travelgear

Whether you’re zipping through the streets of Buenos Aires for your next business meeting or ascending magnificent Machu Picchu, the latest travel tech toys are calling your name. From the latest in lightweight durable backpacks to safety locks for your laptop, these top 8 travel essentials will give you the edge, the appeal and the peace of mind to safely and efficiently enjoy your international escapades.

1. Current Passport: Enhancing security for the top item on your travel checklist is easy with RFID protection sleeves for your passport. Prevent Electronic Theft with these state-of-the-art sleeves.

2. Travel Backpacks: Invest in a quality travel pack, like an Osprey or an REI. Try them on for comfort and check-out the incredible amount of organizational pockets. Make sure you’ve got a travel pack that’s easy on your shoulders and protects your gear.

3. First Aid Kit: Be prepared with a simple med-kit on hand and carry-on necessary medications. You don’t need to inform TSA if you’re carrying pills and solids (all will be screened), but all carry-on liquids must comply with the 3.0-ounce limit.

4. Universal Plug Adapter: When jumping from region to region, electrical outlets will be different. Be prepared and adapt to the situation with this universal plug adapter.

5. Kensington AbsolutePower: This little gizmo packs a lot of power, literally. With multiple ports that can be configured to charge your laptop, phone, and tablet simultaneously, it’s great for planes and coffee shops. Charge yourself alongside your electronic compatriots.

6. Innergie Pocket Cell: We recommend an addition to the KensingtonAbsolute Power, designed for stationary charging and not use on the go. Invest in a PocketCell, or a USB portable charger, so your phone doesn’t kick the bucket at the most important point of your call.

7. Kensington Combination Laptop Lock: Did you know that a notebook laptop is stolen every 53 seconds in the U.S.? Think twice before leaving your PC alone when you’re off ordering your second Vanilla Chai. Kensington has a superb safety mechanism with a combination lock that plugs into your audio jack and a thick, durable cord that will wrap around a table leg protecting your laptop wherever you go.

8. Grid-it: You’ve collected a wide assortment of gear and accessories, but now here’s another question: Where do you put all that stuff? Grid-It is the organizer for your miscellaneous: You can have your phone, mp3, chargers etc. all on one single board held together with strong elastic bands. With a variety of models, Grid-it can meet your travel size needs.

These gizmos, gadgets, and gear all come together to ensure safe and productive travel. So on your next trip, remember the 3-G’s rule, and happy travels!

Sharon Schweitzer and Savin Weera co-wrote this postSharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural consultant, an international protocol expert and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. She is accredited in intercultural management, is the resident etiquette expert for CBS KEYE We Are Austin, popular on-air contributor, regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, Fortune, Inc., The New York Times, The Vancouver Sun, and numerous other media. She is the best-selling, international award-winning author of Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, named to Kirkus Review’s Best Books of 2015.

Savin Weera is a Summer Intern with Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. He is currently a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio studying for a B.A. in English with Concentrations in Professional and Creative Writing. Feel free to connect with Savin on LinkedIn.