A Dad’s Guide to Travel Tech That Helps Keep Family Trips Running Smoothly

A Dad’s Guide to Travel Tech That Helps Keep Family Trips Running Smoothly

Travel should feel easier, not more complicated because of dead batteries, tangled chargers, or unreliable Wi-Fi. Whether you are driving with the family, flying for a getaway, or taking a long weekend trip, a few compact tech essentials can help keep devices running and give you added peace of mind while you are away.

Speaking as a dad who has spent plenty of time negotiating screen time in airport terminals, these are a few travel-friendly tech items I regularly pack to help trips run more smoothly.

Portable Power Banks for Charging on the Go

Models:

Long travel days often mean limited access to outlets. A portable power bank gives you an extra source of power when phones, tablets, earbuds, and in some cases even laptops start running low.

These compact power banks are easy to carry in a backpack or carry-on and are well-suited for everyday devices like smartphones and wireless accessories. They are useful for airports, road trips, sightseeing days, and anywhere charging access is limited. Because nothing tests a parent’s patience quite like a tablet hitting 1 percent halfway through boarding.

Key benefits:

  • Compact and easy to pack
  • Designed for phones, earbuds, and small electronics
  • Helpful for flights, long drives, and day trips

Think of a power bank as backup power when an outlet is not nearby, or when the only available outlet is already claimed by another family member.

GaN Travel Chargers to Help Reduce What You Pack

Models:

Carrying multiple chargers adds bulk fast. GaN chargers are designed to be smaller and more efficient than traditional chargers, making them a convenient option for travel.

These chargers can power multiple devices from a single outlet, which can be especially helpful in hotel rooms where outlets always seem to be placed in the least convenient spots. The DCP-651 includes interchangeable plugs for US, EU, UK, and AU regions, which may be useful for international travel.

Key benefits:

  • Fewer chargers to bring
  • Convenient for charging multiple devices
  • Helpful in spaces with limited outlets
  • Higher wattage versions, like the DCF-141, can even double as a laptop power source

Charging performance can vary depending on the connected devices and cables used.

Travel Router for Personal Wi-Fi While Away

Model:

Public or hotel Wi-Fi can vary in quality and security. A portable travel router (internet connection not included) allows you to connect your devices to a single personal network while using an existing internet connection available to you.

This can help keep phones, laptops, and streaming devices organized on one network, which is handy when everyone wants to connect at once, and you do not want to troubleshoot Wi-Fi instead of enjoying the trip.

Another practical use case is situations where internet access is sold per device or per user, such as on some cruise ships. A travel router can allow you to connect once and then share that connection across your family’s devices, which may help avoid paying for multiple plans just to keep everyone happy.

Network rules and terms vary by the internet service provider, so it is always a good idea to check what is allowed before connecting.

Key benefits:

  • WPA3 encryption, SPI firewall, and IP filtering help safeguard your data even on public or shared networks*
  • Connect multiple devices through one network
  • Useful in hotels, rentals, or shared networks
  • Built-in file sharing feature is convenient for work and entertainment
  • Built-in VPN client and server provide private, encrypted access to your office or home network on public Wi-Fi

*Security and performance depend on the network source and configuration. There is no absolute hack-proof network and no fully secure solution; however, utilizing gear like the DBR-330 can help better safeguard your data.

Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor for Added Peace of Mind at Home

Model:

Being away from home can raise concerns about potential leaks or water damage. A Wi-Fi water leak sensor can help alert you if water is detected in the areas you monitor while you are away.

Common placement areas include near sinks, washing machines, water heaters, or basements sump pumps. It is one of those devices you hope you never need but you are glad it is there.

Key benefits:

  • Designed to sound an alarm and send an alert when its sensor touches water
  • It sends app notifications when connected to the internet
  • Helpful for longer trips away from home

Alerts and notifications depend on internet connectivity and app settings.

Smart Plug for Simple Home Automation While Traveling

Model:

Smart plugs allow you to schedule or *remotely control lamps or small electronics. This can help create the appearance of someone being home while you are away and is also useful for everyday convenience.

Key benefits:

  • Schedule lights or devices
  • *Remote control through a mobile app
  • Useful both during travel and daily life

You can set and forget the schedule; however, *remote control requires that you have an internet connection on your mobile device.

Wi-Fi Cameras to Check In While You Are Away

Model:

A compact Wi-Fi camera allows you to check live video from your home using an internet-connected phone. This can be helpful for checking on pets, monitoring entryways, or confirming that everything looks as it should while you are away. Being a Pan and Tilt camera takes it a step further, as you can see more of your space from one camera*.

*Live viewing and notifications depend on internet connectivity and proper camera placement.

Final Thoughts

Travel is about experiences, not worrying about batteries, connectivity, or what is happening back home. As a father of three kids, I know how important it is to keep kids entertained while waiting in airports or sitting through long drives. A small set of travel-friendly tech tools can help you and your kids stay powered, connected, and avoid “meltdowns,” making travel days feel a little more manageable and a lot less stressful.

Important Notices & Tips

  • Charge power banks before travel; capacity and runtime vary by device and usage
  • Total charger output is shared across ports; performance may vary by device and cable quality
  • Chargers require a wall outlet (100–240 V); check local plug and voltage compatibility
  • Alerts and app features require internet connectivity and proper app settings
  • Use compatible devices, certified charging equipment, and approved power adapters within the specified input range
  • Misuse, modification, exposure to liquids, extreme temperatures, or physical damage may result in overheating, fire, explosion, personal injury, or other damage
  • Actual performance may vary depending on device compatibility, usage patterns, environmental conditions, cable quality, and other external factors
  • Verify applicable travel regulations. including airline carry-on limitations that may apply

Safe Travels!!

Back to blog

Leave a comment