It’s that time of year again and my list of the 20 Best Travel Gadgets for 2020. This year, as travellers, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to connected, smart, well-designed devices and items of luggage.
Superfast 5G networks make the most of our connected devices. Smartwatches are beginning to replace the smartphone and the race for the ultimate foldable device is on! Our luggage can send a text message if it gets lost and headphones can recommend a place to eat when visiting a new city.
Connectivity | Smart Money | Travel Assistant App | Carry-On | Flagship Smartphone | Laptop | Headphones | Power | Travel Guide App | Wearable | Budget Smartphone | Bluetooth Speaker | Backpack | Travel Planning App | Luggage Tracker | Tablet | Tech Storage | Earbuds | Check-In | Travel Navigation App
Skyroam Solis X Smartspot
| Why it Makes the List |
Skyroam has evolved global connectivity from getting travellers online with a basic hub to its new all-in-one Smartspot.
Specs include 4G connectivity in over 130 countries, support for to up to 10 devices simultaneously, an 8MP remote camera and a power pack.
K Ring for Contactless Payments
| Why it Makes the List |
Whether your daily commute is in a big city or you are visiting a new one for the first time, K Ring makes urban transit systems a breeze to use.
Preload the ring before you head out and then just tap anywhere with the Contactless payment logo on display.
App in the Air
| Why it Makes the List |
Every frequent traveller needs that one great personal assistant app that helps organise all those bookings. In 2020 I am confident App in the Air will be the new tool of choice!
The free version is great for most and I dare you not to become addicted to the flight history visualization tool.
G-RO The Six
| Why it Makes the List |
G-RO first broke the carry-on form with its oversized wheels and has now gone one better with The Six.
With improved ergonomics, The Six is a spinner case with 38L of storage and is designed to be effortlessly pushed.
Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
| Why it Makes the Best Travel Gadgets 2020 List |
The must-have flagship smartphone for any traveller this year has to be the 5G version of the popular Galaxy S10.
It has a perfect 6.7″ screen size, six cameras, an Octa-Core processor and lighting-fast 5G connectivity.
Lenovo YOGA S940
| Why it Makes the List |
The YOGA S940 has a perfect combination of specs for any traveller needing a full laptop experience when on the move.
Ultra-Slim design, a large 14″ display, extra ports for connectivity and enhanced security features to keep you & your data safe.
Bose 700 Headphones
| Why it Makes the List |
After losing it last year, Bose has regained the crown for best headphones in 2020 for travellers the world over.
The new 700 headphones boast market-leading Noise cancelling technology with 11 different settings and an updated design.
Zendure SuperMini
| Why it Makes the List |
Keeping devices powered when on the move is always a difficult choice. Big battery pack for more power or a smaller unit for just a quick boost?
The 10,000mAh SuperMini is the small form factor with the big power you need and able to charge most smartphones to 50% in 30 minutes.
CultureMee App
| Why it Makes the List |
Avoid the normal tourist pitfalls or the usual conversations at the same place when on business, and really get to know your travel spot.
CultureMee educates you on local cultures, helps with the need to know information and even tracks your travels.
Use for Free at culturemee.com
Apple Watch Series 5 Cellular
| Why it Makes the List |
For the second year running Apple tops our list of the best wearable for travelling.
Despite little change to the appearance and lack of Android support, the Series 5 is now always-on and has International Emergency Calling.
Motorola One Action
| Why it Makes the List |
If you don’t want to spend big on a smartphone but still need a great video camera, the budget-savvy One Action is what you need.
The 117º action camera lets you record video in landscape whilst holding the phone upright. It’s a game-changer!
Urbanista Brisbane Speaker
| Why it Makes the List |
If loud & proud is how you like your music then the Urbanista Brisbane Bluetooth Speaker is for you.
Read our hands-on review of why this portable speaker is a must-have for summer 2020 and suits most budgets.
Korin Design ClickPack X
| Why it Makes the List |
Security meets style with the new ClickPack X Backpack from Korin Design.
With no accessible opening when being worn other safety features include Cut & waterproof fabric, an RFID blocking pocket and retractable locking system.
Google Flights
| Why it Makes the List |
Although Flights has now been incorporated into google.com/travel, it’s still a must-have in its own right.
Save, or dock it, to your smartphone desktop and be sure to always check flights against it before booking. Low-cost carriers are not included.
Visit google.com/flights
GEGO Luggage Tracker
| Why it Makes the List |
Smart, or connected, devices are not just for use in the home. GEGO can track your checked luggage worldwide.
GEGO has the 1st year of use included, so there are no roaming or hidden fees and you shouldn’t lose your luggage again!
Apple iPad Pro 11″
| Why it Makes the Best Travel Gadgets 2020 List |
Apple updated the smaller Pro during October 2019 to what is now the best Tablet offering on the market.
There’s a new 11″ display, support for Apple Pencil 2 and USB-C connectivity.
Knomo Knomad Tech Organiser
| Why it Makes the List |
Travelling ‘light’ is an art form, but doing so with technology can be difficult.
Knomo created the Knomad to keep all of your valuable travel gadgets and accessories safe, secure and in one easy to carry place.
Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds
| Why it Makes the List |
There has never been a better time to invest in earbuds for those who find headphones to large.
WF-1000XM3 earbuds include Noise cancellation and up to 18 hours of playback making them an easy addition to the Best Travel Gadgets for 2020.
Samsonite Lite-Box Alu Spinner
| Why it Makes the List |
Summer vacations often mean checked luggage, and if you’ve ever wanted an aluminium case you would have to pay a premium
Samsonite has addressed this with the reasonably priced Lite-Box Alu range. It comes in 3 sizes and made from anodized aluminium.
Waze Navigation App
| Why it Makes the Best Travel Gadgets 2020 List |
Waze, now owned by Google, has become one of the most powerful smartphone navigation apps available.
Get step by step directions with live traffic reports, nearby petrol stations and real-time arrival time.
I travel a lot so this was very helpful for me. I will definitely add the Sony earbuds to my wishlist!
They are a worthy investment and great earbuds.
very informative and well written
I’m in the hunt for a new carry on, now i know which brand i should go for!
Wow there are so many of which I had never heard of before! Great post!
A lot of these are new to me!! I have an apple watch – love it!
What feature do you use/rely on the most for the Apple Watch?
I use my workouts the most – walking I use Nike Run Club app and workout I just use what’s on it.
Thank you for sharing these. I get to explore some new products.
thanks for the review.. so I can pick what I should get
Great post. Anyhow, like the R-Go allot. Might have to pick one up myself.
If you do, please come back and share your experience with it when travelling.
I was actually eyeing the Skyroam however, I’m shocked to discover that there are a lot of other things worth buying thanks to your article.
The new Skyroam is a great choice if you are a frequent traveller always needing a WiFi hotspot.
I want all of them, haha. I really like the new suitcase designs, I guess they must be much easier to travel with.
Wow love all of this but I preferred Lenovo YOGA S940 because I want to buy a new laptop for this year! Crossfingers!!
These will be helpful for me when I start traveling soon. However, I can recommend it to my friend because he is already started the journey. Thank you for sharing.
Can you use the K Ring for international destinations? I am American with a US credit card but living in Japan. Is it all cool? And has there been any problems with the ring? I know I have to be careful with my debit or credit card and not let them near my phone or I will not have a card anymore.
Yes you can, but with some FX fees.
At present thought the K Ring is only for UK consumers as it is tied to a UK Prepaid Mastercard account. The good news is as per the FAQ page they are getting ready for a global roll-out. https://mykring.com/en/content/faqs/#shw-s5613-q5614
All of them are awesome gadgets that I should get. My plan is to travel more this year.
i pads are seriously so great if you fly often!
I agree, just remember to download the content you need before leaving home, something I forgot to do this past weekend!
Great article..Travel will become more comfortable and excited one when the listed Gadgets are along with us.Thank you for the line up
Some are new to me. Definitely going to try. Thank you for sharing
The clickpack is a really interesting item!! What a great idea