Technology is an essential part of any vacation planning project for everyone. Whether it's a smartphone to take photos of your vacation or a console or tablet to keep the kids entertained on the long journey, there are some devices you definitely want to take with you.
But other smart tech essentials can enhance your trip, not ruin it. Read on to learn more about options that can make your vacation even smoother.
Must-have items in your luggage
(Image courtesy of Future)
Let's start with packing. The July Carry On suitcase has a built-in power bank so you don't have to worry about running out of battery along the way. If you're flying, current aviation safety regulations do not allow the case to be put in the cargo hold.
If you're worried about your luggage getting lost in transit, placing a GPS tracker inside your suitcase before closing it will mean you'll know exactly where it is at all times, and Apple's Airtag and Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag2 (both available from John Lewis) will give you extra peace of mind.
Apple's AirTags send out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be found by nearby Apple devices. These devices send the AirTag's location to iCloud, so you can use Apple's Find My app to locate the AirTag and get a highly accurate map location of the item.
The Smarttag2 is available in white or black and has a loop hole so it can be attached to a keychain or zipper. If the tagged item gets lost, Smasung's Compass View and AR Finder will pinpoint where it is.
Download the Tile app and your Tile device will ring or let your smart home assistant find it, and if your item gets lost, the Tile app will show you its most recent location on a map.
Holiday Entertainment
If you're an avid reader, the Kindle Paperwhite will be a great relief, and the clarity and pixel density of the screen make it much easier to read on than previous models.
If you like listening to music whilst relaxing poolside, portable Bluetooth speakers are also a great option for when you're on holiday – camping, self catering, at the beach etc. Ultimate Ears, Sonos, Sony and Bang & Olufsen all have stylish portable models available.
If you're looking for something cheap and fun and don't care too much about sound quality, IKEA's Vappeby speakers come in a set of two in three colors. Just remember to be considerate of your neighbours when it comes to volume levels.
For those with kids, if you've ever had to endure the Fortnite soundtrack or listen to the latest Trolls movie on repeat, you'll know that investing in some good headphones for your kids' tech while traveling is essential.
The Pogs Gecko wireless headphones limit volume to a maximum safe level for children – 85dB, come in four colours to choose from and can run for 12 hours on a single charge.
With up to 10 weeks of battery life and space for thousands of books, this device is the easiest way to hit your reading quota while on vacation, and the glare-free screen makes reading easier and a more enjoyable experience.
Ultimate Ears Everboom Waterproof Speaker
Portable, waterproof, and even floats (perfect for pool disasters), this great speaker even has a carabiner on the back so you can clip it anywhere and listen to music on the go.
Pogs Bluetooth Wireless Kids Headphones
Available in blue, green, pink, yellow and grey, these kids' headphones are conveniently wireless and have volume limits to suit children's sensitive ears.
Please pay attention
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If you're worried about your home while you're away, it's worth mentioning smart security: one in five UK households now have a video doorbell, and if you haven't already, now's the perfect time to join the club – before you're away from home for an extended period of time.
Not only will it deter burglars, but it will also allow you to keep an eye on your home while you're away – and at the very least, you'll have a sense of satisfaction when you compare the dreadful weather at home to the sunshine on your day off.
Finally, if you're going abroad, don't forget to download the Google Translate app (free for both iOS and Android) on your smartphone, as the camera function allows you to translate up to 33 languages in real time.