Lifestyle Nomad: Essential Tech Gear for Seamless Travel by Plane, Train, or Car
My approach to travel technology shifted from being a luxury to a necessity once I started traveling over 50,000 miles each year. Initially driven by an interest in travel gadgets, it later turned into a focus on practicality—with every item needing to prove its worth in terms of weight, space, and power usage. This applies equally well to travel accessories , grooming essentials , and luggage .
What I bring along doesn’t merely serve for fun (although it’s crucial during those lengthy 14-hour flights across the Pacific). Its purpose is to keep me productive outside of my usual environment, ensure professional-quality memory capture, and help maintain my mental well-being throughout extended stopovers and when recovering from jet lag. After paying the cost—both financial and otherwise—from schlepping insufficient gear on jobs, I’ve honed my kit into a dependable set-up.
Stop longing for the latest gadgets. Instead, focus on choosing tools that actually address genuine travel challenges like running out of battery power in isolated areas, struggling with weak connections when you're up against a deadline, and keeping your creativity flowing no matter where you find yourself.
Discover more of our highly recommended selections from 2025 Men’s Journal Travel Awards , including our favorite tour operators , airlines , hotels , and travel insurance Before you take off, make sure to purchase what’s needed.
Top Travel Technology Pick: Timeshifter App
Why I Chose It
On Christmas Eve, I arrived in Sydney having traversed 16 time zones and managed to swim at Bondi Beach just as the sun rose. The Timeshifter Jet Lag App provided tailored instructions on precisely when to expose myself to sunlight, steer clear of coffee, and rest. This app stands out due to its scientifically backed approach—it was crafted alongside NASA astronauts and Formula 1 racing crews for accuracy. In response to this effectiveness, InterContinental Hotels has started offering free use of the app, acknowledging its impact on making corporate trips smoother.
Top Choice for Travel Laptops: MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 Chip
Why I Chose It
Following years of hauling a MacBook Pro through airport checkpoints and squeezing it into those narrow airline trays, transitioning to the M3 MacBook Air has greatly enhanced my traveling productivity. Weighing barely three pounds and with a thickness measuring less than half an inch, this laptop easily fits into my bag without adding weight, yet offers speed comparable to larger models. Its sleek midnight coloration may show smudges but imparts a subtle sophistication ideal for professional environments.
Top Portable Monitor: ViewSonic VX1655-4K-OLED 15.6 Inch Mobile Display
Why I Chose It
This monitor fits perfectly inside my laptop sleeve yet turns any hotel desk into a sophisticated editing workstation. Thanks to the 4K OLED panel’s exceptional color precision, nuances in architectural photographs taken in Kobe, Japan, became visible here which remained hidden on my laptop screen. Its anti-glare feature allows me to work even with the drapes wide open. Additionally, its flexible connection options—an individual USB-C cord manages both image display and charging duties—helps keep cables tidy when operating in transient locations.
Top Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Why I Chose It
Following my third gin and tonic at 35,000 feet, I am still watching. The Bear With vibrant AMOLED colors that transform even mundane airline meals into something appealing, this device strikes the perfect balance at 12.4 inches—neither too big nor too small. During critical client meetings in bustling Tokyo hotels, the S Pen has been a lifesaver for me. And let’s not forget those AI features; they’ve magically transformed my crude sketches into drawings I wouldn’t mind showing off to someone interesting over drinks at a hotel lounge.
Top E-Reader: Amazon Kindle Scribe
Why I Chose It
My therapist mentioned I have a “journaling issue” (quite ironic considering I’m a writer). To tackle this, I’ve turned to a device with a 10.2-inch display. Its updated bezels and textured surface enhance the tactile experience of writing, making it feel like jotting down ideas on high-end hotel notepaper but without using their pilfered pens. I’ve scribbled notes in urban cafes and penned drunken memoir drafts at bar counters—all without harming trees. Additionally, the AI summary feature is fantastic; it acts as a virtual aide capable of transforming my late-night musings from the early hours into clear and organized insights.
Top Water-Resistant Phone Case: Pelican Marine Waterproof Buoyant Pouch
Why I Chose It
Believe me—it took three iPhone sacrifices to appease the water deities who seem to despise modern gadgets. That miraculous device rescued my digital existence after my phone slipped through a crevice in a log raft as we were drifting down a river in western Sweden. Rather than plunging underwater, it stayed afloat like a glowing indicator of salvation, allowing another raft downstream to grab it effortlessly during our passage. Unlike rival products with false promises, this gadget’s integrated air pockets genuinely function for flotation purposes. Though the accompanying strap looks unattractive, much akin to needing a fanny pack in a city notorious for pickpockets, it serves an essential role nonetheless.
Top Choice for Travel Photography: The FujiFilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera
Why I Chose It
Last year, I traded in my Olympus equipment for this powerhouse and have never regretted it. Its distinctive physical dials—an iconic feature of Fuji—are incredibly handy as they let you tweak settings directly without fumbling through menu options amidst bustling street bazaars. The camera’s 5-axis image stabilization is nothing short of extraordinary; it has enabled me to take crystal-clear photos inside poorly lit Omani mosques and under starlit New Zealand nights using exposure times that most other cameras wouldn’t dare attempt. When shooting an important photo from afar was not possible, the 40MP sensor came to the rescue. However, do keep one thing in mind: the accompanying application leaves much to be desired.
Top Choice for Earphones: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100
Why I Chose It
Following extensive trials of numerous travel headphones, I've decided to keep these premium models permanently packed for trips. The lamb leather ear pads genuinely transform long-haul journeys into something comfortable, yet the true brilliance lies in their modular construction. Should one pad wear out over time, you only need to purchase a single part instead of an entirely new headset. This eco-friendly strategy also applies to the battery and internal tech; Bang & Olufsen will handle repairs or replacements, eliminating the necessity for complete unit disposal. While pricey upfront, their longevity—designed to endure beyond half a decade thanks to interchangeable parts—makes them a practical investment.
Top Choice for Earphones: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Why I Chose It
These stubbornly secure earbuds have turned into an essential part of my workouts. They offer unparalleled stability with their ear hooks, ensuring they stay put without requiring uncomfortable deep insertion. Their updated heart rate monitoring feature is impressively precise, staying within three to four beats per minute compared to my chest strap. With a total battery life spanning up to 45 hours, I haven’t needed to charge them even once during extended trips. On a recent intercontinental flight, after watching two full-length movies and snoozing for several hours, I still had sixty percent battery left. Additionally, the crisp audio quality combined with effective noise cancelation makes handling long flights much more bearable.
Top Choice for Power Banks: The Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank
Why I Chose It
At airports, airplanes, and hotels, power sockets have always been insufficient. However, this magnetic marvel fixed all of these issues. Its built-in stand allows for hands-free movie watching while charging, which is incredibly useful during tight flight journeys. Additionally, having an incorporated cable reduces packing clutter. The standout feature compared to others is its well-thought-out design. It enables simultaneous charging of three devices; the powerful magnet ensures your iPhone stays secure even with accidental bumps. Furthermore, its pass-through charging function lets you charge both the portable charger and multiple gadgets using just one socket.
Top Bluetooth Tracker: Tile Slim
Why I Chose It
If you ever lose your passport holder right before getting on board, anxiety kicks in. (Fortunately, I had simply forgotten it at the security checkpoint.) Credit-card sized tracking devices have been invaluable to me numerous occasions thanks to their impressive 350-foot detection range. With a battery lasting three years, they're reliable through several trips without needing replacement. The Anti-Theft setting remains discreet so as not to tip off possible robbers—a must-have feature when traveling overseas. Additionally, the SOS function adds another level of protection in unknown territories. Now, I gift them to other travelers; soon after receiving one, friends always send messages recounting how these gadgets helped save the day.
Top Mini Massager: Therabody Theragun Mini
Why I Chose It
A couple of years back, during a skiing adventure in Switzerland, I ended up tearing my ACL, which made me believe that I wouldn’t be able to travel for at least twelve months. However, half a year following my surgery, I began utilizing the Therabody Theragun Mini, and this small yet potent device turned out to be my key to recovery. The Mini’s percussive action helps break down scar tissue and soothe tense muscles, particularly those prone to locking up after lengthy plane rides. Although it’s quite compact, it delivers powerful vibrations; sometimes even more than needed when set to maximum intensity.
Why You Should Have Faith in Me
Traveling isn't merely something I'm passionate about; it has also been my source of income for almost ten years now, working as both a journalist and a photographer. This lifestyle keeps me perpetually traveling—from exploring hidden jungles to battling jetlag with an excessive amount of coffee at airports. When testing items in real-life situations, I approach them similarly to how I lead my own travels: directly involved, without pre-planning, and thoroughly committed. Should a device falter during the fourth flight out of six legs, you can be sure that I wouldn’t recommend it despite its potential appeal.
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