Most travelers have had the experience of packing more than they needed for a trip and then being tied down to a heavy suitcase they’re forced to carry from one place to another.
It’s a frustrating experience, but when we travel, we want to be sure we have everything we’ll need for the duration of our trip. The problem is, it’s often hard to gauge how much is enough. That’s why many of us end up with overstuffed luggage.
The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. Technology is here to help us cut down on our luggage by replacing bulky items with compact, multifunctional devices. Unfortunately, these gadgets won’t keep you from filling up your bag with too many clothes; you’ll have to sort that one out on your own. Still, they can help you save precious space and make your load a little lighter as you travel; here we explain how.
Gadgets That Replace Bulkier Items
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who travels without a smartphone or tablet these days. What many don’t realize is these portable devices can replace many traditional travel items. Your tablet can double as an e-reader, media player, communication device, and gaming platform, eliminating the need to carry paperback books, laptops, and cameras.
Smartphones and tablets are multipurpose entertainment devices. There’s always a bit of downtime, even on the busiest of business trips. Many travelers turn to online games as a way to disconnect when they have free time. Online casinos have become a popular destination for playing a range of games, from slots to card and table games. These platforms are home to casual games like online bingo, which are easy to pick up and play on a mobile device and are available on many platforms. Streaming ranks up there with gaming as a favorite pastime for travelers, and tablets are one of the best devices for streaming, allowing them to watch movies or TV shows on a screen that’s bigger than a smartphone.
All-in-one travel adapters with multiple USB ports are also a must for travelers. They make it easy to charge several devices at the same time without the need for multiple chargers. Many of these adapters are designed to be used in multiple countries, making them a must-have for international travelers. Foldable tech accessories like Bluetooth keyboards and headphones can also help travelers cut back on the bulk.
Apps That Reduce Physical Needs
We’ve all come to rely on apps to some extent, and many of them can help us reduce what we need to bring with us when traveling. For example, you can download your boarding pass to your phone instead of printing it out, and you can use note-taking apps and e-reading platforms to replace physical notebooks and books. Cloud storage services likeGoogle Docs make it easy to access important documents from anywhere, so you don’t have to carry around physical copies or external storage devices.
Smart Luggage and Accessories
Everything is smart these days, and if you’re willing to spend money on it, your luggage can be, too. Smart luggage comes equipped with built-in charging ports and GPS, eliminating the need to carry these devices separately and saving you valuable space in your luggage. You can also buy tech-friendly packing cubes with integrated USB ports and lightweight organizers for cables and small devices to help keep you organized and reduce bulk.
Smartwatches for On-the-Go Convenience
If you have a wearable like the Apple Watch or Fitbit, you already have a piece of technology that can help you cut down on bulk when you travel. Your wearable is an alarm clock, communication tool, and fitness device. Using it means you can leave some of your gadgets at home.