The travel gadgets worth the investment

Whether you’re off to a campsite in the countryside or to a holiday rental on the continent, a little time and planning is required to make the very best of these much-desired breaks.

To help you, we’ve devised a list of the top tech items to help get your holiday off on the right track and make sure that it stays there. From portable battery chargers to noise-cancelling headphones and bluetooth speakers, our breakdown of the top tech gadgets will ensure things go smoothly, so you can relax. 

We have all the practicalities you might not have thought of, including flight socks and digital weighing scales to ensure you don’t get stung for excess baggage. Travel pillows have come a long way since the awkward blow-up variety you may remember from your gap year – this bestselling memory foam style moulds to the shape of your neck. Add a pair of noise-cancelling wireless earphones and a lightweight e-reader and you’re ready for take-off.

A shorter break means you can just take hand luggage but even if you’re off on a two-week family holiday, getting your suitcase organised with packing cubes will help you feel on top of everything. Those who like to look smart and pulled together while on holiday (yes please), may want to add in a travel iron and hairdryer – both more lightweight and efficient than ever before. Just add some smart luggage labels and you’ll feel like a proper jet-setter.

There’s nothing more annoying than worrying about your mobile phone running dry. Luckily, that’s avoidable with a portable charger, which means your device can be topped up on the go. There’s a bigger and better range of lightweight wireless speakers than ever (the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom, below, is waterproof) so wherever you find yourself, from bell tent to hotel suite, you can listen to your favourite soundtrack. Now might also be the time to upgrade to a travel adapter with USB ports.

It’s easy to get into the habit of just taking photos on your phone, but a real camera has more functions and still takes better pictures. A waterproof camera gives you maximum versatility, including the option of taking snaps in the sea (great for fans of watersports). Binoculars are also a much-overlooked travel accessory – as handy for spotting your wayward child on the beach as they are for spotting distant wildlife. And while we’re on the subject of the beach, a small but fast-drying beach towel means you’ll have more room for the fun stuff.

Whether you’re glamping, camping or staying in a smart villa, a good night’s sleep is the key to a truly relaxing break. This Works’ highly-rated Deep Sleep pillow spray will help you drift off into a slumber wherever you are. If you’re a light sleeper. You can always add in ear plugs, a sleep mask, a beauty travel kit and portable fan for tip-top wellbeing. Enjoy!