So I took the time out to browse through some of my old posts on here and realised it’s literally been almost half a decade since I’ve done a travel essentials post (feel old yet?).
Yeah.
Time’s have changed.
Let’s fix that.
For The Weekenders: Travel Essentials – The Sequel….
Technological advances over the past few years have made things insanely effortless when it comes to travelling – despite allowing us to have a severe dependence on that same technology.
The only thing that probably hasn’t advanced is airport security…at least not for the better. Who knows, maybe it’ll improve in the future.
Maybe…maybe not.
Anyway. Travel’s gotten easier. A lot easier.
Especially when it comes to electronics.
Travel Essentials 1 – No Strings Attached.
I remember the days of carrying a huge backpack for my photography equipment, numerous cables and cords attached to chargers, and bulky equipment.
With wireless, that’s all gotten so much….neater.
Most noticeably when it comes to headphones, or earbuds.
While I’ve always been neat in appearance, earbuds were always one sticking point that I just couldn’t master keeping tidy.
So naturally, when wireless earbuds and headphones came out, I was elated.
I’ve always been a fan of headphones over earbuds – largely because I have awkward ears that can’t seem to hold onto earbuds.
Plus, when it comes to working out, headphones just seem to stay on way easier.
But when it comes to travel, I strongly prefer earbuds – because they’re small…and easy to carry (like fitting into your pocket).
You get it – different things for different purposes. So when I’m travelling, if I know I’ll be working out, I’ll pack headphones in a carry-on bag, and earbuds in my pocket. If I had to choose in regards to price and quality, these are the ones I recommend…
Bluedio T2S Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones.
There’s a plethora of reasons why I like these. Besides the insane amount of bass they provide, I’m a huge fan of listening to LoFi music on HiFi headphones – everything’s so clear, the sounds around you disappear.
They’ve got up to 40 hours worth of play time for music, and 45 hours of talk time, with standby time being 1000+ hours…but I think one thing I really love about them is their frequency response. If you know anything about music, you’ll know that a frequency response of 20Hz-20Khz allows for hearing everything the artist wants you to hear.
Combine that with their reasonable price and you’ve got a practical purchase that’s worth its weight in gold.
For earbuds, I recommend the TREBLAB X2 4.2 Bluetooth earbuds.
While not having as much play time as Bluedio, I do like the fact that they have a portable charging box. These workout really well during workouts where I don’t feel like the bulk of headphones, as they’re sweat-proof (meaning I’m not wiping headphones down with a gym towel).
Speaking of bulk, they’re easy to fit in your pocket whether it’s your jeans or coat – just be careful…sometimes they can get lost and you have to rummage (or maybe that’s just me).
They’ve also got a longer play time than others I’ve found which usually top out at 2.5 hours when you’re looking for something reasonably priced.
I’m also really keen on the fact that they come with different ear inserts so they fit everything from the smallest ears to those of Dumbo.
Need I say more?
Travel Essentials 2 – These Days, You Can Make Money Out of Thin Air.
I’m serious. With contactless payment cards, Google, and Apple pay, your money is floating around while you go about your day. If you’ve ever ridden the underground/metro and paid with the reloadable cards they issue, you’ve also probably at some point been too lazy to get your card out and have just pressed your wallet against the machine.
That’s great and all, but sometimes those same machines can accidentally take money from your bank cards as well.
So naturally, when you’re travelling, the same thing can happen if someone trailing behind you wants to make some extra cash for the day.
It’s one of the reasons why a few years back I decided to invest in an RFID wallet – it blocks readers from taking small amounts of cash off your cards.
My favourite out of all the ones I’ve owned?
The iMossi RFID wallet.
Sleek. Small. Discreet. I love this one largely because I’m a minimalist.
Wallets have always had a tendency to be fat. Bulky. Cumbersome. Obvious. Just generally something that draws attention to itself when you don’t want it drawing attention to itself.
With plastic being used more and more to pay for things, wallets are now getting thinner. You grab a few cards, some cash, your spouse’s picture you’re currently in a love-hate relationship with, and you’re good to go.
There’s also the introduction of skinny jeans.
I don’t really get why anyone would want pants that you have to try and get off with a chisel and hammer, but these things are popular – so much so that slim fit seems to fit like skinny fit (or maybe that’s just the size of my quads). Meaning you can see everything that’s in a person’s pockets (you know, if you don’t carry a handbag/manbag)
So when you come across something like the iMossi, you realise it’s a smart investment. What are you waiting for?
Travel Essentials 3 – Being Punctual is Important.
So it’s wise to make sure you have something that doesn’t need recharging.
Ditch the Apple Watch, the WearOS, and your mobile phone.
Society already has enough anxiety on its hands – should we really make being nervous about not knowing the time once your battery goes dead something else to worry about?
I’m a huge fan of wrist watches. Wrist watches that have “old-fashioned” batteries. You know, the ones that don’t need replacing but every 2-3 years? Yeah – Apple and Google ain’t got nothin’ on that.
Over the last decade or so, I’ve stuck with two brands…Freestyle and Nixon.
Why?
Because I don’t like taking off my watch.
If I want to go swimming, or jump in the shower, or go diving, maybe wash my car (while whispering sweet nothings into its…side mirrors)…I don’t like taking off something as important as that which keeps my time management on point.
Both Freestyle and Nixon understand those sentiments…because they make waterproof watches.
When I say waterproof, I don’t mean splashing around in a bird bath. I mean real, proper, deep diving watches.
This may seem like a pretty pointless feature but ask yourself this – if you can spend 10 grand on a Rolex that can get messed up if you get the slightest bit rough with it – why not spend less than 2/100ths of that on something that won’t crack under pressure?
I’m all for luxury, and only like to pin that word to things that deserve it…but when it comes to wrist watches…
Brains and money.
After all…
Travel should always be stress free.
As always…
Stay cool.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.™
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