Anyone who starts their well-deserved vacation, travels a lot on trips or business trips, touring around the world or is just doing their sabbatical year, can hardly do without holiday gadgets - or in German: travel items, travel accessories or travel equipment. The little helpers are more than practical on every trip and can really help to make a trip more intense and even more beautiful. I speak from experience and introduce you to my favorite holiday gadgets for your next adventure, without which you will definitely not want to travel anymore. 

Unpaid Advertising / Product recommendations.

Traveling is a wonderful experience that opens up new horizons, connects us with other cultures and allows us to grow personally. But traveling can also be tiring, stressful and uncomfortable if we are not well prepared. That's why it's important to have the right holiday gadgets in your luggage that will brighten up our lives Journeys facilitate and beautify. In this post I will introduce you to some of my favorite travel items that I always have with me and that have often helped me to enjoy my trips even more.

Before I show you my holiday gadgets, I would like to give you an important tip: Only pack what you really need! This may sound banal, but it is an art that many travelers have not yet mastered. Too much Luggage Not only can it cause you unnecessary costs, it can also limit your mobility, endanger your safety and spoil your mood. As the Roman philosopher Seneca said:

Don't burden yourself with a lot of luggage. Nothing we have is necessary. Let us return to the law of nature and our wealth lies ready. What we need is free or cheap. Nature demands bread and water. Nobody is poor about that. Anyone who restricts their needs to this may compete with Jupiter himself in happiness

Seneca, philosopher (*1 in Corduba; † 65 AD near Rome)

Of course, you don't have to be as radical as Seneca and limit yourself to bread and water. But you should think about what you really need for your trip and what you can perhaps buy or rent on site. This way you save space, weight and money and have more fun on your vacation.

Video – the best holiday gadgets for your trip

By downloading the video you accept the privacy policy of YouTube.
Read more

Load video

Always unlock YouTube

Book your well-deserved vacation now!

Book your dream vacation now at favorable conditions on the renowned booking portal HolidayCheck – top rated by Stiftung Warentest (01/2024). Click and browse now!

Related Articles

Buy travel gadgets and essentials

Video – the best gadgets for the flight

By downloading the video you accept the privacy policy of YouTube.
Read more

Load video

Always unlock YouTube

• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok

Follow me too Xing, TripAdvisor and Threads!

Follow me on Instagram now

stick with Travel Blog Just-Wanderlust.com and @strandkind_co always up to date and just follow me on Instagram!

Vacation gadgets - 18 tips on travel essentials and travel accessories for your next trip

A lot of equipment is simply useless for your trip. However, there are some gadgets that are essential for your vacation. What exactly you need in terms of equipment for the trip will of course depend very much on your personal preferences and the type of trip you are currently on.

Anyone who has booked a package holiday on the beach would certainly be well advised to have powerful headphones - but on the other hand, they certainly don't need hiking boots. That's why a list of the most important holiday gadgets can be expanded as desired.

Many travelers have one or two products that they swear by, especially during a longer tour. Many pieces of equipment are essential on longer trips. Some of the tools on my list probably won't surprise you. Other products, however, are a little more so. For me, headphones, a neck pillow on the plane, a sleeping mask and a rescue gadget when swimming definitely belong in my hand luggage on every comfortable trip.

1. Active noise canceling headphones: the most important holiday gadget for music fans

Can't live without music while traveling? Welcome to the club, neither do we! If you live by the motto “Music was my first love,” you simply can’t start your next vacation without a good pair of active noise-cancelling headphones. Noise suppression is particularly useful in airplanes Headphones noticeable and can simply make some noisy flights more pleasant.

Now they are AirPods Max (test) my favorite companion when traveling and on vacation. They may be heavy, but the sound and intense noise reduction make them the ultimate vacation gadget that I wouldn't want to miss.

But other providers also have great headphones: The Bose QC35 II (test) was my constant companion on trips for a long time and just irreplaceable in noisy places. Ah closing came as a high-end version of the Bose NCH 700 (test). The sound quality of the wireless headphones is excellent, the wearing characteristics are more than comfortable and the noise reduction is excellent - hence the name QC for QuietComfort. If you want some peace and quiet in a noisy hotel or on a plane, these top headphones from Bose are the best choice. The Bose NCH 700 can do everything the QuietComfort can do a little better.

Alternatives from other brands are those Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 (test) and the Sony WH-1000XM3. In any case, Active Noise Canceling headphones are a travel gadget that I definitely wouldn't want to miss and that's why they definitely belong in first place. No matter whether it's a luxury vacation or a low-budget trip, I'm definitely not going anywhere without a pair of high-quality headphones - these are simply essential vacation gadgets for the beach, hotel, pool and hikes.

2. In-ear headphones: the small and lightweight travel gadgets

In addition to the big over-ear headphones, I always have my little in-ear headphones like them Apple Airpods Pro 2 (test) and Apple Airpods (test) with me in my luggage. While the big headphones for noise reduction are trumps on the plane and they can be used relatively comfortably to connect to the on-board entertainment on the plane, the small white plugs can often score points at the holiday destination.

If you already use the Pro version of the earplugs, which already have Active Noise Canceling, you may be able to safely do without the large over-ears and make do with the small plugs when traveling, depending on your own requirements for sound quality. However, audiophiles still need the headband headphones to really enjoy music while on vacation. However, the small and light plugs are irreplaceable, especially at high temperatures, during sports and on excursions and should at least be included as a second pair of headphones. So these are also irreplaceable travel accessories that should definitely be included as a holiday gadget.

3. Travel neck pillow on the plane: vacation gadget for back pain

I've been up for a long time neck pillow waived on the plane. The appropriately shaped souvenirs not only look kind of weird, but are also bulky and inconvenient if you have to lug them around with you the whole flight. It was only on my last long trip with several night flights that I dealt with this topic in more detail and therefore bought two products that have consistently convinced me. These models simply have nothing to do with the conventional, stiff neck pillow that tends to worsen rather than improve sleep on the plane. 

It is quite elegant Trtl Pillow (test)that you wrap around your neck like a scarf, combining an elegant look with the functionality of a neck pillow. I really like to use the Trtl Pillow myself, because it can be stowed well in hand luggage and the functionality of the product has been scientifically proven according to the manufacturer. But I'm also very impressed with the Huzi Design Infinity Pillow as a holiday gadget:

4. Rettungsboje: irreplaceable holiday gadget on a beach holiday

I lived by the sea in a holiday resort for a long time and often saw that every summer there were serious swimming accidents involving swimmers and stand-up paddlers. Many of these incidents could be avoided if people took better care of themselves while participating in water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddling, swimming and many other water sports. A life buoy is not a panacea for a swimming accident, but it could still prevent many incidents. A life buoy as a holiday gadget can protect you from bad accidents worldwide when swimming, snorkeling, surfing and SUP.

Restube is the lifebuoy that you can simply wear on your hip when swimming and bathing. The lifebuoy is in a small pocket on a belt and is simply inflated when necessary. You pull on a small ribbon. Then a small carbon dioxide cartridge shoots off and pumps up the lifebuoy in seconds, which you can use as a lifebuoy and signal anchor.

5. Travel gadget with plenty of power: Anker PowerCore Powerbank

Without this holiday gadget, I often don't go out of the house in everyday life. A power bank is one of the most important travel accessory products of all. The Anke PowerCore is a mobile battery for on the go, with which you can use the batteries of your Smartphones, Tablets, cameras and many other electronic products. These external batteries are available in various sizes between 10.000 mA and 26.800 mA. On your trip or on vacation at the beach, you can use it to charge gadgets even if there is no power outlet nearby for a long time.

For me as a travel blogger and travel journalist in particular, this technology has proven to be irreplaceable in the past. Even in many aircraft, it is more practical to charge the batteries of the iPhone, iPad and Co. with the small power pack. Because the sockets in the planes are often very weak on the chest and charging there takes forever. So: never leave the house without this travel gadget.

6. Holiday Gadget Air Lounger: inflatable air sofa for relaxing on the go

This is just a fantastic vacation gadget to go: inflatable air sofas like Air Lounger are simple the hit on the beach, by the lake or anywhere you just want to relax and lie in the sun. The portable sofa can be filled with air in seconds as it does not need to be inflated.

The air is blown in through a large opening and then the opening is simply closed. And now you have your perfect seat for anywhere. If you can, store it compactly in your backpack. It takes up hardly any space and has therefore been a travel accessory and a loyal companion on my trips for a long time.

7. Travel Gadget for Home: IP Security Camera for a Calm Vacation

When you're out and about, you can easily keep an eye on your home with an IP surveillance camera. So a travel gadget that stays at home. I tried the Smartfrog IP security camera. A very good and reliable product also comes from Eufy from the proven Anker company.

Such surveillance systems secure your home while you are away. You can use your smartphone to see what's going on at home from anywhere in the world. For me, an IP cam has become an essential travel accessory and a stay-at-home holiday gadget.

8. Smartphone gimbal: three-axis stabilizer essential travel accessories for travel bloggers: inside and influencers: inside

If you want to take really great vacation pictures on vacation and don't want to bother with any shaky snapshots after the trip, you can either get a tripod for your camera or a smartphone gimbal (one of my most important iPhone Photography Tips).

The handle, which is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, reliably ensures that the images no longer blur. Thanks to a sophisticated mechanism, the gimbal counteracts the holiday photographer's wobbling movements and always keeps the image stable and straight when filming. Especially for everyone Travel logger: inside and influencers: such a holiday gadget is essential.

In addition, the Gimbal for the smartphone often also other practical properties. For example, you can have the video automatically follow people and objects in a special mode. This ensures even smoother videos and shake-free photos.

You can find these practical stabilizers not only for smartphones, but also for action cams, mirrorless system cameras and digital SLR cameras. Anyone who buys a gimbal for their smartphone will find this practical gadget to be an essential one travel gear for photographers no longer want to do without.

9. Travel gadget drone: Take perfect aerial photos and selfies on vacation with the DJI Mavic Air 

The DJI Mavic Air (test) combines many features that make the perfect drone: it is small and handy, light and very easy to fly. At the same time, she takes photos that look downright professional.

You can take exciting photos with their different flight modes. At this Drone Above all, the price-performance ratio is right - it is the ultimate holiday gadget for photographers and an indispensable travel accessory on my tours. 

10. Travel essentials that are often forgotten: light travel blankets and picnic blankets 

A light travel blanket and a picnic blanket are incredibly practical travel items. Doesn't sound that important at first, but it makes perfect sense. Especially when sleeping on Long-haul flights an additional blanket is essential. The airlines' blankets are just too thin and too short. 

At the holiday destination (and by the way also at home in the park), however, a picnic blanket pays off. The practical pad is available in many different designs and sizes. The surface is fluffy, soft and cozy. I now have several models of these incredibly practical travel utensils in operation and always take them with me as an important travel item.  

11. Holiday gadget with security: travel wallet with RFID blocker

Today's debit cards and credit cards have an integrated NFC chip that can be used for contactless payments. Thieves take advantage of this in some holiday resorts and read tourists' maps. To prevent this, you can use an RFID blocker or a travel wallet use with integrated RFID blocker. Depending on the country of destination and risk aversion, the purchase is a sensible thing. 

12. snorkeling equipment as an essential travel accessory for a beach vacation

If your next trip is to the sea, you should definitely have snorkeling equipment in your suitcase. Sure, you can also go diving if you have a diving license. But if you're just spending a relaxing beach holiday and want to jump into the water every now and then, you'll be well served with a diving mask, snorkel and fins.

Actually, there is hardly any body of water in which there isn't something exciting to see underwater. Regardless of whether you're snorkeling in the Baltic Sea or the Red Sea - you should always have the appropriate snorkeling equipment with you as a travel gadget. 

13. Smartphone camera as a travel accessory on vacation?

In addition to the digital mirrorless system camera, I always have mine when I travel iPhone for razor-sharp images. The smartphone photos have become so good over the last generation of models that our iPhone photos have even been printed in magazines.

Theoretically, the cell phone is now sufficient as the only camera when traveling. To date, however, I still have the digital camera with me. If you are more of an Android fan, you can of course also use a Samsung Galaxy or Huawei P Pro as a vacation gadget and travel accessory. 

14. Holiday gadget for divers and snorkelers: underwater housing for the smartphone

If you frequently do sports on or in the water on holiday, you should also join one Underwater housing for smartphones or a Underwater case for iPhone as a vacation gadget. Some of the practical covers can even be used for scuba diving. An underwater smartphone case can hold up to 60 meters. For everyone who is only on the beach, a smaller and thinner cover is usually sufficient as protection against splash water and sand and as a travel gadget that saves you from scratching your technical devices. 

15. High-quality mirrorless system camera as a vacation gadget for unforgettable photos

Honor your smartphone camera when traveling - but for really demanding shots you still need a high-quality mirrorless system camera. The recordings are currently just a whole lot better - a digital camera from a well-known manufacturer can still score points, especially in poor light or with a lot of movement.

Many photographers still rely on a digital SLR camera when on vacation. I believe that the future lies with digital mirrorless system cameras – and also with smartphone photography. Cell phones are already outperforming many professional cameras when it comes to video recording. 

16. Tablet for recording: never on tour without my most important travel gadget

I never go on a trip without my current iPad Pro - it's probably my most important vacation gadget of all. On the one hand, of course, to write my articles. On the other hand, because I can of course surf the Internet with it when I'm on vacation and read the latest magazines digitally. One is particularly practical iPad Pro (test) while traveling, because you can use it to view holiday photos and videos in large, pin-sharp detail.

I would voluntarily leave many things at home, but never my tablet - the most important travel gadget of all. The pencil, which you can use to make additional handwritten notes on your tour, is also practical. If you don't like the electronic version, you can of course also use an analogue, handwritten one Create a travel diary and write. 

17. Sports watch (smart watch) for activity measurement is the ultimate vacation gadget

When I travel there is always one Sports Watch at the wrist. While the smart gym clocks at home and in the office remind you to get up more often and something Exercise to incorporate into the daily routine, you move on vacation experience shows more.

Active travelers can use a sports watch as a travel gadget like the one Apple Watch, a Samsung Galaxy Watch (for Android fans) or a pure sports watch like the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR their movements on vacation, for example when swimming in the sea or Jogging on the beach record and often have numerous additional functions such as GPS navigation or fall detection. My recommendation is clearly this Apple Watch when traveling - I use it myself and it has proven itself as a holiday gadget for me in recent years. 

18. Anti-theft backpack (anti-theft backpack) one of the most important vacation gadgets

I didn't know how important a theft-proof backpack could be as a travel gadget until I had one with me. Current models make life difficult for thieves and criminals. I use that Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 (test). High-quality models are made of cut-resistant materials, have a metal frame inside and can be connected anywhere using a cable lock.

Valuables can also be safely stored in the car in this way. An anti-theft device is probably the ultimate holiday gadget, and I definitely won't go anywhere without it. 

Related Articles

FAQs Holiday gadgets, travel accessories and travel essentials - what do you really need to take with you?

When planning a trip, there are a few essential vacation gadgets, travel accessories, and travel essentials that I absolutely have to take with me on vacation. For example, I could never travel without a pair of decent headphones as travel gadgets. I have put together the most important questions and answers about holiday gadgets for you below.

The most important holiday gadgets

My conclusion

Smart inventors obviously spend a lot of time developing new travel gadgets for us. There are thousands upon thousands of practical products for travel equipment. Overall, there are certainly enough practical helpers to give this article two or three more sequels. The aim of all this incredibly useful equipment is always to make our journey - or often our life at home - even more pleasant and relaxing.

Whether headphones, waterproof protective cases or drinking water filters: the value of some inventions is truly priceless. Anyone who has ever managed to sleep on a plane with a good neck pillow and noise reduction and wake up relaxed after a long-haul flight knows the advantages of this travel equipment and will definitely not want to be without it on their next trips.

Which holiday gadgets - travel utensils and travel accessories - are essential for you when traveling and on vacation? What else should I add to my travel gadget list? Share your experiences in the comments.