Updated April 2026 | 3 min read
Every trip I refine the gear list. Some things get cut, others become permanent fixtures. After 15 international trips across 20+ countries, this is the exact tech I bring on every trip and why each piece earned its spot.
I am not a tech reviewer. I am someone who travels 6 to 8 times a year and has broken, lost, or been frustrated by enough gadgets to know what actually works outside of a YouTube studio.
The Non-Negotiables
Portable Charger: Anker 737 (24,000mAh)
This charges my phone 4 to 5 times, my AirPods a dozen times, and can charge a laptop in a pinch via USB-C at 140W. It is heavier than smaller power banks (1.3 lbs) but the capacity means I never think about wall outlets during a full day at an F1 race or a 14-hour travel day.
I have tried smaller 10,000mAh chargers. They die by 3pm if you are using GPS navigation and taking photos all day. The extra weight is worth it.
Anker 737 Power Bank on Amazon — around $90-110
Universal Adapter: EPICKA All-in-One
I have tried four different universal adapters. Most of them feel like they are going to snap when you push them into a British or Italian socket. The EPICKA has built-in USB-A and USB-C ports, covers every outlet type I have encountered (US, EU, UK, AU), and has not failed once in 3 years.
At $15, it is the best value item in my entire gear list.
EPICKA Universal Adapter on Amazon — around $13-15
eSIM: Airalo or Holafly
I wrote a full comparison of eSIM providers. The short version: Airalo for flexibility (pay-per-GB, multi-country options), Holafly for simplicity (unlimited data, one price). I usually get Airalo for multi-country trips and Holafly for single-country stays.
Having reliable data in every country is more important than any physical gadget. Maps, ride-hailing, translation, mobile tickets — everything runs on your phone.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5
Covered in detail in my headphones review. Best ANC, 30-hour battery, multipoint connection. I also bring Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro as earbuds for short flights and walking around cities.
The Smart Additions
AirTags (x2)
One in my checked bag (if I check one), one in my daypack. The peace of mind when you can see your bag moving through an airport’s baggage system is worth every penny. They saved me once at Schiphol when a bag went to the wrong carousel.
AirTags 4-pack on Amazon — around $80-90
USB-C Cable (6ft Braided)
One cable charges everything — phone, headphones, power bank, Kindle. I bring two: one for charging at night, one that lives in my daypack. The 6ft length matters in hotels where the outlet is behind the nightstand 4 feet from the bed.
Anker USB-C braided cable on Amazon — around $10-12
Kindle Paperwhite
I resisted the Kindle for years. Then I took 3 paperbacks to Japan and hated carrying the weight. The Paperwhite is waterproof (poolside reading in Bali), has weeks of battery, and weighs nothing. I load it before every trip with 5 to 10 books.
Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon — around $130-150
Bluetooth Airplane Adapter
Pairs your wireless headphones with seatback entertainment. Without it, you are stuck with those terrible airline earbuds. $20 well spent.
Twelve South AirFly Pro on Amazon — around $25-35
What I Stopped Bringing
Hotel WiFi has gotten good enough and eSIMs handle mobile data. I carried one for 3 trips and never needed it.
Unless it is a dedicated photography trip, my iPhone does 95% of what I need. I wrote about this in my phone photography guide.
Nice idea, never used it outside of cafes where the table was already fine.
Replaced entirely by Google Maps saved lists and offline downloads.
Total Weight and Cost
Everything listed above: approximately 2.8kg and around $600. That covers connectivity, power, entertainment, comfort, and luggage tracking for any trip from a weekend city break to a 3-week multi-country run.
Keep Reading
- Best Travel Backpacks 2026
- Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel
- Ultimate Carry-On Packing List
- Best eSIM for Travel 2026
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. SafetyWing, Skyscanner, Airalo, Booking.com, Viator.
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Written by Jenna Fattah
I have visited 25+ countries across 6 continents, attended 7 Formula 1 races, and spent 4 years writing about what actually works and what I would do differently. Every recommendation on this site comes from trips I planned and paid for myself. Read more about me