After years of reviewing tech, it's easy to get distracted by the latest launches and biggest specifications, but travelling has a way of quickly showing you what actually matters.
Between April and May, I found myself travelling across four countries for a mix of events, product launches and work trips. I headed to Milan for EuroCucina, then visited Berlin and see Anker's new Solix Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro, before travelling to Singapore for a visit to Dyson's headquarters and finally Shenzhen to attend GCS.
So, I thought it'd be a good idea to roundup the travel tech essentials that proved their worth across four countries in five weeks, and the ones I'd happily pack again for my next adventure.
1. Best e-Sim
Airalo
This was something I put a lot of thought into, especially as my last trip was to China, where staying connected is a little more complicated than usual. In the end, I decided to go with Airalo, and it couldn't have been easier.
The app is simple to navigate, and each package clearly explains how much data you get and how long it lasts. I opted for a five-day package costing £15, although there are options ranging from three days all the way up to a full month depending on your trip.
The installation process was just as straightforward, with the app walking you through every step and, importantly, making it clear when to install the eSIM so you don't accidentally activate it too early. This is something I've done before, so I'm always cautious, especially because it's an easy mistake to make.
For destinations like China, some packages are marketed as "unlimited", but there is usually a limit on how much high-speed data you can use before speeds are reduced. That's fairly common across eSIM providers, but I was impressed that Airalo's service still remained usable even after reaching that point. My connection slowed slightly, but it was never enough to become an issue.
However, the standout feature for me was Airalo's built-in VPN. This meant I didn't need to purchase a separate VPN service and could still access apps such as Instagram and TikTok, which I otherwise wouldn't have been able to use in China.
2. Best power bank
Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)
I've tested many of the best power banks for T3, so I've tried plenty of different options over the years. However, when travelling, it's finding the right balance between capacity and portability, as nobody wants to carry around a heavy power bank all day.
I actually took a few options with me across my trips (although not to China due to the regulations around power banks there), but the one I kept reaching for was the Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim). It's officially Anker's slimmest model to date and weighs just over 100g, which made it incredibly easy to keep in my bag without thinking about it.
Despite its compact size, it still has a 5,000mAh battery and supports both wired and wireless charging. During testing, I managed around two and a half iPhone 14 charges when using a cable, and around two charges using the MagSafe connection.
As it's so lightweight, I could continue taking photos and using my phone whilst it was attached to the back, which made it much more practical than larger power banks I've used in the past.
3. Best VPN
Norton VPN
A few parts of my trip also required me to keep working, including my visit to EuroCucina in Berlin. For that, having a secure VPN was essential so I could continue accessing the platforms I use for writing articles back home.
For this, I relied on Norton VPN, and it was exactly what I needed. I opted for the standard plan, which covers up to five devices, more than enough for a solo traveller carrying a phone, laptop and tablet.
Useful features include automatically securing your connection when using open or shared Wi-Fi networks, as well as a kill switch that blocks your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your data remains protected.
The app itself is excellent too, making it simple to switch between locations when needed. The pricing is also impressive, with the first year available for £29.99, which works out at around £2.50 per month. Compared with services such as ExpressVPN, which can cost around £10 per month, I think it's excellent value.
4. Best Travel Adaptor
Epicka TA-105 Max World Travel Adapter
Surprisingly, there aren't that many excellent travel adaptors on the market, which is frustrating considering how important safety is when choosing one. There are plenty of cheap options available, but this is one area where paying attention to build quality and safety features really matters.
For me, a universal travel adaptor is the only way to go, especially when you're visiting multiple countries. I've used the Epicka TA-105 Max World Travel Adapter for years now, and I wouldn't leave home without it.
It comes with four interchangeable plug types: Type A (USA, Canada, Mexico and Japan), Type C (Europe), Type G (UK and Ireland), and Type I (Australia and New Zealand). This makes it compatible with more than 200 countries and regions, although it doesn't support Type D (India) or Type M (South Africa), so it's worth checking before travelling.
One of my favourite features is how many devices it can charge at once. It supports up to six devices simultaneously through three USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and the main plug socket. This makes it much easier to keep everything charged, and when travelling with my partner, it also means we're not fighting over who gets to use it first.
The only downside is that Epicka is a US company, so UK buyers may need to pay international shipping unless it appears on Amazon. Personally, I think it's completely worth it.
5. Best carry-on
Antler Cabin with Pocket Suitcase
Finding the right carry-on is something I know all too well, and just like every other item on this list, it's important to get it right. You want something that's easy to transport, has enough storage, and won't let you down when you're pulling it from an airport overhead locker.
For me, that means Antler. Not only are the brand's bags incredibly durable and reliable, but they also look great. I've reviewed several options, including the Discovery Wheeled Duffel and Icon Overnight Bag, but the Antler Cabin with Pocket Suitcase remains my favourite for airports and flights.
The main reason is the practical front pocket, which gives you easy access to essentials without sacrificing the suitcase's main storage area. It meant I could keep my laptop safely stored away and grab it when needed without having to open the entire suitcase and rearrange everything.
The hard-wearing polycarbonate shell also helps protect your belongings, whilst double-zip pockets and compression straps make it easier to maximise space. The Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels and comfort-grip handle are another highlight, making it effortless to move around busy airports.
