Settling down on the plane with an overpriced sandwich and a bottle of water, you may be fooled into a false sense of security that you’re about to embark on a relaxing trip where nothing can go wrong.
But, unless you are the most meticulous of packers (we salute you if you are), then at some point during the journey you’ll sit bolt upright in a panic remembering you forgot that one essential item.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll view travelling as one of the greatest gifts in life but equally, nothing we hate more than packing our bags. The endless lists and restrictive baggage allowances can most definitely be a stressful affair but with our latest roundup of travel essentials, we hope to make the process, and the holiday, far more enjoyable.
From adaptors that work in every country to travel pillows that won’t leave you with everlasting neck pain, we’ve got the best gadgets for all types of holidays. So, whether you’re topping up your tan on a beach or exploring a new city, you’re going to want to take these smart products with you.
See below
Kindle (2022 release)
Amazon’s own-brand e-readers have been around for a while now, but this 2022 release will ignite jealousy from your fellow travellers - and for a very good reason. This Kindle is the lightest and most compact to date, making it perfect for diving into the latest good read while you’re on the go.
The ultimate companion for the bookworm jetsetter, it is small enough to fit in any crossbody bag to offer an entire library at your fingertips for the entire trip. No longer will you need to choose between a book and that extra pair of shoes as whether you have the chance to dive into your most recent literary downloads or not, the featherlight 158g won’t make too much of a dent in those already tight baggage restrictions.
It measures under 16 x 11 x 0.8cm with a 6” display and a built-in light so you can continue to flick between the pages even when lighting is low. You can use it totally wirelessly with no need to connect to a computer and the 16GB gives you the option to download thousands of books to enjoy with no WiFi necessary. Battery life is impressive too and should last throughout your adventures. The brand says up to six weeks but this will be less depending on how usage and if you employ the use of the illumination. Set-up and navigating the system couldn’t be easier - even for the less technology adept among us and recharging is through USB-C so the same cable as the newest iPhones and Android devices.
The cherry on top of the cake is the eco-conscious construction where this Kindle is made from 75 per cent post-consumer recycled plastics. This sustainable approach is continued into the packaging too with wood-fibre-based material and entirely recyclable boxes used.
Buy now £84.99, Amazon
Pocketalk S Voice Translator
Gone are the days of awkward hand gestures and elaborate games of charades to order your dinner or ask for directions on holiday as the Pocketalk S device can translate 82 languages bi-directionally - all at the touch of a button.
This pocket-sized device also has a text-to-translate camera which instantly recognises and translates, making this a perfect gadget for helping you explore a new city. Utilising the best translation engines in the world, Pocketalk S ensures accurate translations and helps create the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang.
The Pocketalk also comes with an embedded SIM that provides a two-year mobile data plan so you can use the translator in over 130 countries without needing to rely on Wi-Fi or your precious mobile data. Its small size and lightweight characteristics means it is perfect for carrying around, wherever you’re going.
Buy now £259.00, Amazon
iBlockCube Worldwide Travel Adapter
If you’re anything like us, at least once during every holiday packing process you wish that every country used the same sockets to make life easier. Even if that’s not possible, the iBlockCube travel adaptor takes away the need to buy several adaptors for different countries and devices as it works in over 150 countries including the US, EU, UK, Australia and much of Asia.
The travel adaptor has four plugs which can be accessed by the multiple sliders and lock buttons on the side. It also has three fast-charging USB-A ports and two Type C ports meaning you don’t have to pack hundreds of plugs and adaptors for your next trip as you can charge up to six devices simultaneously and quickly.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Trtl Pillow Original
Whilst long car, plane or train journeys are rarely the best part of a holiday, they can definitely be made more comfortable (and therefore enjoyable) with the Trtl Pillow Original. The Trtl pillow has a soft fleece feel and contains internal support which keeps your head upright while sleeping so you don’t end up straining your neck or falling asleep in awkward positions.
What we loved most about this pillow was its compact size compared to other travel pillows on the market. The Trtl easily folds up so it is no bigger than a scarf and fits neatly into the travel bag provided. It is also fully adjustable so you can place the internal support mechanism against your neck where it suits you best. The velcro attachment then allows you to decide how tight you want the pillow wrapped.
Buy now £54.99, Amazon
Aeropress Go Coffee Maker
For those early morning starts, whether it’s to catch a plane or begin your morning commute, nothing beats a cup of coffee. The AeroPress Go ensures we are never without your trusted cup of coffee no matter how jam packed your bags are. This portable coffee maker measures a mere 14cm x 10cm x 10cm and comes with its own travel mug that all parts of the product can fit into.
The coffee maker is simple to use with only 6 components including a scooper, stirrer, 350 filter papers and a plunger. Not only is the product an ideal travel size, but it is also highly efficient as it brews up to 237ml (standard mug size) of American-style coffee per pressing - and all in just one minute. It can also brew espresso style coffee which can be used in lattes and cappuccinos.
Buy now £37.48, Amazon
Urbanears Boo Headphones
As sustainability continues to be at the forefront of many of our minds whilst shopping, we want products that not only look good, but also do good. Branding the slogan “made from trash”, these headphones are made with 97 per cent recycled plastics such as water bottles and air conditioning units. Urbanears are currently sold in three highly on-trend colours: slightly blue, almost green and charcoal black.
The headphones provide up to thirty hours of playtime, 4.5 hours from the headphones and 25.5 hours from the wireless case, meaning your headphones won’t run out of battery whilst you’re having a silent disco for one. The headphones are also dual noise filtering so it is easier to take that work call no matter how loud your surroundings.
Buy now £69.99, Urbanears
Russell Hobbs Travel Iron
Let’s face it, no matter how well we try and pack our clothes into our suitcase using all sorts of folds and Tetris-style positioning, they always inevitably end up creased and crumpled within the first few days of the holiday. That’s why a travel iron is an absolute must and this Russell Hobbs Travel Iron is sturdy, good quality and budget friendly.
This iron is perfectly compact and lightweight, at only 0.36kg, meaning it will fit easily into your luggage or travel bag. Despite its small size it can hold an impressive 80ml of water and features a stainless steel soleplate allowing your ironing experience to be quick and smooth. The variable steam features help remove even the most stubborn of creases so it is a great addition for business trips.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
RUGD Power Brick
If your next holiday involves camping, hiking, or anything outdoorsy then you won’t want to miss taking the RUGD Power Brick. This charging bank is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and comes with two charging ports which can fast charge up to 50 per cent in just thirty minutes. The power brick also doubles up as a camping light and provides super power night light, two brightness modes and 16 LEDs so it will be sure to brighten up your holiday regardless of the weather!
Weighing only 280g, it is easily portable and its nifty carabiner clip means it will attach to any backpack or equipment. It is also water, dust and shockproof so no matter how adventurous your holiday, RUGD will be by your side.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Colgate Hum Brush
It can be a hassle packing your electric toothbrush alongside all the other electronic equipment you’re taking when going on holiday. But, if you can’t live without it, then the Colgate Hum Brush is the perfect addition to your toiletries bag. This smart toothbrush connects to your phone via Bluetooth and helps you brush better as it tracks the frequency and duration of brushing, while learning your personal brushing style in order to provide tailored advice.
The Hum toothbrush is perfect for travel not only because of its small size but also the duration of the rechargeable batteries, which can last up to 10 days. The handy travel bag means it is easily stored and won’t take up unnecessary space. The starter kit also comes with an extra refill head which will help you brushing for longer.
Buy now £49.72, Amazon
Marshall Emberton Portable Bluetooth Speaker
No holiday is complete without a great soundtrack and we think this retro style Marshall portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to listen to all of your favourite tunes wherever you are in the world. With 20 hours of charge and Bluetooth 5.0, you don’t have to worry about unstable connections or charging equipment.
A perfect addition to your travel bases, this speaker weighs a mere 0.7kg and measures 68 x 76 x 160 mm. Despite its light weight and small size the Marshall speaker offers high quality, 360° multi-directional audio, meaning you don’t have to compromise on anything with this product.
What’s more is that the solid metal grille of the speaker gives it a tough enough exterior to protect it from inevitable jostling about in luggage. The Marshall is also great for those relaxing pool days as it is waterproof up to one metre.
Buy now £129.34, Amazon
Osprey Ultralight Drysack 12L
If you’re looking forward to all the surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and every other water-based activity you’ll do on holiday then the Osprey Ultralight Drysack is perfect for keeping all of your belongings dry and safe. This 12L bag is made from Ripstop nylon which means it is both tough and ultralight so won’t weigh you down as you go about your adventure.
The roll-top closure of the bag and taped seams ensures your prized possessions will be completely safe from water no matter how wet it gets. Its rectangular shape can make packing more efficient and the range of bright colours offered means your bag will stay visible even as night falls.
Buy now £20.00, Osprey
