As the festive season approaches, the holiday rush at airports becomes a predictable reality. Preparing for travel can be a blend of excitement and anxiety, particularly when it comes to ensuring your valuables are secure while you’re on the go. Fortunately, various tech solutions can enhance your travel experience, offering functionalities that range from tracking your bags to ensuring your devices remain powered throughout your journey.
Stay Connected and In Control with AirTags
Among the most notable gadgets of this holiday season is Apple’s AirTags, a powerful and compact tracking device designed to simplify the travel experience. Regularly priced at $99 for a pack of four, these trackers are now available at competitive discounts, bringing the cost down to just under $74 at retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. The value of AirTags lies not just in their cost, but in their precision, powered by Apple’s ultra-wideband technology and the extensive Find My network.
For those who own iPhones, AirTags represent an unrivaled solution for tracking personal belongings. The ability to share tracking information with up to five users enhances their utility, especially when traveling in groups. It’s a feature that resonates well during the holiday season when families and friends often embark on collective adventures. Moreover, the trackers are water-resistant and feature user-replaceable batteries, addressing both durability and convenience.
However, some users have critiqued the design, suggesting improvements such as the addition of a lanyard hole for easier attachment to bags. While they are practical and efficient, minor tweaks could further enhance their usability. Overall, with their integration into Apple’s ecosystem, AirTags provide a reassuring layer of security as you navigate busy airports and check-in lines.
Additionally, those seeking an audio upgrade without breaking the bank should consider Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE, now offered at an attractive sale price of $59.99—a significant reduction of $40 from the regular price. These earbuds provide commendable features, such as active noise cancellation and quality sound, at a budget-friendly price point.
While they lack certain advanced features like wireless charging and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, these omissions are understandable given the price range. The Galaxy Buds FE find a sweet spot for users who appreciate solid performance and functionality without the need for the latest bells and whistles.
These earbuds cater particularly well to travelers who want to enhance their music-listening experience while navigating crowded spaces. The active noise cancellation ensures an immersive experience, blocking out extraneous airport sounds.
Alongside AirTags and earbuds, OnePlus’s latest offering—the OnePlus Watch 2—is also worth considering for your travel toolkit. Currently priced at $219.99, this watch comes with an additional strap when you use the promo code PUMPKIN at checkout, showcasing a great value proposition in the wearables market.
OnePlus stands out as a notable contender in the smartwatch space, especially for those who prefer Wear OS devices over models from Google or Samsung. The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 12 days in power-saving mode. These features, coupled with compatibility with Google Assistant, make it an excellent choice for tech-savvy travelers looking for conveniences on their wrist.
However, the lack of LTE connectivity may deter some users, as it limits the watch’s functionality when separated from a smartphone. Still, for a broad audience eager for a reliable smartwatch solution, the OnePlus Watch 2 remains a strong candidate.
Power Up with the Right Accessories
Last but not least, ensuring your devices remain powered throughout your travels is crucial. Belkin’s BoostCharge Power Bank 20K, priced at around $27.56, is an excellent accessory to consider. Despite its relatively sluggish charging speed—capping at 15 watts for USB-C—it offers high capacity at an affordable price.
Perfect for maintaining your phone’s charge while on the go, this power bank is particularly useful during long travel days with delayed flights or layovers. The availability in various colors adds a touch of personal flair to your tech essentials.
Investing in these essential tech items will prove invaluable as you embark on your holiday travels. From tracking your bags with AirTags to enjoying media on the go with Galaxy Buds and ensuring your devices remain fueled with a reliable power bank, these smart choices can enhance your overall experience and minimize the common stressors associated with holiday travel.