23 travel gadgets you need for your next trip

Summer vacation seems just around the corner and you have to decide what to pack for the trip. While you may want to limit your tech time, you’ll still need a few things, whether you’re heading on hiking trip or a family vacation by the beach. Here at PCWorld we’re continually testing the latest gadgets to sort the good from the bad. This means we’ve had the opportunity to find the best tech gear and accessories built for travel.

From voltage converters to noise-canceling headphones, we’ve curated a list of the very best tech gear to optimize your next travel experience. The items below are worthy of any packing list and will help you prepare for anything you may encounter on the road—or in the sky.

Manage electrical needs with a voltage converter

BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V

Bestek, Mapambo

When you’re traveling from the U.S. to Europe, for instance, you don’t just need a different type of plug for your chargers and gadgets, but also a voltage converter because Europe runs on different settings. The Bestek Universal Travel Adapter will convert 220V outlets to U.S.-standard 110V, thus ensuring that your devices don’t burn out. It’s not only affordable, but it has three AC outlets and four USB ports. Plus, the product comes with a couple of extra plug adapters. If a more compact version is all you need, then the Mapambo converter will work just fine with one AC plug, two type-C, and two type-A ports.

Buy the BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter at Amazon

Buy the Mapambo 220V to 110V Voltage Converter at Amazon

Take control of tangled cords

Rolling Square inCharge 6 Portable Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square

If you’re like most travelers, you bring multiple electronics to make the most of your experience—we’re talking camera, phone, laptop, headphones, etc. But along with all of these items, you’ll need to carry all of their charging cables. That can take up space and lead to a tangled web of cords in your bag if you’re not careful. With the Rolling Square inCharge 6 Portable Charger Cable on Amazon, you have the option of USB-C or USB-A inputs and Micro USB or USB-C outputs all in a cable that is small enough for your keychain.

Buy the Rolling Square Portable Charger Cable at Amazon

Or get a retractable cable

Baseus USB-C Retractable Cable

Baseus

If you’d rather have a simpler cable, then this one from Baseus will do the trick. The retractable design ensures it’s going to be safe in your luggage, preventing any type of tangling issues and considerably lowering the chances of your cable breaking. You can get this one in two length versions—3.3ft and 6.6ft— and you can pay as little as $10 on the shorter one if it’s on sale.

Buy the Baseus retractable USB-C cable at Amazon

Keep your devices charged with a portable power bank

Anker GaN Prime Power Bank 2-in-1 10,000mAh portable power bank with wall charger

Anker

Traveling is always fun, but ending up with a depleted phone battery in an unknown place can be terrifying. This Anker Prime power bank takes up two roles in one. On one hand, it can plug into a wall outlet and give you the recharge you need while you’re at your hotel, for instance, but it can also act as a power bank when you’re out and about exploring. 10,000mAh is enough to charge your phone twice over (or close to that). There are three ports on this Anker hybrid charger, two of which are type-C that can reach 65W charging. It’s available for $110, but you can often find it closer to $70 when on sale.

Buy the Anker GaN Prime Power Bank 2-in-1 Charger at Amazon

Make that hotel outlet actually useful

Anker Prime 6-in-1 charging station

Anker

One of the main issues we all have when traveling is that it’s tough to find multiple outlets in your hotel room. You’ll get one by the bedside table and another that’s taken up by the TV. Well, this compact power strip from Anker makes good use of that outlet and turns it into six. You get two AC outlets, two USB-A and two USB-C ports and a maximum output of 140W via those type-C ports. That’s just about perfect for laptops, smartphones and whatever else you have on you. The cool part is that the power strip is flat and the power cord detaches, so it’s ideal for your tight-packed luggage.

Buy the Anker Prime 6-in-1 power strip at Amazon

Never lose your valuables again

Apple AirTag, Tile Pro, Samsung SmartThings, Tile Slim

Apple, Tile, Samsung

We’ve all been there. You arrive at your destination and you’re waiting for your checked bag to show up on the carousel, but it never does. Baggage handling is at it again. With a Bl