12 Travel-Ready Mini Gadgets to Elevate Your Journey

Packing for a trip can often be a challenge. Some individuals prefer to travel light, taking solely the necessities, while others prefer to be ready for any situation. Regardless of whether you identify with the former or latter, selecting which gadgets to take along doesn’t have to be a complex task. There exists a myriad of practical yet compact gadgets that won’t occupy much space in your luggage, and many are also quite affordable.

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These gadgets promise to enhance your rest stops, preserve memories with loved ones, and help steer clear of typical road trip inconveniences. A common characteristic among them is their small size, allowing them to fit into bags, suitcases, glove compartments, or even cupholders in some cases. They hardly consume any extra space in your luggage, yet they each provide something that justifies their inclusion on your next journey.

Whether you are going out for the day or getting ready for an extended road trip, it’s always prudent to carry a power bank to ensure smaller devices stay charged. The Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank features a capacity of 25,600mAh, yet remains compact enough to fit in a laptop bag. This capacity is sufficient to recharge many standard laptops and remains compliant with airline regulations. Additionally, there are multiple ways to access that power, with the Sherpa 100AC showcasing two USB-C ports—one capable of delivering up to 100W—plus a 15W wireless charging pad, two USB-A ports, and a 110V AC outlet.

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During our testing of the Sherpa 100AC at its launch, we found its diverse ports to be a valuable asset while traveling, although we discovered that the 110V AC outlet was only practical for charging smaller devices like drones and cameras. Another considerable drawback of the Sherpa 100AC is its cost: priced at $300, it’s a significant financial commitment. Luckily, it is frequently available at a discounted price, and as of this moment, it can be found on Amazon for $187.

There are numerous advantages to using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. For instance, it allows you to avoid relying on your smartphone’s hotspot features, thus preserving its battery life. A hotspot can also be equipped with a SIM from a different carrier to ensure consistent service, even in areas where your smartphone’s SIM may have poor reception. Furthermore, a hotspot can be easily shared among several users, giving the entire family connectivity while traveling.

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One favored Wi-Fi hotspot is the NetGear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, with a retail price of $350 but currently listed at $144 on Amazon. It’s compatible with primary networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile, and comes with a 5,040 mAh rechargeable battery that affords up to 13 hours of operation per charge. It can achieve download speeds of up to 1 GBPS and upload speeds of up to 150 MBPS, functioning over both 3G and 4G networks. Additionally, it can serve as a compact portable power bank, capable of charging small devices like smartphones and cameras via its USB-A port when necessary.

The rapid evolution of smartphone camera technology has equipped most individuals with an easy method to take high-quality, vibrant photos right in their pockets. However, while digital images may possess superior quality, they often lack the charm of traditional physical photographs. This has fueled the growing interest in cameras like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, which feature a vintage design and functionality, allowing users to take a picture and develop it instantly using film.

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The film is sold in twin packs of 20 sheets, and three twin packs are included with the camera, which retails for $149. However, it should be noted that once those packs are exhausted, purchasing replacements can be expensive. The allure of small, tangible photographs is refreshing in a world where many people have countless images saved on their smartphones, numerous of which they may never revisit.

Although it may not appeal to everyone, the Instax Mini’s limited sheet capacity—and the high price of replacement sheets—transforms the act of capturing a photo into a more significant occasion than a simple smartphone selfie. Whether at home or on a road trip, this interesting camera provides a uniquely analog method for recording those transient moments.

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While bulky power banks like the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC are ideal for charging multiple devices, including

laptops, those who typically travel with fewer items — only bringing their mobile phone and another similarly compact device — won’t require significant capacity. In such instances, the 10,000 mAh capacity of the Ugreen Magnetic Battery Mini should suffice. This battery pack can magnetically attach to your smartphone and offer up to 15W of wireless charging while on the move or up to 20W through the USB-C port.

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Although we found it to be somewhat bulky if carried in your pocket — the power bank is thicker than the iPhone we charged with it — its multifunctionality was greatly valued. The power capacity is sufficient to fully recharge an iPhone 15 Pro Max twice, and you can keep using the phone while it’s charging due to the integrated kickstand. The Ugreen battery pack is priced at $50, but as of this writing, it is discounted to $30 on Amazon.

JBL’s standing as one of the top budget-friendly speaker makers didn’t arise by coincidence. The brand has produced a variety of powerful, sturdy speakers over the years, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy music while traveling. The JBL Flip 6 is a favored selection among the brand’s offerings and is available for $130. For that amount, customers receive a speaker with up to 30W output, 12 hours of battery life, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

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The specialized woofer and tweeter guarantee robust bass without sacrificing clarity, and for extra impact, two or more speakers can be interconnected thanks to JBL’s PartyBoost function. When it runs out of power, the brand claims that a full recharge will require about 2.5 hours. The speaker’s compact size ensures that it won’t occupy too much space in your luggage — it’s about seven inches long and just under three inches in diameter.

The Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum is among the most sought-after compact vacuums on Amazon, priced at $30 and offering a straightforward solution to manage the mess and dirt that inevitably builds up during travel. We recently tested the vacuum and were generally impressed. It successfully picked up a considerable amount of crumbs, dust, and general debris, although it found dog hair to be a greater challenge. This isn’t surprising, as even some full-sized cordless vacuums struggle with pet hair that’s deeply embedded.

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As a compact, no-fuss option for giving your vehicle a quick clean, the Black+Decker is definitely worth considering. It may not be the most thrilling gadget to incorporate into your collection of travel-ready tools, but depending on your and your passengers’ messiness, it can be one of the most practical. Additionally, it’s one of the most economical choices on this list.

Many individuals habitually reach for their smartphone during coffee breaks, whether at work or on road trips. Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endlessly scrolling through social media. Acquiring a separate small device like an Amazon Kindle is an excellent method to avoid this. The Kindle Store provides an extensive selection of books and magazines, and with a battery longevity of up to six weeks, it’s perfect for lengthy road trips without needing a recharge.

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The newest version of the Kindle features a six-inch display with enhanced maximum brightness to remain clear in various lighting conditions. A dark mode is also available to alleviate eye strain when the sun sets. It boasts 16GB of storage, sufficient for thousands of books, and is available for $110 with lock screen advertisements. Amazon also allows the option to remove lock screen ads for an additional $20 fee.

Individuals with an iPhone can monitor their luggage and other belongings using an AirTag, but they have certain limitations. Their precision is contingent on another iPhone being nearby, their built-in battery has a limited lifespan, and — naturally — Android users are completely left out from utilizing them. Nevertheless, there are numerous other mini Bluetooth trackers fulfilling the same role, such as the $25 Tile Mate. Its battery life is considerably longer than that of an AirTag — up to three years compared to the one-year lifespan of the latter — and it is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.

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The tag can be affixed to keys, bags, or suitcases, and can be located via the application if that item goes missing. It also has the ability to emit an alarm sound to facilitate finding items lost in cluttered areas or workspaces. The tag’s Bluetooth range extends up to 350 feet, and it carries an IP68 rating against dust and water penetration, ensuring durability is not a concern. For all these reasons, the Tile Mate was once recognized as one of our preferred Android luggage trackers, alongside its more expensive counterpart, the Tile Pro.

TheGameSir X2S Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller serves as an economical method to enhance the immersion in smartphone gaming, priced at $40. It accommodates a broad range of popular smartphones and is functional with both Android and iOS gadgets. SlashGear’s reviewer discovered the GameSir controller to be remarkably customizable and portable enough for easy transport, resulting in minimal battery depletion even during extended gaming sessions.

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Offering significant value for its cost, albeit its appearance doesn’t effectively convey its complete capabilities. The gray plastic and button arrangement gives it the impression of a less appealing Switch Lite clone, though it can accommodate a much broader spectrum of screen sizes, including foldable smartphones like the OnePlus Open utilized by our reviewer to evaluate the controller. Nevertheless, if one overlooks its aesthetics, it is arguably a dependable addition to your travel gadget collection.

It’s undeniable that a $200 mug is a tough sell for numerous individuals. However, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ encompasses an array of intriguing features for those willing to pay the premium. Its primary attraction lies in its capability to maintain your preferred hot beverage at a precise temperature for up to three hours at a time, facilitated by its integrated battery. The temperature setting can be altered between 120°F and 145°F.

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The battery provides ample energy to retain drinks at the correct temperature while you are on the move, but when the mug is resting on its charging coaster, it can endure even longer — potentially lasting a full day. However, how palatable a coffee will be after being kept hot for 24 hours raises some concerns. Of course, the mug’s charm lies in its proficiency at temperature regulation regardless of location, which inevitably raises the possibility of misplacing it while out and about. To mitigate this risk, the mug is compatible with Apple FindMy, rendering it easily locatable as long as it has sufficient battery life.

It also boasts an IPX7 water resistance rating, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions. All these features come with one notable downside — that hefty price tag. Justifying the mug based solely on practicality might be challenging, but as a playful novelty or a gift for a coffee-loving tech enthusiast, it could be worth the expenditure.

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Previously highlighted in SlashGear’s compilation of the finest mini photo printers, the Kodak Mini 2 Retro strikes a balance between the nostalgic appeal of the Fujifilm Instax Mini and the contemporary ease of smartphone photography. It is capable of connecting to both Android and iOS smartphones for on-the-go photo printing, although similar to the Instax Mini, it depends on proprietary sheets for printing. A $140 package is available on Amazon, which includes the Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer and 68 sheets; however, when those sheets are exhausted, replacements can be pricey.

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That said, the capability to instantly print physical photos to share with friends and family is arguably worth the additional cost. Especially for those with older family members who may be hesitant about technology, digital photo sharing can be a cumbersome process. Utilizing a mini printer eliminates the inconvenience, allowing everyone to take home a keepsake from a joyful event.

While the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Car Jump Starter may lack the playful element that many other compact gadgets possess, it remains a worthwhile consideration for individuals who spend considerable time on the road. It can jump-start gasoline engines up to 6.0L in displacement and diesel engines up to 3.0L, yet its dimensions — approximately eight inches long, five inches wide, and four inches high — ensure it can be conveniently stored until needed.

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The straightforward red and black connectors facilitate easy connection between the jump starter and the battery; however, to prevent any errors, the device is equipped with reverse polarity protection. It’s also rated IP65, making it usable in all weather conditions, although it should not be submerged or exposed to prolonged water streams. The jump starter is priced at $125, which includes the device itself, a carrying case, and a USB charging cable.