Travel tech checklist: what to pack for your next trip

A dead phone at the airport, a plug that doesn't fit the hotel socket, a suitcase that won't close — most travel stress comes from small things. Here is a practical checklist of travel tech and accessories, with options from Amazon and AliExpress.

Power: a power bank and a charger with spare ports

A power bank is the first thing to pack. The two-pack of slim 10,000 mAh power banks below charges up to three devices at once and is described as suitable for carrying on a plane. Power banks generally go in carry-on luggage, not in checked bags — check your airline's rules before you fly.

At the hotel, one wall charger rarely covers a phone, earbuds and a watch. A set of two 20W USB-C chargers with 1.8 m cables means one by the bed and one in the bag; the seller lists it as compatible with iPhone 15 to 18 and several iPads.

Plug adapters: check the socket type first

Socket types differ between countries: continental Europe mostly uses round two-pin plugs, the UK uses three rectangular pins, the US two flat pins, Australia angled pins. Before you buy, check which type your destination uses.

• Single-direction adapters (for example, US to EU or EU to UK) are small and cheap — good if you travel to one country.
• Universal adapters accept plugs from several regions and suit people who travel often; some add USB ports.
• An adapter does not convert voltage. Most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V (look at the label), but hair dryers and kettles may not.

Packing: cubes keep the suitcase in order

Packing cubes split clothes, shoes and small items into separate bags, so you don't unpack everything to find one thing. Compression cubes with an extra zipper squeeze clothes flatter — useful with a small cabin bag. Look for sturdy zippers and a set with different sizes.

Comfort on long journeys

A U-shaped neck pillow supports the head when you sleep sitting up on a plane, train or bus. Memory foam keeps its shape; inflatable pillows take almost no space when deflated.

Massage U Shaped Memory Foam Neck Pillow Ergonomic Cervical Support Soft Travel Pillow for Airplane Car Road Trip Rest

$5.57$12.32−55%

96% positive feedback on AliExpress

Keep track of your luggage

An AirTag in the suitcase shows its location in the app — handy when bags take a different route than you. It sets up quickly next to an iPhone or iPad and plays a sound to help you find it nearby.

On a road trip

In the car, a charger with several ports saves arguments. The 4-in-1 charger from Amazon has built-in retractable cables and charges up to four devices; a compact dual-port charger from AliExpress is a cheaper option if you bring your own cables.

Checklist before you leave

• Power bank charged and in your carry-on.
• Charger and cables for every device, plus a spare.
• The right plug adapter for your destination.
• Packing cubes for clothes and a separate bag for shoes.
• A neck pillow for long flights or trains.
• A tracker in the suitcase.

Product details are as stated by the sellers. Current prices are shown on each product card or on the marketplace.