How to pack better: Electronics
Plan and pack your electronics the right way!
Cameras. Headphones. Tablets. E-readers. Each of which has its own cable, charger, battery and case. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to how to pack electronics for travel. Here are our tips for making sure you have everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Are you a photography enthusiast? Audiophile? Drone pilot? Depending on what your thing is, your list might need special consideration, but hopefully this will get you thinking about how to pack and how to stay organized on your next trip.
Disclaimer: Given the quality of phone photography currently, cameras have been omitted from this list. Personally, we have always travelled with a Sony RX100, which has been an outstanding travel camera. It’s lightweight, versatile and takes excellent photos and video. If you are thinking about an actual point and shoot camera, we can’t recommend this one highly enough. If however, you’re already bringing a current high end pro-series phone (Pixel/iPhone etc), doubling up doesn’t make sense, in our opinion.
Here are 13 essential electronics and related accessories you should pack for your next trip
- smart phones
- headphones/earbuds
- tablet (or laptop)
- GPS tracker (Tile)
- portable gaming system
- e-reader
- action camera (GoPro)
- smart watch/fitness tracker
- portable HDD
- power bank
- mini-speaker
- tripod/gimbal
- luggage scale
How to Organize your Cables
Once you have your gear sorted out, you need to think about how to pack electronics so that they’re readily accessible, easy to find and protected from damage. We pack the Bagsmart travel organizer in our carry-on. This little bag does all the heavy lifting for us.
Read the full review >>
Phones And Devices
From ordering a ride to pre-downloading maps of your destination, your phone has become your number one travelling accessory. Making sure it’s travel-ready is key to making sure you’re ready to use it to maximum effect.
Before you leave:
- check your cables for wear
- download and install appropriate ride sharing apps
- download offline maps for areas you will be visiting
- install a good reading app (if you are not bringing an e-reader)
- install a translator and download the languages you might need (learn some key phrases using DuoLingo)
- download videos to watch in transit (flights, planes, transfers etc)
Once you’re there:
- get your hands on a local prepaid SIM card. Free wifi may not always be available, and having a small credit on your phone can get you out of a tight spot
Music
Remember to charge all your devices, including headphones before leaving. There are often charging stations at your departure gate but you’re often going to have to wait for a spot to open up. Load up your power bank and be prepared, even if there are delays on the way.
Make some playlists for your kids too. If your kids are too young to have their own streaming account make a playlist for them. Giving them a break from watching a screen all flight will be easier if they can listen to music they like.
Pack a pair of wired headphones
If you’re planning on using the in-flight entertainment system (movies, TV shows, games etc) bring a pair of wired headphones. Those systems don’t use Bluetooth, so your Airpods and wireless buds are no use.
E-Readers
For years we used the tiny Kobo mini, which was a cheap, no frills reader, but unfortunately is no longer supported by Rakuten. This left a bad taste in our mouths, as we don’t like when technology we take care of stops being supported. That said, we are now on the lookout for a new reader, preferably one which works well with our local library, since we almost never used this device if we are not traveling.
More articles about packing
What medicine should you take on your trip? Should you bring copies of your prescriptions? What should you do if you need medicine while travelling? How to pack medication for your trip.
Tips, tricks and ideas to help your family travel better