No one expects their next flight to be delayed or canceled, but the reality is, it happens all the time. Recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics puts it at more than 20% of the time. In 2013, I was one of those unlucky travelers, and my lack of preparation forever changed my perspective on what to pack in my carry-on bag.
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My flight back from Japan was delayed 14 hours. With little money at the time, I couldn’t afford to leave the airport and book a hotel, so I just weathered it in the terminal. I had to find a way to keep my devices plugged in and powered on to keep loved ones updated and stave off boredom. From fumbling around for an open wall outlet to struggling to decide which item to charge next, the delay became a test of my personal technology.
With the right gear in my carry-on, I would have been a lot less stressed. I’ve been a digital nomad for 8 years now, so I travel all year round and I enjoy it. With the right technology, I can stay entertained, informed and even work wherever I am in the world. I’ve used my gadgets on trains in Japan, on ships in Greece, on planes in South America, on buses in Africa and in cars in Europe.
A recent survey found that 25% of Americans are planning to travel internationally this summer, so pack one or more of these items in your carry-on luggage in case an unexpected delay occurs on your next trip.
ROHM WiFi
One thing I’ve learned through my travels is that you can’t always rely on the Wi-Fi network wherever you’re staying.
In Kenya, where my family is from, the Airbnb network never worked, so I had to tether my phone, and I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels with horribly slow Wi-Fi.
Having a mobile Wi-Fi device can help you avoid surprises while traveling. We like the RoamWiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router because it is fast, has great range, and can connect to a variety of devices to provide Wi-Fi coverage. Although it is an investment, if internet connectivity is essential while traveling, consider making a hotspot router a priority.
EPICKA/Amazon
Over the years, international adapters have become smaller and more versatile, and can now fit in a backpack.
I travel with an EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter because it has multiple port types and is a convenient all-in-one option. Whatever adapter you bring, be sure to check that it is compatible with the country you’re visiting.
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This Anker cord has both a regular power outlet and a USB port, is small enough to fit in your carry-on, and can charge 11 devices simultaneously if needed, making it perfect for those Airbnbs that look great but don’t have actual wall outlets.
Extension cords also have surge protection, which is important because other countries may have different power regulations. Plugging the extension cord into an international adapter means you only need one adapter when traveling.
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I spend a lot of time on the go, but rarely have a chance to power up my electronics. A power bank is a lifesaver on planes, trains, buses and in the car.
I use an Anker MagGo Power Bank to charge my primary electronics, including my iPhone, iPad, Bose headphones, MacBook Pro, etc. It’s small enough to fit in my carry-on luggage, but durable enough to meet my power needs in the unlikely event of a power outage at my Airbnb or hotel (which I’ve experienced before).
You never know when you might get stranded somewhere while traveling, having enough power to power your devices can help in an emergency and keep you safe.
Tongmom
I work remotely, so I have to do a lot of work on my laptop when I travel. Typing that much on a laptop keyboard can really hurt your wrists. In Colombia, my wrists hurt so much I ended up in the hospital. So now I carry a laptop stand with me everywhere I go.
The Tonmom Laptop Stand is adjustable to various heights, easy to assemble, and small enough to fit in a laptop bag. It’s a wrist-friendly stand. The laptop stand is also good for your device because the height provides more space for the ventilation fan to blast heat away.
The right gear makes traveling easier
You never know what’s going to happen when you travel, but having the right gadgets can help you prepare for the unexpected. Consider your upcoming trip and see if any of these gadgets could make your journey easier.
