In today’s world, travel has evolved beyond just packing your bags and hitting the road. With the right apps and gadgets, you can easily streamline your travel experience, navigate new destinations, and even enhance the quality of your adventures. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or an occasional vacationer, being tech-savvy can make your trips more enjoyable, efficient, and memorable.
Here are some underrated travel apps and gadgets every modern traveller should know about to take their travel experience to the next level.
1. Offline Maps & Navigation: MAPS.ME
Key Features:
Offline Maps: One of the standout features of MAPS.ME allows you to download entire regions or countries for offline use. No more worrying about bad signals or high roaming charges when navigating foreign streets.
Points of Interest: The app includes detailed points of interest, including hidden spots often missed by more mainstream apps.
Why You Need It: Whether you’re exploring remote areas with no signal or just want to save on data charges, MAPS.ME ensures you never lose your way.
2. Language Translation: Google Lens
Key Features:
Visual Translation: Google Lens allows you to point your phone’s camera at text (e.g., menus, signs, brochures) and instantly translate it into your preferred language.
Interactive Experience: Besides translation, it can also identify landmarks and recommend nearby points of interest.
Why You Need It: When visiting countries where language barriers exist, Google Lens can save you from awkward situations or misunderstandings by translating important text in real-time.
3. Multi-Country Power Adapter: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Key Features:
Universal Compatibility: The Epicka Universal Adapter works in over 150 countries, making it ideal for frequent globetrotters.
Multiple Ports: It has four USB ports and a Type-C port, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once.
Why You Need It: Travelling to different countries often means dealing with various plug types. With this universal travel adapter, you won’t have to buy a new one for each country.
4. Expense Management: Splitwise
Key Features:
Easy Expense Tracking: Splitwise helps you track shared expenses on group trips, ensuring everyone knows how much they owe and paying people back is easy.
Currency Conversion: It supports multiple currencies, making it perfect for international travel.
Why You Need It: Whether travelling with friends or family, managing expenses can be tricky. Splitwise simplifies this process by clearly displaying who owes what, making group trips hassle-free.
5. Travel Entertainment: Pocket WiFi Hotspot (Skyroam Solis X)
Key Features:
Portable WiFi: This gadget provides you with reliable internet wherever you go, across 130+ countries.
Power Bank Functionality: It doubles as a power bank, so you can charge your devices on the go.
Why You Need It: If you’re working remotely while travelling or need constant connectivity, the Skyroam Solis X ensures you stay online without relying on spotty hotel Wi-Fi or expensive roaming charges.
If you are travelling in India, there are options available from different internet service providers for pocket wifi. They may not work as power banks though.
6. Luggage Tracker: Tile Mate
Key Features:
Bluetooth Tracking: Tile Mate helps you track your luggage via Bluetooth, ensuring you never lose your belongings.
Crowd GPS: If your item is lost outside Bluetooth range, the Tile app uses other users to help find it.
Why You Need It: If you’re someone who frequently worries about losing luggage or bags, the Tile Mate can give you peace of mind. You can track your belongings on your phone and even ring the tracker if it’s nearby.
7. Digital Travel Journal: Day One
Key Features:
Multimedia Support: Day One allows you to create a digital travel diary with text, photos, and even audio recordings.
Organized Entries: It categorizes your entries by location and date, making it easy to revisit memories from specific trips.
Why You Need It: If you’re a traveller who loves documenting your journey, Day One is the perfect tool for capturing your memories. It also syncs across devices, so you can update your journal from your phone or laptop.
8. Noise-Canceling Earbuds:
Key Features:
Top-Notch Noise Cancellation: These earbuds block out the noise of aeroplane engines, busy streets, or chatty passengers.
Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, perfect for long flights or bus rides.
Why You Need It: Whether you need to focus, sleep on a plane, or simply enjoy your favourite tunes, noise-cancelling earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4 make travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
9. Portable Solar Charger: Anker 21W Solar Charger
Key Features:
Solar-Powered Charging: Ideal for outdoor adventures, this charger uses solar power to charge your devices, making it a great companion for camping or hiking trips.
Lightweight and Foldable: Easy to carry, it folds up into a compact size for portability.
Why You Need It: For the eco-conscious traveller or those exploring remote areas without electricity, a portable solar charger ensures you’re never without power.
10. Water Purification: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Key Features:
Filters Contaminants: The LifeStraw removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from water, making it safe to drink.
Compact and Lightweight: Its compact size makes it easy to carry, especially for backpackers and campers.
Why You Need It:
When travelling to remote places or areas where water quality is questionable, having a LifeStraw can be a lifesaver. It’s also environmentally friendly as it reduces the need for bottled water.
Tech-Savvy Travel for the Modern Explorer
In today’s digital age, the right travel apps and gadgets can transform your journey. Whether you’re navigating a new city, keeping your devices charged, or documenting your adventures, these tech tools enhance your travel experience while simplifying many of the challenges that come with exploring unfamiliar destinations.
Pack smarter, travel lighter, and make the most of your trips by staying equipped with these underrated yet essential apps and gadgets!
Happy travelling!
Neerja Bhatnagar
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