One of the most frequently asked questions I receive on travel or blogging are related to tech. What do I pack in order to create content? What devices travel well? What are my most frequently used cameras? How do I stay charged while on the go? Here’s a round-up of my must have tech for travel.
Camera
Sometimes an iPhone camera just doesn’t do your creative vision justice. That’s why I always travel with a digital SLR camera. My camera of choice is the Canon Rebel EOS SL1. It’s a compact DSLR with all the bells and whistles you’d most likely need. My favorite lens also allows me to get great depth of field in the background and crystal clear sharpness on my subjects. The 18-55mm kit lens that comes with the SL1 is perfect for “sit down” YouTube videos as well, and it has silent continuous autofocus. If you are planning on shooting some serious photography or videography during your trip, I also recommend packing a tripod, SD cards, remotes, and lighting. For timelapse shots, I also enjoy the Yi Action Camera.
Gimbal
Single handedly, the best $200 you can spend to improve your travel vlogs! A gimbal is essentially a stabilizer for your camera. DJI Osmo Mobile is my favorite tool to stabilize my iPhone videos. It creates noticeably smoother footage over a bluetooth connection to your phone. It’s easy to use and is way better than any selfie stick. I’ve honestly put it to the test in a helicopter, on a bike, and snowtubing and it does pretty well!
External Battery Pack
Generally speaking, I never leave home without one of these things. While I’m a huge fan of the Apple battery case, I recently got the extremely slim Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini which has blown me away. It’s waterproof and has emergency strobe lights on it. Perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors!
Portable Wifi Device
When traveling internationally, it’s much easier to get a mifi than unlocking your phone to get a local SIM card. For US phones, at least! I recommend the 4G portable wifi device from TEP Wireless for fast and reliable internet while you’re abroad. It’s often faster than hotel wifi!
Plugs & Adapters
No matter where you’re going, ample power outlets are never guaranteed. That’s where this tip comes in! I like to pack one KOPPLA, which is a single plug that has 3 USB ports. If traveling internationally, I make sure to pack the appropriate plug and voltage adapters needed at my destination. Packing them in advance helps me avoid extra unnecessary expenses on arrival.
Honorable mentions certainly go out to my Apple Watch, MacBook Air, and associated chargers and accessories like external hard drives. Those are tech items I carry with me on a daily basis, so they are a given when it comes to travel. What tech can you not live, work, or travel without?
Like this post? Be sure to read some of my other travel or tech features before you go. If you’re planning an international trip soon, I’ve recently written an international trip checklist that might also be of interest.
I wish I had known of a gimbal before I went to Colorado. That would have come in handy. I hate the fact that we have to bring adapters because that’s the first thing I forget but you’re spot on. Thank you!
Love this! I am in the market for a new DSLR — I currently have like the first cannon ever made (it feels like it ) so I want to learn how to use it but I have been looking at the T6i — so many options with all these DSLR now. Thank you for sharing
A power bank and adapter! My devices seem to always run out of battery.
The invention of the mobile battery pack has made my travels so much better! You never know when you’ll get held over somewhere without a place to plug in so having that pack makes life so much easier!
Yessss I’m always looking for new gadgets for when I’m traveling. These look awesome!
I really like the idea of the Yi brand. I personally prefer Nikon, they tend to be hardier. However, I find it so much easier to use a mirrorless camera (Sony alpha line) than a dslr when I’m on the move!
Plugs and adapters and my camera are must haves! I sometimes leave the cam at home though because lugging it around is too much.
I agree, plugs and adapters are priority! Most days I only go on foot with my iPhone, but the DSLR is a nice option for more intense photography.
Great tips! I’ve been thinking about a portable WiFi device so appreciate the review.
A portable wifi device has changed the way I travel internationally! I get lost way less frequently now that I can always pull up GPS, translations, and transit schedules/maps.
I need to make sure we bring a portable charger when we go on our trip this april.
It comes in so handy. Hope you have an amazing trip!
Such a great guide. I’m always running low on batteries even when I bring an extra pack. The portable charger sounds like a great solution for me.
xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
Thank you! My #1 rule for travel is ABC… always be charging!
These are great! I’ve always wanted a gimbal- I bought a similar one on Amazon for my camera and it does not work! I waited too long to return it too ! lol
Sorry to hear! The DJI one is $100 off right now if you want to make the switch. It works great, only complaint is that sometimes their mobile app is glitchy. Otherwise the hardware is amazing!
I also love my DJI. I get so many comments about it when I am out in public, but it makes my video look so professional!
Same here! I’ve recommended it to anyone who asks me about it in-person.