Many use winter travel to avoid cold temperatures or take time to visit their families. Others have to travel for work during the winter months. Whether you're going on vacation or a work trip, you'll want to bring the best travel gadgets. We rounded up a tech-filled list of what to pack in a carry-on bag to make your journey more comfortable and stress-free.
Those traveling for work should consider whether they’ll have a strong Wi-Fi connection at their destination. If not, it’s a good idea to pack a mobile hotspot or VPN router that protects your data on public networks. Device charging is another essential consideration, as you may have trouble finding an outlet at the airport. If that's the case, a portable charger would come in handy.
If you’re traveling for fun, consider bringing a camera to capture your favorite vacation moments. You’ll also want to bring a tablet or another device to keep you entertained during a long flight.
Unless you’re traveling somewhere that stays warm through the winter, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed outerwear to keep you warm. A heated travel blanket is an excellent way to stay comfortable if your hotel or Airbnb has any issues with its heater. Rechargeable hand warmers are relatively new products that save space by eliminating the need to pack multiple disposable hand warmers.
Along with the travel essentials we've already discussed, it's crucial to pack in durable luggage with safety features to keep people from accessing your belongings. Still, lost luggage is the biggest concern. It’s a good idea to pack an item finder, like the Apple AirTag, to ensure you know where your luggage is at all times.
This compact gadget is an ideal way for iOS users to keep track of their belongings. It fits discreetly in your luggage, travel wallet and other valuable belongings. You can use the Find My app to easily find anything with an AirTag. It can use other iOS devices on the Find My network to extend its range dramatically.
GL.iNet Mango Pocket VPN Router
This is an excellent way to ensure you have Wi-Fi while traveling. Many RVers use it as an affordable way to have a secure connection no matter where they are. Its VPN capabilities let you use public networks as though they were private. It won’t take up much space in your carry-on luggage.
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This power bank makes it easier to keep your devices charged during a long flight or while you wait in the airport. It features a slim design and uses Anker’s proprietary technology to ensure it delivers the perfect amount of energy to your devices. It’s available in black or white.
Yogasleep Rohm Portable White Noise Machine
This sound machine makes it easier to sleep when you arrive at your destination. It produces two types of white noise and ocean sounds. This compact machine is around 4 inches and only weighs 3.4 ounces. It’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about packing batteries.
This small drone is an excellent way to get top-notch photos and videos while on winter vacation. You’ll want to check the specific policies for the airline you’re using; most allow drones on flights, but you may need to remove the battery and keep it on you or in your carry-on suitcase. This captures 4K video and doesn’t require Federal Aviation Administration registration in most states.
Rechargeable Hand Warmer Two-Pack
These devices are an excellent way to keep warm on cold winter days. You can stick them together to warm both sides of the device or take them apart to have two hand warmers with one warm side each.
This small scale is a great way to avoid extra fees for overweight luggage. It’s easy to use and provides accurate weight readings. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and available in six colors.
This Kindle is perfect for reading your favorite books and has a writing input that’s ideal for those who love taking notes. The battery lasts several weeks when fully charged, and the included pen doesn’t require a battery. This e-reader weighs less than 1 pound.
These glove liners are an easy way to keep your hands warm while exploring the outdoors on cold days. The breathable design keeps your hands from sweating, and the fingertips let you use your smartphone without taking your gloves off. They’re available in four sizes.
This GoPro camera captures 5.3K resolution video and has image stabilization features that ensure your video looks great when you’re in motion. Many were impressed with its battery life and ease of use. It has numerous video-enhancement features, including 8x slow motion and horizon lock.
This device features an intuitive design that stops others from entering your room while sounding an alarm if someone tries to open your door. Many were impressed with how loud it is. It’s easy to set up and has various sensitivity levels. You can buy them individually or in a three-pack.
This affordable lock, which is approved by the Transportation Security Administration, keeps people from accessing your luggage. It’s available in four colors.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
