My Tech Secrets for Stress-Free Travel: 9 Essential Gadgets and How I Keep Track of Everything

Unless you’re particularly laid-back, or spend a lot of time on planes, trains, and cars crossing borders, traveling can be stressful at times. And for many, the main pain point is getting to the port — whether by air or sea — and boarding your chosen mode of transportation. There’s your passport and paper or digital boarding pass to deal with.

I’ve worked to simplify this process as much as possible. And — based on my most recent trips — my approach seems to be working. Here’s the kit I use and how I pack.

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I divide the gear I bring into two categories:

• Essentials I Don’t Want to Lose
• Everything else

Let’s take a closer look at these two.

Essentials

Here’s what I have to carry when I travel — passport, smartphone (many tickets and boarding passes are digital these days, not to mention credit/debit cards), essential keys (I slim down my keys as much as possible before traveling so I have less to carry and lose), wallet, in-ear headphonesany medications I need, a spare charger (I usually find that I have room for one 5,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Bank for charging on the go and 10,000mAh power bank in case of delay), charging cable (for my phone and Apple Watch) and one universal adapter.

If I bring a laptop or drone, I will also bring these devices along with any specific chargers.

Keep the tech as simple as possible. Remember, you’ll be taking your kit out for X-rays at security checkpoints. The less suspicious your belongings look, the faster you’ll be through security and on your way.

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If I had enough room, I would throw it in. folding toothbrush and some of them magic compressed wipes — in case of need.

I also attached (hidden, if possible) a AirTag in bag I’m bringing my stuff inside, and I have a modified AirTag in my walletin case i lose my things

When it comes to carrying my stuff, I’ve recently switched to those chest/shoulder bag which you can find on Amazon and other online retailers.

These bags are comfortable, have lots of compartments to organize things, and are waterproof in the rain. I don’t know where these bags come from because there are so many companies selling the same product. I chose one of these bags. from a company called Waterfly because the reviews were good, and the bag lived up to those reviews. I modified the bag by cutting off the zipper pulls because they were rattling. I replaced the zipper pulls with wire with glowing tag at the end. Other than that modification the bag is great.

The idea with this bag is that if I go to a foreign country with just the clothes I’m wearing and a bag I can take on the plane, I’ll have my phone and be able to charge it to plan.

Everything else

This category includes just about everything else — clothes, toiletries, etc. These are all things that are made in factories every day, are easily available, and are not necessary for my trip. I don’t want to lose these things, but once they’re given to the staff to keep, they’re out of my control.

All my toiletries are in the Durable Dyneema Bag (these bags are super thin, feel like paper, and are more durable than kevlar), and I have a spare one for dirty clothes.

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I have an AirTag in my luggage to keep track of everything.

For luggage, I replaced my handbag and suitcase with Peli Air suitcases. I have smaller suitcases Peli Air 1535 for short trips and breaking bigger, stronger stuff Peli Air 1615 for long trips. Both suitcases are waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, equipped with wheels and a comfortable retractable handle, have locking points with stainless steel guards and sturdy two-way locking latches.

Both of mine 1535 And 1615 bright orange and plastered reflective tape and stickers. They are easy to spot among all the dull black and brown boxes at collection points. Their distinctiveness helps eliminate mistaken identity and discourages thieves from taking them.

I also modified my cases by replacing the original pins with TSA Compliant Lock (less about security, since all TSA-compliant locks are garbage, and more about preventing accidental unlocking), hide the AirTag inside the retractable handle, and replace the standard wheel with smooth sliding version from a company called ColorCase.

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Each case has a removable card holder. I have one in it. Follow Me Card That might help me find my bag if it gets lost.

These suitcases are as sturdy as luggage gets. There is a weight penalty (the Peli Air 1535 and 1615 weigh 8.7 and 14.1 pounds, respectively), but it’s an acceptable trade-off for me.

Final thoughts

Please keep in mind that these are personal recommendations based on my experience and preferences. It is important to customize your travel essentials based on your own needs and destination.

Also, think carefully about what you might leave at home. Sure, it’s comforting to think you’ve packed and prepared everything, but I’m surprised at how often I return from a trip to find a pile of stuff I haven’t touched.

Then there are the things you should leave at home — knives, fireworks and more.

Also, whenever you travel, you always run the risk of losing, having your belongings stolen or damaged, and if you have to carry expensive belongings, it’s best to insure them.