DJI Mini 3 Pro
Photo: Courtesy of DJI
Technology has become a part of our day-to-day lives and there’s no question that it continues to enhance the way we travel. Whether it’s an action camera to capture memories, a power bank to keep devices charged, or headphones to block out the noise while on the move, the right gadgets can go a long way while on the road. If you’re shopping for a tech-savvy globetrotter this holiday season, consider what gear they don’t already have or what may need to be updated, because there have been some exceptional new updates this year to tried-and-true accessories. But to help you decide, here are 11 gadgets that they’ll love to pack in their bags.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Photo: Courtesy of DJI
More compact than ever, DJI’s Mini 3 Pro weighs less than 249 grams and has up to 34 minutes of flight time and can fly up to a little over 11 miles with the standard battery that it comes with (there’s the Plus kit option that includes upgraded batteries for even better performance). The camera can shoot 4K HDR videos and 48MP RAW photos, but perhaps the best characteristic is the ability to capture content vertically, a game changer for anyone who has a presence on social media. It also boasts incredible modes like panorama—which includes wide-angle, 180-degree, and sphere shots—as well as a tracking feature that will follow any selected moving obstacle. But if you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t care about the weight or size of a drone and wants the utmost quality, the DJI Mavic 3 still reigns supreme.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Photo: Courtesy of Sony
When you’re traveling, noise-canceling headphones are a must to help block out the drum of aircrafts or talkative passengers. For one of the best pairs, look to Sony’s WH-1000XM5. These over-ear headphones not only have some of the best noise-canceling technology in the game, but they also prioritize high-quality sound. It also has great battery life, lasting up to a full day when noise cancellation is activated or up to 32 hours when it’s off. But if you know your traveler prefers earbuds, the Sony WF-1000MX4 is also a winner and delivers great noise-cancellation for its compact size.
GoPro Hero11 Black
Photo: Courtesy of GoPro
GoPro outdid itself with the Hero10 Black, yet they’ve still managed to up the ante with its newest iteration of the beloved action camera. The Hero11 Black can still shoot videos up to 5.3K/60fps, but has a slight improvement with still photos at 27MP, including frame grabs, and RAW capture in all modes. It can now also record up to 10-bit color, which is most beneficial for professionals who color grade their footage; even more stabilization; and three new night modes with some fun effects. But the most notable difference is the new 8:7 sensor that makes editing content for social media much easier than any of its predecessors and enables a HyperView lens for extremely wide shots. And, of course, it’s still waterproof up to 33 feet.
Anker 633 Magnetic Battery
Photo: Courtesy of Anker
A battery pack is a must when you’re constantly on the move and the Anker 633 does double duty. This 10,000mAh magnetic battery snaps onto the back of any iPhone with MagSafe technology. But in addition to keeping your phone charged, it also has a built-in stand so that you can prop your phone while, say, watching a binge-worthy show on Netflix during a long-haul flight. You can also turn the battery off if you just want to use it as a stand, a huge improvement compared to the smaller 622. Plus, if you need to use it for any other devices, the 20W USB-C port is both for input and output.
Bose Sleepbuds II
Photo: Courtesy of Bose
Does your loved one use a sound machine at home? Perhaps they frequently complain about ambient noise at hotels. Or maybe they just have sleeping trouble in general. Whatever prevents them from getting a good night’s rest, Bose Sleepbuds II might be the solution. These wireless earbuds play soothing sounds that can help the user fall asleep easier, stay asleep longer, and mask noise. They boast comfortable silicone ear tips that provide a secure fit and can last up to 10 hours at full charge, with three additional charges in the case. The earbuds pair with the Bose Sleep App, where there’s a library of over 50 tracks and the ability to create alarms with customization features that include time, repeat schedule, volume, and sound.
Fitbit Inspire 3
Photo: Courtesy of Fitbit
In addition to being small and light, Fitbit’s latest health and fitness tracker sits just under $100, making it extremely affordable. And even though it costs less than other options out there, it doesn’t compromise on its multitude of useful features. Scroll down the slim device’s colorful screens you’ll see information such as number of steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Swipe horizontally from the home screen and you’ll find exercise tracking, a relaxation timer, alarm settings, and countdown and stopwatch timers. Through the accompanying app you’ll be able to do even more, such as track your menstrual cycle, manually log water and food intake, view health metrics like breathing rate and skim temperate, and examine your sleep profile.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Photo: Courtesy of DJI
While smartphone cameras now have stabilization, gimbals do far more than just making videos smooth. The DJI Osmo Mobile has come a long way over the years and the latest iteration is foldable, making it more compact than ever. In addition to the improved portability, this device boasts three-axis stabilization, easier control with the side wheel for fluid zooms, the ability to switch between horizontal and vertical with the push of a button, a built-in extension rod, and an attachable tripod. It also boasts numerous features that include active tracking, simple timelapse templates, dynamic zooming, gesture control, and three panoramic modes to take videos to the next level. Content creators will also appreciate the additional accessories like OM Fill Light Phone Clamp for low-light situations and the DJI Mic for better audio quality.
Zendure Passport III
Photo: Courtesy of Zendure
Traveling internationally means having to worry about having the right adapter for varying outlets in different countries. All-in-one adapters are not only easier to pack than individual ones, but they also provide multiple ports. The Zendure Passport III covers more than 200 countries and prioritizes speedy charging with four USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a multi-input socket. The USB-C port can deliver watts of power that can quickly charge a laptop, meaning you can leave the massive brick at home. Whoever you buy this for will probably love it so much that they’ll even use it back at home.
Sonos Roam
Photo: Courtesy of Sonos
Whether it’s someone who likes to party while traveling or simply enjoys music, the Sonos Roam is an exceptional portable smart speaker. The sound quality and volume are incredible for its small size thanks to the tweeter, midwoofer, two Class-H digital amplifiers, and adjustable EQ. It can be connected via Bluetooth, WiFi, or AirPlay, and boasts an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning you won’t have to worry about any splashes at the pool. The speaker comes in five colors that include white, black, and three pastel hues that are exclusive to their website.
Logitech Keys-To-Go
Photo: Courtesy of Logitech
Some trips don’t warrant bringing a clunky laptop. But if your loved one is like me, sometimes I wish I had a keyboard to type up those long emails rather than using the on-screen version on phones and tablets. For anyone you know who has been in a similar situation, Logitech’s Keys-To-Go is the answer such problems. This portable and lightweight keyboard is completely wireless and connects to devices via Bluetooth. It even comes with an attachable stand so that phones can be propped upright for easy viewing. The device also boasts a full row of shortcut keys; a liquid-repellent seal so you won’t have to worry about any spills; and can stay charged up to a whopping three months.
Peak Design Tech Pouch
Photo: Courtesy of Peak Design
With over a dozen pockets in varying sizes, Peak Design’s Tech Pouch will help you stay organized. Whether it’s cords, SD cards, batteries, power banks, earbuds, or really any of your small belongings, there’s plenty of space to store all your gear. The pouch was designed with the techie in mind and even includes a cable pass-through for charging devices. There are also both internal and external zipper pockets that are great for cards, cash, or a passport. And since it’s made from recycled 200D nylon with a durable water-resistant coating, you won’t have to worry too much if you get caught in the rain or accidentally spill a drink on it.
