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These 8 tech gadgets make travel a breeze, according to flight crew members
Take it from the pros: From organizers to power adapters, these problem-solvers are worthy of a precious spot in your suitcase.
Traveling for the holidays? You've probably already double-checked that you have your passport, clothes and toiletries. And that's all you need to have a fabulous trip, right? Well ... maybe not. For a truly comfortable journey, we recommend investing in some top-rated travel tech. Whether you're flying somewhere exotic or heading out on a road trip with the family, we've found gear that comes highly recommended by seasoned travelers and travel industry insiders.
Bringing a few problem-solving tech accessories along for the ride is always a good idea, whether it's noise-cancelling earbuds or a battery pack to juice up your phone. And who better to recommend travel tech than flight crew personnel, who've made travel their profession? We talked with a flight attendant and scoured the internet for flight-crew-recommended products — here are our recommendations.
Traveling abroad? Keep in mind that outlets vary by country. This gadget will keep you plugged in from Stockholm to Shanghai, and in all points in between. This all-in-one model includes four USB-A connectors and a USB-C.
"Bought this for our nephew who is prepping for his first trip to Europe!" said one travel pro. "This travel adapter is all in one piece and very sturdy; I am getting a couple for my husband and I, as we are flight attendants! Not having to worry about missing pieces is great!"
While most frequent travelers will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lost luggage is not to check any, that just isn't realistic for everyone. And while Apple AirTags are great for keeping track of your keys and wallet, let's think a little bigger: You can also use them to keep tabs on your luggage.
"I put one in my flight attendant bag whenever I have to check it," said one five-star reviewer. "These are super easy to use and definitely worth the money."
Tired of arriving at your destination with parched, papery skin? Here's a fix. This compact humidifier operates via USB, comes with two spray modes and has a convenient LED night-light — an especially nice touch in an unfamiliar hotel room.
Simon Wu, a flight attendant for Cathay Pacific, told Yahoo that this is a must, thanks to dry cabin air. "I absolutely need a humidifier for my skin after a long plane ride," he says. "This small one makes it very easy to pack."
While Apple AirPods are popular, Wu prefers Google Pixel Buds Pro. These noise-cancelling earbuds can go for up to 31 hours with the charging case. "The Pixel Buds are a must-have when I'm taking a nap during my shift break," he says. Plus, you can ask Google for directions or use it to answer calls and control your music, keeping everything hands-free.
You'll be using your phone a lot on your trip — not just for staying in touch with folks back home, but for directions, activity recommendations, maybe even to download or scan tickets. All that will certainly drain the battery, and a power bank is a must.
This one's a favorite with Amazon reviewers, some of them crew members. "As a flight attendant, I always need power on the go," said one. "I bought this to replace an older Anker power bank I had left on a plane. This battery is perfect for me. ... This battery charges my phone incredibly fast and holds around four full charges for my iPhone X. My only complaint is the shape. I wish it were a tad more slender. ... Otherwise a great, fast battery pack and easy to stow for travel!"
Amazon
This universal travel adapter comes with a 110-volt to 220-volt converter, which is a must for using appliances such as curling irons and fans abroad.
"As a retired international flight attendant, I have had every kind of converter for overseas travel," said this reviewer. "The Bestek converter was the best I have ever purchased. With phones, iPads, curling irons, computers, etc., the converter makes it so easy to charge it all up at the same time. I had a mini-curling iron that I thought wouldn't work with the converter, but it heated it up perfectly. Loved it!"
Not every hotel room has a microwave, which is a pain if you want to heat up leftovers or breakfast. A solution? This electric food-warming tote that has become something of a cult hit among flight crews.
"I absolutely love my Hot Logic," said this five-star reviewer. "I've been a flight attendant for a really long time and this is my second one. ... I mostly do turns (day trips), but even on those, I take this with me just in case we don't make it home and have to stay overnight somewhere. ... Outside of North America, microwaves in hotels are almost impossible to find. The Hot Logic works great with converters as well. Just keep an eye on how hot it may get when using a converter."
Errant cables and plugs can make an already chaotic experience (travel, of course) even nuttier, but corraling your accessories like this makes at least packing a breeze. And it's waterproof!
"I am a flight attendant and I love this organizer!" wrote one reviewer. "I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
