Including one surprisingly useful item you might never have thought of…

When it comes to packing for your next getaway, the temptation to bring every possible gadget “just in case” is real. But savvy travellers know: less is often more. The key is to bring things that genuinely make life easier, safer, or more enjoyable—without weighing you down.

Here’s our guide to essential travel gadgets worth taking—and the ones you can confidently leave behind.

✅ Essential Gadgets to Take on Holiday

1. Smartphone (Obviously!)

It’s your camera, map, translator, entertainment centre, boarding pass, hotel key… The modern smartphone does it all. Just make sure it’s charged and backed up before you travel. If you are travelling outside of your own country, ensure you have a suitable minutes and data plan with roaming enabled in the countries you will be visiting. Or buy an international SIM card as a one off, if that's cheaper for you.

2. Portable Power Bank

Even the best phone won’t last a full day of sightseeing with GPS, photos, and mobile data running. A compact power bank ensures you’re not left with a dead battery at a crucial moment. Look for one with at least 10,000mAh for multiple charges. You can take these in your hand luggage on most airlines. Check with the airline.

3. Universal Travel Adapter

Don’t get caught out by different plug shapes around the world. A good universal adapter will work in most countries—and the best ones include USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once without needing separate plugs.

4. Automatic Night Light

Here’s a surprisingly brilliant one: a small automatic night light. If you need to get up in the night—especially in an unfamiliar hotel or holiday rental—the last thing you want is to switch on a blinding ceiling light.

Automatic night lights use motion or light sensors to give off a soft glow, guiding you safely without waking your partner or blasting your eyes. They’re especially helpful if you’re travelling with children, or staying somewhere with awkward steps or unfamiliar layouts. Choose a battery-powered USB-C rechargeable model and pop it in your suitcase—it takes up barely any space, but it makes a big difference to your comfort.

5. Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earplugs

Planes, busy streets, thin hotel walls—noise is a part of travel. Noise-cancelling headphones help you zone out on flights or relax in noisy environments. If you’re packing light, a good set of foam earplugs can be a cheaper, smaller alternative.

6. Lightweight E-Reader or Tablet

Perfect for reading by the pool or binge-watching your favourite show on the train. An e-reader like a Kindle saves weight compared to packing books. A tablet gives you more versatility and entertainment options.

7. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter

Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. A reusable water bottle—ideally with a built-in filter—gives you safe drinking water on the go, whether you’re exploring cities or hiking in the countryside.

8. Cable Organiser Pouch

Tired of digging through your bag for tangled chargers and earphones? A small cable organiser keeps everything tidy and easy to find, especially if you’re travelling with multiple devices.

❌ Gadgets You Can Probably Leave Behind

1. Laptop

Unless you’re working while travelling, a laptop is bulky and rarely necessary. For emails, streaming, or booking confirmations, your phone or tablet will usually do the job.

2. Electric Toothbrush

Great at home, but not always worth the hassle on holiday. They take up room, may leak in transit, and need charging. A simple manual toothbrush is lighter and fuss-free.

3. Too Many Cables and Chargers

Try to pack multi-use chargers or devices that use the same cable type (e.g. USB-C). A multi-port USB charger can reduce the number of plugs you need.

4. Hair Straighteners or Curling Irons

These can be bulky, and not all countries supply enough voltage to power them properly. Consider going natural for the duration of your trip—or bring a travel-size version if you must.

5. Gaming Consoles

Unless you’re going away for weeks and really need downtime entertainment, you can probably skip the console. Most games can be played on tablets or phones during short trips.

6. Extra Shoes and ‘Just in Case’ Tech

It’s tempting to bring multiple “what if I need it?” gadgets. But most of the time, you don’t. Travel is often easier (and more enjoyable) when you’re not hauling an extra 5kg of stuff you never use.

Final Thought: Pack Smart, Travel Light

The best gadgets are the ones that make your trip smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable—without adding stress or clutter. If a device doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it probably doesn’t need to come along.

So yes, bring your phone, charger, travel adapter, and a few thoughtful extras like an automatic night light—but don’t feel you have to pack everything but the kitchen sink.

You’re going on holiday, not leading an expedition!

Got a favourite travel gadget we’ve missed? Or something you packed and never used? Let us know—we love hearing travel hacks from real travellers!