Touchless Travel: Some Accessories You May Need to Help Make Your Journeys Smoother

Our cell phones and other mobile devices are becoming the keys to travel.

Literally.

A story on the NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt spotlighted some of the major changes travelers can expect when returning to airports, planes, rental car centers, and hotels.

Touchpoints and in-person interaction with hospitality employees are greatly reduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Replacing them are apps to help us check-in for flights and hotels, chat with customer service, and more.

Watch the story below:

So it’s more vital than ever to not run out of juice on your cell phone and tablet. That fun night of taking pictures, ordering Lyft rides, Instagramming and Tweeting, texting friends and family about your awesome trip, all that other stuff during your travels could drain your cell phone — which doubles as your hotel room key.

Oops.

With that in mind, here are some accessories you’ll want for your touchless travel:

External Batteries

I love my Riapow 26800mAH charger with solar recharging and wireless charging capabilities. (Especially when I fly Southwest or a CRJ-200 — neither have USB or electrical ports at passenger seats.)

But it’s way too big to keep in a pocket while wandering around a destination. And my wife isn’t thrilled about putting the battery into a small purse.

So we need something smaller and lighter.

I just ordered this inexpensive AUKEY 10,000mAh portable charger.

That should be enough insurance to keep our phones going — so we aren’t locked out of our rooms and have to “walk-of-shame” it down the lobby.

Another interesting option — for twice the price — is this super-compact 10,000mAh charger from AINOPE.

I’ll see how I fare with the Aukey charger before splurging on the AINOPE.

(See more external batteries now at Amazon.)

Travel Surge Protector

Both René and I use UPWADE’s travel power strip with surge protection. Most planes, hotel rooms, and airport club lounges have USB ports available for use. But a travel power strip is a good way to charge multiple devices at a time.

Cables, Cables, Cables

I’m like the Noah of USB-C and Lightning cables: I always carry two in my travel backpack and work briefcase. This way, I’m protected if a cable goes bad or I lose one. Or if someone needs to borrow one for a while.

And now I’ll have to bring one with the new charger I just bought 🙂 .

Personally, I’m a fan of UGREEN’s USB-C data cords. I use them in my home office, living room, bedroom, and will take some on the road with me.

I’ve purchased so many Apple products over the years that I’m practically hemorrhaging Lightning cables. (Memo to Apple: just go USB-C on everything. Thanks.) But if you need more for your iPhone or older iPad, Amazon has thousands.

I haven’t really had to wear a watch in over a year. But Apple watches will soon(?) allow users to unlock their iPhones while wearing face masks. So that cool feature will come in mighty handy — especially while traveling. If you’re an Apple Watch Series 3 (or higher) user, you might want to snag an extra charging cable for your travel kit.

Examine Your Devices

If you haven’t powered up or used your other electronics (Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, etc.) in a long time, now might be a good opportunity to check them out — and make sure they’re good to go for when your travels resume!