*Read more in this forum about Travel Gear and Equipment at this link: Click here
Taking along the right gadgets can enhance your travel experience and make your solo adventure comfortable and unforgettable, while also having the best tools to record your memories.
Here are what can be considered some essentials to consider packing in:
1. A Portable Charger for Your Smart phone:
- Why it's essential: Naturally, keeping your devices like smart phones and tablets powered up is crucial when you're on the go.
- Recommendations: Consider investing in a compact, high-capacity power bank that can charge your phone, tablet, and other devices multiple times. Today you will even find mini charger options with solar panels for added convenience, when power points may be scarce where you are travelling.
- Why it's essential: Whether you're on a long flight, train ride, or simply trying to relax in a noisy hostel, noise-cancelling headphones can provide a much-needed escape. Invest in good quality headphones that fit comfortably and snugly
- Recommendations: Invest in a good pair of headphones with active noise-cancelling technology. Look for comfortable options as mentioned above with a long rechargeable battery life option.
- Why it's essential: Traveling to multiple countries can mean dealing with different power outlets where your plugs will not fit. A universal adapter will ensure your devices are always ready to go, and you will avoid frustration so make sure you don’t forget this item.
- Recommendations: Choose a compact, lightweight multi plug point adapter with multiple plugs to accommodate various outlet types.
- Why it's essential: Staying connected is essential for solo travellers. A portable Wi-Fi device can provide reliable internet access anywhere you go, and can extend the range depending on the model which can be useful when staying in hostels.
- Recommendations: Look for a device with a strong signal and a long battery life. Some options also offer data plans, so you can avoid paying expensive roaming charges.
- Why it's essential: Although most smartphones come with cameras built in for capturing your adventures in pictures and videos is essential. Also consider a compact camera with a smart lens as a great way to document your travels without taking up too much space.
- Recommendations: Consider a waterproof, shockproof camera that can withstand all the elements. Look for options with adjustable lens features, decent storage, and that will provide good image quality and a variety of features.
- Why it's essential: Keeping your belongings secure is important, especially when traveling alone. A luggage lock (or two), can provide an extra layer of protection, and you can further use the same lock when storing your luggage in hostel lockers.
- Recommendations: Choose a TSA-approved lock that can be opened by airport security if necessary, and don’t go cheap, rather choosing a strong durable and sturdy one with spare keys.
- Why it's essential: This is actually optional but these headlamps can be handy for navigating dark places, such as campsites or caves. Naturally most smartphones come with powerful lights too but a headlamp can be useful
- Recommendations: Look for a headlamp with adjustable brightness and a comfortable fit, and long life rechargeable batteries.
- Why it's essential: Packing mini travel-sized toiletries can help you save space and avoid packing too much. In most cases you can still buy toiletry essentials at the destination you are visiting but they can be expensive…
- Recommendations: Consider purchasing the basics in travel-sized versions of your favourite products or using reusable containers to store your toiletries. (*For women travellers you will need take along your personal hygiene toiletries of your preferences).
- Why it's essential: Learn more about essential applications in this forum. A basic travel guide app with local mapping can provide valuable information on attractions, restaurants, and transportation options.
- Recommendations: Look for an app that offers offline maps and reviews from other travellers that you will be comfortable using and familiar with.
- Why it's essential: Optional to take along to enjoy your favourite music or podcasts on the go with a portable Bluetooth speaker. (*No doubt you will take smartphone headphones along but these are not comfortable wearing for long periods of time).
- Recommendations: Choose a suitable sized speaker that is waterproof and durable which offers quality sound, so you can take it with you on your adventures.