I've traveled to 6 continents with these must-have gadgets, on sale from $11

Travel is one of the best ways to shake up your routine, see new places and maybe even convince yourself that airport food is worth the markup. But between delays, cramped seats and battles for overhead bin space, it can also be a headache. While no gadget can eliminate every stressor that comes with flying, I’ve spent enough time at 30,000 feet to know that the right gear can make a difference. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of essentials that have transformed my travel experience, turning long layovers and packed flights into something I actually enjoy.

Some of these picks are small luxuries that add a touch of comfort, while others, like a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones or an e-reader, are now a non-negotiable in my book. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your in-flight setup, streamline your packing or just avoid some common travel pitfalls, here are deals on gear that can make your next trip smoother.

Over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones

One of the best flights I ever had was a 13-hour jaunt from Detroit to Japan. Sounds awful, right? Not for me. I fell asleep before we took off, woke up for a bit when the cabin crew came by with the in-flight meal, and fell asleep again until we landed in Tokyo. It was the first time I’d used active noise-cancelling headphones, and while I can’t say that they were the sole reason I was able to relax and fall asleep, I haven’t taken a flight without them since.

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These Beats, among Oprah’s faves, come with one-touch pairing, up to 40 total hours of battery life and fast-charging capabilities. If you want them at this low price, don’t press pause.

“I purchased these headphones mainly for the gym. I also use them recreationally and for travel and honestly, they blow the other models out of the water,” said this fellow globe-trotter. “First of all they are super comfortable over my ears and don’t cause any pain. The quality is incredible and they are truly noise-cancelling. I don’t want to hear any outside noise when I am in the zone and boy do these deliver. The music is loud and the battery lasts a really long time.”

$250 at Amazon

Amazon

If you’re all in on Apple and want something better than the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max deliver in a big way. These over-ear headphones pack a serious punch with spatial audio, giving listeners a fully immersive sound that makes them feel like they’re right in the middle of the action.

Active noise cancellation keeps out distractions, but when you need to stay aware, just switch to Transparency mode. With up to 20 hours of battery life and plush memory foam ear cushions, these are built for comfort and long listening sessions, buyers say. And, just like with the AirPods, switching between devices is smooth and seamless.

$529 at Amazon

Amazon

I recently flew to the Canadian Rockies with my pair of Soundcore Q20s, which I scored for just $30 on sale, and unfortunately, the active noise cancellation wasn’t stellar (but what do you expect for that price?). If you’re looking for a budget pair from Soundcore to cancel out the sound of a droning jet engine, you’ll have to spend just a bit more, but still much less than you would for the big-name brands above.

Here’s what our tech guru Rick Broida had to say about them: “If you’re wondering whether $100 headphones can possibly rival ones costing three or four times as much, get ready for a surprise: It can. Soundcore’s Space One offers sweet sound and robust ANC. On those merits alone, I’d have no qualms about recommending it.”

Save $19 with code

DP72FOVNVPZ7$81 at AmazonNoise-cancelling earbuds

One of the first things I like to do when I land in a new place (after checking into my hotel or Airbnb) is go for a run, and I never run without my earbuds. They’re also my go-to for long flights when my over-the-ear headphones start to feel uncomfortable, but I still want noise-cancelling.

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The gang’s all here: You’ll get active noise cancellation, transparency mode, three sizes of soft ear tips, and up to 24 hours of listening time with the charging case included.

“Never using AirPods again,” raved this fan. “The noise cancellation feature on this is incredible! With AirPods, they die on me every year or two. These last a long time and I prefer working out with these.”

Save $70 | Lowest price ever

$80 at Amazon

Amazon

Want noise cancellation but don’t like the feeling of those silicone tips in your ears? We don’t blame you. For the first time, this generation of AirPods has this feature, as well as adaptive audio and personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Considering they’re currently over $30 off, that’s a pretty good bang for your buck.

“The basic AirPod version 1 that started it all used to be my favorite,” said this repeat buyer. “They were light, comfortable, and did not fall out somehow. Every other version has had issues. These are the first to improve in all aspects since the beginning. They are not as rooted in my ear, but only slightly. However, in every other way, especially sound, they are a vast improvement. Also, noise-cancelling without a form-fitting earpiece is incredible.”

$169 at Amazon

Amazon

If you love all things Apple, these are the earbuds you want. The AirPods Pro 2 take everything great about the originals and add improved sound quality, active noise cancellation and a more comfortable fit. They’re perfect for staying immersed in music or taking calls on the go, with a battery that gives you up to six hours of listening time per charge — and up to 30 hours with the charging case.

Plus, they’re dust-, sweat- and water-resistant, so no worries about getting caught in a downpour during your morning run. Seamless connection with all your Apple devices makes switching between your iPhone, iPad and Mac a breeze.

If you’re willing to pay more, AirPods Pro 3 just hit the market with even better noise cancellation, live translation and a heart rate monitor. At their full price of $249, they’re not exactly a steal, but the upgrades might be worth it to you. Plus, our sister site Engadget loves them. Check out their AirPods Pro 3 review.

$199 at AmazonKindle or e-reader

I used to bring at least a few paperbacks with me on every business trip. As a serial book collector, my bookshelves (and luggage) started to fill up, fast. Not wanting to subject my back to moving boxes full of books after buying my house a few years ago, I finally joined the 21st century and bought a Kindle. I don’t know why I waited so long. Now I can take my entire library with me whenever I travel without having to worry about carrying all that extra weight through the airport.

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I love the feel of paperbacks, but I don’t love the space they take up in my carry-on or the weight they add to my already heavy (I’m not a light packer) personal item. This Kindle will easily disappear into your luggage until you want to use it, and the battery will easily last a whole weeklong (or two) vacation.

While the Kindle is full price currently, it does go on sale quite frequently, so keep an eye on it.

$110 at AmazoniPad or tablet

While my Kindle is great for reading books, when it comes to magazines, I prefer to read in color. Also, I usually fly on United these days, and while I can’t complain (too much) about its service, the one thing it tends to lack in comparison with my Delta flying days is in-flight entertainment. No sweat: It just means I have to fill up my tablet with episodes of The West Wing before takeoff. Easy.

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If a sleek design is at the top of your tablet wishlist, the Air’s the perfect fit. Equipped with Apple’s powerful M3 chip, it offers all-day battery life, a stunning 12-megapixel camera, and a Liquid Retina display that makes movies and TV shows pop.

“The screen resolution is really beautiful,” wrote one impressed shopper. “It’s lighter in weight than my old one and a little thinner. The camera takes gorgeous pictures.”

Save $150 | Lowest price ever

$449 at Amazon

Amazon

The newest iPad is an ultra-light, thin tablet that’s powerful enough to replace your laptop for most tasks but slips into your bag with room to spare. With a spacious 11-inch Liquid Retina display, you’re swiping and scrolling in vibrant color and sharpness that makes any screen that came before it feel like an old tube TV.

It’s also our pick for the overall best iPad for most users. Why? If you’ve got a habit of toggling among a dozen apps, streaming videos and replying to messages simultaneously, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re into gaming, the graphics capabilities mean you can play even demanding games without dropping a frame.

At $299, this tablet is just $20 shy of its all-time low — a price we’ve only seen during Prime Day.

$299 at AmazonSmartwatch

Unless you hit the ground running, literally, when you land, it can sometimes be a chore to get all of your steps in when on a long, international flight. Luckily, my watch reminds me to get up out of my seat every couple of hours and go for a walk, even if it is just up and down the aisle. That keeps my legs and the rest of my body fresh and energized until we land.

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While many people consider the Apple Watch to be the gold standard, the price is a bit steep. Well, there’s a smartwatch that’s much more affordable and still has tons of features that rival the Apple bestseller. Meet the Popglory! It’s easy to use, and at $21, can you really go wrong? (The answer is no, you cannot.)

Psst: This thing even tracks blood pressure, which is a feature you won’t find on a (much more expensive) Apple Watch or Fitbit.

Save $1 with code

XDYRLIE2$21 at Amazon

Amazon

If you’ve been eyeing an Apple Watch but need to stick to a budget, this deal is tailor-made for you. The 2023-released SE packs everything you need — from heart rate and step tracking to crash detection — and it’s now at its most affordable price yet.

“The durability is outstanding,” said one five-star reviewer. “I was a bit careless and forgot the watch in my pants when I was doing laundry. Luckily, after a 40-minute wash and a 50-minute dry on high heat, the watch worked perfectly fine.”

$189 at Amazon

Apple

With a larger crystal-clear display, features like Fall and Crash Detection and the powerful S10 chip driving it all, this is one of the most powerful Apple Watches yet.

“This is my first Apple Watch purchase after owning several versions of the Fitbit,” said this new-to-the-club fan. “I’ve found this watch to be one of those devices you never knew you needed until you bought one. It’s a great extension of my iPhone and I don’t regret skipping the cellular option (I’m used to carrying my phone with me all the time). I’m glad I waited for the model 10 because it fits on my hand much better than some of the thicker earlier models.”

$349 at AmazonItem tracker

Before we had kids and far, far more luggage, my wife and I used to fly Frontier frequently. Not needing to pay extra to choose a seat or bring along a carry-on made for an insanely cheap flying experience. Once, though, we did check a bag — and while we ended up in Michigan for a wedding, our bag took a vacation down to Orlando. Luckily, I was able to find it, thanks to having an AirTag in all of our luggage.

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If it’s within 30 feet, your iPhone will locate it, right down to the centimeter. If it’s farther afield, Apple’s Find My network should help you pinpoint it. Just be prepared to buy some cases so you can clip these gizmos to your keychains and other valuables.

$75 at Amazon

Tile

Not an Apple fan? No worries. This Tile tracker works much the same way and will hopefully be the difference between you finding your lost luggage and never seeing it again.

$20 at AmazonPortable Power Bank

Long international trips can be stressful. Making sure you make your connections, that all of your luggage is with you, going through customs … all of that can be aggravated by a low phone battery, especially if your phone is also your ticket. That’s why I never travel without a power bank. If my phone is getting low, I plug it in and it can go for days.

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This power bank could be an advertisement for a truck: It’s built tough, can withstand any weather (thanks to a high waterproof rating) and can take a beating. It’s a must-have in any emergency preparedness kit.

“Perfect for an outdoor vacation! Bought to take to an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica and couldn’t be happier,” said this buyer. “The ability to charge three devices at once works great since we have friends with us and the solar charger fills the battery up pretty quick!”

$30 at Amazon

Amazon

Multi-port USB charger

Micro-USB, Mini-USB, Lightning, USB-C — charging cables (and voltages) are all over the place these days. If you’re traveling in North America, this three-port charger can power most of your devices at once, saving you from hunting down multiple charging blocks. And if you’re into photography like me, you probably have more than three devices to charge — luckily, it’s cheap enough to grab two.

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If you’re tired of searching for your devices’ charging adapters, this one covers all the bases.

“I’ve found that Anker consistently makes great products, including chargers, power packs, and other things,” wrote this devotee. “I use this charger daily to charge or power-up multiple devices. iPad? No problem. Steam Deck? No problem. Heck, I even charge a cat toy with this thing! A great feature of this particular charger is that it ‘intelligently’ provides power to each of its three ports based on what’s plugged-in.”

$26 at AmazonInternational travel adapter

In a previous career, I was a professional photographer, a job that took me all over the world. On my first trip overseas, I quickly realized that a single travel adapter wasn’t going to cut it — not with my phone, camera gear, laptop and iPad all needing to stay juiced up. When I walked into a local shop, I was stunned by the price of an adapter. But with no other choice, I sighed and shelled out way too much money for a quick fix.

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Don’t be like me — be prepared. This bad boy can charge up to six devices at once and works in over 150 countries, saving you from overpriced last-minute buys. This doodad features four types of plugs as well as several USB ports and an AC socket.

$18 at Amazon Air Travel Tech Essentials

Stressed out about air travel? These tech gadgets will help. (Getty)

(Getty)

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

I’ve traveled to 6 continents with these must-have gadgets, on sale from $11

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