Imagine going on holiday was as simple as it sounded. Instead, we have to worry about luggage allowance, adapters, roaming charges and the list goes on and on and on. You’ll travel smarter and safer in 2019 with these cool travel gadgets designed for on-the-go adventurers and relaxation seekers. Here are some of the top gadgets according to our agency intern Yasmine Kassous.
1. Smart backpack
Different things work for different people, some prefer wheeling a suitcase around, others favour a backpack, especially on budget airlines where the weight and size of your luggage is the main concern. For those people, The Daily smart backpack could become your most reliable travel companion.
Its 3-in-1 design gives you a choice of carrying options, use it as a briefcase, backpack or messenger bag. It comes equipped with a USB charging port ensuring you never run out of juice when you need it most. The Daily’s RFID Blocking pocket keeps you protected from identity theft, whilst its lockable zips stop any unwanted intrusion. And if that’s not enough, it even comes with a water-resistant coating and rain cover to protect it from whatever mother nature may chuck at you.
2. Portable WiFi hotspot and power bank
The days of being faced with buying a foreign SIM card or just straight up dealing with costly roaming charges are luckily over. The Skyroam Solis is one of the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots on the market, offering 4G service in over 130 countries around the world. What’s more, this ingenious device can support up to five devices at one time and can also be used as a portable charger. Viola! Get sharing those snaps!
3. Pocket size washing machine
Whether you’re venturing off around Africa, travelling through Asia or backpacking in Europe, this Scrubba wash bag will ensure your laundry is clean wherever you are on the road. Its built-in washboard means with a dash of washing liquid, 3–6 litres of water and 3 minutes, your clothes will have gone through the equivalent of a machine wash.
There you have it. One of the best travel gadgets to add extra convenience to your experience. And one more thing, the washbag can be used as a dry-bag to protect your valuables given its waterproof material. Even better!
4. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
Carrying a bulky camera whilst travelling is just too much hassle for a lot of us, which is why we tend to rely on our phones. But smartphone cameras don’t always do justice to the things we see and experience. So instead, pocket-sized compact cameras have started emerging.
Featuring a 15x zoom and a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor capable of shooting anything from landscapes to detailed portraits, the Panasonic ZS200/ TZ200 is one of the best travel zoom cameras you can buy.
It’s easy to use, but its manual controls give you the option to get a bit more creative, while the compact body won’t weigh you down making it the perfect travel companion. And not to mention its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities allowing for easy sharing with compatible devices.
5. Translation earphones
No one expects you to know 6,000 languages which mean sometimes language barriers can make travelling a little stressful. But thanks to Waverly Labs, the Pilot translating earpiece translates languages in real time. That means you’ll be able to have a conversation with pretty much anyone in the world (if they want to talk that is). The Pilot looks like a standard pair of wireless earphones, ranging in colours, which can also play music from your phone. We’re sold!
6. Automated travel vacuum
Who hasn’t gone through the struggle of sitting on their suitcase in the last minute attempt to zip it shut? Well, this is where VAGO comes in. It’s the ultimate travel packing gadget with pressure detecting sensors helping to remove all the air inside your suitcase. The vacuum pump condenses clothes to half their size, which is especially helpful if you’re packing bulky winter wear or just need to free up space for anything you might buy on your travels.
7. Travel adapter
If you’re travelling outside of the UK, chances are you’re going to need a travel adapter. And these things have come along way over the last few years. Gone are the days of having a collection of different plugs for different countries taking up most of your bottom junk drawer. Instead, these all-in-one gems like the BEZ travel adapter cover you for pretty much any region! So not only will you now have extra space in your junk drawer to add more ‘occasionally useful things’ but it frees up space in your suitcase for your travel essentials.
8. Wearable chair
You’ve been walking for miles and all you want is to sit down before your legs collapse beneath you. We’ve all been there. Well, problem solved. Astride Bioix has created a bionic wearable chair that moves with you when you stand and move location. Plus it weighs as little as 1 kg so it can be worn comfortably at all times. No matter where you are, you can always take a seat.
9. Minipresso handheld espresso maker
For all you coffee lovers out there this one’s for you. Whether you’re off for a few days or a few months, luggage allowance is something that we are all restricted by. But with this compact espresso bullet, you can be sure to fit it in with your travel essentials. Wacaco has designed it to be ‘the smallest, lightest and most versatile handheld espresso machine’ and what’s more it requires no batteries or charge so you’re free to prepare coffee wherever you might be. No more settling for second best coffee on your travels.
10. Monzo
We love this online bank so much that most of us at 3Sixty have invested in it for our travels and day to day spending. Monzo is the bank that lives on your phone which makes managing and spending your money easier through instant notifications. You can make payments through the debit card or on the go with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Forgot your pin? No need to worry, log onto the app and through face ID verification you’ll have access to your pin in no time.
The Monzo debit card can be used abroad without being charged at point of sale, nor is there a charge for making online payments in a foreign currency or even withdrawing money (up to £200). These are just some of the benefits of using Monzo over your current bank. They also offer a competitive exchange rate allowing you to get the most out of your money. Not convinced? Then maybe its hot coral colour will have you wanting one!