Holidays are all about taking time to relax and unwind, and taking a step away from the typically fast-paced, always on lifestyle we live today. But even while you’re immersing yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of an entirely different way of life or spending a day luxuriating by the pool, technology still has a place and can elevate your experience to the next level.
There are a variety of great smart tech gadgets on the market today that are well worth packing in your suitcase; you may not want to be glued to your mobile phone all week, but these secret weapons can help take the chill factor to the maximum.
Here, we take a look at 18 of the most up-to-date equipment the smart traveller is packing this holiday season, according to those in the know.
1. Wifi when you need it
Data roaming is great when you’re in an area that has strong 4G signal, but the last thing you need when you’re accessing your emails or checking in on social media is for the connection to drop out. That’s where portable Wifi devices, or Mifi, comes in. Unlocked so that it can be used with any SIM, it offers the additional advantage of being usable with a SIM picked up the airport for better local connectivity.
Many of these units allow multiple devices to be connected at any one time, too, meaning the whole family can get up and running at once.
2. Music on the go
Sometimes, all that’s missing during a relaxing day on the beach is some chilled ambient music, and a set of good quality speakers is a must to avoid that tinny sound. The Dali Katch, with its retro styling and lovely lines, connects easily to your devices via Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC), so you can access and play your favourite tunes in minutes.
3. Stay on top of fitness
Fitness can often fall by the wayside whilst you’re away on a beach break, but if you’re determined not to let your health slide this time then a fitness watch could be the answer.
Whilst your Fitbit, or even the step counter on your phone, can both come in handy, the top-of-the-range TAG Heuer Connected range goes one better. These luxury offering offers all the functions you could need from a smart watch and more – and they look far more elegant wrapped around your wrist, too.
4. Power Banks
Even during a digital detox, you can’t live without your phone entirely, and the great news is, you no longer have to. A good quality power bank will keep you topped up wherever you are, meaning you’ll never have to miss out on that once in a lifetime photo opportunity.
Check out any of the LOGO stock for fast, reliable charging when you need it most – and if you’re looking to get the most out of your smart device while you travel, check out this website for great tips and hacks.
5. Stay secure
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that when you’re travelling, the worst can still happen, and getting your suitcase or bag broken into has got to qualify. Whilst having valuables such as cameras, laptops and jewellery stolen can come as a nasty shock, the inconvenience of cancelling credit cards, organising replacements and filling out police reports in a different country can make it even more of a bitter pill to swallow.
Enter, Bluetooth padlock – a stunningly simple and clever idea that means you not only never have to carry tiny keys around again, but you can also lock and unlock it completely via an App on your phone. Clever, convenient and safe, it’s the ultimate companion for your designer suitcases on your next luxury getaway.
6. Banish sand
This one might not be quite as high tech as the others, but it’s such a clever and obvious necessity for travellers that it deserves to be included in our line-up. After a full-on day lazing in the sun, dusting sand off yourself, your beach towel and basically everything you own is a pain, and it goes without saying that it gets into all the wrong places.
The revolutionary sand-repellent beach mat promises to change all that. Not only is it impossible to cover in sand, but it also makes lying on the beach with a drink and a great book, all the more enjoyable. So, if there are no sun loungers left when you head down after a late night, then don’t sweat it – this clever invention has got you covered.
7. Get the best aerial shots
Take your holiday photography to the next level with your very own drone, which promises to get you those longed-for aerial shots that are certain to impress. The number one travel accessory as we head into 2019, the best drones will make footage over the Grand Canyon or the Swiss Alps a cinch.
The DJI Mavic Pro 2 combines great handling with intelligent features that let you soar far and wide, beaming down high quality footage that will capture a truly memorable experience.
8. Smart baggage
No-one wants to contend with pickpocketers while enjoying a well-earned break away, and anti-theft backpacks such as the clever Bobby Backpack, which come in grey, are just the ticket for taking your worries away. Featuring a variety of internal pockets and dedicated space for your laptop, the Bobby is made from anti-slash material and a waterproof exterior – perfect for when you’re wandering around an unfamiliar city.
9. Time for reading
One of the best things about being away on holiday is having the time and space to do the things you enjoy – all without the pressures and constraints bestowed upon you by work. of work. E-readers can make for a great travel companion, allowing you to store all the books you want to read – and have been meticulously downloading for months – in one place.
From Kindles to Kobo, there are plenty more options out there nowadays, so select one that ticks all the boxes for the features you want. By shopping around, you’ll find e-readers that are waterproof, have larger screens and are compatible with various formats – but whichever you choose will be certain to save you some valuable space in your luggage.
10. Iron it out
When you absolutely must look your best on the go, the world’s smallest steam iron is the ultimate secret weapon.
This tiny device from Steamfast is about the size of a computer mouse, but works just as effectively on clothing wrinkles as its larger counterparts and takes up a miniscule amount of space in your luggage. No more groaning as you open your suitcase to find out that all those carefully packed items are crumpled to within an inch of their lives – the Steamfast has you covered.
11. On the go purity
Worried about the quality of the water you’re drinking whilst away on your travels? Don’t take any chances, and opt for a portable water purifying system that fits snugly into a half-litre water bottle. GRAYL’s offering is just the job, and is the perfect size for carrying in your hand luggage.
The tablets are easily replaceable, meaning you’ll have safe, clean water wherever you are in the world and whenever you need it the most. They also save you buying plastic bottled water – an ethical win when it comes to reducing the plastics polluting our oceans.
12. And speaking of water bottles
We like the Zoku range of water bottles, with each offering a glass cylinder contained inside the outer plastic body. They’re perfect for keeping drinks cooler for longer and for a crisper, purer taste, which is just what you need when contending with boiling hot weather.
13. Smart tunes
When you need a spot of R&R and want to unwind alone with your music, feeling as if your favourite band or composer is right there with you can make the experience all the better. Smart headphones will cancel out exterior noise and give you the feeling of surround sound, and fortunately, there are plenty to choose from on the market today.
All the big electronic names carry their own versions in a number of styles and pricing options, but for the best in comfort and sound, opt for Bluetooth or NFC connectivity that means no more tangled wires and a quick immersion into the music you love.
14. Put your head in the sand
Not literally, of course, but this ingenious pillow promises a good night’s sleep all round. Simply slip the case over your head, leaving your mouth and nose uncovered, and slip off easily into the land of nod.
What it lacks in style it more than makes up for in functionality it’s easy to store and even easier to wear.
15. When you just need a coffee
When nothing else will do but your favourite blend, this on-the-go coffee maker is perfect for coffee lovers, and will magic your favourite morning pick-me-up in to time at all. Even on holiday, you’ll need a dose of the good stuff to kick-start your day, and the Minispresso certainly doesn’t disappoint. It looks like a normal drinks flask, has its own cup and is even compatible with Nespresso capsules.
16. Shirt carrier
Another one for when appearances count, the Packshi shirt carrier comes to the rescue for keeping shirts crisp and smooth. This ingenious device allows you to pack your freshly ironed shirts and know that they’ll come out in just the same state when you come to unpack them.
It’s just the right size for fitting into your hand luggage or laptop bag, and protects your shirt with its durable case.
17. Don’t miss a moment
With a Go Pro, you’ll never have to miss those memorable moments. These classic on-board action cameras are perfect for live streaming your skiing skills, capturing that underwater adventure or recording forever that breath-taking mountain vista.
The new GoPro Hero 7 is the best on the market right now, and promises to help you capture memories you will treasure forever.
18. Gaming on the go
When you’re in need of something to distract and entertain, the Nintendo Switch is a great choice for portable entertainment. Allowing you to take your favourite gaming experiences with you, wherever you go, the Nintendo Switch gives you even more time to play the games you love, however you like.
Battle it out with others in your travelling party and feel those hours on the plane literally fly by.
When you travel regularly and need some additional luxury in your life, these exceptional tech advancements are all you need to transform your next trip.
From gadgets that protect your most treasured possessions to Apps that save you money and time while you’re travelling, this little lot have got all bases covered.
