Annie's Must Have Travel Gadgets

My name is Annie and I'm a travel addict. 

I love packing for a trip. The whole process takes me a couple of weeks. I love setting out my clothes, picturing myself strolling on the Champs-Élysees in my carefully planned outfit. Since I always travel carry-on only, it is a fun challenge to determine "what makes the cut".

There are certain things that go with me on every trip, no matter where I'm going. They are my "must have" travel gadgets.

These are great gifts for anyone who travels. Hint, hint.

Apple AirTags

A tracker for my luggage and backpack is essential. Even though I carry on my luggage, I never know if I will be forced to check my bag. Once it is out of my hands I want to know exactly where it is. I have one in my backpack in case I leave it somewhere or someone picks it up when I'm not looking.

I keep an AirTag in my purse even when I'm not traveling. 

I have an iPhone so this works for me. If you don't have an iPhone, there are other brands of trackers, such as Tile. 

Apple AirTags are around $20-30 a piece. Amazon often has them on sale $79 for 4. 

Suggestion: Buy the four pack and give some to your travel buddies.

Mini Handheld Fan/Flashlight/Charger

This little gadget is one of my favorite items for travel! I have given a number of them for gifts. It's not just a fan, it is also a phone charger AND a flashlight! I keep mine next to my bed in the hotel. The fan is very quiet and the flashlight is helpful in a strange dark hotel room. It's such a great nugget for less than $20. I buy my mini handheld fan/flashlight/charger on Amazon. 

USB Travel Adapter

I have tried many travel adapters in many hotel rooms. I like this one because it has 4 USB ports and easily converts from American to a European (or other foreign) plug. There is no need for separate European plugs, one plug gives you 4 ports. If you need a USB C port, the power bank (see below) has one. You can buy the USB Travel Adaptor on Amazon.

Power Bank Charger

This Power Bank Charger has several ports for charging different devices. It's rather heavy, so I don't carry it with me. I keep it charged in the hotel room during the day. It comes with 2 chargers for less than $20! 

Here's my nugget for keeping your devices charged and easily accessible while traveling......

Keep the Power Bank Charger in your hotel room. Charge it during the day using the USB Travel Adapter. At night, charge your phone (and any other devices you use during the day) using the Power Bank Charger, instead of the USB Travel Adapter. This way, you are not dependent on where the outlets are in your room. Often they are in inconvenient spots behind furniture. If you keep the Power Bank Charger plugged in to the USB Travel Adapter during the day, you will always have enough power to fully charge your phone while it sits conveniently next to your bed.

Mini Power Bank

Here's another one of my favorite nuggets! This little power bank is about the size of 2 lipsticks and fits perfectly in my tiny purse. It even has a great little "kickstand" for holding up your phone on the plane! I keep it with me at all times. It has saved countless phones from dying while out exploring. I have found them with a built in Lightning plug for older phones, and USB-C plugs for newer phones. They are super cheap and so valuable! Mini Power Bank Lightning, Mini Power Bank USB-C.

Water Flosser

Even though I pack light I always pack my portable water flosser. It's important to me that my teeth feel clean. I can use the base of the flosser as a bathroom cup or to hold my toothbrush off of the sink. I've used this water flosser for a few years now and it's still going strong. I believe there is an updated model by the same company that comes in a bag instead of a hard case. Either way, I love my flosser.

Battery Toothbrush

I use an electric toothbrush at home, but its too big to take on the road. I started using a battery toothbrush while traveling, and although not as good as an electric toothbrush, it's better than a regular toothbrush. I threw mine away after the last trip, but I have ordered this one.

I have provided links to make it easier for you to get more information or buy the products if you choose. I do not make a commission and I am not an affiliate. I use and love the products I write about and enjoy passing good "nuggets" on to you.