Are you hitting the high seas for a summer vacation? Well, an unplugged trip is a thing of the past. Today, most cruisers wouldn’t dream of leaving home without some of the latest travel gadgets.
If you will be taking a cruise this summer, we have a list of essential travel items you need to pack. Whether your vacation includes a Caribbean jaunt, a trip up north to Alaska or a Mediterranean sailing, the merchandise below — which should appeal to techies in particular — is perfect for any region. Here are 10 travel essentials for a summer cruise.
Smart carry-on luggage
Many cruisers try to travel lightly, perhaps with just a carry-on. Don’t ask over-packers like us how they do it. But, if you are going to have only one piece of luggage, you better make sure that it is smart. The Bluesmart One is a TSA-approved carry-on that is much more than just luggage. With a built-in charging station, you can power up two devices at once. This carry-on also includes a built-in scale to ensure you are within weight limits, a digital lock that can be secured from your cell phone and GPS technology so you know where your luggage is at all times. Impressive.
Waterproof cell phone case
You will want to protect your life line when traveling, which means a sturdy cell phone case. We can’t live without our LifeProof Cases for our iPhones. Drop proof, waterproof and cruise tested, we swear by them. If you prefer a more natural cell phone experience, then we suggest an inexpensive waterproof travel case. These come in handy during a beach day or after a few frozen cocktails near the pool. Many options exist with additional pockets that can hold things like your room key card and ID.
GoPro Hero 5
Do you want to capture amazing photos and videos on land and at sea? The newest edition of the popular go-anywhere camera, the Go Pro Hero 5 is a movie studio in your pocket. 4K video, 12 megapixel camera, integrated touch screen and additional features that let you remotely control the device make this versatile camera a must for active cruisers. Tons of accessories allow you to capture action shots and point of view (POV) movies and photos for the ultimate vacation memories. The best feature of all is that it is waterproof.
Portable speaker
You can bring this party to the beach or essentially anywhere else that cruise ships travel. The water-, sand- and snow-proof Fugoo portable speaker fits easily into your carry-on. This small speaker packs plenty of sound with multiple processors for a 360-degree music experience that lasts up to 40 hours. A built-in microphone allows you to answer calls and access digital assistants like Siri, so you don’t have to raise a finger while on vacation.
Polarized sunglasses
You're going to want some protection from the sun whether you are lying poolside, venturing around historic town centers or walking on a glacier. A good pair of polarized shades are the perfect travel accessory. Yes, not every travel gadget has to be digital. A stylish pair of Ray Ban Aviators or Wayfarers is our pick. Whatever your preference, make sure to go with polarized lenses to provide less glare and better eye protection.
Yeti water bottle
Staying hydrated is very important, especially during the summer. We just can’t say enough good things about our Yeti Rambler that we purchased earlier this year. These insulated thermoses are over-engineered for a reason. They can withstand harsh conditions and still keep drinks hot or cold for hours. While we use it mainly for water while ashore, many cruisers also use the Yeti for frozen cocktails and coffee. Did someone say genius?
Grid-It cord organizer
Lost cords and power adapters are a thing of the past with one of my favorite carry-on accessories. Grid-It Cord Organizers are lightweight, come in various sizes and slide effortlessly into a laptop bag or backpack for easy access. Cell phone, camera, tablet, computer and other device connections can be neatly organized and stored in one location as you travel from destination to destination. We can’t say the same for the rest of your belongings.
Belkin power adapter
Modern cruise ships often offer some additional power/USB outlets but still not enough for the connected traveler. Good thing we always travel with our Belkin Travel Charger. This small, versatile power adapter can charge up to five devices, with two USB connections. The swivel design allows you to squeeze this tiny charger into almost any outlet situation, even in the cramped quarters of an inside cabin.
Maps.me app
Don’t get lost without a cell signal (or Wi-Fi) again with the Maps.me app. This is one of our new favorite apps. Before you leave on vacation, be sure to download the latest versions of the maps for the locales you will be visiting. Virtually any location you can think of is available in the massive database. When you are ashore, you can get turn-by-turn directions, search for local attractions, restaurants and more without needing an Internet connection.
Zero Grid organizer & passport holder
10Even thieves are going digital. That’s why you need the Zero Grid Organizer with RFID blocking technology for things like your passport and credit cards. This helps keep all of your important travel documents organized and helps prevent identity theft when traveling. It fits neatly in a purse or day-bag or can be stowed away in your cabin safe aboard the ship. A little extra protection can go a long way when traveling.
What are your favorite summer travel gadgets? Share your best technology tools with your fellow cruisers!
