Melo Villareal
9 Best Travel Gadgets of 2017
Guestpost by: Wendy Dessler
Thanks to the increasingly ubiquitous Internet of Things, today’s travel gadgets are compact, light, smart, intuitive, convenient and yet more powerful than ever. The following is a look at some of the best travel gadgets of 2017.
1. Jaybird Freedom F5 Wireless In-Ear Headphones
These headphones are not only stylish but their weightlessness and high-quality output are at the cutting edge of the latest sound technology. The Freedom F5 is carefully designed with a reduced speaker housing diameter that fits perfectly in the ear but doesn’t compromise overall performance. After a few minutes of putting them on, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
2. Bose QC35 Noise-cancelling Wireless Headphones
People often travel to get away from the din of everyday life. The irony is that some end up running into even more noise than they would at home. It could be the drone of plane engines, the chugging of the train or a booming nightclub near the low cost hotel they’re staying in.
Bose QC35 noise-muting headphones are the perfect solution to this ever-present problem. Simply wearing them will almost instantly transport you to a different world. While they are fairly pricey (it’s Bose after all), the one-off investment is worth it if you are a regular traveler.
3. Lenovo Yoga Book
If you spend a lot of time on the road and are looking for a tablet that could fulfill the role of a laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Book is worth taking a look at. It has a fresh design that’ll probably appeal to creatives the most.
The backlit Halo keyboard doubles up as a digitizer where you can write or draw with a stylus. Switch to the ink tip mode and digitally record whatever you write or draw on real paper. The Yoga Book is super light and super slim which is always an advantage when you are on the road.
4. Logitech M330 Silent Plus Wireless Optical Mouse
Unless you are flying business class or via private jet, space and comfort is always a major pain. If you at some point you need to use a mouse, you’ll quickly realize that a trackpad is impractical. The Logitech M330 Silent optical mouse is perfect in situations where workspace is an issue.
It’s also ideal when you want to avoid annoying the person sitting next to you with the characteristically noisy clicks of a standard mouse. The M330 reduces clicking noise by as much as 90 percent and has a smooth scroll wheel. The wireless nano receiver has a reach of up to 10 meters.
5. Olloclip iPhone 7 Clip-on Camera Lens
What’s a great trip without the photos to prove it? If you want to take high-quality snaps on your iPhone, the Olloclip is one of the best accessories to help you do that.
With three lens settings (Fisheye, Super-wide, and 15x Macro), this clip-on cam has a lanyard that ensures it won’t easily get lost and will always be within easy reach whenever you need to capture those spontaneous unforgettable moments.
6. Emoji Charger / Power Bank
It may seem innocuous on the face of it but your smartphone’s charge will probably be your most stressful worry on the road. The fear of abruptly losing the ability to communicate or take photos of unique moments is the reason for the rapid growth in the power bank market.
There are many power banks to choose from but wouldn’t it be great to have one that brings a smile to your face and the people around you? The Emoji Charger is a nice way to break the ice. It features a 2,600mAh battery that delivers enough power to charge the average smartphone at least twice. The charger has two USB ports allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously.
7. Beeline
Beeline is a bike attachment that you can fix on the handlebars and is a useful tool when cycling in unfamiliar places. It connects to your smartphone’s GPS and gives tips on the direction to turn when you aren’t sure where to go. It is shock and water resistant, sunlight readable and has a backlit display.
Beeline uses little power and a single battery charge can run for weeks. Note that it doesn’t provide turn-by-turn directions but rather lets you know how far you have to go to reach your destination. A compass-like arrow alerts you if you are headed in the right direction or not.
8. TomTom Spark 3
With timing, heart rate monitoring and GPS tools in one watch, the TomTom Spark 3 is a viable alternative for those who aren’t keen on buying an Apple Watch but still want to keep tabs on their fitness when traveling. It’s the wearable device of choice for those who love the outdoors.
Whether your journeys will involve some time at the gym, cycling, running or swimming, the Spark 3 means you no longer have to carry a bulky smartphone with you. Keep track of steps, strolls and sprints by measuring the calories burned, distance covered and total time spent. It can also be used for sleep monitoring.
The built-in music storage together with the Bluetooth sync will keep you entertained wherever you go. Check out Hikers On Run – The Best Hiking Gear and Equipment Reviewed for more interesting walking and hiking gadgets.
9. AliveCor Kardia Band
If you own an Apple Watch and are looking for a heart rate monitor that’s a little more sophisticated than the TomTom Spark 3, consider going for the Kardia Band. It’s a medical grade Apple Watch strap recently launched by medical technology firm AliveCor.
The electrocardiogram strap easily picks up shortness of breath, palpitations and other warning signs that would signal the onset of a stroke or cardiovascular disease. With all the stressful twists and turns travel can bring, the Kardia Band is useful for anyone concerned about their health.
We often think about traveling as something to look forward to. In reality, travel can be a dreary and frustrating endeavor that leaves you wishing it would all end. Whether you are a student, an international jet-setter, budget backpacker or even a routine train commuter, gadgets can make your journey more comfortable and memorable.
See Also: Product Review: Bobby Anti-Theft backpack by XD Design
