Hi, I’m Dani,
Welcome to my Website / Blog.
I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and just thought I would share with you the vision for my website.
I am really passionate about holidays with my family, I love travelling and all the experiences that it brings – my aim is to share via my Website / Blog all of my knowledge, experience and research to help everyone have the best holidays and travel experiences possible!
I hope you will follow me on this journey and if you have any top tips you would like to share, then please contact me on my Instagram page. Thanks and happy holidays / travelling!
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Using Your Gadgets Abroad
Going on holiday and travelling is all about breaking free from the daily grind, soaking up new experiences, and making lasting memories. In today’s digital age, staying connected is important to most people, whether it’s for capturing and sharing stunning photos, navigating new cities, or staying in touch with loved ones back home.
So, let’s talk about a crucial aspect of modern travel: keeping your electronics charged and the best ways to use them.
Follow the tips in my guide to ensure your devices are always fully of energy while your out and about.
1. Plan ahead
Before you even start packing, take a moment to think about your charging needs.
- Make a checklist of all the devices you’ll be taking : smartphone, tablet, camera, e-reader, laptop, smartwatch, and maybe even a portable gaming console.
- Check your have a charger for each one. Trust me, it’s better to sort this out at home rather than realising you’ve forgotten something essential when you’re miles away from the nearest electronics store.
2. Universal Travel adapters
One of the most important items to pack is a universal travel adapter. Different countries have different types of power outlets, and a universal adapter will ensure you can plug in no matter where you are. I have linked some of the best ones below.
- TASSAN WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADAPTER – I love this one as it has USB-A and USB-C sockets already built in.
- AUNNO Universal Travel Adapter
- My Travel Pal Pro adapter
3. Portable Chargers / Power Banks
Portable chargers and power banks are a must-have for travellers.
They’re perfect for those long days of exploring when you’re away from your hotel / accommodation.
Look for a power bank with a high mAh (milliampere-hour) rating – the higher the number, the more charge it can hold. This means you can keep your phone, camera or other gadgets powered up through a whole day of sightseeing, hiking, or whatever adventure you’re on.
- Anker Power Bank 24,000mAh
- Anker Power Bank 10,000mAh – out of the two this one is a lot lighter for your bag, but it wont hold as much charge so just bare that in mind.
4. Charging Cables
- I would recommend that you always have a couple of extra / spare charging cables for your devices.
- Opt for cables that are durable and well-reviewed. It’s tempting to go for the cheap ones, but they often don’t last long and can even damage your devices.
- Look for ones with reinforced ends and maybe even braided cords for extra durability.
- Buy ones that are at least 2 metres long so that if your plug socket is not in a convenient place it will still reach so you can use your device whist its charging.
- Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB C Charger cable
5. Charging Hubs
If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, a multi-port USB charger can be incredibly useful. These hubs can charge several devices at once, which means fewer arguments over who gets to use the outlet next. Just make sure to check the voltage compatibility for your destination to avoid any mishaps.
6. Battery Cases
For those who don’t want to carry an extra device like a power bank, battery cases are a great alternative. These are essentially phone cases with built-in batteries, giving your smartphone a much-needed power boost while also providing protection. They’re especially handy for people that use their phone a lot (snapping photos, recording videos, navigating with maps, social media etc,.). Here is a link to a few – Battery Phone Cases (make sure you find the one that is compatible with your phone.
7. Utilizing Charging Stations and Public Outlets
While out and about, keep an eye out for charging stations in public places like airports, cafes, and shopping malls. These are becoming increasingly common and can be a convenient way to top up your devices. Just be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your gear to avoid theft.
9. Stay Organised with a Tech Bag
Keeping all your cables, chargers, and adapters organized can be a bit of a hassle. Consider getting a small tech bag or organizer with compartments for each item. This keeps everything in one place, makes it easy to find what you need and reduces the risk of losing something important. Here is the one that I use:
10. Know Your Limits
When travelling internationally, it’s important to be aware of the voltage and frequency of the power outlets in your destination country.
- Most of Europe, Asia, and Africa use 220-240V.
- North America and parts of Latin America use 110-120V.
- Some devices are dual voltage, but others might need a converter.
- Always check your device’s specifications to avoid frying your electronics.
11. Use Airplane Mode and Offline Features
When you’re not using your phone, switch it to airplane mode to save battery. Also, download any relevant area maps on google maps, translation tools, and travel guides so you can use them “off line”. This not only conserves battery life but also helps you avoid data roaming charges.
12. Stay Safe
While it’s convenient to use public USB ports, be cautious. These can sometimes be tampered with to steal data or install malware. It’s safer to use your own charger plugged into an outlet or a portable power bank.
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