Traveling as a writer/editor is a delicate balance of packing light while still bringing everything I need to keep the words flowing and the deadlines met. Sure, I always toss in the non-tech essentials like big binder clips (because hotel curtains never close properly), bamboo utensils (because I’m not a monster) and a Sharpie that never ever seems to run dry. But let’s be real—those things don’t help me hit “send” on a 1,000-word feature while sitting in a noisy airport.
That’s where my tech arsenal comes in. These are the compact, medium-priced gadgets that keep me sane, productive and occasionally entertained while I’m on the move. They’re not just tools—they’re lifelines. From noise-canceling headphones that drown out screaming toddlers to a foldable keyboard that turns any café table into a workspace, these items are the unsung heroes of my carry-on.
So, if you’re a fellow worker-on-the-go (or just someone who likes to pretend they’re working while scrolling Instagram), here’s my ultimate list of tech travel essentials.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Let’s start with the obvious. My iPhone is my lifeline. It’s my camera, my GPS, my inbox and occasionally my therapist. The 15 Pro Max’s battery life is solid enough to survive a long-haul flight, and the camera is so good it makes me feel like a National Geographic photographer when I’m really just snapping pictures of my overpriced airport burger.
AirPods Pro
These little guys are a godsend. Whether drowning out the sound of a crying baby or pretending not to hear the chatty stranger next to me, the noise-canceling feature is worth every penny. They're great for calls, podcasts or tuning out the chaos so I can write one more sentence before boarding. The case charges fast, the audio is clear and they’re just discreet enough to avoid looking like a full tech bro. They're essential for the working traveler who wants quiet without committing to over-ear bulk.
Over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones
Over-the-ear headphones are my go-to for longer flights—the battery life is WAY longer than the AirPods—or when I need to block out the world entirely. The sound quality is amazing, and they’re also a stronger way to signal, “Don’t talk to me,” which is invaluable when you’ve found yourself with a seatmate who wants to show off stories and photos of their [insert pets, grandchildren, children, arts and crafts here]. I opt for the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro. They're more expensive than the regular Space One model, but the cushions feel nicer on the Pro version. That said, I’ll admit no over-the-ear headphones are perfect for me—after a few hours, I feel like my ears are pinned against my head and I start experiencing eardrum suck (and yes, that's a thing).
Small Bluetooth speaker
A portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for podcasts in my hotel room, ambient noise while I work, or making my playlist sound less tragic. It's compact enough to disappear into a bag and socially acceptable as long as you’re not that guy on the beach. There are multiple brands available, so consider aesthetics and how loud you want it to be (again, don't be that guy on the beach).
Digital luggage scale
Because I will inevitably buy too many snacks, books or random ceramics and then panic at the airport scale, this tiny gadget saves me the shame spiral of unzipping my suitcase in front of a line of strangers. Nothing says “I have my life together” like preemptively avoiding the public spectacle of shoving socks into your carry-on while people silently judge the cheap gifts you bought for your boyfriend, so thank you, digital luggage scales!
Foldable Bluetooth keyboard
Typing on a screen the size of a Pop-Tart is a special kind of torture, so this neatly folding PhotoArc keyboard is a lifesaver. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, fast-pairing, surprisingly comfortable to type on and has a track pad so I don't have to use the one on my laptop. Bonus: It makes me feel like James Bond when I break it out in public.
Power Bank
I have the Anker PowerCore 313 power bank, which is a slim, fast and reasonably priced portable charger (it's actually better than a regular old charger, which is why I guess it's called a power bank). It has enough juice to recharge my phone multiple times and doesn’t feel like I'm carrying a brick. It charges via USB-C, and it’s a lifesaver when outlets are scarce or when someone else hogs the only airport plug like it’s a throne. Trust me—you’ll need this more than once.
iPad
My iPad is my portable office. It’s perfect for editing documents, reading books or binge-watching Netflix when I should be working. Pair it with the foldable keyboard, and you’ve got a setup that’s almost as good as a laptop—almost.
Apple MacBook Air
Did you notice above that I said almost? When the iPad just won’t cut it, my MacBook Air steps in. It’s lightweight, powerful and has a battery life that can survive a full day of travel. Plus, it’s thin enough to slide into my bag (along with the iPad) and the design actually fits in most “compact” workspaces—like a train tray table or an aggressively small Airbnb desk. The Air is my workhorse, and it’s somehow never let me down. (Famous last words.)
AirTags
My trust level for airlines handling my luggage only goes so far, and these little trackers give me peace of mind by letting me know exactly where my luggage is at all times. They’ve saved me from a full-blown panic attack more than once.
AirFly Pro Deluxe
This nifty gadget lets me use my Bluetooth headphones with in-flight entertainment systems and ancient gym treadmills. No more tangled wires or crappy airline headphones. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference.
USB cables (A.K.A. the jungle of charging life)
- USB to USB-C: Since not everything has adopted USB-C yet, I use a standard length (about 3 feet) cable to connect older devices to my newer ones.
- USB-C to Lightning (also known as an old iPhone cable): I keep this for times when someone with an older AirPod case (like me) or an older iPhone needs to charge their device.
- USB-C to USB-C: I pack two short (3 feet) and two long (9 feet) cables because these are the type used by almost all of my gear, and because hotel nightstands are often far away and no one wants to be the person lying on the floor charging their laptop while they're working (especially in a hotel, ewww).
Foldable magnetic 3-in-1 charger
This genius foldable charger powers my iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once, and it folds flat to save space. It’s like a tech charging mat that actually respects your luggage space.
Multi-country electrical adapter with USB ports
These little gadgets are the MVPs of international travel for me. Some people prefer adapter plug sets, but I prefer an all-in-one unit. While I haven't had the chance to experience if this is true, the unit is supposed to work in over 200 countries. The reason I prefer this over the plugs, though, is because it has multiple USB-C ports, so I can charge my phone, iPad, and power bank at the same time. I don't have to bring multi-port USB wall chargers (which often fall out of the socket when plugged in using an adapter plug), or multiple versions of adapter plugs for each country I'm visiting. I prefer this one, which has slide-out plugs and has worked everywhere I've been. It has saved me from hunting down chargers—that I may never use again—in foreign pharmacies. It’s not glamorous, but it works. And yes, you’ll forget it in a wall socket once. That’s how you learn.
USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
As techy as this whole list sounds, I admit that I'm still wary of certain things, and connecting items wirelessly is one of them. That's why I always, always, always have a digital AV adapter. Sounds confusing, but basically it's a small (2" x 1.5" x .5" thick) adapter with a USB-C plug and slots to receive an HDMI cable or another USB-C cable. Instant wired connection.
I also recommend two more things. 1) A small case to pack all of the electronic accoutrements in. I like compartmentalized bags, so I use an amenities kit I got the one time I flew first class (thanks, United!). It has three mesh pockets—one of which zips—and holds a surprising amount of cables, chargers and small Bluetooth gear. But in case you can’t bump yourself up to first class on your next flight, this is a good option. And 2) a backpack that’s meant for electronics. If it holds clothes, that’s great, but make sure the electronics won’t get thrown around like they will in a duffel or loose backpack. I found this one and I’m pretty happy with it.
No matter how hard I try to pack light, these are the gadgets that always make the cut—and earn their space. They keep me connected, creative and comically optimistic anywhere in the world.