You’re racing against the clock, stuffing your carry-on for a last-minute trip, and the last thing you want is to be stuck on a long flight with no music or podcasts to keep you sane.
To keep your vacation vibes on point, here’s how to pack your audio gear without missing a beat.
Must-Have Portable Audio Gear for Any Trip
Headphones or earbuds are non-negotiable when travelling.
Noise-cancelling headphones from brands like Sony and Anker are perfect for flights or cruises where background noise can drown out your music. If you’re tight on space, earbuds work well, too.
A portable speaker is another option. Many compact speakers now offer surprisingly rich sound despite their small size, just save it for your Airbnb or hotel room to minimize disruptions. You can tuck your speaker into a shoe to protect it from damage and maximize space in your carry-on.
Once your sound is sorted, get some charging cables and travel adaptors if you’re heading to a country with different plugs. A multi-use cable can really come in handy if you want to save some extra space in your bag.
Lastly, when packing, don’t forget to include protective cases for all your devices. After all, your audio gear deserves better than being tossed loose into a backpack, right?
Don’t Get Caught with a Dead Battery
Nothing ruins a trip faster than your playlist cutting out midway through your journey, thanks to a dead battery.
A portable power bank dedicated to your audio gear can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re on a long flight or road trip.
To really streamline your charging, look out for a charger that can handle multiple devices, such as the Anker 733 Power Bank or the Nimble Champ Series 2.
Smart Packing Hacks for Audio Gear
There’s nothing more frustrating than a tangle of cables once you’re ready to settle in on a long-haul trip, so do yourself a favor and get a cable organizer.
We also recommend getting a compact storage pouch to keep earbuds, adaptors, and charging cables neatly in one place. No rifling through your bags to find what you need in a hurry.
And if you’re planning to head to the beach on your vacation, waterproof bags or hard cases are another essential. Sand is a nightmare to clean out of audio gear, and you never know when an accidental spill might happen, so pack wisely.
Last-Minute Checklist Before You Head Out
A few final preparations can prevent common audio-related travel headaches:
- Maximize your batteries by downloading playlists and podcasts for offline listening.
- Connect your devices to Bluetooth ahead of time to avoid fiddling with settings at the airport.
- Fully charge all of your devices the night before.
- Pack a wired pair of earbuds as a backup in case your wireless ones act up.
- Do a quick sound check across all of your devices a few days prior to test if everything is working as it should.
Playlist Ready
With a bit of planning, your music and podcasts will be ready to make your vacation even better. And if you travel often, it really pays to invest in gear that lasts and handy accessories that make packing easier. Your trip deserves a great soundtrack, so take the time to make your audio entertainment match the vibes of your trip!