Travel tech is always evolving—but not every new release or grand idea sticks the landing.
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In my experience, oddball travel gadgets have sometimes come out ahead. From mini-carabiners to portable white noise machines, my travel gadget champions aren’t run-of-the-mill. In the case of carabiners and white noise machines, they’re not even travel tech to begin with.
In other words, if you find yourself uncovering unique solutions to your travel problems, you aren’t alone. Some of the most impactful new pieces of travel tech aren’t reinventing the wheel, either. They might just be getting lighter, more compact, and more specialized.
Here are the latest techy travel gadgets that people are loving so far this year.
Techy travel gadgets that are taking off in 2026
Ostrich pillow
Every year, there’s a new neck pillow that takes the travel world by storm. So far in 2026, I’ve seen influencers, writers, and even friends bring up the Ostrichpillow. They have a classic neck pillow (Go Neck Pillow) that works for planes, along with a slightly… unusual napping pillow.
I recommend checking out their classic Go Neck Pillow, Light Versatile Pillow, and Mini Handy Pillow.
Remote tracking devices like AirTags
If you’ve lost your luggage before, you know how devastating it can be to realize your precious cargo is lost forever. AirTags and other remote tracking devices don’t prevent you from losing your precious belongings—but they can help you quickly and easily locate missing suitcases and carry-ons that you had to check at the last minute.
For more information on use cases and the best AirTag alternatives, check out my article on how to use AirTags for travel. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, you can find a solution that works for you. There are even card-sized trackers that fit in your wallet.
Noise-cancelling earbuds & earplugs
With more delays and general confusion at airports, many travelers are looking to re-take control of their air travel peace. One way to do that is to manage noise levels. While you can’t control whether there’s a sleep-deprived toddler near you at the airport or on the plane, you’ll handle these normal hiccups better with noise-cancelling earbuds in your back pocket.
I use Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, which are over-ear and can be connected with a cord or Bluetooth. You can buy a set at Walmart. I also have AirPods that are noise-cancelling.
However, you can also buy earbuds that are designed specifically to eliminate loud noises—without any Bluetooth involved. Loop Earplugs, for example, specializes in all types of earplugs, from deep sleep to filtering loud speakers at concerts to noise sensitivities.
I recommend the Loop Quiet 2, which was developed specifically for hectic travel days.
White noise machines
As a troubled sleeper, a white noise machine has changed my approach to getting reliable Zs. I recently started taking a small white noise machine with me on the road. It’s one of the most reliable ways that I get good sleep in hotels on the road—and I’ve seen other travel writers shout out their favorite mini white noise machines.
SNOOZ is one of the top brands out there for portable white noise machines. If you like their travel option, you can also purchase a larger at-home device. There’s also ergoPouch, which was designed for babies but also works well for adults. Their devices have a silicon strap for easy hanging anywhere.
If you’re not sure whether white noise machines are for you, you can always purchase a small Dreamegg from Walmart. They’re not designed for travel, but they’re small enough that you can tote them anywhere without sacrificing space.
Multichargers
I’m going to show my age here, but why does every electronic device have a different charging port? If you’re sick of bringing the wrong cords or accidentally bringing along three with the same port, go with a multicharger. It’s a single cable that has a multi-pronged end with just about every charging port out there.
I recommend shopping for these on Amazon or at an electronics store. You’ll find plenty of options. Here’s an example of a multicharger cable for Apple devices from Xnewcable.
Nano-adapters
Like charging cables, adapters can be a nightmare to keep track of. That’s especially true if you’re visiting Europe. The continent has six different socket types—and sockets for places like the UK, Germany, and Switzerland are all different. Though most can be used safely with a Type C Europlug, that’s not always the case, as I found out during a trip to Switzerland two years ago.
Travel gadgets like nano-adapters let you plan for just about any socket type without lugging around a heavy, clunky adapter. As with multichargers, you can search for ‘small adapters’ or ‘mini adapters’ wherever.
I recommend starting with Picka Tech’s Hybrid Mini or the Anker Nano Travel Adapter. I’ve had an Anker adapter in my travel arsenal for over a decade, and recently purchased the nano travel adapter.
Silicon kettles
Earlier this year, a fitness TikToker went viral for claiming that it’s par for the course to wash used underwear in hotel coffee makers. While I doubt that’s a common occurrence, it coincides with a rise in silicon kettles. Silicon kettles are mini-kettles that are easy to pack and carry around the world, just like a silicon water bottle.
The difference is that silicon kettles let you heat up water, enabling you to make coffee or tea just about anywhere. I’ve mostly seen coffee snobs seek out silicon kettles, but I know many people also like their tea first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
I’ve never used a silicon kettle, but I recommend spending a bit more to get a nice item that won’t break or leech microplastics into your water. For example, Sea to Summit’s Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Kettle is made from EU food-grade silicon and aluminum.
The non-techy pick: Microfiber towels
I’m not reinventing the wheel here, and microfiber towels aren’t travel gadgets by any stretch—but they have always come in handy. I’m currently in France at a remote Airbnb with my chihuahua. The microfiber towels have come in handy for washing his paws after walks in the rain.
On my last trip, my microfiber towel came in handy for cleaning my reusable bottle, which I had filled with coffee one morning. The trip before that, I used it to clean my shoes after they got muddy. Best of all, I’m sure you already have one lying around at home.
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