Travel Smarter, Stay Connected

This article was written for Western Sydney Publishing and published in September 2025. I’m heading off on holiday in a few weeks. Here is what I pack for a smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free trip.

Samsung SmartThings Tracker or Apple Air Tag: Losing luggage or valuables can ruin a trip. Smart trackers let you locate your bags, keys, or even your passport in seconds. SmartThings has helped me find lost bags a few times now.

AirFly Pro: Turns any headphone jack into a Bluetooth transmitter. I plug it into the in-flight entertainment system, using my headphones, and I can enjoy movies without the hassle of tangled wires. Bonus: it doubles as a Bluetooth receiver for rental cars or hotel speakers.

Bose QC II Headphones: These or similar noise-cancelling headphones are a must on any trip. They are comfortable, making them perfect for binge-watching shows or catching some sleep during a flight. They also support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing me to switch them between devices easily.

Tech Carry Case: A dedicated tech organiser case keeps everything neat and easy to find. Mine has padded compartments and elastic loops to prevent tangles and protect delicate gear.

Kindle Paperwhite: I love reading a good book when on holiday. My Kindle offers a glare-free screen, adjustable warm light, and a battery life of weeks.

Self-Cleaning Water Bottle: When travelling, but clean water isn’t always guaranteed. A self-cleaning bottle with UV-C technology purifies water and keeps the bottle odour-free.

iPad: I have my iPad Pro with a keyboard case. It doubles as a lightweight laptop alternative for emails and work on the go. It also allows me to download, and watch shows or movies of my choice.

Multi-Cable Adapter: This adapter features USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB tips, covering all your devices. It saves space and reduces cable chaos.

Travel Adapters: Different countries, different plugs. A universal travel adapter with built-in USB ports ensures you can charge all your devices from a single outlet.

Portable Power Bank: Keep your devices charged during long sightseeing days.

eSIM: I download a digital SIM profile straight to my phone before my trip. Many providers offer affordable regional or global data plans that activate instantly, so you don’t have to swap out a physical SIM card.

Laptop: As a business owner, I find I can accomplish tasks much faster on a computer. But for this trip, I’m seriously considering not bringing it for the first time. The iPad’s capabilities are almost at a level where I will no longer need it.