Not too difficult to pack and offering a practical punch, these are the high-tech items that have become essentials for vacations. To make sure your phone has enough power and that you're able to capture the most memorable moments, discover our tech packing list.
An external battery
This has become a genuine necessity for many. A backup battery fits in your pocket and is available in different capacities, depending on your needs. The choice is yours, with prices ranging from 15 to 150 dollars, depending on capacity. To power a smartphone, for example, a 5,000-mAh external battery will do the trick. Just make sure you choose a model with the right connections for your smartphone, and avoid cut-price batteries from unknown brands. Thanks to your backup battery, you won't miss out on the photos and videos you want to take.
Wireless headphones
To enjoy your music or meditations wherever you are, pack a pair of wireless headphones, which give you total freedom of movement. If you really want to get away from it all, opt for a model with noise reduction. There's something for every taste and budget, from Apple AirPods and Bose QC Earbuds to Huawei's more affordable FreeBuds range. In a different vein, there are also waterproof wireless bone conduction headphones with built-in MP3 players, so you can enjoy your favorite music while swimming.
A Bluetooth speaker
If you're having a get-together by the pool, on the beach, on a boat or even just a picnic in the countryside, consider taking a portable speaker with you. It's be an asset for brightening up any family gathering or evening out with friends, give that everyone will be able to share a playlist if they connect their smartphone to it. There's a plethora to choose from, and for under 100 dollars you can easily find a model that's tough enough and performs well enough to keep the party going all night long.
A TV stick or dongle
Whether you're in a hotel room or staying with friends, in your home country or abroad, these devices help ensure that you never miss your favorite TV series or movies again. There are a wide range of TV sticks to plug into any TV set that will let you enjoy all your favorite content, provided of course you have access to a good Wi-Fi connection. The best-performing and most comprehensive models are, unsurprisingly, Google's Chromecast and Amazon's Firestick, although alternatives do exist.
A sports camera
A must if you are a thrillseeker who likes to capture your exploits, action cameras enable you to capture many unforgettable moments, on land, sea or in the air. Go Pro remains a reference with its versatile products, from its Hero12 series to its most complete Max model. Whether you're a fan of surfing, climbing, skydiving or skiing, you can easily capture your adventures with this type of compact, easy-to-handle camera. Today, many models even enable 360-degree filming, for spectacular 3D rendering.
And don't forget...
Don't forget to pack a universal adapter, so you can charge your electronic devices abroad. Before you leave, be sure to check which type of socket is used where you're going. While there are adapters dedicated to each type of socket, you can also opt for a universal model that will work absolutely anywhere under any standard. Don't forget to pack a few waterproof pouches, especially if you're going to the sea, to protect your smartphone and other connected objects from sand and water on the beach. And don't forget to leave a Bluetooth GPS tracker (AirTag or similar) in your backpack, in case it gets lost or stolen. – AFP Relaxnews
