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Travel Essentials TECH

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/14/travel-essentials-tech.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 21:34 GMT by The West Australian
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The West’s “Travel Essentials Tech” Guide: A Quick‑Start Roadmap for the Modern Journeyman

When the Australian press dives into the world of travel gadgets, it does so with the same meticulous eye it applies to any other “must‑have” list. In this edition of The West, the “Travel Essentials Tech” column pulls the curtain back on the high‑tech gear that turns an ordinary trip into a seamless, productive, and even entertaining adventure. Below is a concise, yet comprehensive, rundown of the gadgets highlighted in the feature, along with a taste of the extra information that can be found by following the article’s embedded links.

1. Power Banks That Keep the Beat

A recurring theme in the article is the undeniable importance of a good power bank. The guide spotlights three particular models:

• Anker PowerCore 20100 – The article describes its 20,100 mAh capacity as “enough to charge an iPhone 11 twice and a Galaxy S20 three times.” The link to Anker’s product page offers a quick‑look of its dual USB‑C ports, 60 W output, and the “Quick‑Charge 3.0” certification that many travelers can’t live without.
• RAVPower 20100mAh – An alternative for those on a tighter budget. The link includes a comparison chart with Anker, noting the RAVPower’s slightly slower charging rate but lighter weight.
• Zendure A8PD – The guide calls this the “durable, high‑performance champion.” The product link shows a 10,000 mAh capacity combined with an integrated solar panel, a feature praised for “off‑grid travelers.”

Across all three models, the article stresses the importance of having at least one USB‑C input for modern laptops, as well as the ability to output via USB‑C, USB‑A, and a dedicated micro‑USB port for older phones.

2. Portable Wi‑Fi and the “Travel Router” Revolution

With most flights and trains now offering onboard Wi‑Fi, the article points out that reliability can still be an issue. The recommended device is the TP‑Link TL‑WDR3500. The guide links to the retailer’s page, where a quick‑look of its dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) and four Ethernet ports is shown. A standout feature, per the retailer’s description, is the “Smart Connect” option that auto‑selects the strongest band.

The article also introduces the GL.iNet GL-AR750S-32D, marketed as a “portable router for the adventurous traveler.” The product link offers a 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual‑band with Wi‑Fi 6 support, a USB‑C port for the power bank, and an “Android-based interface” that lets you manage VPNs on the fly—a boon for privacy‑conscious users.

3. Noise‑Cancelling Headphones: From Commutes to Airport Lounges

Headphones are a staple in any traveler’s kit, and the article gives a balanced review of the following:

• Sony WH‑1000XM4 – The guide links to Sony’s official product page, noting the “acoustic surface technology” that delivers “incredibly deep bass.” The price listed is $350, with an in‑store discount that drops it to $325.
• Bose QuietComfort 45 – A comparison table on the link shows the Bose’s “lightweight design” versus Sony’s heavier build. Bose’s advertised battery life of 24 hours is highlighted as a major advantage for long haul flights.
• Apple AirPods Max – The article references Apple’s “spatial audio” feature and links to the Apple Store, where a 20‑minute free trial can be scheduled in certain regions.

Beyond the audio experience, the guide advises readers to choose headphones with an “app‑controlled equalizer,” especially if they frequently switch between different types of music and podcast content.

4. RFID‑Blocking Wallets and Smart Luggage

Security on the road is paramount. The guide recommends:

• Travelon RFID‑Blocking Leather Wallet – The link takes you to the manufacturer’s page where a 2‑year warranty is highlighted, and the product is shown in a “sleek, minimalist” design.
• Away Smart Luggage – A link to Away’s website offers a live demonstration of the built‑in 20‑W USB port and “smart tracking” feature, which integrates with the Away app for real‑time GPS updates. The article points out the luggage’s “crash‑proof shell” and the option to “upgrade to a premium color at checkout.”

Both items are presented as the perfect combo for business travelers who need both style and security.

5. Smart Trackers and the “Lost‑and‑Found” Revolution

The article highlights the Tile Pro and the Apple AirTag as the two most effective small tracking gadgets. It includes a link to Tile’s product page where a 12‑month battery life and a 150‑meter range are shown. The AirTag link redirects to Apple’s support page, which explains the “Find My” network’s privacy‑focused design, noting that the device does not store location data on the tag itself.

6. Portable SSDs and the Need for Extra Storage

For photographers and videographers, the guide recommends:

• SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD – The link offers a side‑by‑side speed comparison with the Samsung T5, focusing on read/write speeds of 550 MB/s and 540 MB/s respectively.
• WD My Passport SSD – The guide notes the 500 GB model’s “water‑resistant” build, and the link takes readers to a product video demonstrating the device’s compactness.

All SSDs are highlighted for their “plug‑and‑play” capability and their ability to withstand “rough handling and extreme temperatures,” making them ideal for both adventure and business travel.

7. Miscellaneous Yet Mighty

Other gadgets get a nod, including:

• Belkin Wireless Charging Pad – A link to a product demo shows the pad’s “quick‑charge” capability for iPhone 12 and 13 models.
• Jabra Move 30 – The article links to the product page where the headset’s “water‑resistant” rating is noted, along with the 25‑hour battery life.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro – The guide provides a link to a review that focuses on the “adaptive ANC” and the “premium silicone ear tips” that promise a custom fit.

Final Takeaway

The West’s “Travel Essentials Tech” column offers a practical and well‑researched roadmap for travelers who want to stay powered, connected, and protected on the go. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a frequent flyer, or simply a weekend adventurer, the gadgets highlighted are vetted, often with side‑by‑side comparisons that help readers weigh cost against capability.

The embedded links in the article are not just promotional placeholders; they serve as a gateway to deeper dives: specifications, pricing, user reviews, and sometimes even live demos. For anyone serious about making technology work for them while traveling, a quick scan of the article followed by a click on each recommended link can turn an ordinary journey into an optimized, tech‑savvy experience.