Technology has become an essential part of traveling. Over half of millennials continue to stay connected to their phones and the internet while on vacation, according to an Intel Security survey. Plus, 92 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds say they take gadgets with them while traveling for leisure, a Hipmunk survey found. Here are some of the top tech devices to help you get the most out of your travels abroad.
Mobile Device
Travelers now consider mobile devices their most indispensable travel item, according to an Expedia survey. Eighty-four percent of travelers say they want to be able to access information from anywhere while traveling, and over half say they would be lost without their mobile device. The high importance travelers place on mobile devices makes choosing the right device a major decision.
A good device for international travel should have long battery life and easy SIM card access, along with support from a reliable wireless carrier. For example, the LG G5 has a battery life of up to 21 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time, comes with a SIM Starter Kit and, when purchased from T-Mobile, can be set up with an international plan.
Portable Power Source
Using mobile devices while traveling depends on access to a reliable power source for recharging. One of the best ways to make sure you have power available at all times is to carry external battery packs. Top Ten Reviews rates today’s best external battery pack options, ranking the Anker Astro E3 as today’s most competitive brand. Other ways to power your devices while traveling are taking along a portable charger or using a rechargeable battery case.
SIM Card
Another technology essential for traveling is reliable wireless access. International wireless plans are available, but these can get expensive. A more affordable option is taking along a SIM card, which inserts into your device so that you can use a local wireless carrier instead of your regular carrier. For example, the KnowRoaming Global SIM Sticker attaches to your regular SIM card so that you can easily switch to other carriers while traveling, saving you up to 85 percent on voice, text and data in over 200 countries, with unlimited data plans available in over 80 countries.
Portable Router
Another way to find internet access is by using wireless hotspots or free connections provided by businesses such as restaurants and hotels. However, free networks often have security vulnerabilities, and many hotels only provide wired access options. A way around these issues is to bring your own portable Wi-Fi router. Some mini routers also include portable battery chargers and USB ports. NerdTechy reviews some of today’s best portable router options, such as D-Link’s AC750.
Mobile Financial Apps
One of the most important reasons for having wireless access while traveling is being able to access your financial information. One of the best apps for mobile financial management is Mint, which helps you plan and track your budget as well as pay your bills using your mobile device. An app specifically designed for tracking travel expenses is Trail Wallet, which lets you track your travel spending and budget by trip, by month or by day so you can see how much you’ve spent and how much you still have available.
