Assuming you’re not turning your back to technology, you will need a travel adapter in some countries. Depending on where you’re from and where you’re heading. If you don’t need the smallest adapter you can get, you’re best off with a universal adapter that fits most countries in both directions. Most universal adapters nowadays come with USB connectors so you can leave your designated charger at home.
Be advised that some countries have different voltage and frequency. You’re highly advised to check the compatibility of your devices if you don’t want to make BBQ on your electric toothbrush.
Travel locks aren’t meant to protect your luggage from being opened with a crowbar. But they can protect the content from pickpockets. A lock makes their job taking longer and drawing attention. It can also help preventing sniffy staff at airports from checking out and reducing your luggage. Not to forget specialized midair thieves who steal valuables from unprotected carry-ons in the overload bins.
If you need a TSA approved lock depends on if you’re going to the United States. I am not aware of any other country having keys for this kind of locks. Even so, in countries like Germany customs officers aren’t allowed opening luggage without the owner being present anyway.
Either key or a combination lock is a matter of taste, while I’d always recommend a combo lock – it’s easier to lose a key than to forget a short combination.
Doesn’t matter if you wanna swim the Channel or not, it can happen that you end up in a very wet situation. For example while visiting some waterfalls or when it just starts raining pitchforks. If your pricey gear gets damaged by water you will cry your eyes out. A dry bag can protect your valuables from getting wet. It’s extremely lightweight, usually durable and very easy to use.
There’s no excuse for not having one with you since the pack size is really tiny. There are different sizes so choose whatever fits your needs best.
This is my most important, personal piece of technology on a plane. And I don’t necessarily listen to music or watch a film. It’s the noise cancelling I am after. I know, there are much better noise cancelling headphones out there for a much higher price. But these aren’t just affordable but lightweight, comfortable and tiny. I wear them on a plane most of the time just with the noise cancelling turned on. While they don’t suppress all of the noise on a plane they do a good job and flying becomes much more comfortable – at least for the ears. Besides that you can understand the flight attendants better.
Imagine you’re wearing your favorite travel shirt and just bought an awesome blueberry ice cream. It’s melting quickly (because you’re in the middle of an oasis) and of course you did forget your bib. It could not be any different and a huge drop of molten ice cream falls directly on your shirt. You’re in panic mode. But then you remember that this time you did listen to aunty Janice and actually packed some travel detergent.
Back in your desert tent you start immediately washing your shirt. It’s done in no time. You did a quite good job. But wait a minute – you don’t want to throw the shirt on the sandy floor to dry it while some scorpions occupy it as their new home, right? Of course not. Fortunately aunty Janice also recommended you a travel clothes line. You tighten it between to palms right next to your hammock and you know right away: This piece of tech just made your day.
I recommend an elastic clothes line without integrated pegs for more versatility and less weight. It’s also good to have the option of hooks and suction pads (easier to use in hotel rooms).
I know, I know. You can imagine way more exciting things to pursue while being on vacation (or traveling or playing tourist or whatever you wanna call it) than doing laundry. So do I. Unfortunately tiny accidents happen and sometimes we don’t have enough time to use the laundry service in our hotel, if there is any. Hence we have to do it ourselves.
I’ve heard of people getting some regular detergent and doing hand wash. Since detergents usually aren’t meant for being used by hand they aren’t the best way to treat your skin. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend it. Others use tooth paste. While this for sure is something our skins are probably fine with, I am not sure if all our favorite clothes will survive it. Another option is soap which works fine most of the time – unless it doesn’t. So why bother if we can use something that was made exactly for this purpose? Makes no sense, right?
There are different travel detergents in each and every country and you will have to find one that meets your needs, smells fine and, most important, is nice to your skin and your clothes. Read the table of contents.
There are some universal rules to prevent jet lag. Well, no, that’s a lie. You can’t really eliminate it. But you can make it a little bit less bad with some adapted behavior. An important part in most of the strategies is the right amount of sleep at the right time. And that’s where it gets kinda tricky. If you should sleep on the plane while it’s still bright like crazy outside or the cabin is well lit, it can become a severe struggle to fall (and stay) asleep.
A sleep mask can help. Even if you think you look like a complete moron, get it and wear it. A good sleep mask is cheap, light and won’t fill up your carry-on. You can even slip it into your back pocket. Toss away any flat mask you got from a vending machine and get something with a 3D shape. It will prevent your eyelids from scratching on the mask like a dog trying to get out of the kitchen.
