As summer travel season gets off the ground (I know it is only May, but in the university world summer starts when students leave!) I thought it would be a great opportunity to re-cap some of my favorite travel tech tools.
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo
The Mophie company makes external batteries that can be used to charge mobile devices. Some of their most popular products are cell phone cass, but my personal favorite is the Juice Pack Powerstation Duo. I like that it only adds bulk to my bag when I know I am going to need it, versus constantly having the added weight in a phone case. The model I bought for my business trip to South by Southwest interactive allowed me to charge both my iPad and my iPhone. I never had the awkward situation of looking for an outlet in a bar – a common sight in Austin during the conference.
Quirky Pivot Power Mini
This tool transforms any outlet into a multi-outlet capable of charging two devices via A/C and two more via USB. I purchased it so that I could charge multiple items each night in my hotel room, but it is small enough to carry around in your bag as well. The only issue I had was that the outlet in my hotel room was in a lamp, which meant that the plugs were difficult to access once the adapter was plugged on. A small extension cord was an easy fix.
Cocoon Grid It Organizer
If you are as tech-obsessed as I seem to be, this is a great item to have in your travel bag. The bungee cables keep all your charging cords well-managed and visible so you can find the one you want easily. The hard board backing makes it durable and easy to slip in and out of your carry-on when you need to grab something. It comes in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, and you can even find some that incorporate cases and notebooks.
Ogio Brooklyn Bag
This purse was perfect for taking tech to meetings and sessions at workshops, and it would be just as perfect for taking tech with you on vacation as well. It is big enough to hold an iPad in a custom padded pouch, but small enough to serve as a purse, with plenty of secure pockets and organizational pockets too.
What am I missing? Are there other must-have travel gadgets you’d recommend?