With the long weekend rapidly coming up, a lot of us are getting ready to get away from all forms of work to explore the great unknowns. For those who are more technologically inclined though, one cannot even think of going on an adventure without carrying the necessary tools to stay connected.
It’s been a while since I last traveled but here are the essentials I personally keep in my vacation tech bag when I’m on the go. I’ve listed them down both in common terms and the specific device I have so that you can catch a glimpse of what I use!
Things I Keep In My Personal Vacation Tech Bag
- Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Huawei MateBook X Pro
- Bose QuietComfort 45
- EarFun Free Pro 2
- ROMOSS Sense 8P Plus 30000mAh
- Anti-RFID pouches
- Nintendo Switch V2
A Reliable Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
A performer then, and still a performer now. I’ll get started on this list with my smartphone daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G. I personally enjoy its vibrant 6.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate – making it absolutely phenomenal for watching videos on the go. The device still performs amazingly despite the slight aging of the Exynos 990, while the cameras also output some impressive photos to this day. Since most of my photos are for personal use or social media only, it kills the need for a dedicated camera.
For some reason, the autofocus issues I experienced early on in my ownership don’t really occur anymore. The main reason I haven’t upgraded is my strong loyalty to the microSD card slot. I take a lot of photos and videos, so I interchange cards quite often. This is one of the oldest phones on our team but I don’t think I’ll be switching until I find a compelling enough reason to. As long as I can do my Genshin Impact daily commissions and farm on the go, I’m fine!
If you’re interested in the spirit of the uber high-end S Ultra devices, you can purchase the latest S22 Ultra here.
A Thin and Light Laptop: HUAWEI Matebook X Pro
While tablets can be hubs of productivity as well, my opinion stands that nothing beats working on a laptop in terms of efficiency. Just having a nice physical keyboard and trusty Windows software makes everything so much more convenient. The laptop’s 13.9-inch 3000×2000 display makes everything pop out with amazing clarity. There are hardly any bezels here, so it looks like a tablet when you want to use its touch-screen capabilities.
I’ve had this for almost 2 years now and it’s still running wonderfully – plus, its weight is barely noticeable for a laptop at just 1.33 kg. I bring it along whether or not I need to get work done because watching movies and other leisurely activities are a blast on this device. This is what I personally use, but any ultraportable should be fine, even if it’s a Macbook.
Noise-canceling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 45
For plane rides or long train commutes, a pair of full-size active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones seems to be par for the course. I always keep my Bose QuietComfort 45s with me due to their extreme comfort for extended durations of time, as well as tried-and-tested ANC functionality. These can excellently block out most sounds ranging from consistent low hums to the sounds of machinery. The sound quality is also brilliant for a pair of ANC cans, and these will continue to work for 24 hours on a single charge.
Another excellent option within the price range is the legendary Sony WH-1000XM4. I interchange the two quite often, and I would say that the XM4s sound a bit better than the 45s. It’s a matter of personal preference as I also used my previous QC35 IIs for years of traveling before they found their way into my unused tech cabinet. Get the QC45s here.
If you don’t want to spend a ton of money for ANC cans, I would personally recommend the Anker SoundCore Q20+ or Q30. Or you could just spring for the Bose QC35 IIs as they’re still solid to this day.
True Wireless Earbuds: EarFun Free Pro 2
Some people don’t have the space for a pair of headphones in their vacation tech bag. For a more portable option, true wireless earbuds exist to provide decent ANC and sound quality in a portable package. Since they’re directly in your ears instead of around them, you lose a bit of sound staging in exchange for the feeling of sound being directly pumped into your ears.
The EarFun Free Pro 2 is a brilliant option. It has plenty of thumpy bass for its tiny drivers, which is good for both music listening and movie-watching. They may not be the most neutral in terms of sound, but the comfort and interchangeable wings give you the reassurance that these won’t come off even if you fall asleep. Yes, the ANC can block off enough noise to let you get some rest. They can be used and will perform well in almost any given situation – even if you get caught in the rain while walking, due to their IPX5 rating. Its all-around performance gains it a spot in my tech bag.
Get the EarFun Free Pro 2 here. For a more affordable option, check out the Moondrop Nekocake.
Powerbank: ROMOSS Sense 8P Plus 30000mAh
As they say, “with great power comes great responsibility.” This ROMOSS Sense 8P Plus bears the responsibility of making sure my other tech items here don’t run out of juice in situations where I need them to work. The screen at the front is large enough to display the current battery power. Ports available are USB-A, Lightning, and USB-C. That covers an expansive selection, and 18W quick charging is also available. Some situations call for a Good Samaritan who will let a stranger use a powerbank and sometimes that has been me. It has been funny that I’ve made friends over my travels just because they needed to charge. For a 30,000 mAh capacity, the powerbank itself isn’t too meaty. Props to ROMOSS for quality powerbanks that are ever-reliable in times of need.
Some people have intelligent wiring solutions, but I just bring along the chargers of my devices and use what’s included.
Get it here.
Small Pouch For Important Documents And Cards: Anti-RFID
Mine’s on the older side, but I have a small pouch for my cards and documents that coincidentally blocks RFID scammers. While the chance of someone stealing my bank details through RFID is relatively slim, I just do this for peace of mind. It keeps me at ease since it removes 1 way to lose money or valuables while on a trip abroad. Despite having this though, being alert and cautious is always key. Here is an affordable example from Shopee.
Bonus: I also have some waterproof bags on hand just in case I get caught in the rain or travel near bodies of water. I make sure it’s large enough to store my laptop and all the electronics in my vacation tech bag before the journey.
Nintendo Switch V2
I’ll conclude this list with the least-used item I still make sure to bring with me when travelling: my Nintendo Switch V2. The most common scenario this gets pulled out of the bag is for a quick gaming session during stopovers since I get sick playing in moving traffic.
When I lose communication with family members and have to stay within a certain area for hours instead of moving around, I’ll find a coffee shop and play some Pokemon. It’s also a win-win scenario since I can start up a game of Smash with whoever I have to spend time with because of the joycon functionality. It’s a perfect little tool to alleviate boredom and can be more social than spending time on your smartphone.
Get the Switch V2 or the newer OLED version here.
