As someone who has jumped several frequent flier tiers since January, I've learned some tips that have helped me make this travel, almost all of which was international, be a bit less bumpy. Because of what I do and what I enjoy, I don't travel very light when it comes to tech. While this can mean more headaches, it doesn't have to, especially if you follow this advice.
5 Ways to Make Your Life Easier When You Travel With Tech:
1. Make Your Amenity Kit Do Double Duty: You know those amenity kit bags that airlines give out during long flights? These are a great size for keeping your smaller pieces of tech organized. Two of the lenses for my Sony NEX-5N fit in one bag and another bag holds the various travel adapters I need when going from the US to Europe and the UK. In the image above, the amenity kit bags pictured are from Qantas and Delta.
2. USB is Your Friend: Instead of having to carry various adapters to plug into the wall, why not just carry a small USB hub so that you can power them from your computer? Better yet, snag an adapter like the one pictured above that will charge four USB devices off of one wall outlet.
3. Save Packaging That's Helpful: Luggage space is always at a premium, so one's first instinct is generally to toss everything. I've learned though that certain pieces of packaging can make bringing home new purchases much safer or will help keep things organized. For example, I still retain the interior piece for my Bose QC 15 headphones, as it helps keep the cord wrangled and prevents small accessories from getting lost. Other useful tech bits that I've saved include the HTC velcro, which is great for wire management, sim card wallets for saving sim cards that are not currently in use in a phone, and USB drive boxes for storing coins from a country I'm not currently traveling in.
4. Downsize When it Makes Sense: A large part of what I do requires great photographs. For years I brought my Nikon D200 as well as several lenses along on every trip. I don't need to tell you that this camera is heavy as are the lenses and they add quite a bit of bulk. When the mirrorless 5N entered my life, I was in love. This camera captures images just as well as the giant Nikon and is a fraction of the size and weight. Bonus, with the adapter I can also use all of my Nikon lenses with it! Now, depending on what the shoot requires, I almost always bring the little Sony instead of the giant Nikon and am much happier for it. I have also downsized when it makes sense when it comes to my laptop and tablet. I only bring the MacBook Pro when it's needed and often travel with only the iPad when only light writing is required.
5. Bring the Right Bag: Being able to easily remove your laptop and/or tablet for security checks and to access during flight is critical if you're looking to make your travel smoother. Choosing the right bag to carry your tech in makes all of the difference. For a carry-on that's great for my tech (fits up to a 15" MacBook Pro) with a feminine look, I like my Lo & Sons OG pictured below. The material of the bag is strong and durable and the interior is just right for carrying my laptop, iPad, Kindle, camera and a few lenses.
What are your tech tips for when you travel?
(Images: Joelle Alcaidinho)
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I also suggest bring one small power strip if you are going to a foreign country with different plug. Instead of bringing many adapters, you can plug everything on the strip and use the adapter on the strip.
I've used various kinds of bags for my tech, but in the end the one I like best is a see-through plastic zipper case that I think was the packaging for some kind of linens. The advantage of see through is that it makes it easier to find the little thing you need from a mess of cords.
Also, I use different sizes and colors of bobinos to wrap my cords, and I label everything, in every possible place.
http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-HH40-BL-Small-Bobino-Cord/dp/B0042RVA38/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336596996&sr=8-2
I totally agree about taking usb wall chargers as a universal charger and about taking a small power strip with the right adapter on it.
Finally, I don't go anywhere without my Kensington back-up iphone charger.
I use those makeup bags that nearly every department store brand gives out whe they're having a promotional giveaway for all my cords and flashdrives. Different bags for different devices, so I don't have to go through each cord to find the right one.
Do mobile check-in. Way more eco-friendly than printing a boarding pass, and you can multitask by checking in on the ride to the airport (as long as you're not the driver, of course).
I keep my phone charger in my purse, and I know this doesn't have to do with electronics, but my liquids go in ziplock baggies in my purse as well. That way, I don't have to dig into my carry-on, and then dig-into my toiletry bag, to pull out my small liquids. Also, I just store my ziplock baggies in my toiletry bag in between flights, that way I can keep reusing and reusing.
When travelling internationally, I carry a universal adaptor - by differing combinations of pins it can fit any powerpoint. There have been times where the hotel I've been staying in has attempted to help guests by changing their outlets, which makes things less predictable. I carry a double adaptor rather than a power strip, but same idea - if I'm charging things, I'd like to be able to do a couple of things at the same time.
I have a small makeup bag (handbag size) that is perfect for carrying camera and phone chargers. I have two cameras that I take - the bigger one that I prefer, but also a small one that fits in my handbag which is more sociable to take out to restaurants, etc. The smaller one is the size of a deck of cards, and is waterproof for beach shots too.
I do like the tip about the usb hubs and getting an adaptor for the wall outlet - hadn't thought of that, will try it next time as my smartphone, ipod and kobo would all use it. If only they had a universal cord for all devices, but alas, manufacturers like having unique aspects, and the connectors seem to have the most variation.
I used to carry an amenity kit bag (that exact Qantas one!) for all my cords and cables (phone/camera/USBs/converter), but ever since I bought this elastic grid board - everything stays neatly in place and it slides flat into the inside top compartment of my suitcases. Even holds some gadgets in place, and the occasional toothbrush!
http://www.cocooninnovations.com/grid.php
This entire post was helpful great tips thanks!
The bobinos look like something I have in my sewing room, hmmmm. The elastic grid doodad looks like a possible DIY project. Thanks for the great ideas. I only take short weekend trips but assorted tech is required so this is good stuff.
Second the power strip idea. Bonus is that you'll be Mr/Mrs popular at the airport terminal.
DIY Grid It type tech organizer tutorial HERE...
Has anyone tried this laptop case for travel?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GJ04YC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
Forgot to mention that it's a LaCie laptop bag :
LaCie Cozy 13-Inch Carrying Case for MacBook
http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?id=10565
I do enjoy the tips... but have to ask: Why do you need a Kindle, iPad AND laptop when traveling?
@ Tarama The Kindle I bring when I know I'll be doing a lot of reading outside. The iPad and laptop I use for work, reviewing apps, writing posts, editing photos etc. I also use the iPad when flying to view content and read in addition to the Kindle. I don't always travel with the laptop, all depends on my work load... ie do I have to use Photoshop heavily.
IPad was the best for traveling alone. Luckily I purchased the AT&T model which has a *discreet* sim card slot on the side. When arriving abroad it was easy to buy a sim card and replace it in the slot - for about $30 rather than getting foreign roaming charges. Also, loved the ipad for mapping (maps in Italy weren't so good) so you can at least figure out where you are, on occasion. Also, loading the ipad with rental movies from itunes for $4 each means watching what you want on the plane when the mood strikes - instead of having to watch what is available. Also, it is nice to be able to look up a few words of politeness for the locals. I really like the PacSafe 200 bag. It is a little heavy but it makes me feel more at ease traveling with expensive electronics. It is not slashable, the straps can't be cut, and the zippers lock together (http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Venturesafe-Compact-Travel-Size/dp/B003DVXBWW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336788163&sr=8-3 )
So I am about to go on a trip with a camera and lens for the first time. I'm a pro at laptop and toilteries screenings, but with the camera I am a little clueless. What is the easiest way to make it through TSA with one? Do I need to take it all out like my laptop, or can I simply open the top of the bag up wide so the camera bag contents are clearly visible. I'll be flying through OHare on a NATO day and don't want any added stress...
Also, Container Store just started their annual travel sale. Check it out for some awesome packing tips and products. I travel with enough room in my carry-on for a weeks worth of sightseeing thanks to the eagle creek pack-it cubes AND have enough room for board games. Cause sometimes you need to travel with good old fashioned board games.
Huh, I have never gotten an amenities bag, and I fly to Japan regularly from the U.S. Is it 'cause I'm in the cheap seats or does my airliner just suck (I don't get to choose)?
@Quietlikesnow It's probably both. Some airlines give them out in all classes, with just business and first having a fancier kid, while other airlines only give them out in business and 1st.
@booksdofurnish I travel with lenses and my camera often and have never had to take the camera or lenses out. The pieces of tech that sometimes need to be removed along with laptops are tablets and eReaders.
@tarama I can't read on a LCD screen for long periods of time, so a Kindle is a must for reading. I take my laptop with me to edit/back up pictures as I go, and to keep in touch with family/friends. I don't own a tablet but I would take one with me if I did :)
@joellemarie I've had to take out my lenses and unscrew the back/take off the lens cap so that they could verify that they're camera lenses. I think it depends on the security agent you're dealing with. I've also had to show them how my corded shutter release works.
Just picked up this little beauty for $25 CAD (http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=400738) which combines a power strip (3 plugs) with two USB outlets in one little bar. Might have to pick up a second one to set up an at home charging area.
Does anyone know what the bag is on the previous page?
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-weeks-top-tech-posts-may-7---may-11-2012-171142
An empty VCR tape case has been great for packing all this: camera charger & spare battery, 2 overseas plug adapters, mini Mag lite & 2 spare batteries, Gorillapod tripod, and a thumb drive! I slip a small map into the outside sleeve between the clear plastic & case so I have it handy for reference and the hard case gives me a good surface for writing on when on a train/bus.