You can spot a frequent traveler from miles away. They’re the ones that know how to score an upgrade, always pack a portable phone charger, and somehow manage to appear fresh after a 10 hour flight.

Frequent travelers have an easier time traveling, because their experience means they know which useful gadgets to use. Having the right technology with you can greatly enhance a trip, though with so much technology these days, the trouble is often knowing which gadgets to invest in.

So, if you’re struggling to narrow down your tech list, the following are must-have gadgets that frequent travelers use, along with the travel style that they best suit.

5 Gadgets Frequent Travelers Use

E-Reader/Tablet

Used By: Savvy packers

E-readers and tablets are by far the most common holiday gadgets you’ll want to take with you. Enabling you to read, play games, watch movies or listen to music, this is one of the best ways to pass the time during long hours in transit.

Plus, books are heavy, and take up a LOT of unnecessary space in your suitcase when traveling. The best way to approach holiday reading is to download a couple of titles onto your kindle or e-reader, and you can do this with guidebooks too.

The big travel guides like Lonely Planet have apps with an offline function, where you can download the information when you have WiFi, and reference the information when you’re out. Google maps has the same function.

E-readers are portable, easy to charge and they also provide access to the internet. So, if there’s just one gadget you take with you, it should definitely be one of these devices.

Sand-Free Beach Mat

Used By: The pro vacationer

If you are heading on a beach holiday, one gadget that’s going to prove invaluable is a sand-free beach mat. The C-Gear Original Sand-Free mat is the most popular sand-free beach mat available and it’s practically impossible to get sand on it!

After use, you won’t need to worry about getting sand in your bag, and you won’t need to wash it before using it again. It’s amazing how much stress this simple gadget can save you, especially if you have kids!

Swiss Army Knife

Used by: Intrepid travelers / Outdoor adventurers

A multi-tool / tactical knife is a great accessory to take on your travels, but just make sure you’re not carrying it in your hand luggage to avoid getting it confiscated at the airport!

As the name suggests, multi-tools have several attachments making them handy in a variety of situations. Most multi-tools will include a corkscrew, a knife, screwdriver and bottle opener which can prove lifesaving if you need to cut up some firewood to cook any food you’ve taken with you or foraged.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Used By: The traveler who actually gets to sleep on transit

At some point, you’re going to want to close your eyes, shut everyone else out and lose yourself in a little music. That’s where noise cancelling headphones come in really handy.

These allow you to enjoy your favorite music without annoying anyone else; they’re portable and easy to fit in your hand luggage. You might want to avoid taking expensive sets, in case they end up in the pool, or being left behind on the plane accidentally (been there done that!)

That said, make sure you look for one with a decent battery life, especially if you often take long haul flights. You might decide it’s worthwhile to pay more for a higher quality pair that allows 30 hours of continuous use as opposed to one that frequently dies on you.

External Battery Charger

Used by: Anyone traveling with technology … so … everyone

When travelling, you never know when your electronics might start complaining that the battery is running low. For this reason, it’s great to travel prepared with a backup for recharging.

An external battery charger usually comes with USB ports for charging more than one device. Pick that you are comfortable with and include it in your travel accessories.

Universal power adapters and chargers are always worth carrying with you.

Mirrorless Camera

Used by: The pro photographer

For years, a DSLR camera was everyone’s go-to. But technology evolves, and there’s a growing trend among travelers today to go the mirrorless route.

Keeping up pace with bulkier and older DSLRs, mirrorless cameras use the latest technology to produce high quality images in smaller bodies. It’s called mirrorless because the cameras are designed not to have an optical mirror in front of the sensor, which is common in DSLR cameras. Instead, it uses a digital display system, or an electronic viewfinder.

This is particularly useful for beginner photographers, as being able to see how shutter speed, aperture and ISO affect your photograph in ‘real time’ is really useful in understanding the components of exposure.

The Sony Alpha a6500 is a great choice for travel; this is one of the smallest mirrorless cameras on the market, but it’s also one of the toughest. It’s made from a weather-sealed and durable magnesium alloy and features a deep grip for a solid hold.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.