Essential gadgets for frequent fliers
Airhook
The Airhook is a handy stand which supports smartphones and tablets. An alternative to propping up your device on flimsy airline trays, the Airhook acts as both a stand and cup holder, locking the device in place and giving you slightly more legroom -- a premium on many flights these days.
Price: $24.95
Via: Airhook
Eaglecreek Business Brief RFID
The Straight Up Business Brief is a sleek, stylish storage case which can be converted into a backpack. TSA certified, the product is able to hold a laptop of up to 17 inches, is equipped with a tablet sleeve, and also contains a number of stretch pockets for other items.
In addition, the bag contains RFID blockers, is padded to keep your electronic devices safe and is lockable to keep out sticky fingers.
Price: $112
Via: Eaglecreek
Skooba Design Cable Stable DLX
Most frequent fliers can understand the annoyance of finding just the right cable for their devices while on the move.
To make life easier, you may consider the Cable Stable DLX, a zip-closed organization case to stash all of your chargers, cords, and batteries securely in one place.
Price: $22.79
Via: Amazon
The North Face Surge II backpack
If you want to combine and streamline charging with storage, albeit expensive, the Surge II backpack could be a worthwhile investment.
The roomy 32-liter backpack is hooked up with an inbuilt battery able to charge a smartphone roughly three and a half times, or several devices at a partial charge.
The backpack is also tough and water resistant, making it a valuable option for fliers who are backpacking or enjoy exploring. The Surge can also be laid flat to make TSA security less of a hassle.
Price: $229
Via: The North Face
Seletec power bank
Every frequent flier understands the battle for charging points in airports and the occasional need for extra juice, and so one of my favorite gadgets to take away with me is a hefty power bank which caters for all of my device power requirements.
The latest model I take away with me for long-haul flights is the Selectec, which is a decent price for a full 30,000mAh battery. The power bank can be used for Android and iOS devices and contains two USB ports.
Price: £27.99
Dynotag
It's a nightmare when your luggage goes missing, and while there is no magical solution for summoning your possessions, a smart luggage tag can, at least, offer a measure of hope.
Dynotag is one such company that offers web and GPS enabled tags that allow users to input information such as their name and contact details on to QR codes.
If your luggage is lost, operators can read the tag and hopefully send it home.
Price: $Varies
Via: Dynoverse
Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones
For a decent set of noise-cancelling headphones on your next trip, consider the Bose QuietComfort 35. The wireless headset is Bluetooth compatible, contains an internal microphone and battery, and is foldable to take up less room.
It is worth keeping in mind some airlines are not best pleased with the idea of passengers using Bluetooth-based headphones, but if you can, they are a great way to block out the noise of other travelers.
Price: $349.99
Via: CNET
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is a decent compact camera with built-in Wi-Fi, 12x Optical zoom, a 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, and 1080p HD video capabilities. For taking away with you on trips, you can expect decent image quality without taking a huge amount of equipment with you.
Price: $209
Via: Amazon
Joomfeen universal adapter
Every seasoned traveler knows that a decent adapter is a must. Joomfeen's adapter, for example, is a universal all-in-one which also includes two USB ports for charging in a compact design.
Price: $14.99
Via: Amazon
Zagg pocket keyboard
Zagg's Pocket is a slimline mobile keyboard which, when unfolded, offers an average 85 percent of a typical desktop keyboard and works with the majority of tablets. This product is a good option for travelers as it can fold into a case at a size of 8.8-inches by 2.2-inches, and weighs only 194 grams.
Price: $54.99
Via: Zagg
GoPro Hero Session
GoPro has become a popular accessory for travelers and sports enthusiasts alike. The GoPro Hero Session is a great accessory to try out, being waterproof for up to 10 meters without housing, mountable, and being equipped with video capabilities of up to 1140 ppi.
Price: $199.99
Via: GoPro
Doberman Security portable door alarm
If you need some extra reassurance when you travel and stay in hotels, this door alarm can alert you when someone attempts to enter your room. The spring clip trigger goes off upon entry, and there is also a flashlight built-in should you require one.
Price: $17.97
Via: Amazon
Buffalo MiniStation portable hard drive
Portable hard drives have slimmed down in recent years and the Buffalo MiniStation is no exception. The incredibly small and lightweight hard drive is portable and on many trips abroad, it has been my go-to for media to watch and backups.
The USB 3.0 device is compatible with PC and Mac, and comes in 1TB or 2TB models.
Price: $75.99+
Via: Buffalo
Canary home security system
Hopefully, you won't need it, but the Canary home security system can give you peace of mind while you are away. The sleek, modern-looking device is equipped with an HD camera able to begin recording when motion or sound is detected, hooks up to your smartphone app to let you check in, and sends you notifications with the option of calling local police if your home is invaded.
Price: $159.99
Via: Canary