5 essential gadgets to help you travel smart

Travelling has come a long way from unwieldy paper maps and stacks of tourist pamphlets, as technology has made our lives much easier. For many of us, these travel tech gadgets have changed the way we take on the world, and for the better. 

We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite travel tech essentials below, from handy suitcase tracking devices to noise-cancelling headphones. Read on and visit the Cathay Shop for more inspiration. 

1. Cathay travel adaptor 

Why have multiple adaptors when you can have just one? Wherever you are in the world, our signature green and grey travel adaptor  will help you power up. Whatever you need, it has you sorted with two USB-A ports, four USB-C ports and all the prongs you need for more than 200 countries, accessed by sliders on the side of the sleek cube. 

2. Travelmall Switzerland portable luggage scale 

Don’t get caught out at the airport by overweight baggage fees. This handy portable scale by Travelmall Switzerland allows you to find out how heavy your check-in baggage is, simply by sliding it under a suitcase handle and lifting it up. With an easy-to-read digital display, it’s also small enough to slip into your bag without taking up any more valuable space than it needs to.  

3. SmartGo portable Wi-Fi hotspot 

Having Wi-Fi at all times makes any holiday so much easier, whether you’re searching for the best restaurants near you or trying to find the way back to your hotel. This handy dandy Wi-Fi hotspot by SmartGo ensures you stay connected wherever you are in the world, with connectivity in over 120 countries and an easy pay-as-you-go programme depending on how many bytes of internet you use. You also don’t have to worry about it flatlining suddenly as it has up to 16 hours of battery life. 

4. Sony noise-cancelling headphones 

Noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect gift for the frequent traveller, helping to block out the hum of airplane machinery and the sound of crying babies on your journey. These wireless headphones by Sony come in two colours and fit easily into your pocket, with world-class noise-cancelling technology, hands-free calling and quick-charging capabilities. Even if you’re not looking to shut out the rest of the world, it’s also designed to enhance your music or cinematic experience with a wide frequency range for heart-pumping basslines. 

5.Belkin magnetic wireless charging pad  

Whether it’s your phone, AirPods or Apple Watch, this wireless charging pad will sort them out – and at the same time. Boasting 15W of charging power for the iPhone 15 and other compatible devices, you’ll be fully juiced and ready to get back to snapping shots on your holiday in no time. Though modern in design, this handy charger also features a USB-C cable port if you prefer to plug in. 

All listed products, prices and Asia Miles redemption rates are accurate at time of publication and may be subject to change. This story was originally published in September 2023 and updated in August 2024.