12 must-have travel gadgets for students

Travelling as a student doesn’t mean you have to slum it. Travel gadgets are popping up everywhere and are here to make your life easier on the road. From high-tech devices to more modest solutions, UNiDAYS brings you the best student travel gadgets at reasonable prices. With the help of our gadgets and student travel tips you won’t have to be a Bear Grylls to travel the world, so get out there and get exploring!

1. Aukey Solar Power Bank

If you’re trekking or travelling to off-the-grid areas, this solar-powered power bank is a great solution to a lack of available charging ports. But it also caters to a host of other problems - ever been at the beach only to find your battery drained before you even got to post that bikini selfie? You won’t have to worry about remembering to charge this power bank - just leave it in the sun and allow it to do the work for you. With a 30% higher power conversion efficiency than other solar panel devices, this is the best on the market. Plus, it won’t break the bank.

2. GoPro Hero

A pricier gadget we admit, but it’s a timeless one. GoPros really are all they’re cracked up to be. Allowing you to take high-quality photos and video recordings on the go and right in the action, GoPros are both durable and waterproof. Other waterproof cameras force you to compromise quality, but not the GoPro. They allow you to capture clear, stabilised video whether you're shooting by hand or using a GoPro mount.

And don’t forget to grab your Student discount with UNiDAYS when you shop with GoPro online.

3. The ultimate universal travel adapters: SKROSS or Liansing Travel Adapter

There is no feeling like stepping off a flight into an unknown country, only to realise your phone battery is critical and you have no way of charging it. With a universal travel adapter, you'll never feel stranded again. UNiDAYS have scoured our sources to bring you the best universal travel adapters. Unlike most travel adapters (which don’t function for devices over 110 volts), both of these options cater to high-powered devices without the risk of blown fuses or blowouts.

SKROSS World Adapter MUV Micro USB

Declaring itself ‘The most compact travel plug with a USB charger for connecting devices anywhere in the world’, this device can be used pretty much everywhere (over 200 countries). It can sustain input voltages from 100 V to 250 V, which means you use it for gadgets such as hair dryers, straighteners, and laptops without fear of blowing a fuse. You won’t have to buy a travel adapter again. It comes with two supporting accessory cables to suit most devices. SKROSS also has several other models to choose from to suit your needs.

Liansing Travel Adapter

This is an equally effective option for those on a budget. It allows charging in more than 150 countries and with a voltage range of 100 V - 240 V, it can similarly sustain most high-powered devices. This is a compact and light option capable of working with nearly any device. It has 2 USB ports as well as the input port.

4. Microfibre towel

Avoid that damp, musky towel stench with a super light and absorbent microfibre towel. We love SYOURSELF Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel for its great selection of sizes and colours. But, more than anything, it’s dry, lightweight, absorbent and soft.

5. goTenna

If you’re planning on trekking or adventuring whilst on your travels, you need this device in your life. Inspired by the recovery operations following Hurricane Sandy, goTenna has been designed to keep Android or iOS devices connected even when there is no cellular service. Made of rugged materials, this pocket-sized two-way radio and antenna uses Bluetooth-LE to pair with a smartphone. This innovative technology allows users who possess the device to share messages and location info instantly within a range of up to 50 miles in ideal conditions. Plus, if you ever find yourself locked in a basement by an axe-wielding murderer, this could come in handy.

6. Twelve South PlugBug World Charger and Power Adapter

Sometimes, the most essential travel gadgets are the simplest. For those of us who are committed Apple customers, lugging a suitcase full of chargers and accessories can be very frustrating. The PlugBug from Twelve South consolidates all the Apple-centric cables you could ever need into a single, compact device. When coupled with a stock MacBook power adapter, it provides dual charging capability almost anywhere in the world. The 10-watt capacity will charge an iPad four times faster than a MacBook and an iPad mini twice as fast as the standard charger.

7. Zero Grid packing cubes travel organiser set

Keep your laundry in line with these lightweight packing cubes, allowing you to sort your clothing and separate dirty from clean so you won’t have to resort to the dreaded sniff test. Mesh tops allow for ventilation so you can easily see what’s inside each cube.

8. ProCase travel tech organiser

Never lose a cable again with this practical tech organiser solution. Made of heavy-duty, durable, and water-resistant nylon and features compartments for all purposes.

9. Wacaco Minipresso Travel Espresso Machine

We just couldn’t resist featuring this incredibly extra travel gadget. Calling all coffee lovers! Never drink a bad cup of coffee again with the Wacaco Minipresso. It is the perfect portable espresso machine for travellers, allowing you to sample varieties of coffee on your trip or take your own coffee with you wherever you go. Simply fill with ground coffee and hot water, press, pour and enjoy.

10. Pacsafe Anti-theft Bra Stash

We’ve all been there ladies - stashing some cash in your bra can seem like the only safe way to hold onto your cash in a world of pickpockets (not to mention all those drunken nights). This anti-theft bra stash pouch clips onto your bra and sits comfortably to allow you added security. Its unique fabric is exceptionally soft-to-the-touch and the snap button closure allows easy access to your valuables.

11. Anti-Theft Backpack by PacSafe

Sadly, it’s becoming more and more common to have your things stolen while travelling. From pickpockets to backpack slashing (whereby a thief rides or runs past you, slashing the straps of your backpack to steal it from you!), travellers are at risk and it’s important to be aware of this as well as enjoying yourself. This Pacsafe anti-theft backpack keeps your valuables and gear organised as well as secure.

Easily secure your bag to any structure using the lockable security hooks built into the detachable strap and prevent cut-and-run thefts with built-in anti-slash guard material. Protect yourself from scanning scams with RFID-blocking pockets and deter pickpockets with secure lockable zippers. PacSafe backpacks are high-quality, all-in-one anti-theft packs that give any traveller or commuter style, function, and peace of mind.

12. TP-Link mobile Wi-Fi

This gadget is a hugely popular option among travellers. Paying for data roaming can break the bank, and poor hotel Wi-Fi is enough to make even the kindest of people leave a bad TripAdvisor review. TP-Link has invented a solution.

Their MiFi box lets you share an internet connection from one SIM with up to ten devices, so you only pay once but all your kids, parents, and holiday mates can get involved. As well as this, one SIM can support internet connection on all your devices (laptop, iPad - you name it) so you can stay connected on the go.

You won’t have to compromise the wifi speed - this device features 4G LTE supporting fast-speed internet connection with a download rate of up to 150 Mbps. Special data-only SIMs can be bought from networks, especially for MiFi boxes.

Happy travelling! And don’t forget to check out UNiDAYS student offers on all things travel.