Travelling is all about creating unique experiences and capturing memorable moments. On top of your exciting travel plans, your devices are your essential companions, assisting you through every step of your journey. However, a drained phone battery can affect these plans significantly to pack all your essential tech gear and be travel-ready for your adventure ahead.
In this smart traveller's guide, we will explore practical tips and portable charging solutions to keep your gadgets charged throughout your vacation. From choosing the right adapter to maximising battery life, let’s dive in with us for a safe and sound trip.
Navigating Phone Charging During Your Travels
The Best Charging Accessories to Take on Vacation
Before you jet off on your next adventure, it is essential to pack the right tech accessories. Here are the must-have items that every smart traveller should have in their tech kit:
1. Travel Adapter
A universal travel adapter is an absolute must-have for international trips, allowing you to seamlessly plug in your devices regardless of the socket type. It's wise to invest in a universal adapter that accommodates multiple plug types and multiple ports, helping you stay prepared no matter where your travels take you. This will prevent the frustration of finding incompatible outlets and save you precious time and energy.
2. Power Bank
Keep your devices charged and ready to go with a reliable power bank. Look for a fast-charging power bank that can quickly boost your phone's battery when you need it most. There are many types of power banks that can cater to your charging needs including capacity and built-in cables for extra functionality. Those with a MagSafe-compatible phone should also consider wireless power banks to enhance convenience. With this, you’ll be able to confidently explore without the fear of your phone running out of battery.
3. Charging Cables
Make sure your charging cables are compatible with all the devices that you bring during your trip. If there is a mix of USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB can look out for those cables with integrated watch chargers or those with 2-in-1 and 4-in-1 connectors for an all-in-one solution. Instead of worrying about cables, you can also get yourself a 3-in-1 wireless charger or power bank and adapter with a built-in cable.
Tips for Selecting the Right Travel Adapter for Your Trip
As you travel abroad, you'll find that different countries utilise various types of sockets. Just as the locals communicate in a different language, it's no surprise that their electrical outlets differ as well! That is why you’ll need a universal travel adapter to keep your electronics powered up and ready to go.
Here are some helpful tips that will guide you through choosing the right travel adapter for your needs.
1. Understand International Socket Types
There are 15 different outlets and plug types used all around the world Make sure to research the types used in your destination country and choose the appropriate adapter. This will prevent the frustration of arriving at your destination only to find that your devices can't be plugged in.
2. Ensure Sufficient Outlets
If you're travelling with multiple devices or in a group, consider an adapter that offers outlets. This allows everyone to charge their gadgets simultaneously, eliminating the inconvenience of waiting for turns or searching for multiple outlets.
3. Check Voltage Requirements
Different countries have varying voltage requirements; for instance, the United States operates on 110 to 120 volts, while Singapore uses 230 volts. Using an incompatible adapter can result in overheating and potentially damage your devices. To prevent this from happening, use an adapter that matches the voltage of your destination. It’s also wise to choose one with built-in surge protection as an extra precaution.
4. Invest in a Universal Adapter
If you’re hopping between countries, a universal adapter is a smart investment. These adaptors typically come with interchangeable plugs to accommodate various socket types worldwide, saving you the hassle of carrying multiple adapters.
5. Look for USB Ports
Since many devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, rely on USB cables for charging, it’s best to choose an adapter that has built-in USB ports. This will streamline the charging process and avoid packing hassle.
6. Buy from a Reputable Brand
When it comes to tech accessories and chargers, quality is of utmost importance. Purchase adapters from reputable brands with positive reviews and client testimonials to guarantee quality and safety. Investing in a quality travel adapter will not only prevent potential electrical hazards but also provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your vacation stress-free.
Choosing the Best Power Bank for Your Holiday
While your travel adapter can keep your devices charged when you’re at your lodgings, what happens when you're on the go? That’s when a power bank becomes a great companion.
Here are some of our recommendations and tips for selecting the best power bank for your holiday:
1. Consider Capacity
First things first, consider the battery capacity of your power bank, usually measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). A higher capacity means more charges, but it also typically means a larger and heavier power bank. For most travellers, a 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh power bank strikes a good balance between capacity and portability. You should also consider your daily charging needs, factoring in how often you use your devices and the power they require.
2. Fast-Charge Capabilities
Opt for power banks with fast-charging features to charge quickly when time is of the essence. This is especially useful if you frequently use your phone for navigation, photography, or staying connected with loved ones. Fast-charging power banks can significantly reduce charging time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time tethered to a wall socket.
3. Size and Weight
Since you'll be carrying your power bank around, it's important to choose a lightweight and compact model that's easy to fit into your bag. A bulky charger can be inconvenient to carry, especially during long hours of sightseeing or exploration. Instead, you should look for those with sleek designs and offer high capacity, added built-in cables for extra convenience.
4. Safety features
Before purchasing a power bank, think about essential safety features such as overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and temperature control to avoid potential hazards while traveling. To ensure better safety, look for power banks that have certifications or safety marks from reputable companies.
5. Multiple Output Ports
If you have multiple devices to charge, a power bank with several output ports can streamline the process and reduce hassle. This enables you to charge your phone, tablet, and other devices at the same time using compatible cables, enhancing your charging efficiency. Just be sure to verify the capacity and power delivery if you intend to charge a tablet or laptop.
6. Wireless Options
Eliminate the hassle of messy and tangled cables by using a wireless charger. Wireless charging technology allows your devices to simply snap on the charging pad for a cable-free charging experience. whether you're at a café, airport, or even in your hotel room.
However, it is important to purchase wireless charging products that are compatible with your devices and Qi or Qi2-certified. This ensures compatibility with your gadgets, provides assurance of safety and efficiency, and prevents potential damage from inferior chargers that may not meet industry standards.
Bringing Your Charging Accessories On Your Flight: What You Need to Know
Before you start packing, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations to avoid any issues at security checkpoints. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Carry-On Only
Portable chargers must be stored in your carry-on luggage. This is a security requirement for the safety of all passengers and crew. If your carry-on luggage has a dedicated charger pocket, disconnect the battery from the bag's USB ports before security screening and put it away. This will help expedite the security process and avoid any potential issues.
If you must use your charger in the departure lounge, make sure to disconnect it before boarding the plane. This will prevent any accidental activation during the flight.
2. Battery Limitations
Since airlines typically limit power banks to a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh), you’ll be able to bring power banks with a capacity of up to 27,000mAh onboard without requiring prior approval. However, if you have a power bank with a capacity exceeding 100Wh (up to 160Wh), you'll need to obtain pre-approval from your airline.
It’s also important to note that the 100Wh limit encompasses standard electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and headphones, so make sure you choose and pack your devices wisely.
3. Capacity Confusion
Many power banks list their capacity in milliamp hours (mAh) instead of watt-hours. To avoid confusion, remember that only batteries with a capacity of up to 27,000mAh are allowed on planes without special approval.
Smart Travel Tips to Help Your Phone Battery Last Longer
Even with a reliable travel adapter and handy power bank, it’s best to preserve your phone battery as long as possible. After all, you never know when you might find yourself without access to an outlet or when your charging accessories may run out of power.
To get through the day with ease, consider these battery optimisation tips.
1. Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If you're not using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, turning them off can significantly extend your battery life. These features constantly scan for available networks and devices, which can drain your battery in the background. You might be surprised by how much battery you save by keeping these functions off unless you actively need them.
2. Selective Location Services
You’ll be surprised at just how quickly GPS usage can drain your phone battery! Save battery by disabling apps that require location services to function properly, or granting them access only when needed. Keeping location settings on only when necessary can be a significant battery saver while still allowing you to navigate when you need it.
3. Disable Voice Assistants
While features like Google Assistant and Siri are helpful, they can consume battery by constantly listening for commands. If you don't use these features often, turn them off to save power. You can still access these features manually when needed, without the constant background listening.
4. Manage Background App Activity
Many apps are running updates in the background, depleting your battery without your knowledge. Disable background app activities to prevent apps from refreshing content and downloading updates when you're not actively using them. This will go a long way in helping you conserve battery power, especially on longer travel days.
5. Adjust Screen Brightness
The display on your phone typically consumes the most power. To save phone battery life, it's advisable to reduce the screen brightness or enable the auto-brightness feature, which adjusts the brightness according to the surrounding light conditions.
6. Power-Saving Modes
Most smartphones come with power-saving modes that limit background activities to extend battery life. Enable this feature when needed, such as when you're low on battery and need to conserve power. Power-saving modes typically reduce screen brightness, limit background app activity, and disable certain features to maximise battery life.
7. Embrace Dark Mode
Black pixels consume less energy on an OLED screen, which is why switching to dark mode can extend your phone’s battery. Dark mode displays a dark background with lighter text, reducing the amount of power required to illuminate the screen. Plus, many apps now support dark mode, making it easier to preserve your battery while still enjoying a pleasant viewing experience.
Stay Powered Up Wherever You Go with Energea
The key to a stress-free, tech-friendly vacation is being well-prepared. By selecting the appropriate travel adapter, choosing a reliable power bank, and implementing battery-saving strategies, you'll be well-equipped to capture every moment and stay connected during your travels. So, gear up and embark on a restful, relaxing holiday without the fear of your phone running out of battery.
At Energea, we've got you covered with a wide range of tech accessories to suit different devices and phone models. From power banks to wireless chargers and universal travel adapters, we offer the best solutions to keep your devices powered up. Every product is made with high-quality materials and construction, ensuring that they provide reliable performance no matter where your adventures take you.
Shop our collection now and find the perfect charging companion for your travels!
