Must-Have Travel Gadgets You Don’t Know About and How to Protect Them
Becky Hart | Dec 14, 2023
Noise-cancelling headphones, e-readers, cameras, a GPS device to help you track your luggage. They once were on the cutting edge of innovation but seem to be in just about everyone’s carry-on these days.
So what about the best travel technology you might be missing? Whether you’re looking to improve your own packing list or are shopping for a gift for someone else, try these off-the-beaten-path gadgets for travelers.
Best Travel Gadgets You Haven’t Thought Of
Foldable keyboard
Digital nomads who rely on a tablet to do business often wish they had a dedicated keyboard for easier typing. Unfortunately, these can take up a lot of room. That’s not ideal when you’re always on the move and want to carry as few bags as possible.
A foldable keyboard solves both those problems. Easier to type on than a touchscreen and with a smaller footprint than a standard keyboard, this gadget is bound to make someone working remotely from anywhere a happy camper.
Heated clothing
As someone who’s known to get cold in middle of summer, I sometimes find it difficult to find joy in winter travel. A heated jacket goes beyond a cozy down coat. And heated insoles will keep your toes toasty whether you’re on a woodland hike in a U.S. national park or perusing a Christmas market in a chilly European plaza.
Sleep aid device
Maybe you have jetlag, or it could just be a general inability to sleep in a new place, but not getting enough rest can spell disaster for the best of vacations. A gadget like the Dadow Sleep Aid Device can help you fall asleep faster, or at the very least, help you relax after a full day of travel. And it does it without medications or supplements, perfect for those looking to take advantage of the wellness travel trend.
Video doorbell
We’re going off-script with this suggestion. Of course, you won’t pack a video doorbell, but installing one before you set off on your adventures can help you keep an eye on things at home. As long as there’s a Wi-Fi signal, you can see any activity on your doorstep and talk to someone on your porch. Add an electronic smart lock to the mix, and if there’s a trusted neighbor checking on your pet while you’re on vacation, you can unlock the door to let them in and make sure it’s locked again when they leave.
Underrated Travel Apps
There’s something to be said for unplugging and leaving your phone behind when you travel. However, there are also tons of mobile apps that can make traveling safer, easier, and more rewarding. These are being developed and change all the time, but here are a few that you might wish you’d known about sooner.
Tribefy
Traveling solo can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also get a bit lonely at times. Some people recommend hitting the dating apps to meet new people on the road. That’s not our favorite recommendation as it comes with some obvious risks (differing expectations of why you’re meeting, for starters). Try an app like Tribefy that focuses on connecting people with similar activity-based interests, whether that’s hiking, photography, food, or foreign languages.
PackPoint 
Some of us are more organized than others. For those who need a little help (or who just love a good list), try PackPoint. Not only can you save packing lists if you’re a frequent traveler, but the app also takes into account the type of travel and what you’ll be doing, weather at your destination, and if you’re one of those people who thinks three shirts is enough for a week-long vacation.
TikTok
TikTok isn’t exactly flying under the radar anymore, but there’s more to it than cat videos and pre-teens doing awkward dances. Search for local inside knowledge about your destination. You’ll find some inspired recommendations that take you off the typical tourist trail and treat you to some real hidden gems.
How to Protect Your Electronics When You Travel
Protective cases
There’s no shortage of high-end backpacks that promise to protect your laptop, camera gear, and other technology while you travel. Some of them are worth investing in, especially if you’re someone who throws their bag in the overhead bin, is prone to dropping things, or has invested a lot of money in their technology. For more modest budgets, you might be able to get away with a simple laptop sleeve that fits in the bag you already have. Bonus points if it’s also waterproof.
Don’t overlook the benefit of a case for your cords and chargers, too. The only thing worse than forgetting your charger at home is getting to your destination and finding out the cord was damaged en route. Look for an organizer that keeps all those odds-and-ends collected, protected, and tangle-free.
Screen protectors
You likely have a protective film on your cellphone screen, but don’t forget to also get one for your laptop and tablet. Look for one that not only protects your screen from scratches and dents, but also provides a layer of privacy. Privacy screens
can be added to most laptops to prevent the person next to you on the plane from sneaking a peak at whatever you’re working on.
Cybersecurity precautions
To protect your digital identity, use a VPN when you’re online and protect your data with an encryption service. Taking cybersecurity seriously can also be as simple as always locking your device with a strong password or face recognition. Finally, be cautious of public Wi-Fi, which many of us depend on to avoid data charges when we travel. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot might be a good solution for you, particularly if you’re a student or digital nomad.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your belongings during your trip. Seven Corners’ trip protection plans provide coverage for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed luggage.
When it comes to your favorite gadgets and technology, be sure to read your plan document carefully. Some coverage for belongings excludes computers, electronic equipment, and other similar items. Unfortunately, laptop travel insurance is rare. If your plan doesn’t include travel insurance with gadget coverage, it may be best to purchase protection for theft or damage through the item’s manufacturer or another insurer. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may provide coverage, too.
Best Trip Protection for Tech-Savvy Travelers
To find the right travel insurance for your trip, and to learn more about the benefits of our plans, contact a licensed Seven Corners agent. You can also use an interactive guide online to help you find the best plan for your next trip.
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