Travelling for work isn’t much fun, but with these handy gadgets, it can be a little bit easier.
Handheld Luggage Scale
Avoid baggage fees by making sure your check-in luggage is under the target weight. Handheld luggage scales are small, sold everywhere, and easy to use. Expect to spend between $10 and $20. Here’s a list of some of the best.
Travel Steamer
Travel can make the best of us look dishevelled, but a savvy business person has ways of looking sharp even after one of those gruelling trans-Pacific flights. So pack a travel steamer. A good travel steamer is compact, heats up quickly, and will get rid of wrinkles so that your clothes look their best. Expect to spend between $20 and $50. Here’s a list of some of the best.
Shoe Shine Kit
Travel can do a number on shoes, and given that the cost of airport shoe shines can rack up fast, it makes sense to travel with a small shoe shine kit. Expect to spend between $20 and $50. Here’s a list of some of the best.
All-in-One Power Adaptor (with USB Support)
Anyone doing a lot of overseas travel knows that it’s important to plan for different styles of electrical outlet, never mind the difference between 110v and 220v. That’s why any overseas traveller needs a power adaptor. The power adaptor you choose will depend entirely on where you do your traveling. You want one with the right style of plug, an 110v to 220 converter, and USB ports. You may also want one that has multiple outlets, if you travel with a lot of devices. Expect to spend between $20 and $40. Here’s a list of some of the best.
Portable Charger / Power Pack
There are a number of ways to make a smartphone battery charge last longer, but it’s a good idea to pack along extra power just in case. Some power packs are specifically for powering smartphones, whereas others let you power your laptop and other big devices. Some offer multiple ports, pass-through charging, and wireless charging. Because features vary so much, you can expect to spend between $30 and $250. Here’s a list of some of the best.
Portable Door Lock
Maybe you’re travelling in an unsafe part of the world. Maybe you’d just prefer an extra bit of peace of mind. Either way, what you want is a portable door lock. They are small, portable, and can be installed over a door without the need for tools. Expect to spend around $25. Here’s a list of some of the best.
Smart Luggage Tag
Lost luggage is a pain at best and a catastrophe at worst. You can help solve the problem with a smart luggage tag. Tracking works in a few ways. Some tags offer GSM tracking, others offer Bluetooth, and some do both. Typically they also require monthly or yearly fee to use. Non-electronic trackers offer unique QR codes, which will help airline staff get your luggage back to you. Expect to spend between $10 and $40, along with possible regular fees. Here’s a list of some of the best.
