Are you looking to upgrade your gadgets, or find the perfect gift for the traveller in your life? Then seek no further for my pick of the best travel gadgets for 2019!
With the most innovative tech, useful apps and the latest luggage these are the must-have gadgets for the connected traveller.
The Best Travel Gadgets for 2019
Travis Touch Translator
What better way to start the new year than to learn a new language! And what better way to learn one than travelling! To help you along until you become fluent, every traveller should invest in a Travis Touch Translator.
Arguably, one of the most important travel gadgets in 2019! With support for 105 languages, and powered by over 16 translation engines, this palm-sized device relies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide the most accurate translation, every time!
Best Place to Buy // Direct from Travis: €249/$289
Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones
Sony achieved something with the WH-1000XM3 Headphones that many couldn’t predict. They didn’t just knock Bose QC35s of the top spot, they knocked them down a division or two.
To make that clear; there is no better Wireless over/on-ear headphones on the market today than these. A minimal design, well-integrated controls and unbelievably good noise cancelling technology.
Best Place to Buy // Amazon: from £329
Away Bigger Carry-On
There is nothing better for a brand than word of mouth recommendations! In just a couple of months I’d had multiple contacts in the US rave about their Away luggage – and with a passion!
So as the New-York based company made their way over to the UK, I had to check them out, and quickly discovered what the hype was about! The Bigger Carry-On finished in Asphalt has a removable battery pack for on-the-go charging and perfect for those who prefer their Hand Baggage Only fares! The case oozes style!
Best Place to Buy // Direct from Away: £245/$245/€265
Lenovo Yoga C930
IFA 2018 had some special announcements, and one of my favourites was the Lenovo Yoga C930. The design and build of this 2-in-1 Convertible laptop/tablet are hugely eye-catching. There’s an engineering marvel in the form of a revolving soundbar as a hinge, providing the perfect listening experience in any mode when using the hybrid laptop/tablet.
The result is the perfect device for any traveller, and with a full operating system installed, a more powerful tablet!
Best Place to Buy // Direct from Lenovo: Starting from £1,199.99
Google Maps App
Nearly all Android smartphone come with it, all Apple users can install it and every traveller should have it! Google Maps is the single most useful app for smartphone travellers and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. In 2019 this app can do much more than save you from getting lost.
Discover your way around a new city on foot, in a rental car or public transport with the various navigation modes. Alternatively, you could call an Uber direct from the app. If you’d like to seek out a local restaurant, bar or even an event the maps app can call upon the huge wealth of data from Google and present the information in the app.
Best Place to Buy // Free from Google: Android | Apple
Huawei Mate20 Pro
A controversial choice for the best smartphone maybe, but as a frequent traveller, the Huawei Mate20 Pro is ideal! The Leica 3 camera cluster is arguably the most feature packed on the market today with a 40 MP Wide Angle Lens, a 20 MP Ultra Wide Angle Lens and an 8MP Telephoto lens all with autofocus! Your travel photos will never be the same again!
A new feature that brings a sense of security to your device is the on-screen fingerprint reader, removing the need for any form of a physical home button. But possibly its greatest use is the ability to charge any of your other (wirelessly charged) devices that support QI-charging! Just a shame about the notch.
Best Place to Buy // Carphone Warehouse: £899
XPLORA 3S Kids Watch-Phone
Travelling with you children, near or far, is always a rewarding experience; but this doesn’t come without its fair share of stress. XPLORA 3S is a Smartwatch designed for kids and has a fully functioning cell-phone built-in that can help you track your child should the worst happen! It’s controlled by a smartphone app on a parents device that can allow you to choose which numbers the watch can call/receive. Other features include SMS, Location tracking, Safe Zones, VGA Camera and it’s rated IP67 Waterproof.
I tested the 3S during #IFA2018 and was amazed at just how well the device responded thanks to the IPS touchscreen. A worthy investment for any family!
Best Place to Buy // My XPLORA: £179
iOgrapher Multi-Case
Capturing, editing and sharing video is easier than ever thanks to smartphones, but if you want to record your travel like never before, you’ll need an iOgrapher! New for 2019 is their Multi Case which fits nearly any smartphone on the market today.
The case provides a stable platform for your smartphone and enables you to add external mics and lighting for even better video. If you follow them on YouTube they provide useful hints, tips and apps to help you master your smartphone recordings.
Best Place to Buy // Direct from iOgrapher: $79.99
Zendure Passport Pro Travel Adaptor
Don’t be one of those travellers who only remember they need a power adaptor once they reach the airport! Invest in the new Zendure Passport Pro; the world’s first grounded travel adaptor. The Pro can charge up to 4 devices at any one time in over 200 countries around the world!
Transforming into any of the four main plug types the Zendure Passport Pro not only charges your devices but protects them too. With a resettable fuse, the Pro will cut off power in the event of a surge and with a single press of the reset button, immediately return power to your gadgets.
Best Place to Buy // Direct from Indiegogo Market Place: $35
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular)
There are plenty of Smartwatches on the market today, but for the full wearable experience, the Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cellular is the best total package today.
Going far beyond all the usual fitness tracker features, the latest Apple Watch lets you leave your phone behind whilst keeping you connected. Make phone calls, send messages or navigate your way around a new city with Google Maps.
Best Place to Buy // Apple: Starting from £499
RiutBag R15.3 Secure Backpack
Finding one Backpack to suit every occasion is never easy, but the RiutBag R15.3 has won me over. Each generation of RiutBag improves thanks to user feedback and this becomes apparent after your first use! The secure design places all zippers and openings against your back giving no access to unwanted hands.
Inside, the laptop/tablet compartment is one of the most protective I’ve used and the features just keep coming! Super strong and padded shoulder straps, internal net divider, a rear safety quick access pocket and two recessed water bottle pouches all equate to a brilliant travel companion for your kit!
Best Place to Buy // RiutBag: £79 or (£5 off with this link)
SunGod Renegades
I discovered SunGod just before I was about to purchase a similar pair from another brand. What a revelation! Arguably the best pair of shades I’ve used and earns them a place on my 2019 Travel Gadgets list! Nearly half the price for twice the quality.
The 4KO lenses offer 100% UV protection and come in 6 different colours. The Renegades are fully customisable with six different frames to accompany the various lens options, meaning a style to suit all!
Best Place to Buy // SunGod: Starting from £45
