The gadgets that finally fixed my worst travel headaches

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While traveling is one of my favorite activities in the world, there are definitely some annoyances that can make a trip more stressful than it needs to be.

Of course, there are always events that are out of my control, such as flight delays and rainy weather. But there are also travel annoyances that have an easy fix — so long as you have the right products on hand.

Over the years, I've picked up quite a few travel gadgets that have made those little problems much easier to deal with. Some are inexpensive and incredibly simple, while others are gadgets I didn't realize I needed until I started using them.

So here's a look at the gadgets — from phone chargers to luggage trackers — that have solved my biggest travel headaches, one by one.

I’ll be the first to admit that my phone is dead more often than I’d like. This isn’t a problem when I’m home, as I have charging outlets in every direction. But when I’m on the road, that’s not an option.

Plus, when I'm traveling, my phone isn't just a convenience — it's a lifeline. It contains my boarding pass, maps, translation tools, a camera, and a way to call an Uber. So having a dead phone isn't just inconvenient — it can create a real problem.

That's why I always have a portable power bank with me (and sometimes two). It gives me a way to recharge my phone when I'm nowhere near an outlet, even if I'm sitting on a plane, walking around a city, or waiting for a delayed flight.

I personally travel with the Anker Zolo Power Bank 30W, since it boasts a built-in USB-C cable, a 30W max output, and it charges my phone to 50% in less than 30 minutes. But others on our Points Path team are fans of the INIU B61 Power Bank thanks to its incredibly small size.

Get the Anker Zolo Power Bank 30W at Amazon
Get the INIU B61 Power Bank at Amazon

Few things are more stressful than landing and realizing your luggage didn't make it with you.

While an Apple AirTag won’t solve the issue of a lost suitcase, it can help you figure out where your bag actually is. Using Apple’s Find My network, you can see your bag’s location if it happens to go missing.

I have an AirTag in every bag I own. And while you might think this is only important for checked bags, even carry-on bags and backpacks can go missing.

Here’s a true story. My sister’s carry-on was accidentally taken from the overhead bin when her plane’s passengers were disembarking, and she ended up with an identical black Away bag belonging to another passenger. My sister didn’t realize this mishap until she got home, but since she had an AirTag in her bag, she was able to track down her bag and make the swap.

Get a 4-pack of Apple AirTags at Amazon

I have what feels like a million charging cables every time I set off on a trip. I used to throw everything in the front pocket of my backpack, which meant digging out a tangled mess every time I needed one.

I recently purchased a cable organizer, specifically the FYY Travel Cable Organizer, and it’s one of my new obsessions. It’s one of those products that you don’t realize you need until you have it.

Now, I have one dedicated organizer, and each cord has its own place. Everything is kept together and tidy, and finding what I need is now a breeze.

Get the FYY Travel Cable Organizer at Amazon

No two hotel rooms are alike. Sometimes there are plenty of outlets in convenient locations. But other times, I find myself having to rearrange furniture to be able to charge my electronics.

Plus, when traveling internationally, there’s the added problem of needing an outlet that’s compatible with your charging cables.

Fortunately, a universal travel adapter solves both problems. A single adapter can charge multiple devices in more than 200 countries around the world.

I personally travel with two different EPICKA models — the EPICKA Pulse Duo 65W and the EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W. They both offer multiple charging ports, so my entire family can charge their tablets, phones, and other electronics at the same time. (The main difference between the two is that the Pulse Duo 140W can charge a laptop.)

Get the 65W EPICKA Pulse Duo at Amazon
Get the 140W EPICKA Pulse Duo at Amazon

Packing can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris, where every item has to fit perfectly with no wasted space.

This is where packing cubes come in handy. They help solve the problem of fitting everything into your luggage. And unlike a traditional packing cube, compression versions offer an additional zipper that squeezes down your clothes, allowing you to fit more into the same amount of luggage space.

We tested 4 different packing cubes: Which one is best?

They also make it easier to keep everything organized once you arrive, which is a nice bonus.

My personal favorite is the EPICKA TripCozy Compression Packing Cubes. But if you’re looking for a lower-cost option, the BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes are a great option as well.

Get the EPICKA TripCozy Compression Packing Cubes at Amazon
Get the BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes at Amazon

Watching a movie is one of my favorite ways to pass the time while on an airplane. But sometimes, figuring out a way to balance the phone can be a nuisance. And, if I don’t have to keep the tray table down, that’s a win.

The Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder Mount is the perfect solution, as it attaches to the seat back in front of you, allowing you to watch your favorite show right at eye level.

It’s a small accessory, but one that can make a long flight significantly more enjoyable.

Get the Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder Mount at Amazon

The riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder is another item I didn’t realize I needed until I tried it out. This holder attaches to the handle of a suitcase and essentially acts as a second set of hands, giving me a place to put my drink, cell phone, passport, or any other small personal item.

It’s a relatively inexpensive accessory. But it’s one of those products that can make navigating the airport noticeably easier.

Get the riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder at Amazon

Finally, if you prefer using AirPods or other wireless headphones or earbuds, there's nothing more frustrating than sitting down on a flight and realizing you can't connect them to the airplane's entertainment system.

The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth Adapter solves that problem by plugging into the headphone jack at your seat and transmitting the audio wirelessly to your headphones. That means you can use the wireless headphones you already own instead of dealing with wired ones (or the often-questionable headphones provided by the airline).

It's a particularly useful gadget for long-haul flights, when you're likely to spend several hours watching movies or TV shows. And it's small enough to leave in your travel bag, so you don't have to remember to pack it separately for every trip.

Get the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth Adapter at Amazon

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