Everyone wants to make travel a bit easier. And while it may not be possible to increase your legroom or influence any of the other inflight comforts that are out of your control, you can make some improvements in other areas.
Affordable Travel Gadgets That Can Improve Your Trip
Below are some of my favorite travel gadgets. They're all under $100—significantly less than the cost of a single upgrade.
Mpow Waterproof Case
Want to snap a perfect photo while in the ocean? Or maybe from the infinity pool? This waterproof phone case from Mpow will allow you to take just about any phone into the water. The case still allows for photo taking and all touch controls except fingerprint reading.
Amazon User Review: "Works perfect; great colors, packaged very well and made with quality material and superior design function."
Price: Starting at $11.99 on Amazon
Espro Travel Coffee Press, Stainless Steel, 12 oz.
Save money on the go with this travel coffee press. With just a push, you can create French-press style coffee while you’re traveling or camping. Any hot water in the mug will stay warm until you need it. The same company also sells a mug for tea if you prefer loose-leaf tea over coffee.
Amazon User Review: “Well made and makes an excellent cup of tea.”
Price: Starting at $32.95 on Amazon
Archeer Speaker
If you enjoy outdoor travel or heading to the beach, the Archeer speaker would be a great addition to your next trip. The Bluetooth speaker is meant for the outdoors: It’s resistant to rain and snow. You can even take it to the pool or beach.
Amazon User Review: "I've had this speaker about two years now, battery life as good as when new, sounds great, it's been soaked, dropped and banged around."
Price: Starting at $20.89 on Amazon
Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, 8" HD Display
For a tablet under $100, you can’t do any better than the Fire HD 8. The HD screen delivers high-quality visuals for TV, movies, and games. And this tablet also supports music apps and the Kindle library, so you can listen to music and read. Plus, at this price, it's not the end of the world if it gets a little beaten up on your travels.
Amazon User Review: “Easy to set up, great display and perfect size for travel.”
Price: Starting at $79.99 on Amazon
BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer
If you like to have fun and let loose while traveling, consider bringing this breathalyzer from BACtrack with you. Its police-grade quality ensures accurate readings, so you'll know when you've had enough. There's also a discreet keychain version for $21.99.
Amazon User Review: “Love the device, love the app. Highly recommend, been using it at my city stomping grounds for months. BACtrack also has a calibration service, so you don’t have to worry about regular wear-and-tear on the filter!”
Price: Starting at $99.55 on Amazon
Tile Mate - Key Finder. Phone Finder. Anything Finder
It's all too easy to lose your keys or luggage when traveling. Having a simple gadget like a Tile Mate can help you find it. These little Tiles can be inserted or attached to just about anything. When someone who also has the Tile platform comes into contact with your Tile, you will be alerted of its location. The network is large—so someone will find it eventually!
Amazon User Review: “This thing has saved my life... It works amazing, super easy to setup and easy to use.”
Price: Starting at $19.99 on Amazon
Medialink Wireless Travel Router
If you travel and stay in hotels a lot you, know just how bad the Wi-Fi can be. This travel router can help you convert a wired hotel Ethernet connection into your own personal wireless router. It’s also pretty easy to set up with your device.
Amazon User Review: “Love it. Setup was easy and intuitive.”
Price: Starting at $39.99 for a 2-Pack on Amazon
