Which Travel Tech Gadgets Should I Pack for Business Trips?

Let’s be real — we live in a tech-filled world, and most of us can’t go anywhere without at least one gadget (even if it’s just a phone). Some gadgets are for fun, like eReaders, portable speakers, and headphones, while others make travel easier, like luggage trackers, portable monitors, and tech organizers. No matter where you’re heading, having the right tech can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

To help you figure out what you might be missing, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite travel-friendly gadgets. Whether you’re traveling for work or fun, to a city or out in nature, these handpicked essentials are tried and tested by our team. We’ve either used them ourselves or reviewed feedback from our trusted product testers — so you know you’re getting the best of the best. Here’s a list of must-have travel tech to toss in your bag before your next adventure.

Best Power Bank

Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

✅ Why We Love It: Foldable plug for easy charging from a power outlet.
❌ What to Consider: It doesn’t come with multiple cords, so you might need an adapter for different ports.

One of the biggest headaches when traveling with tech is keeping it charged. Outlets can be hard to find, which is why carrying a power bank is essential — you don’t want your phone dying halfway through the day! The Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank is a lifesaver, and we always toss it into our carry-on (not checked luggage — it’s got a lithium-ion battery).

This power bank makes charging super easy since it has a built-in cord — no more digging through your bag for loose cables. “Most portable chargers are pretty basic, but this one has such a smart design,” says Jackie Cucco, T+L’s testing editor. “It’s got a digital battery display, a foldable plug for wall charging, multiple ports, and a built-in lightning cable that you can wear as a wristlet.”

Also Read: How do Popular Backpack Brands Compare for Long Trips?

Best On-Ear Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Over-Ear Headphones

✅ Why We Love It: Amazing noise-canceling abilities.
❌ What to Consider: It’s an entry-level model but still pricey.

Let’s start with the basics — these headphones come in five gorgeous colors, from classic black to ocean blue. But the real star here is the sound quality. “I don’t think I ever realized how detailed music could sound until I tried these,” says Cucco. “It’s like being fully immersed in the sound.”

These headphones also have a cool spatial-awareness feature that works with VR and video games. “I tried it with a YouTube video, and it was wild — the sound got louder on one side of the headphones as I turned my screen,” says Cucco.

But the noise cancellation is what really blew her away. “I wore these at Penn Station and on a crowded train — I couldn’t hear a thing,” she says. “I kept switching between noise-canceling modes, and the difference was unreal.”

Best Earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

✅ Why We Love It: Impressive noise cancellation for earbuds.
❌ What to Consider: They might not fit all ear shapes and can fall out during intense movement.

If you’re an iPhone user, AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are the most convenient earbuds you’ll find. They connect to your phone instantly, so setup is a breeze. The silicone tips help them stay put, even during workouts. “They stayed in place through jumping jacks and only fell out when I shook my head like crazy,” says Taylor Fox, T+L’s outdoor gear editor.

The noise cancellation is surprisingly good for earbuds. “Even when no music is playing, the silicone tips block out a lot of background noise,” Fox says. “On a plane, I’d use them just to block out the noise, even if I’m not listening to anything.”

Also Read: How can I Pack Efficiently for a Long International Flight?

Best Headphone Adapter

Twelve South Bluetooth Headphones Adapter

✅ Why We Love It: Two people can connect to one adapter.
❌ What to Consider: Needs to be charged (but lasts about 25 hours).

Wireless headphones are great — until you’re on a plane without Bluetooth. That’s where the Twelve South AirFly comes in. Just plug it into the headphone jack, and you can connect your wireless headphones via Bluetooth.

Morgan Ashley Parker, T+L’s associate editorial director, swears by it. “I always pack this. You can even connect two pairs of headphones, so you and a friend can watch a movie together,” she says. “Just be prepared to share product details with curious seatmates.”

Best eReader

Kobo Libra Colour

✅ Why We Love It: Lets you take notes on the pages.
❌ What to Consider: Setting up library e-books can be tricky.

Packing books for a trip can be a pain — that’s why an eReader is a game-changer. The Kobo Libra Colour stores all your books in one compact device, and you can even borrow e-books from the library. “I love that I can load library books onto it using my library card,” says Anna Popp, T+L’s associate editor.

The color screen sets it apart from other eReaders. “It makes it feel more like a real book,” says Popp. “Plus, you can take notes directly on the pages with the Kobo Stylus 2 (sold separately).”

How We Tested These Products

Our team put these gadgets to the test on trips from the Azores to Wyoming, using planes, trains, and cars. Each product was evaluated based on a detailed checklist covering everything from setup and ease of use to battery life and durability. We wanted to make sure these products perform well in real-world travel scenarios — and they passed with flying colors.

Also Read: What Packing Guide Works Best for Minimalist Travelers?

Tips for Buying Travel Tech Essentials

✅ Focus on Convenience or Entertainment
Travel tech should either make your trip easier or keep you entertained. Before you buy or pack anything, ask yourself how often you’ll use it and whether it’s worth the space in your bag. If you’re shopping for someone else, think about how they like to travel.

✅ Plan for Space
Travel tech takes up room, so have a plan for where everything will go. Use bags with multiple pockets or smaller pouches to keep things organized and easy to grab. For example, stash headphones and chargers in an easy-to-access spot so you don’t have to dig through your bag mid-flight.