We are just two short weeks out from our cruise! I’ve been on many cruises, but I just can’t shake my excitement! Because I’m a natural born worrier I still go through the process of making sure I have everything that we will need. I STILL make several lists. For me, that includes my list of tech gear for traveling. Follow along as I finalize the packing of all of my essential tech gear for traveling for our upcoming cruise.
As a relatively new blogger, I struggle a bit with what I really need and what is just going to be TOO MUCH. I can get a little cranky when my travel bags are too heavy and full. This is especially true when we have to lug them around for hours like when we were stuck in the Atlanta airport. That experience has really inspired me to start packing lighter yet somehow still have everything we need. And, since I want to make sure and keep up with this blog, I will be bringing my laptop. So, my desire is to pack lighter… but I am adding to my travel tech category. I guess that means I’m going to be making cuts in other areas.
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Tech Gear for Traveling – Entertainment
iPad mini – This will be in my backpack for use on the plane and in the airports. I will load up on movies and digital books. If we have wifi, Brian and I probably find something to binge watch on Netflix.
Bose Wireless Headphones – These are a splurge but they are very nice. I am usually content with earbuds but these over-the-ear headphones are so nice to have on the plane. Brian thinks they help with the air pressure and they certainly help combat the noise. If you have time, here is an extensive review of several Bluetooth headphones available on the market.
Headphone splitter – This may seem like the silliest thing. But, if you have a travel companion and you want to watch something together you’ll need a splitter so that you can both utilize your headphones. Seriously, this is our version of date night. We are easy to please! Since we both have wireless headphones, we did invest (while stuck in Atlanta) in an HD Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. This allows us to both connect our wireless headphones to my iPad mini. I’ve linked one similar to ours. But, honestly, I felt like it took so long to get each of our headphones to connect that I was really missing our old plugin option. So, I don’t feel right recommending it, but most people are more tech-savvy than I am.
Tech Gear for Traveling – Chats & Pics
iPhone and Portable Charger– As a family, we own a couple of nice cameras. But, I just can’t seem to get away from using my phone. I’ve heard people say that the best camera to have is the one you will actually use. And, so I suppose the best camera for me is my iPhone.
This time, I will take and try out our new Canon G7 Mark II – It’s a very compact camera and maybe that will make a difference. Stay tuned. I also would like to add a waterproof option like a GoPro to our tech gear for traveling but I haven’t made that purchase yet. Still researching!
Tech Gear for Traveling – FindingJillian.com Blog
As I mentioned earlier, It’s important for me to stay up to date on FindingJillian.com. I thoroughly enjoy answering questions and responding to comments. Having my laptop onboard will make that easier.
Laptop & Charger – I use the 13″ MacBook Air and I am so happy with it. My husband has always had a PC laptop and I feel like he has to replace it at least every other year. My MacBook Air is on year 5! I don’t think I’ll ever be a PC girl again.
Flash Drives – I have a portable hard drive, but for most trips, I just pack a handful of flash/thumb drives. They pack quite a storage punch for the small size. I like to back up my pictures each day. You never know when a phone or camera could be damaged, stolen on lost. Transferring images to the mini drives also help me stay organized because I can have one for each port, etc. Here is one that plugs right into your iPhone.
Key Power 6 USB Charging Hub – I’ve mentioned this in another post but this multi-USB charging hub is so handy. It utilizes just one outlet (perfect because there are VERY limited outlets in cruise staterooms) and charges 6 USB devices.
This is how I use the charging hub to keep all of my devices happy. And, for traveling, I use this clear zipper pouch to keep all of the small items and cords organized. I like how it’s clear and the zipper keeps everything nice and secure inside.
And that’s it! But, goodness isn’t that enough? My backpack will heavy enough. Full disclosure – When this post is published, we will actually be boarding our ship in just two short days. These posts are a behind so that I can prepare them and get them scheduled. For up to date moments, please follow me on Instagram.
What is your essential tech gear for traveling? Leave a comment below and let me know! Don’t forget to subscribe because in next week we will Get Ready to Board with all of the details of the final cruise preparation. If you missed last week’s post on packing for a warm-weather cruise, I hope you’ll check it out.
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Happy Travels!
Jillian