I am a travel addict. Each time I decide to go for a trip, I have to make full preparation for my trip.
Having a great trip, in most cases depends on how you prepare for it.
Therefore I want to know more about some awesome gadgets that can help my travel smarter and safer.
Any suggestion will be welcomed.
Brilliant travel accessories have you used before
For me it is enough to read a good guide book and look at a good road map. With that and Google Maps I can plan all our trips exactly.
[ Edit: Edited on 11-Dec-2019, 09:14 GMT by BeateR ]
No-one actually needs new 'gadgets' to make any trip 'smarter' or safer.
All that's needed is some prior research, hard copy map/s and a good guidebook plus...if really necessary...internet access once a day or so. If you're in the wilds somewhere a good map and compass plus the ability to use them is just as efficient as a GPS. In some circumstances a torch and a Swiss army knife (only in checked baggage, obviously) can be useful.
I am bemused by the multitudes, many of them younger people, who shout about saving the planet but are always keen to have unnecessary gadgets, want the newest phone, will happily buy numerous goods and clothing made with plastics but would never consider buying secondhand clothes or furniture etc etc.
A good pair of walking shoes and a mini vacuum sucker to air tight my clothes. I'm all set to go.
I do have other stuffs that I tote along to pamper myself.
1) My traveler instant hot water flask (Only for winter and in China where the quality of coffee is bleh unless I give up my arm)
2) A sleeping bag since my partner itch easily on dirty pillows and blankets.
My most valuable gadget, common sense. It has kept me and my partner (both female) safe.
Quoting Traveller002
a mini vacuum sucker
Did someone mention unnecessary gadgets? 
2) A sleeping bag
In some countries taking your own sleeping bag is illegal, for public hygiene reasons. They can spread bedbugs and other nasties.
What I take depends on where I am going. And also has changed over time. In the past I have wanted to take plenty of film. Now I just have an extra memory card and extra camera batteries. In the past I had paper maps, and then I had a GPS with the maps of the country, and now I just take my phone and the charger for my phone. In some places in the past I carried my own soap and sometimes toilet paper. I haven't carried my own toilet paper in years. One a trip to Costa Rica over 20 years ago, I carried flowers of sulfur to ward off chiggers. Back then, I also carried Woolite and an expandable braided clothes line (so I didn't need clothes pins)
I take my shot record with me, my passport, one or more thumb drives, a flashlight, measuring tape, return address labels, a hat, nail clippers, tweezers and a little screw driver. None of those things are particularly new.
[ Edit: Edited on 11-Dec-2019, 17:50 GMT by greatgrandmaR ]
Quoting AndyF
Quoting Traveller002
a mini vacuum sucker
Did someone mention unnecessary gadgets?
2) A sleeping bag
In some countries taking your own sleeping bag is illegal, for public hygiene reasons. They can spread bedbugs and other nasties.
I swear that little plastic sucker is tiny ! On a serious note, this sucker has helped me with a lot of space management since I'm into hands free travelling.
I'm not aware of this sleeping bag policy. A first for everything, I learn something new today! Thanks for pointing that out though! 
Quoting BeateR
For me it is enough to read a good guide book and look at a good road map. With that and Google Maps I can plan all our trips exactly.
Hi,BeateR.
Thanks for your recommendation.
But I'm doubted that it is enough to read a good guide book and look at a good road map for you.
I concluded others opinions;
a torch and a Swiss army knife
a good pair of walking shoes and a mini vacuum sucker to airtight clothes.
a traveller instant hot water flask
a sleeping bag
and so on.
Hope it's helpful.
You can also share with me some of the things you fond very useful to take while you were travelling. Thanks.
Quoting leics2
No-one actually needs new 'gadgets' to make any trip 'smarter' or safer.
All that's needed is some prior research, hard copy map/s and a good guidebook plus...if really necessary...internet access once a day or so. If you're in the wilds somewhere a good map and compass plus the ability to use them is just as efficient as a GPS. In some circumstances a torch and a Swiss army knife (only in checked baggage, obviously) can be useful.
I am bemused by the multitudes, many of them younger people, who shout about saving the planet but are always keen to have unnecessary gadgets, want the newest phone, will happily buy numerous goods and clothing made with plastics but would never consider buying secondhand clothes or furniture etc etc.
Hi,leics2.
Thanks for your recommendation.
Every time I travel, I want to get the most out of the experience.
And I plan and plan, the last thing I worry about is what to put in my travel backpack.
So many times I have struggled with this last detail. You know how it is, we would take the entire house with us if we could. Many times I've ended up carrying useless things with me and that became frustrating.
Quoting Traveller002
A good pair of walking shoes and a mini vacuum sucker to air tight my clothes. I'm all set to go.
I do have other stuffs that I tote along to pamper myself.
1) My traveler instant hot water flask (Only for winter and in China where the quality of coffee is bleh unless I give up my arm)
2) A sleeping bag since my partner itch easily on dirty pillows and blankets.My most valuable gadget, common sense. It has kept me and my partner (both female) safe.
Hi,Traveller002.
Thanks for your recommendation. It's helpful.
A good pair of walking shoes are necessary. Last year, I wore a pair of uncomfortable shoes to climb mountains and got a huge blister on my foot. It's a terrible experience.
I will also take a sleeping bag when I go hiking with my friends. Putting an easy tent outside is a great choice for us under the starred sky. Do you like taking lots of pictures and making amazing videos?? I personally use the GoPro Hero5, it is a little pricy but is a very good investment.