The essential 'gadgets' for an expert traveler

In the hours before a trip, when one is preparing the suitcase, it is inevitable to think about: "Am I leaving something important behind?"

In those moments, it is best to think that if you take the documentation and the money, everything else is secondary;

but let's not kid ourselves, there is also a list of very useful gadgets that I always carry with me.

For tech geeks

• Cable organizer case.

  With the number of electronic devices that we carry with us today (mobile phone, smart watch, external battery, electronic tablet, computer...), each with its own type of plug to be able to charge, a cable organizer case is one of the most accessories that make your life easier when traveling.

  You have them from the simplest, like OrgaWise, to the most complex.

  All you have to do is search for “cable organizer case” and enjoy order in your suitcase.

  oh!

  Another alternative is multiple cables, which have a current input and several outputs, each one of a type, to charge several devices at the same time.

  Of course, it is better before taking only this cable, make sure the charging compatibility with all of them.

Cable organizer case.

• Extreme battery.

  Mentioned in the previous point, it is essential to carry one or more.

  Imagine that you are using your mobile phone all the time to take photos... It is important that the battery has a good capacity and that it is as compact and light as possible.

  Some even have a double plug to charge two devices at the same time.

• Universal plug adapter.

  In the United States, the United Kingdom and many other countries, the plug and socket systems are different than in Spain, so it will be essential to bring an adapter.

  There are unique or universal ones, in which you can choose a different converter depending on the destination.

  What's more, many of them include a USB slot that allows you to have an extra charger for a device, which is not bad at all.

Universal plug adapter and power strip with several plugs.

• Power strip or

  plug

  thief .

  How many times, in a hotel room, were there not enough sockets for all the devices that need to be charged?

  Perhaps for those who travel alone with their mobile phones, they won't need it, but if cameras and watches are added to the phone, and if two or more people are also traveling, a compact multiple plug can be a good solution.

• Headphones.

  Many people use them, not only to listen to their favorite music or podcasts, but also to isolate themselves on long flights and rest if they have noise canceling mode.

  The variety is immense: from small headphones that are inserted into the ear to headbands with large ear cups that cover the ears.

  And the type of connection is also important: those with Bluetooth and those that are connected by cable.

  In the case of the latter, and if the plug is compatible, they will be used to access audio services on buses, trains and planes.

• Click to remove the SIM card from the mobile.

  It may seem very obvious, but more and more mobile phones need a skewer to remove the SIM card.

  If you plan to buy a SIM at your destination and you want to change it, remember to bring a skewer: a trick to avoid losing it and always carry it with you is to put it in your mobile phone case, so you don't forget it.

• Geolocator tags.

  With so much luggage coming and going, one of the most interesting inventions to always have something located, from keys to suitcases, bags or cars, are these tags.

  Apple sells Airtags, and Android has Tile Mate, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag or Chipolo, for example.

  They are simply placed on the object that you want to control and it is connected to the mobile.

For photographers

• Camera or phone stabilizer.

  Essential if you do not have a good pulse.

  There are both for cameras and

  smartphones

  .

  One tip: you have to take into account the weight of the device.

  The smaller this is, the easier it will be to carry and hold.

  And you don't need to get the latest model, which is usually the most expensive.

  Having the previous model is enough.

• Camera hitch.

  There are many different ways to carry your camera.

  From the classic straps that you hang around your neck to the small bags prepared to carry the camera and its lenses.

  Well, I use a kind of clip that you can hook to your belt (depending on the weight it can bother when walking) or to the backpack (which is better when it is full) and that allows you to have quick and very comfortable access to the camera at any time and at the click of a button.

• Tripod.

  I have to admit that I quickly

  build

  a tripod with my backpack, jacket and whatever gadget I carry, but if you don't like improvisation, there are tiny tripods that fix any photo.

  The most adaptable are those with flexible legs and small size, but of course there is highly technical material for professional photographers.

• GoPro or compatible housing.

  For those who live glued to the camera and go to practice sports such as diving, skiing or paragliding, GoPro-type cameras are the most comfortable, since depending on their characteristics they can be submerged in water or carried with them almost effortlessly due to their small size. and image stability.

  If you are out of budget, look for waterproof cases or waterproof bags for mobile phones or cameras, which can also be an alternative for depending on what activities.

• Microphone.

  To record a slightly more professional video

  ,

  the camera's microphone falls short on many occasions and sound quality is lost, so in those cases I recommend a microphone, and if it is one of those that has

  hair

  on the outside, better .

• Lens covers and adapters.

  At the moment in which you carry so many junk, the most practical thing is to keep them well organized.

  There are suitcases and backpacks designed for this, or smaller cases depending on how many things you need to transport.

For all

• Cabin luggage.

  There are compact suitcases and backpacks that are already compartmentalized and with space for computers, cameras, shoes, liquids and even with a closet organizer in which the clothes are put and, once at the destination, they are hung directly.

  There are more complete and simpler.

  There are also clothing or shoe organizers that are sold separately.

Backpack with compartments to carry in the cabin of the plane without having to check in.

• Cervical pillow.

  There are inflatables, memory foam, foam... Find the one that is most comfortable for you and enjoy a flight without contractures.

• Collapsible reusable bottle.

  More and more fountains are available at airports and other public places.

  Carrying one of these bottles allows you to save money, especially when traveling in hot weather, and also contributes to the good health of the planet, taking up very little space in your suitcase.

Document wallet.

• document holder

  A very useful wallet to carry your passport, health card, insurance papers, reservations, rentals, boarding passes, luggage tags and any important document for vacations.

• Padlock.

  If you travel to the US and want to keep your suitcase locked, choose those approved by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration).

  This way, if the suitcase is the one chosen for random inspection, they have a way of opening it without breaking it.

  If not, you risk breaking it.

  Padlocks are also useful when staying in hostels or hostels sharing a room with more travelers.

• plugs.

  Because sometimes

  jet lag

  along with external noise doesn't let you sleep, so it never hurts to bring some earplugs.

  They are just in case that take up little space, and, if needed, they help a lot.

• For extreme temperatures.

  Whether the trip is in the dead of winter or you catch a heat wave, there are

  gadgets

  that will make life easier.

  From rechargeable hand warmers that double as power banks or heat patches, to USB-rechargeable portable fans.

Adrián Rodríguez

and

have been authors of the Mola Viajar blog since 2008. Both on their blog and on their YouTube channel they tell how they travel the world in the company of their children, Daniela and Oliver.

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