'll be through security and on your way.
Also: Don't forget these 5 gadgets when you travel this week
If I have space, I'll throw in a folding toothbrush and a couple of those magic compressed washcloths -- just in case.
I also attach (hidden, if possible) an AirTag to the bag I'm carrying my stuff in, and I have a modified AirTag in my wallet, for if I get separated from my stuff.
When it comes to carrying my stuff, I recently switched over to those chest/shoulder sling bags that you can find on Amazon and other online retailers.
These sling bags are roomy and comfortable to wear.
These bags are comfortable, have several pockets to keep things organized, and are water-resistant against showers. I have no idea about the origin of these bags, as the market is filled with companies selling the same thing. I went with a bag from a company called Waterfly because the reviews were good. Thankfully, the bag has lived up to those reviews. I modified the bag by cutting off the pullers on the zips because they rattled, and replaced them with cords with glow tags on the ends.
My Waterfly chest/shoulder sling bag.
The idea with this bag is that I'll be OK if I end up in a foreign country with only the clothes I'm standing in and the bag I can take on board. I'll have my phone and can keep it charged to make plans.
Everything else
- Dyneema bags
- Peli Air 1535 case for short trips
- Peli Air 1615 case for longer trips
- Reflective tape
- TSA-compliant lockable latches
- Trace Me tag
This category covers literally everything else -- clothes, toiletries, and more. It's all the stuff made in factories every day that is easily purchased and isn't essential to my travels. I don't want to lose this stuff, but once it's been handed over to staff to be put in hold, it's out of my control.
All my toiletries are in tough Dyneema bags (these bags are super thin, feel like paper, and are tougher than Kevlar). I even have a spare one for dirty laundry.
Also: The best travel gadgets of 2024
I have AirTags in my luggage to keep track of things.
As for luggage, I have replaced my bags and suitcases with Peli Air cases. I have the smaller Peli Air 1535 for short trips, and break out the bigger, beefier Peli Air 1615 for longer trips. Both cases are watertight, dustproof, and crushproof, are kitted out with wheels and comfortable retractable handles, have locking points with stainless steel protectors, and tough double-throw latches.
My trusty Peli Air 1535 case.
Both my 1535 and 1615 are bright orange and are plastered with reflective tape and stickers. They're easy to spot among all the drab black and brown cases at collection points. Their distinctiveness eliminates misidentification and puts off thieves grabbing them.
I've also modified my cases by replacing the original latches with TSA-compliant lockable latches (less to do with security, because all TSA-compliant locks are garbage, and more about preventing accidental opening), hiding an AirTag inside the retractable handle, and swapping out the stock wheels for smooth-glide versions from a company called ColorCase.
Also: This ultra-thin power bank I tested is a must-have travel gadget
Each case has a removable card holder. In there, I have a Trace Me tag that should help me become reunited with my bag if it goes missing.
These cases are about as tough as luggage gets. Yes, there's a weight penalty (the Peli Air 1535 and 1615 weigh 8.7 and 14.1 pounds, respectively), but this is an acceptable tradeoff for me.
Final thoughts
Remember, these are personal recommendations based on my experience and preferences. It's important to customize your travel essentials based on your own needs and destination.
Additionally, have a good think about what you can leave at home. Sure, it's comforting to think that you have everything packed and ready, but I'm amazed at how often I return from a trip and find a load of stuff I didn't touch.
Then there are the things you should leave behind -- knives, fireworks, and more.
Also, every time you travel there's a risk of something being lost, stolen, or damaged, and if you have to travel with expensive stuff, it's a good idea to ensure it's insured.