Black Friday Savings: 8 Must-Buy Travel Gadgets

One of the biggest shopping events of the year is upon us. Companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Target are already starting to run Black Friday deals. As a shopper and a traveler, this is the best time to shop for the things you need because of cheaper prices. For example, Walmart runs sales for up to 70% discounts. On the other hand, Wayfair’s Black Friday discounts are up to 80%. These giant companies are running sales on the Week of Black Friday so that we can start your shopping as of November 25th. Plus, Black Friday deals run until Cyber Monday, giving shoppers an extensive period to snatch the best deals and save. This extensive timeframe gives you plenty of time to buy everything you need for yourself, your family, and your friends. As a traveler, it is the perfect time to snatch travel deals, accommodations, and gadgets. This post will focus on tech gadgets that every traveler must have and should purchase this Black Friday season. Before diving into the 8 must-have electronic gadgets travelers should buy, let’s discuss the importance of technology in a traveler’s life.

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The Importance of Technology in Traveler’s Life

As much as we hate to admit it, we depend on electronics. Technology has taken over every aspect of our lives, and the travel sector is no different. We need electronic gadgets to facilitate our lives, including when we travel. Imagine going to China without having a portable charger and rushing to baggage claim to retrieve your bags because you know someone is coming to get you. Then you realize your phone is dead, and the charging station is not charging your phone. Hence, you cannot make the call. This unforeseen event makes you susceptible to taxi companies looking to scam foreigners by making them pay 3x more for a taxi. This event happened when I arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in 2017.

Looking back at my first traveling experiences, I am amazed by how far I have come. I realized how much I could have alleviated the stresses I used to have when traveling had I been prepared and had the proper electronic gadgets. Travel stress is natural. Although traveling can be fun, and we are excited to reach our destinations and embark on fantastic adventures, the travel day can be stressful. Thus, good planning is required to ensure a smooth sailing travel day. One way to ensure your planning goes well is if you need some help from technology. For example, one significant stressful experience for travelers is the packing process. Wondering what to pack and deciding between your needs and wants can incredibly stress travelers. Therefore, following a packing guide is necessary. However, another stress to consider after packing is whether your suitcase meets the weight requirement. It’s easy to go to the airport with overweight back when you have a friend or a family member to take some items with them. However, when you are a traveler living abroad and do not have a friend to help you at the airport, it is crucial to ensure you meet the weight requirement. Hence, technology to the rescue. Here are 8 essential travel tech gadgets to have as a traveler.

8 Must-Haves Travel Tech Gadgets

International Adapter

The top electronic apparel every traveler should have is an international adapter. Every traveler should consider investing in a high-quality international adapter as one of their essential electronic accessories. This handy device ensures compatibility with various power outlets and voltage systems worldwide. I bought one adapter suitable for Chinese outlets when I traveled to China. Seven months after my trip, I moved to France to study for a year. It wasn’t until I was looking for another adapter suitable for the E.U. that I discovered an international adapter that would accommodate outlets and voltage systems worldwide. I thought how I would have saved myself the hassle if I had an international adapter in the first place. Hence, an international adapter lets you quickly charge your electronic devices—like smartphones, tablets, and laptops—regardless of destination.

When shopping for an international adapter, look for one with multiple plug configurations and USB ports for added convenience. This multitude allows you to power several devices simultaneously. Having this versatile tool at your disposal not only keeps your electronics charged but also enhances your travel experience, allowing you to stay connected and capture every moment on your journey. With so many international adapters, here are great options to purchase this Black Friday.

Portal Charger

A portable charger is the second piece of apparel travelers should purchase to ensure they are always connected. In today’s digital age, staying connected while traveling is more important than ever. It allows you always to have your devices connected in an emergency. As stated as an example during my introduction, I did not have a portable charger to charge my phone when I landed in Shanghai. I could not contact the person who was supposed to pick me up without a connection. As a result, I fell prey to a taxi driver who charged 3x times more than what I would’ve paid if I met with my original driver. Using that as an example, one can see why having a portable charger is essential for any traveler.

Portable chargers ensure that your devices—your smartphone, tablet, or camera—remain powered throughout your journey. This connection is especially critical during long flights or road trips where access to outlets may be limited. Imagine capturing breathtaking moments or navigating new cities without worrying about your battery dying. Portable chargers offer peace of mind, allowing you to use essential apps, stay in touch with family and friends, and access important travel information. They are also compact and lightweight. Hence, they can easily fit in your bag or pocket, making them convenient for on-the-go charging. Investing in a portable charger enhances your travel experience and ensures you remain organized, safe, and ready to embrace every adventure with fully charged devices. It’s a small but mighty tool for modern travelers. Here are three great picks to purchase this Black Friday.

Earbuds

The third gadget to include in your Black Friday purchase is earbugs. Traveling can be a hectic experience. Whether you are waiting at the airport for your flight or on a 7-hour train ride to Washington, D.C., we all seek an escape to allow us to manage our trips. Hence, earbuds are essential to travelers. Earbuds enhance our travel journey by canceling the bustling noises at an airport or train station and making a 7-hour trip feel like 2 hours. Earbuds allow us to immerse ourselves in music, movies, podcasts, or audiobooks and will enable us to forget the hassle of the travel journey. When there is a departure delay or we are in long layovers, our earbuds help us forget our circumstances and give us an escape. That is why Travelers often seek the perfect earbuds to enhance their journey.

Some of the requirements travelers must consider when purchasing earbuds are comfort and sound quality. Good comfort and excellent sound quality are crucial as the goal is to immerse oneself in the entertainment of choice and drown out the ambient noise of bustling airports or crowded cars. Another requirement to consider is whether the earbuds are lightweight. A compact design is great for travelers because it is easy to store in pockets or carry-on bags. Many travelers opt for noise-canceling models, which are especially beneficial during long trips or layovers. This feature helps create a serene listening environment, making the travel experience more enjoyable. Durability is another critical factor; travelers seek earbuds that withstand wear and tear. With various options available in the market, from budget-friendly to high-end models, travelers can find earbuds that suit their needs, ensuring that their auditory experience on the go is as good as possible. Here are some of my recommendations for purchasing this Black Friday.

Portable White Noise Sound Machine

My favorite gadget on my must-list this Black Friday is a portable white noise sound machine. Although I love traveling, I am afraid of flying. I get motion sickness quickly. I do not like long road trips, so the best way to manage this malaise is to sleep. I love sleeping on the plane, especially during international trips, and I love it when I wake up and we are in another city. Since I have difficulty sleeping on short domestic flights, I need something to calm me down during the trip. Sleep can be elusive when you’re on the road due to unfamiliar sounds, noisy neighbors, or the hustle and bustle of busy hotels. Hence, I am investing in a portable white noise machine this year.

For travelers, a Portable White Noise Sound Machine can be a game-changer. This compact device masks disruptive noises, creating a soothing backdrop that helps you drift off to sleep more easily. Its portability makes it easily fit in your luggage, making it a convenient travel companion. Additionally, using white noise can enhance the quality of your sleep, especially when you are jetlagged. Having it lets you wake up refreshed and ready to explore a new city. Many models also offer various sound options, from gentle rain to calming ocean waves, letting you choose what works best. The soothing sounds are beneficial not just for sleep but also for relaxation during stressful travel days. Investing in a Portable White Noise Sound Machine ensures a peaceful environment, no matter where your adventures take you. Here are three good recommendations:

Smart Watches

Another gadget that has become a favorite among travelers is a smartwatch. Smartwatches have become essential companions, offering convenience, functionality, and safety, enhancing travel journeys. Firstly, they allow users to access notifications, navigation, and communication without reaching for their phones, making them ideal while on the go. When you are in a crowded area with pickpocketers, it is wise not to have your phone out in the open, making having a smartwatch a good investment. Also, smartwatches have built-in GPS, allowing travelers to easily find their way to unfamiliar destinations. The fitness tracking features encourage activity and help maintain health during trips. It lets you see how many steps you have taken in Portugal or Greece.

Another great reason to invest in smartwatches is that many provide contactless payment options. The contactless payment option allows you to make secure transactions at restaurants, shops, and transport services, which are precious in foreign countries. You do not have to overload your wallet with bank cards, making yourself susceptible to thieves looking to buy credit cards. Some smartwatch models include health monitoring capabilities that can be vital in emergencies, offering peace of mind when exploring remote areas. Finally, the ability to customize watch faces and apps provides travelers with valuable tools tailored to their needs. Here are some fantastic options worthy of your investment for anyone looking to maximize their travel experience.

Luggage Scale

How many people worry about weighing their luggage at the airport? As stated earlier, packing and weighing luggage are some of the most stressful activities in the travel journey. Travelers often face the stress of unexpected baggage fees at the airport, turning what should be an exciting journey into a frustrating experience. Investing in a luggage scale can alleviate this concern significantly. By weighing your suitcase at home, you can ensure it meets airline weight restrictions, saving time and money. This simple device allows you to avoid the hassle of repacking your bag in the terminal—an awkward endeavor often done in front of fellow passengers. I had to pay extra baggage fees at the airport in foreign countries because I had no other option.

As a solo female traveler who must carry my luggage from baggage claim to hotels, having an overweight suitcase is no fun. Hence, a luggage scale helps travelers assess their packing habits, encouraging them to pack more thoughtfully. It can prevent overpacking, reduce the risk of excessive fees, and make for a more manageable travel experience. Lightweight and portable, a luggage scale is a practical addition to any travel toolkit, providing peace of mind and enhancing the overall travel experience by allowing you to focus on what truly matters—enjoying your adventure. Here are some excellent options to purchase during Black Friday. Here are three quality luggage scales on sale this Black Friday.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

After seven years of traveling, I discovered there are portable wi-fi hotspots. I can think of many instances where having a portable wi-fi hotspot could have saved me during my many traveling incidents. For example, I almost missed my flight back to LAX from Shanghai because I was not notified that my flight time changed. When I left East China Normal Univerity, I did not have Wi-fi on my train ride to the airport. That was when the airline sent a notification that the gate had changed. Out of sheer prudence, I went to monitors to see my flight gate when I arrived at Pudong International Airport. That was when I noticed a change in my gate, and I needed to walk another mile to go to the new gate. I had a similar experience in Germany, but this time, it was a notification that there was an incident on the train tracks, so our train to Paris would be delayed. I did not know that when I was on the train from Padderborn to Essen because I had no connection. Hence, this Black Friday, a portable Wi-fi hotpot is on my to-get list.

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots are essential for travelers seeking reliable internet access. Imagine navigating through a new city, needing to find directions or local attractions, only to discover that public Wi-Fi is spotty or non-existent. A portable hotspot ensures you stay connected, allowing for seamless communication with loved ones and access to important travel information. It also allows you to have your own secure connection, reducing the risks associated with public networks, which can often be vulnerable to hacking. You can efficiently manage your itineraries, book accommodations, and even make changes to your plans in real-time without relying on uncertain connections. A portable Wi-Fi device can be a lifesaver for those who work remotely or need access to essential documents while traveling. It enhances your travel experience by providing peace of mind and the freedom to explore without worrying about losing connectivity. Investing in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a game-changer for modern travelers. Here are three highly recommended portable wi-fi hotspots to purchase this Black Friday.

Luggage Tracker

One gadget I am adding this year as well is a luggage tracker. A luggage tracker can significantly enhance the travel experience in today’s fast-paced environment. First, it provides peace of mind. Travelers can track their bags in real-time, ensuring they know where their belongings are. This feature is especially beneficial during layovers or connecting flights, where bags can easily get misplaced. A luggage tracker can save time and reduce stress at the airport. Instead of wasting precious minutes searching for lost luggage at baggage claim, travelers can quickly locate their bags through an app on their smartphone. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of delayed or lost luggage, having a tracker can expedite recovery, giving travelers a better chance of retrieving their items swiftly.

On November 21st, my mother experienced an extreme flight delay from Paris to Boston. She was supposed to arrive at Boston Logan Airport at 4:35 PM. However, they left Paris at 8 PM, Central Europe Time, because it snowed. She landed in Boston at 10:45 and spent 30 minutes at baggage claim before going to ask about her luggage. The customer service agent told her the luggage was still in Paris, and they did not know when it would arrive. The agent then gave her a tracking number to check online, but every time we checked, it said “located.” However, it will not tell her the exact location. We did not know whether it was in Paris or Boston. The app was not specific, adding another layer of stress, especially since some valuable items were in the luggage. The experience was stressful for her and me because I had to deal with AirFrance on her behalf. After all, her phone died, and I had to call AirFrance to get her information. Hence, I am getting her a luggage tracker as a gift for Christmas to ensure she can see her luggage whenever she travels. Here are three luggage trackers with great reviews and recommendations.

In conclusion, travelers should use this Black Friday season to purchase all their travel gadgets needs. With great deals at retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, Wayfair, and many more, travelers have various options to shop for their favorite travel gadgets and save money. Investing in travel tech will enhance traveler’s journeys and experiences. From international adapters to portable chargers, these technological tools alleviate travel stress and ensure you remain connected and prepared for any situation. By taking advantage of the extensive discounts available this season, you can equip yourself with the best gadgets and enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

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Until next time, Happy shopping and safe travels!

Xoxo,

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Black Friday Savings: 8 Must-Buy Travel Gadgets

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