What Travel Gadgets Do You Really Need? (Honest Backpacking Guide)
When planning a trip, it’s easy to feel like you need loads of travel gadgets to have the perfect experience. Before our first big backpacking trip, we spent hours researching the best travel gear, wondering what was actually worth buying.
But after spending months travelling around Europe, we realised something important:
You don’t need as much as you think!
In fact, some of the most hyped cool travel products turned out to be completely unnecessary, while a few simple items became absolute essentials we used every single day.
This guide breaks down the travel gadgets we actually used, what we didn’t, and what we wish we brought, so you can pack smarter, save money, and avoid carrying things you don’t need.
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these links but it will NOT affect the price you pay for these links. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, is the best products possible whilst travelling.
What Travel Gadgets Do You Really Need?
If you’re trying to pack light, here’s the truth: You only need a small number of essential travel items!
When you’re moving between cities, carrying a heavy backpack full of gadgets quickly becomes frustrating. Every extra item adds weight, takes up space, and often doesn’t get used.
After multiple trips over the years, we’ve learned to focus on:
- Multi-use items
- Compact, portable gear
- Things we actually use daily
Travel Gadgets We Actually Used Every Day
These are the travel gadgets we wouldn’t travel without again.
Phone
Your phone is easily the most important essential travel item.
We used ours constantly for:
- Maps and directions
- Booking accommodation
- Taking photos and videos
- Researching places to eat
If you’re looking for apps for travelling that make your trip easier, check out our guide on must-have apps for travelling. It covers everything from navigation to booking last-minute activities.
Power Bank
A portable power bank was a lifesaver.
When you’re out all day exploring a new city, your phone battery drains quickly, especially using maps and data.
This became one of our favourite items because:
- It kept us connected
- Reduced stress about battery life
- Let us stay out longer without worrying
Headphones
A simple but underrated piece of travel gear.
We used headphones on:
- Flights
- Trains
- Long bus journeys
They’re a small item but make a big difference, especially on longer travel days. If you’re taking a long-haul flight, check out our guide on things to do on a long flight – it pairs perfectly with headphones for entertainment and comfort.
eSIM / Data Access
Having access to data is a game-changer.
We used an eSIM, which meant we didn’t have to deal with physical SIM cards. It made everything easier – from navigation to last-minute bookings.
This is one of those solo travel gadgets that makes a huge difference, especially if you’re travelling independently. One of the eSIM providers we specifically recommend is Airalo. We have used them in numerous locations and never had any issues!
Travel Gadgets That Are Actually Worth It
These aren’t 100% essential, but we still found them really useful!
Kindle (or e-reader)
If you enjoy reading while travelling, A Kindle is a great investment.
Instead of carrying multiple books in your backpack, you can carry hundreds digitally.
We love this for:
- Saving space
- Keeping things light
- Having entertainment on long journeys
Apple Airtag
An Apple AirTag wasn’t something we ever considered we needed for travelling, but we are so glad we took it with us! We had one each in each of our backpacks so that we could always track our belongings.
We love this for:
- A piece of mind that our luggage is safe
- lightweight tracking
A Universal Travel Adaptor
One of the most practical travel gadgets you can bring.
Instead of carrying multiple plugs, one universal travel adapter lets you charge everything in different countries.
A simple but very essential travel item, that also comes in a variety of fun colours!
Wireless Speaker
A small wireless speaker ended up being one of our favourite unexpected items.
We didn’t think we’d use it much, but it was great for:
- Hostel rooms
- Getting ready before a night out
- Chill evenings after long travel days
It’s not an essential travel item for everyone, but for us, it added a lot to the overall experience.
TV Stick (Fire Stick / Streaming Stick)
This is a bit of a cool gadget for travel that not many people think about.
We brought a portable TV stick, and it actually came in really handy on longer trips.
Why we liked it:
- Easy to plug into hostel or Airbnb TVs
- Access to Netflix/YouTube anywhere
- Great for relaxing after busy days
It’s definitely not something you need, but if you’re travelling for a few weeks or longer, it can be a nice extra.
Travel Gadgets We Didn’t Use (Don’t Waste Your Money)
This is where you can save yourself money and, just as importantly, space.
Expensive Cameras
We didn’t bring a high-end camera, and honestly, we didn’t miss it. Your phone is more than enough for most people.
Unless you’re serious about photography, this can feel like a disappointing purchase to carry around.
Bulky Headphones
While headphones are useful, large over-ear ones can be impractical.
They:
- Take up too much space
- Are awkward to carry
- Don’t fit well in a smaller backpack
Stick to something compact and portable, like AirPods.
Random “Cool Gadget for Travel”
There are so many trending gadgets online that look useful…
But in reality:
- You won’t use them often
- They add unnecessary weight
- They become clutter, and we ended up sending heaps of items home.
If it’s not something you’ll use daily, you probably don’t need it!
What We Regret Not Bringing
Not everything we skipped was the right decision.
GoPro (or action camera)
This is one thing we sometimes wish we had.
While our phones captured most memories, an action camera would’ve been great for adventurous trips or water-based activities. Like visiting Kanto Lampo Waterfall or Scuba Diving in Koh Tao.
After doing a lot of research, we have decided the GoPro Hero will be a purchase we make before our next big trip!
Final Thoughts on Travel Gadgets
At the end of the day, you don’t need to overthink travel gadgets. Focus on what you’ll actually use, keep your packing light, and avoid carrying things that won’t make your trip easier or more enjoyable.
For a full list of items to pack for a longer backpacking trip, check out our post on must-have items for backpacking.
Pack smart, travel light, and enjoy your adventures!
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, is the best products possible whilst travelling.
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