10 Must Have Travel Gadgets for Your Next Vacation

7. Portable UV Water Purifier

Just because you’re traveling off the beaten path doesn’t mean you can’t bring technology with you. While portable ultraviolet water purifiers won’t remove particles (like silt) from your water, it does kill the harmful micro bacteria and viruses in the water.

Why not just choose a portable water filter? Good water filters physically strain out protozoan cysts and bacteria larger than 0.1 microns. However, UV water purifiers can destroy harmful viruses as small as 0.025 microns.

Our recommendation is the Steripen

6. e-Readers

Reading while traveling has been a pairing since time immemorial. Unfortunately, books are heavy! E-readers can be a real space and weight saver. You don’t even have to get a specific e-reader device like the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes & Noble Nook. You can just download an e-reading app to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Depending on the version, the Amazon Kindle is listed from $80 – $290 on Amazon.

5. Flashlight

Traveling, by definition, is you not being at home. This means you’re most likely in an unfamiliar environment, which can be unnerving when you need a light.

At home, you can just reach under your bed and pick up your trusty flashlight if sometimes happens in the middle of the night. Most hostels and hotels don’t offer flashlights in the room. By packing a small flashlight, you can be better prepared to handle an evening disruption or just being able to better inspect your hotel bed for bedbugs.

Amazon lists travel flashlights from $6 to $15.

4. Flexible Tripod

Not every space will allow for a full size tripod. If you’re in a cramped spot, but want a hands’ free picture, a flexible tripod can help you do that. With its flexible legs, the flexible tripod can hold your phone, camera, or GoPro on most surfaces and in a variety of angles.

Amazon lists flexible tripods from $10 – $25.

3. Luggage Tracker

Not knowing where your luggage is can be extremely frustrating. There are a variety of luggage trackers that can keep track of your luggage via cell-towers connected technology so you can always know where your luggage is. Some are subscription based to give your even more tracking capabilities.

Amazon lists luggage trackers from $25 to $80.

2. Mosquito Repellent Clothing

Wearable tech is all the rage now. You can have everything from fit bits to shirts with LED lights. But for actual practicality, clothing that repel disease-carrying bugs adds an extra level of security when used in concert with insect repellent.

Amazon list insect repelling clothes from $20 – $35. However, popular outdoor brands will have a greater selection.

1. Duct Tape

You scoff at duct tape for making the list as a “travel gadget,” but this low tech tool can be a figurative AND literal life saver. It is one of the most versatile items you can have in your bags when you travel.

You don’t even have to be on a rugged outdoor trip for duct tape to be useful. Get a tear at the bottom of your backpack while you’re in the airport? Duct tape can easily help you—and all your stuff—get back home without having to spend $50+ for a new backpack at the airport store.

Amazon lists duct tape from $6.50 to $8.