Best travel accessories in 2023
Enjoy a worry-free trip with these travel-friendly gadgets.
The amazing advancement in personal technology has changed every aspect of the way we travel. Having the right accessories on hand when you head out, whether it's for a weekend trip or a month-long adventure, is critical. Android Central is full of road warriors, and that means we're constantly in search of the best travel accessories — and the gear we recommend here is the same that's in our bags each time we leave the house.
This backpack has room to carry all of the gear you'd need while traveling. It includes a padded interior laptop compartment that can fit an up to a 17-inch computer, a padded sleeve for a tablet or e-reader, and a zippered fleece-lined top pocket to hold valuables like your phone, passport, cash, and more. The main compartment is large enough for travel necessities like headphones, a book, and toiletries. And the padded back panel has air mesh for moisture-wicking if you're traveling when it's hot or tend to get sweaty.
Rather than just having a travel adapter to plug other things into, why not get one that pulls double duty with USB ports of its own? The EPICKA plug has four USB-A ports and a USB-C port, in addition to working as a typical travel adapter to plug any wall plug you have now into any other around the world.
There's no reason to just toss cables and other small items in your bag or luggage when there are great storage solutions like these Vaultz bags. Fill them with cables, chargers, adapters, toiletries, whatever! The loose mesh lets you see what's inside, and the clip on the end lets you secure them in your bag to easily grab later.
When multiple outlets aren't readily accessible, you want to have a multi-device charger on hand. This Satechi charger has two USB-C PD ports, one with 60W of output that's enough for a laptop, plus another two USB-A ports to charge up smaller devices. This could be the only charger you need to bring on a trip.
Whether you're rushing through an airport or enjoying a late dinner, the last thing you want when traveling is a dead phone. Pocket this Mophie 10,050mAh battery, and don't worry. Charge up any device quickly with a USB Type-C port, and recharge the battery quickly.
We think about so many things when we travel, but we rarely remember how dry and stale hotel rooms can be from constant cleaning and air conditioning. If you ever have trouble sleeping or being comfortable in dry hotel rooms, pick up a cheap portable humidifier to run next to your bed. It just uses a regular water bottle and can provide a full night's relief.
Hotels have notoriously bad Wi-Fi, but you can fix that by bringing your own travel router. Plug into Ethernet in your room, and share your own network to all of your devices. It's more secure and opens up possibilities to use devices like Google Homes and Chromecasts as well.
The mark of a great pair of noise-canceling headphones is not having to give up on sound quality for isolation, and Sony has achieved a great balance. On top of offering class-eating noise cancellation, the 1000XM3s are built solidly and have nice features like touch controls and solid battery life.
Even though you may have nice over-ear headphones, it's always good to have a backup pair of earbuds like the Wicked Audio Bandido. They fit inside your ears comfortably thanks to three sizes of ear cushions, and there's a neck lock so they can stay around your neck when you're not listening to tunes or taking calls.
When you have to charge on the go and keep everything going, you have to go big with a battery like the Goal Zero Sherpa 50+. It has a wall adapter you can use when you're by a power outlet (road trip pit stops, perhaps) And can charge your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices so you'll never be stranded.
When you're on the go, charging off of walls and batteries of all sorts in different situations, you want a variety of cable lengths. Aukey has you covered with this versatile 5-pack of USB-C cables: a 6.6-foot, three 3.3-foot, and a 1-foot, all with high-quality construction.
The BauBax Bomber is more than just a jacket; it's a travel tool. Sure it looks good, but it also packs a built-in eye mask, an inflatable neck pillow & footrest, and plenty of other little pockets and unique features that make getting through an airport or train station a breeze.
If you're traveling with a friend or family member, you can connect this to your source device's headphone port, like a tablet or seatbeat entertainment system, then use it to pair two sets of wireless headphones so you can listen together. It's super easy to use, too!
Sure, most phones nowadays are waterproof, but it doesn't hurt to add some extra protection. Plus, the lanyard makes it easy to carry your phone around your neck while at the beach, for example. It's IPX8-certified, and the transparent and thin plastic cover makes it really easy to use your phone's touchscreen when it's inside (minus touch ID, of course).
If you're staying in a hotel, this device can come in handy thanks to the rotating AC plug that allows you to fit it into small and awkward spaces. Then, use it to plug in up to 3 devices via AC and up to two USB devices (2.1A combined) into the side USB ports. Plus, it safeguards your devices from an unfortunate power surge.
Instead of listening to music in your hotel room or on the beach from your phone's speaker or the alarm clock, bring along this tiny portable Bluetooth speaker. It packs a punch along with up to six hours of playtime. It's fully waterproof so you can bring it outdoors, and can double as a speakerphone. Grab two to link them together for party mode.
If you don't want to bring your non-waterproof smartwatch with you on vacation, leave it at home and bring this ultra-thin and basic one instead. It's fully waterproof and will keep recording your activity and sleep while you're away, so your stats stay up-to-date. You can also get notifications from your phone via slight vibrations and color-coded lights.
When on a road trip, you need to keep your devices powered up, especially if they're being used for music, navigation, and more. Plug this into the car's 12V port and get 2 USB-A ports to charge two phones or other devices at once. The gold-plated circuitry that reduces heat while charging will give you the confidence to use it in a rental as well.
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Travelling isn't always the most enjoyable experience, no matter how often you do it. But with the right tech and accessories, suddenly the process of getting to where you need to go and making the most of the time there is easier. The addition of dead-simple and inexpensive accessories like Mophie's Encore Portable Power Bank and Aukey's USB-C Cable 5-Pack addresses the little frustrations we've all had while on-the-go, like your phone dying at the worst time or the power outlet not working on an airplane. These will ensure you can recharge your devices, so they're ready to go when you need them.
When you're ready to upgrade your travel gear, there are fantastic buys out there like BauBax Bomber Jacket 2.0 that integrates items like a neck pillow and eye mask, so you don't have to pack them separately. Plus, they are always ready at a moment's notice. Also, the Sony's WH1000XM3 Headphones are great for blocking out distracting noise around you, like the hum of an airplane engine or sounds from a train. You can catch some ZZZs or relax with your favorite tunes or a good movie wherever you go.
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Christine Persaud has been writing about tech since long before the smartphone was even a "thing." When she isn't writing, she's working on her latest fitness program, binging a new TV series, tinkering with tech gadgets she's reviewing, or spending time with family and friends. A self-professed TV nerd, lover of red wine, and passionate home cook, she's immersed in tech in every facet of her life. Follow her at @christineTechCA.