Dave Dean, a tech-savvy traveler and founder of the tech website Too Many Adapters, has some great advice for those of us who struggle with what tech gear to pack for our trips. It’s a common problem, right? We don’t want to leave anything behind, but we also don’t want to lug around a bunch of expensive, fragile stuff that might get stolen or just end up being a distraction. Plus, a lot of it doesn’t even work that well once we’re on the road.
Dave’s been writing about tech for travelers since 2011, and he’s tested a ton of gadgets. Some of them are pretty useless, but every now and then, he finds a gem: a durable phone, a laptop that’s a great value, or a little accessory that really makes a difference on your trip.
So, here are Dave’s top picks for 2017. These are all quality items that will make your trip easier and won’t break the bank or weigh down your luggage.
Smartphones
A smartphone is the most useful piece of tech a traveler can have. It replaces everything from a flashlight to a camera, a guidebook to a music player, and so much more. You can get a good budget model for under $250, or a top-of-the-range version for close to $1000. Here are Dave’s top picks:
- Budget: Motorola Moto G 5 Plus. It’s water resistant, has a long-lasting battery, and you can add a micro-SD card for extra storage.
- Mid-Range: OnePlus 3T. It’s got high-end specs for under $500, including more storage, RAM, and raw performance than more expensive devices.
- High-end: Apple iPhone 7 or Samsung Galaxy S8. The S8 is a standout with its curved "infinity" display, plenty of storage and RAM, and a great camera.
Tablets and e-readers
If you don’t want to do everything on your phone, consider a tablet or e-reader. Dave recommends the standard iPad for most travelers, or the Asus Zenpad 3S 10 for Android users. If you’re a book lover, consider an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.
Laptops
If you need to do more than light work on the road, you’ll want a good laptop. Dave recommends the Asus Zenbook UX330UA for Windows users, and the older version MacBook Pro for Apple users.
Accessories
A few well-chosen accessories can make a big difference. Dave recommends a multi-USB travel adapter, a travel power strip, a long USB cable for your phone, noise-isolating earbuds, a rugged USB stick, a HooToo travel router and portable battery, the UE Roll 2 portable speaker, and the GRAYL ultralight water purifier.
Remember, the less stuff you have to worry about, the better. Protect your gear with a case, make sure it’s covered by your travel insurance, and test everything before you leave home. Happy travels!
