Travelling soon? Here are the best travel gadgets to take with you

Note: This feature was first published on 27 May 2022.

It's been a long time since many of us has stepped outside Singapore borders. But with restrictions easing, travel is resuming in many parts of the world. If you are going to step on a plane or boat soon, here are the best gadgets to bring along with you on the trip.

Also, be sure to check out this handy guide by the Straits Times to find out the rules and restrictions of your travel destination. Not using the TraceTogther app these days to show vaccination status? No worries. Here's how to add your vaccination status on Apple Wallet and Apple Health apps.

Bose QuietComfort 45

The QuietComfort 45 delivers exactly what it says in its name: supreme comfort and silence. At first glance, it’s hard to tell what’s new. After all, it looks just like its predecessors. However, Bose has made small tweaks to the design and materials so it’s comfortable to wear, even for hours on end. Most of all, Bose has completely re-engineered its active noise cancellation technology. The result is that the QuietComfort 45 is the most effective wireless ANC headphone the company has made to date. It’s so good at nullifying unwanted noises that it messes with your mind because it often can’t compute what it sees with what it hears. In addition, it sounds good and can easily last over 20 hours on a single charge. With travel resuming in many places, I can’t think of another headphone that I want to bring with me.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is priced at S$499 and is available from the Bose Flagship Store on Lazada and the .

Find out why it won our Tech Awards here.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Very few things can top vacationing in style. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 maxes out on fashion points (and also clinched a win in one of our Tech Awards 2022 categories) while remaining highly practical for trips. Its clam-type foldable display with outward-facing main cameras paired with the 1.9-inch Cover Screen makes quick work of any important selfies you need to take while on a trip, without requiring a gimbal or stand. 

Similarly, the Cover Screen lets you literally screen for important messages (i.e. ignore non-urgent work stuff) before unfolding the device for the full smartphone experience. If anything, the Z Flip3 almost embodies a holiday in your pocket, while retaining everything you’d expect from a premium phone.

Originally at S$1,398, you can get it from the Samsung Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon at prices between 11% to 27% off the launch RRP. 

Read our review here.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Carbon (2021)

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Carbon is an ideal travelling notebook because it combines performance and features in a wonderfully slim and light body. Thanks to a chassis made from magnesium alloy and carbon fibre, this notebook only weighs a smidge over one kilogram. And despite its weight – or lack there of, rather – it packs a brilliant 14-inch 90Hz refresh rate OLED display, AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series processors, and a fairly large 61Wh battery. You’d think a notebook with the above-mentioned qualities would cost an arm and a leg, but the opposite is true. The Yoga Slim 7 Carbon is actually surprisingly affordable for it is, and represents terrific value for money. In fact, it’s so good and we love so much, we decided to award it the Best Ultraportable Notebook in our last Tech Awards.

Prices of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Carbon start at S$1,699 and you can find it on Lenovo web store, the Lenovo Flagship Store on Lazada, or the Lenovo Official Store on Shopee.

Read our review here and find out why it won our Tech Awards here.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max

If you’re looking for laser-assisted autofocusing for your 4K60FPS holiday footage, look no further than the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. 

Apple’s iPhones need no introduction. It has an extremely well-supported mobile ecosystem in the form of an App Store, amazing overseas compatibility with networks and digital keys (like offline vaccination cards). That’s not even including the fact that iPhones are generally easy and great to use.

Why did we lump the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max together? That’s because both Pro models are functionally similar when looking at the features and offerings. The only real differences between the two are their display and battery sizes. So, you pick what you prefer.

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro starts at S$1,649 while the iPhone 13 Pro Max starts at S$1,799. If you’re really lucky, you might be able to catch them with some discounts over at the Apple Online Store, Lazada, and Amazon.

Read our review here.

Apple AirTag

The AirTag is a small Bluetooth tracker that leverages the power and coverage of Apple’s Find My network to help you find items that you’ve attached it to. The actual mechanics require a lengthier explanation it’s fair to think of it as crowdsourced finding but with the power of a billion devices – that's the number of devices Apple claims is on its Find My network. In fact, its effectiveness at tracking items is so good that people are becoming worried that AirTags might be used for stalking purposes. At any rate, it goes without saying that AirTags are an invaluable tool for keeping track of your travel essentials, particularly items like your luggage, bag, and perhaps even your wallet and handbags. 

Find out more in our review here and you'll see why it was very close to being awarded our Innovation Award at Tech Awards 2022.

A single AirTag is S$45 and a pack of 4 is S$149. You can find it on the Apple Online Store or the Apple Flagship Store on Lazada.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Whether you need something to reply to an urgent work email or entertainment for the kids on a long drive, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 has your back. Doubling up as a tablet, or notebook at a moment's notice, the Surface Pro is one of the very few capable detachable notebook options on the market.

The 13-inch PixelSense display still uses the 3:2 aspect ratio meaning a resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels. It also has a high 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, the new Adaptive Colour feature automatically adjusts the colour profile depending on your environment.

The Surface Pro 8 comes powered by Intel’s 11th Gen Core (Tiger Lake) processor giving users the option of going with a Core i5 or Core i7 variant. It doesn't boast the latest processor tech, but because of its unique and signature design, it doesn't have to be. This notebook can also be configured with up to 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage, so it's no slouch even with huge workloads.

Based on material and specs, you can expect to pay S$1,649 up to S$3,563. Check out their official stores on Lazada and Shopee for possible discounts.

Where does it stand among other regular notebooks? Read our review of it here for all the details.

Xiaomi 11T Pro

If you looked up a dictionary for a phone with Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 under S$800 at launch, you’d likely find a photo of the Xiaomi 11T Pro staring back at you. Xiaomi does what it does best with this model – high-quality parts for an unbeatable price – which earns the value-for-money recognition it has on our little island.

The brand didn’t skimp out on the bits that make people turn heads. Despite its price point, you’re still getting a fairly large 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, an effective triple rear camera configuration, and 120W wired fast-charging which is absolutely helpful on the move.

Simply head over to Lazada or Shopee for this amazing bargain at S$799. Heck, it doesn’t even need a discount to be worth its weigh in chipset gold.

Read our review here.

Lenovo Legion 7 gaming notebook

The holidays are a time to be doing what we want. And sometimes what we want is to be at home spending time on Steam or some other Cloud gaming platform and the Lenovo Legion 7 gaming notebook. Whether you want a notebook for work, gaming, or entertainment, the Legion 7 will fit that need.  

Sleek, refined, and finished in aerospace-grade aluminium, the 16-inch Lenovo Legion 7 is powered by up to an AMD Ryzen 9 5900H processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. The QHD display comes with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, 165Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and NVIDIA G-SYNC support.  

Depending on the specs chosen, it retails anywhere from S$3,799 to S$4,999. But check out Lenovo’s Lazada official page for discounts.  

Read how it won our Editor's Choice Award here.

Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Series

Start your holiday in style with the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Series. New processors, better displays, and more sophisticated sensors were combined with a reimagined operating system (OS) and user interface (UI) for better performance.

The Galaxy Watch4 had a new design to go with the new specs and features while the Galaxy Watch4 Classic retained the rotating bezel found on previous Galaxy smartwatches.

As for health monitoring, they include a new health sensor called the Samsung BioActive Sensor, a Body Composition Analysis measurement, and snoring detection.

A 20% faster CPU and 50% more RAM have been combined with a battery that lasts up to 40 hours and also has Quick Charging so you’ll have 10 hours of use after just 30 minutes of charging.

Depending on the model you get, the official Samsung store has the Galaxy Watch4 going from S$548 to S$748. Do check out their Lazada and Shopee stores for possible discounts.

Watch our video review here.

Apple iPad Mini

Notebooks may be getting thinner and lighter, but a tablet is arguably more portable. And if a powerful and portable tablet is what you seek, it doesn’t get any better than Apple’s latest iPad Mini. Now in sixth-generation guise, the latest iPad Mini has an all-new design with flat sides, slimmer bezels, and a larger 8.3-inch display. Powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, it’s speedy too and will easily handle anything you throw at it including graphically-intensive games, travel guide apps, and navigation apps. Here’s a tip, if you get the cellular version, it can double up as a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing you and your travel partners with Wi-Fi wherever you go. 

Prices of the iPad Mini start at S$749 and you can find it on Apple Online Store, the Apple Flagship Store on Lazada, or the Apple Flagship Store on Shopee.

Read our review here.

Fujifilm X100V

There’s no doubt smartphone cameras are incredibly capable these days, but those serious about travel photography should know that, at times, there’s no replacement for a proper camera. And if a travel camera is what you seek, you should take a long hard look at the Fujifilm X100V. The X100V ticks a lot of boxes for a travel companion. It’s compact, weather-resistant, and has a very capable APS-C sensor paired that’s paired with an excellent 23mm f/2.0 lens. Though the lens is fixed, the camera features a digital teleconverter that gives you 50mm and 70mm perspectives. And those into street photography will appreciate its silent leaf shutter. Overall, its portability, versatility, and ability to capture beautiful images right out of the camera makes it one of the best travel cameras.

You can find the Fujifilm X100V at stores like Cathay Photo and Courts for S$2,148.

Read more about the Fujifilm X100V here.

Linksys 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot

Mobile Wi-Fi units are fairly easy to find and rent before a big trip. But here’s why owning a Linksys 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot might confer far more benefits.

First, it’s 5G and Wi-Fi 6 compatible with flagship-grade modem components, so you’re only reliant on your host destination’s network coverage to perform up to par. Second, is that it pairs with a maximum of 15 Wi-Fi devices, so you’re saving plenty of moolah on buying multiple overseas SIM cards for multiple devices. Finally, having a mobile Wi-Fi offloads battery consumption from tethering your devices to the only phone with a serviceable connection.

That’s not forgetting how you can save a bit of cash by buying Wi-Fi only versions of tablets and other gadgets too.

The Linksys 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot officially retails at S$799 on Challenger, Lazada, and Shopee. With the easing travel restrictions for outbound travellers, you’d do well to quickly grab one before it’s out of stock.

Hyper 4-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe

With the number of devices we carry, keeping them all powered can be an issue. But with the Hyper 4-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe, you can spend your holidays worry-free as it provides 15W of power for MagSafe enabled iPhones, a second smartphone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time.

It features an adjustable tilt for an iPhone so you have a perfect viewing angle for FaceTiming or watching videos. It features a foldable design so it can be set on a desk or used as a travel charger and can be powered by either USB-C or the included DC charger.

Buy it now for US$199 here. Unfortunately, Hyper’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee don’t feature the Hyper 4-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe right now but do check back later to see if it is being brought in.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

If you prefer having a backup holidaying phone that works just as well as your premium flagship local handset, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE might just be the right fit.

It packs a 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an IP68-rated body, and an all-rounder set of triple rear cameras for most shooting scenarios, on top of Samsung’s 2021 flagship processor. It’s also 5G capable, has both wired and wireless fast-charging, and a functioning NFC module. What it lacks are the insane price tags you see on premium flagship phones. It’s so good, it won Best High-end Smartphone for our Tech Awards 2022.

It seems like Samsung is cognizant of the many well-priced premium flagship handsets exploding onto our market. Originally at S$978 during its launch, the phone now goes at starting price of S$880 on the official Samsung Online Store. You can also get it separately at Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon, although not all platforms reflect its revised starting price.

Read our review here.

Technics EAH-A800 wireless ANC headphone

Technics is making a big push in the personal audio space and the EAH-A800 is its newest flagship-class wireless ANC headphone – designed to go up against the likes of the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM4. We recently reviewed it and found that it sounds more refined and balanced than both the Bose and Sony. Its ANC capabilities are decent too. Most of all, however, discerning listeners will also appreciate its support for all the major wireless audio codecs including LDAC, AAC, and SBC. They will also like that its sound signature is highly customisable thanks to a robust EQ feature in the app. All things considered, we think it is the wireless ANC headphone of choice for audiophiles.

The Technics EAH-A800 is S$499 and you can find it on the Panasonic Flagship Store on Lazada.

Read our review here.

BenQ GV30 portable projector

Looking for entertainment wherever you go on your holiday? Then the BenQ GV30 is what you need. It features a rounded design with a handle for simple carrying and can throw out a 100-inch 720p image at a brightness of 300 lumens. For better viewing, it features a Day Time Mode that boosts the contrast when there’s bright ambient lighting.

With a 720P (1,280 x 720) resolution, the BenQ GV30 LED Projector also comes with Auto Focus, Vertical Keystone correction, and a 135-degree projection angle achieved by tipping the projector up and down on its stand.

It also has an excellent audio experience with its 2.1 channel chamber speakers. Plus, with Android TV support, it has access to multiple streaming apps for content, so you’ll never be bored.

Buy it from BenQ’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee for S$869.

Read how it won our Editor’s Choice award here.

Targus Work+ Collection

Once you have all the tech gear you want, you also need some way to move it all around. Carry everything in style with the Targus Work+ Collection. Available in a 27L or 32L backpack, this expandable, water-resistant backpack with room to protect your laptop, accessories, and additional gear for both in and out of the office.

Equipped with multiple pockets and a roomy main compartment, the Targus Daypack keeps you productive while keeping your gear organised and protected.

Planning to exercise? You can keep your exercise shoes in your bag, but still separate from everything you carry, in a lined, ventilated side compartment.

Both backpacks are available for sale now, priced at S$159 for the 27L and S$199 for the 32L. They can be purchased from Krisshop, or the official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Apple Watch Series 7

Kickback and relax by the pool with the Apple Watch Series 7. While it retains the familiar Apple Watch styling, it has 40% thinner borders than its predecessors and is just 1.7mm thick.

Despite using the same processor as the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7 is 70% brighter indoors, and although it has the same 18 hours of battery life, it has 33% faster charging, thanks to a new charging architecture so you don’t have to worry about it slowing your holiday down.

Available in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, and aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium, the larger size means you have more screen area and enough room for a QWERTY keyboard on the Series 7

Depending on the model and strap, you can expect to pay from S$599 to S$1,749 on the official Apple Store. Do check their stores on Lazada and Shopee for possible discounts.

Read our review of it here.

Sony A7 IV

If you’re serious about keeping memorabilia of your trips, or if you happen to be a vlogger that needs production quality, you can start by looking at the Sony A7 IV.

Uncompromising on quality and portability, Sony A7 IV is a true digital full-frame mirrorless camera. Its body is less bulky than older peers, but it still packs 5-axis OIS, 10fps shooting, and AI-based subject tracking for its 4K60FPS videos (in APS-C crop). While Sony markets this camera as a “basic” model, it will easily overshadow the image quality offered on any phone’s camera – so long as you’re willing to tame it (a possible feat, in the time it takes to get your travel documents in order).

The body alone has an official retail price of S$3,599, but pairing it with a FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS zoom lens would net you a set at S$3,899. You can find it at the Sony Online Store.

Read our review here.

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