The 7 most useful travel gadgets - and the 7 that offer no benefit
When organizing a journey, each bit of space in your suitcase is important - and every item you bring should be worthy of its spot. Distinguishing between genuinely useful items and those that are just marketing tricks is crucial. Certain products truly enhance comfort, organization, or safety while traveling. Others, however, occupy space unnecessarily or get left behind after the first day. In this article, we introduce you to 7 truly useful travel accessories, ones that experienced travelers recommend without hesitation. To help you avoid buying things you don't need, we also list the 7 that offer no real value: they are bulky, ineffective, or completely unnecessary. If you're preparing for a trip, this guide will assist you in identifying the essentials... and leaving the extra items at home.
1. Universal travel adapter
Essential for travelers, the universal adapter allows you to connect your devices in nearly every country. Small in size and frequently featuring USB ports, it eliminates the stress of electrical compatibility. One essential item for all your journeys: saves space, saves time, and most importantly, avoids unexpected issues when you reach your hotel.
2. Portable external battery (power bank)
Struggling with a low battery during your travels? Take out your portable charger! Compact, lightweight, and strong, it swiftly and effectively recharges your phone, smartwatch, or earphones. Whether you're on a flight, hiking, or exploring the city, you can remain connected without any worries. It's the subtle yet essential device that ensures you never run out of power, even when you're far from any outlets.
3. Cable management and electronic accessories
Say goodbye to messy cords at the bottom of your bag! The tech organizer helps keep your chargers, earphones, adapters, and SD cards neatly arranged. While traveling, time is crucial, and everything should be easy to find at a glance. It's light and has multiple sections, helping you avoid missing an important cable and safeguarding your gear. It's the ideal companion for travelers who like to stay organized!
4. Hanging toilet bag
It can be hung anywhere: door handles, towel bars, camping showers... The hanging kit is perfect for keeping your items within reach, dry, and organized. Say goodbye to placing your belongings in questionable sink areas! Small in size and featuring multiple compartments, it maximizes storage and space. It simplifies your routine, even in small bathrooms.
5. Pocket-sized bag for papers and travel document
This pouch keeps all your necessities conveniently accessible: passport, tickets, cards, insurance, and cash... In a moment, you'll locate what you need during check-in or boarding. It holds your important items and prevents frantic searches in your bag. Convenient, slim, and frequently equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), it also shields you from subtle digital theft.
6. Noise-reducing headphones or earphones
The sound of the airplane, a baby's wails, or loud conversations... all disappear because of active noise cancellation. Whether you're in the air or at a station, these headphones form a zone of calm where you can relax, focus, or listen to your music. Light and comfortable, they offer your passage to a peaceful experience.
7. Collapsible auxiliary bag (lightweight tote or backpack)
This extremely lightweight bag fits into a pocket and can be unfolded whenever needed, no matter where you are. Strong despite its thin design, it's always prepared to assist without adding extra weight. It's a smart accessory that doubles your carrying space, without increasing the burden unnecessarily. It's definitely a must-have for any modern traveler.1.Low-end inflatable neck pillow
The inflatable neck cushion is frequently uncomfortable. It provides little support for the back of your neck and tends to let your head slip to the side. Moreover, it is often constructed from inexpensive plastic or synthetic material, which is not suitable for comfortable travel. This item remains cumbersome even when deflated. In summary, it's more of a hassle than it's worth!
2. Suspended aircraft footrest
The hanging aircraft footrest offers comfort, yet it is awkward, lacks proper ergonomics, and soon becomes unsatisfactory. In economy class, the limited space prevents true enjoyment of it. It frequently interferes with the passenger behind, draws and annoys the attention of flight attendants, and stays unstable during the flight. This smart accessory proves to be unpractical in 90% of flight scenarios.
3. Mini portable washing machine
The compact portable washing machine might appear clever, but it's not particularly useful. It needs water, detergent, and electricity... and demands almost the same effort as washing manually. It's large, ineffective, and seldom used. Eventually, you find yourself washing your undergarments in the sink, just like everyone else, and wish you hadn't given up space.
4. Ultra-visible ticket-covering belt
Built for privacy, it can be overly bulky or noticeable when worn under clothes. It's not easy to carry and can draw more attention than a regular wallet. Let's face it: reaching into your pants every time you pay is neither convenient nor reassuring. There are easier and more secure methods to carry your money.
5. Personal portable air purifier
This small device claims to purify the air around you while traveling on a plane, train, or at a station. Nevertheless, it is loud, offers minimal battery life, and lacks any confirmed effectiveness. The advertising is appealing, but the actual experience is far less impressive: your nose won't notice any difference. It's a stressful, noisy, costly item, yet definitely not a necessary travel accessory.
6. Bamboo travel utensils in a durable case
The concept of bamboo cutlery stored in a durable case is commendable, yet not very functional. The case occupies room, adds unnecessary weight, and the cutlery tends to be overlooked. In the end, you resort to using the ones available on location. All items eventually gather at the bottom of the bag, remaining unused. The environmentally conscious idea is present, but the usability is significantly lacking.
7. Electronic suitcase scale
You purchase it to prevent overindulgence, yet in truth, you end up ignoring it or using it just once. Frequently unreliable, it adds extra weight to your bag. In hotels, a bathroom scale suffices. And at airports? Scales are readily available. Overall, it's yet another source of stress that you can easily live without.