Smart Travel Hacks to Keep Your Devices Charged

9 December 2025

We’ve all been there—scrambling to find an outlet at the airport, watching our phone battery drain while navigating a new city, or realizing we forgot our charger at the hotel. Keeping your gadgets powered up while traveling is a modern-day struggle, but with the right tricks, you can stay charged and stress-free.

Let’s dive into some clever and practical travel hacks to keep your devices juiced up, no matter where your adventures take you.

1. Choose the Right Portable Power Bank

A good power bank is an absolute lifesaver when you’re on the move. But not all power banks are created equal!

What to Look for in a Power Bank?

- Capacity – Opt for at least 10,000mAh to charge your phone multiple times. If you have multiple devices or a power-hungry tablet, go for 20,000mAh or more.
- Size & Weight – A bulky power bank can be annoying to lug around, so find the perfect balance between power and portability.
- Output Power – Fast charging is a game-changer! Look for power banks with USB-C PD (Power Delivery) or QC (Quick Charge) for speedy recharges.

Pro Tip:

Always ensure your power bank is fully charged before leaving your accommodation. Set a reminder on your phone the night before!

2. Use a Multi-Port USB Charger

Hotel rooms, hostels, and even Airbnb accommodations often have limited outlets. A multi-port USB charger allows you to charge multiple devices at once—saving both time and stress.

Why You Need One?

- Charge your phone, tablet, smartwatch, and earbuds all at once.
- Some models come with fast-charging capabilities, ensuring efficiency.
- Works for international travel if it has universal voltage support (100-240V).

Bonus Hack:

Invest in a charger with surge protection to prevent your gadgets from frying due to unstable power sources.

3. Embrace Solar Chargers for Off-the-Grid Adventures

If you're heading to a remote location with little access to electricity, a solar charger is your best friend.

How to Use Solar Chargers Efficiently?

- Choose a High-Efficiency Model – Look for solar panels with a conversion rate of 20% or more.
- Pre-Charge Your Power Bank – Solar charging can be slow, so it’s best to store energy beforehand.
- Use During Peak Sunlight Hours – The best times are between 10 AM and 3 PM for maximum efficiency.

Pro Tip:

Hang the solar charger on your backpack while hiking to collect energy as you walk!

4. Pack an International Travel Adapter

Different countries have different plug types, and nothing is worse than arriving in a new country only to realize your charger doesn’t fit!

What to Look for in a Travel Adapter?

- All-in-One Compatibility – Get an adapter that covers multiple plug types (EU, UK, US, AU, etc.).
- USB Ports Included – Some adapters come with built-in USB and USB-C ports, making charging even easier.
- Compact & Lightweight – A bulky adapter can be annoying to carry, so choose a travel-friendly design.

Pro Tip:

If you're traveling to multiple countries, an all-in-one universal adapter will save you from carrying multiple adapters.

5. Airplane Mode is Your Battery’s Best Friend

Trying to stretch your battery life while on a long flight or train ride? Airplane mode is a simple yet effective trick!

Benefits of Airplane Mode:

- Stops Battery Drain – Your phone constantly searches for signals, draining the battery. Airplane mode stops this.
- Speeds Up Charging – If you need a quick charge, turning on airplane mode helps your device charge faster.
- Helps You Unplug & Enjoy the Moment – Sometimes, it’s nice to disconnect and soak in the surroundings!

Bonus Hack:

If you still need Wi-Fi, many airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi that works even in airplane mode.

6. Use Low Power Mode to Extend Battery Life

Got a long day ahead and no charging options in sight? Low Power Mode (iPhone) or Battery Saver Mode (Android) can be a lifesaver.

How to Enable It?

- On iPhone: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode
- On Android: Settings > Battery > Battery Saver Mode

What Does It Do?

- Reduces background app activity.
- Lowers screen brightness and refresh rates.
- Limits power-hungry features like auto-fetching emails.

7. Carry Extra Charging Cables & a Backup Charger

Charging cables are notorious for breaking at the worst possible times! Always carry a spare to avoid unnecessary panic.

Best Practices for Travel Chargers and Cables:

- Get a Braided Cable – They last longer and are tangle-free.
- Choose a Fast-Charging Cable – USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C for faster power transfer.
- Pack a Dual Charger – A charger with both USB-A and USB-C ports covers multiple devices.

Pro Tip:

Store your cables in a small pouch or cable organizer to prevent them from getting damaged in your bag.

8. Charge Your Devices in Public Places (But Stay Safe!)

Running low on battery while sightseeing? Look for public charging spots in:
- Airports
- Coffee shops
- Shopping malls
- Train stations

Stay Safe While Using Public USB Ports

Public USB charging stations can pose a risk of "juice jacking"—a hacking method that steals your data through corrupted USB ports.

How to Stay Secure?

- Use a USB Data Blocker (USB Condom) – Prevents data transfer while allowing power flow.
- Opt for Wall Sockets Instead – Plug your own charger instead of using public USB ports.

9. Invest in a Smart Suitcase with Built-in Charging

Smart luggage is a game-changer. Many modern suitcases come with built-in USB charging ports and detachable power banks, making life on the road much easier.

Features to Look For:

- TSA-Approved Battery – Some airlines require removable batteries.
- Multiple Charging Ports – Ideal for charging both your phone and tablet.
- Lightweight Design – High-tech features shouldn’t make your suitcase excessively heavy.

10. Utilize Hotel TVs as a Charging Station

Forgot your wall adapter? Many hotel TVs have USB ports at the back that you can use to charge your device in a pinch.

How To Do It:

- Plug your USB cable into the back of the TV.
- Set your phone to Airplane Mode for a quicker charge.
- Don’t forget to take your cable when you leave!

Pro Tip:

This also works with rental car stereos if you need an extra charging option on the go.

Final Thoughts

Staying connected while traveling doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right travel hacks, a little preparation, and a few clever gadgets, you can keep your devices charged and ready to go—no matter where your journey takes you.

Now, go out there, explore the world, and never let a dead battery ruin your adventure again!