Whether it’s a city break, a long-distance holiday or a family road trip, luggage needs careful consideration to make sure we have room for our favourite gadgets and home comforts. From powerbanks to adaptor plugs, here’s a round up of our favourite accessories for this year.
Necessary travel tools
Recent research has shown the top 10 holiday items we can’t do without. While the toothbrush, camera and shower gel took the top spots, the smartphone came a close 4th.
The 20kg free plane luggage limit is taken up quickly, so gadgets must be planned carefully and charging must be considered. When it comes to your adapter, the best are A to O plugs to cover all types, but there are other options.
Different plug types
There are two plug shapes that are widely used in the EU, Russia and Turkey – type CEE 7/4 and CEE 7/16. In the UK, we take a different type of plug shape (Commonweath plugs, BS 1363) which has three flat connections. If you want to be sure on your travels, bring a suitable adaptor with you. Before you use the plugs make sure that the power supply and the device have the same voltage and the maximum load is complied with, according to the respective national regulations.Also note: the voltage fluctuates locally and can differ considerably. For example, it is only 120 volts in Costa Rica, only 110 volts in the Dominican Republic and even 100 volts in Japan! The network frequency (at 50 hertz) deviates for many long-distance destinations.
Powerbanks: power on the go
A powerbank is a portable mobile power station that can be carried in a backpack or handbag. If you use your smartphone, tablet or camera out on the road, you‘ll need a power source to make sure you never run out of battery. Most powerbanks are compatible with iPhones, iPads, Android devices, GPS devices, cameras and many other USB gadgets. There are even special power banks for holidaymakers, such as the GOO 49216 with a built-in LED torch.Stay self-sufficient in the jungle or on the beach with solar energy
For those who want to relax in the sun, there is a photovoltaic power supply solution. Solar cells inside the bag gain electricity from the sun, which powers a built-in lamp with LEDs to provide 250 lumens of light. For mountain hikers or trekkers, there are special sets – for example: the 250g heavy PHAE TK 2X3, which can be easily attached to backpacks, boats or saddlebags and offers a good charging function for USB devices.Repel insects with light and sound
For those who are close to waters or in areas with lots insects, a sound-wave insect repellent is always helpful.The device distributes ultrasound to an area of around 20 square meters to deter mosquitoes and flies. Using ultrasound means the air is not contaminated with fragrances or insect exterminating agents.
An insect annihilator provides a more resolute way to get rid of insects. Depending on the model, the insects are drawn in by the blue/UV light and are destroyed on the high voltage grid.
Tripods and binoculars for beautiful moments
A travel tripod can be very useful for taking great holiday photos. Designed for travel, these models are both light and sturdy, often weighing less than 500 grams thanks to their aluminium construction.
A three-way head with bubble level allows you to quickly find the perfect position. This positioning quality is supported by the star shape, which further increases the stability of the tripod. Now just press the button!
If you are looking at something from a distance, binoculars are the perfect accessory. Be sure to pay attention to impact resistance if you’re in an intense environment. The TECHNAXX TX-142 Binoculars with photo/video function is a particularly coastal companion: the binoculars include a digital compass, inclinometer and float which keeps it above water should it go overboard. The case is filled with nitrogen so the binoculars are waterproof all year round, and they are guaranteed for at least 20 years.
Image: Adobe Stock
