5 New Travel Gadgets Every Techie Should Add to Their Packing List

As a tech-savvy frequent traveler, I’m always on the lookout for the latest gadgets to help make my travels easier or more enjoyable. Usual suspects include noise-cancelling headphones, AirTags, power banks, and various cameras. While there have been some exciting updates to many of the aforementioned products this year, some unexpected, thrill-worthy accessories have emerged. From XR glasses to earbuds that help you sleep, here are five awesome new travel gadgets you’ll love.

It wasn’t that long ago that virtual reality was the next big thing, but somehow we’ve already moved on to XR, or Extended Reality, which includes the various “reality”s of AR, VR, and MR. While devices that use these amazing technologies mostly come in the form of bulky headsets, Viture has taken it to the next level with its sunglasses-like devices.

With Viture’s Pro XR glasses, you are offered a unique and immersive experience featuring a 135-inch virtual screen with a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. These glasses can be connected to handheld consoles, smartphones, tablets and laptops, providing hours of HD entertainment wherever you are. In other words, you no longer have to watch your favorite Netflix show on your phone or put up with airplane seat screens. Instead, you can now turn your handheld device into a theater-like adventure. But that’s not all. When paired with Viture’s SpaceWalker app, you get access to a virtual multiscreen workspace that will inevitably help you increase productivity while on the go. The app unlocks the potential of your smartphone (like the iPhone 15 Pro or newer) with spatial photo and video playback—a great way to share some of your favorite travel memories with friends and family, or relive them yourself.

Not only that. These glasses are the first and only of their kind to boast built-in myopia corrections. They can be combined with a magnetic prescription lens frame for people with severe astigmatism or a prescription greater than -5.00D. Viture is the first company to offer shared experiences with the help of its Pro Mobile Dock—which also doubles as a 13K power bank—allowing two users to watch videos or play games together (the company also makes its own controller). And trust me, once you take these glasses for a spin, you’ll definitely want to share them with everyone.

Do you have trouble sleeping? Does your partner wake you up with their snoring? Are you sensitive to the slightest sound? If you answered yes to these questions, Ozlo Sleepbuds may be just what you need. Founded by three former Bose engineers who helped create a now-discontinued device of the same name for the big audio company, these noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds are designed to help you get some much-needed rest. For those familiar with its predecessors, you’ll find that the Ozlo Sleepbuds have the same design and offer the same comfort (yes, side sleepers, these still work for you), but with some notable improvements.

One of the most important changes is that these Sleepbuds are now compatible with different audio formats like music, podcast, YouTube or show. They can also detect when you’re asleep, and automatically switch to a noise-masking sleep sound you’ve selected in Oslo’s app. The app also lets you schedule multiple alarms and has future plans to eventually add sleep data. The earbuds last up to 10 hours on a single charge, and up to four additional charges. For those who previously used Bose’s version, you’ll be happy to know that Ozlo’s Sleepbuds now boast a better, longer-lasting battery.

GoPro has long dominated the action camera space, and for good reason. Comparing the specs between last year’s Hero12 Black and the latest Hero13 Black, on paper they look very similar. Both flaunt an improved 8:7 aspect ratio, shoot ridiculously smooth 5.3K videos at up to 60fps, capture photos at 27MP, and are water resistant up to 33 feet. However, the 13 has some technical improvements. It now supports HLG HDR video, which is very important for those who use GoPro for professional purposes; Burst can capture slo-mo at up to 400fps at 720p; Improved enduro battery game; It has also reintroduced GPS tagging.

The latest iteration comes with a new look, but it’s not just for aesthetics. The new design makes the camera more durable than ever and features a hard lens cover. Now there are magnets on the bottom so the camera can easily click in and out of the magnetic mounts. But most importantly, the Hero13 is compatible with a new set of interchangeable lenses that include ND filters, macro, ultra-wide and upcoming anamorphic lenses that shoot in a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, allowing users to capture footage like never before. Only possible with professional cameras. If you’re someone who likes to carry multiple cameras, there’s also the smaller, but still powerful Hero introduced with the Hero13 Black.

Lark turned heads in 2018 when the company introduced the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle. Now, they have done it again with a new design and additional features. Using the company’s same proprietary PureVis UV-C technology to remove 99.99% of bio-pollutants, the new bottle now allows for a detachable filter that removes chlorine and PFAS. The stainless steel, double-insulated bottle features a swig top, removable handle and is updated with USB-C charging. Best of all, if you’re someone who really takes their hydration seriously, the PureVis 2 syncs with Larq’s app and can track your water consumption and set reminders to improve your habits.

For Apple devotees, Anker is the go-to company for cutting-edge chargers. The latest drop in its MagGo line was particularly impressive, especially this three-in-one Qi2 wireless charging station. It folds into a circular shape that’s slightly larger than a macaron, making it incredibly portable and travel-friendly. All three MagSafe-compatible pads are designed for iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, and offer fast charging speeds of 25 watts (15W for phone, 5W each for earbuds and watch). This device can double as a landscape stand for your iPhone, perfect for watching a movie on a plane or in standby mode at a hotel. But if you want a simple power bank for your phone, there’s also a new, ultra-slim 10K MagSafe charger that delivers up to 15W of power, perfect for those constantly on the go.