Every experienced traveler has their own set of tricks and tools. But it’s always useful to share secrets to convenient traveling since someone might offer some tools you didn’t think of. In this article, we’ve gathered some essential and not so obvious gadgets and apps every traveler needs to simplify their trips.
oDownloader
Have you ever looked for a service that would allow you to download videos from Youtube so that you can watch them on a plane? If you have, you must’ve faced a lot of services that are infected with malware, slow, not working, or asking for money. This Youtube downloader is very easy to use. oDownloader offers a very sleek and pleasant interface that allows a user to instantly understand what to do. Just copy the link to the video you want to download and paste it into the field on the oDownloader’s page. The service will begin processing it then — it will take a few minutes depending on the length of your clip. Once it’s processed, you’ll see a button “Download”. Click it to begin the downloading and voila — the video is on your device.
oDownloader offers lossless downloads and doesn’t charge for anything. You can use this service to download videos from Instagram and Facebook, too. And you can convert Youtube videos to MP3 (useful for podcasts) and even cut them using oDownloader. This service doesn’t contain any malware and is completely safe. You can even download the oDownloader app to your device — it promises higher processing and downloading speed.
Multifunctional power adapter
This thing doesn’t take up much space but its use is impossible to overestimate. You never know if your hotel offers adapters. And if you’re staying in an Airbnb, you most likely will need to bring your own. Invest in a smart power adapter that is suitable for any outlet. If it’s reinforced with USB outlets, it’s even better — you can charge more devices at once. Invest a bit more money in the adapter and it will serve you as a power bank, too. Isn’t it amazing? Finally, when you bring your own adapter, you know it’s safe and won’t harm your device in any way.
Vacuum bags
If you’re not one of those travelers who are good with a couple of t-shirts in their backpack, vacuum bags will help you save quite a lot of space and pack as much stuff as you need. These bags are usually quite cheap — the only relatively expensive thing is the pump that sucks the air out of the bag. But you could use your vacuum cleaner — it works just as well. However, you will need that pump to pack your bags again when you’re going back home from your trip. So it’s better to have one with you.
Travel clothesline
When you’re traveling for longer than a couple of days, you might want to wash your clothes. While washing is easy since many hotels offer washing machines, getting your attire both washed and dried is an issue. Drying machines can damage the fabric and often they don’t really do a good job at drying clothes. So it’s better to have a travel clothesline — you’ll find plenty of options on Amazon. It will take up almost no space while helping you greatly when you want to freshen up your wardrobe.
AirHelp
This app will help you to get compensation if your flight was delayed or canceled. You just need to enter your ticket details and the service will automatically file a claim for compensation for you. No more trying to figure out how to get compensated for the inconvenience you had to go through. This app is truly a must-have for anyone who is traveling by plane, especially in our post-covid world when flights get delayed and canceled quite often.
Maps.me
You could download an offline map of the place you’re about to visit through Google Maps. This option is good, too. But if you want a dedicated app for it, Maps.me is your choice. This simple and lightweight service will help you find your way to your destination without needing any internet connection. This is rather useful when you don’t have access to WiFi or mobile data — roaming prices can be very surprising and not in a good way, right?
Skyscanner or Kiwi
Both apps allow you to find the cheapest plane tickets — choose the one you like more. Apps are easy to use when you’re on the go, and often, you get notified about special deals if you have an application. So who knows, maybe while you’re having a great time in one city, an app sends you a push notification about some special offer, and boom — you’re enjoying another city now.
Revolut
This digital bank will help you to avoid paying fares for currency conversion or issues related to foreign bank cards. Revolut cards are accepted without issues virtually anywhere, and the service itself allows you to hold and exchange up to 26 currencies and pay in 120 currencies. Revolut claims that it helps its clients to save 3-5% on exchange rates.
Hand luggage approved suitcase
Hand luggage rules become stricter all the time. Yet, most airlines still allow passengers to take on board a small suitcase that weighs under 15 pounds — for free or a small fee. But since the weight limit is so low, the suitcase itself should be lightweight so that you can pack enough stuff. Look for suitcases that state that they’re “suitable for hand luggage”. Usually, such suitcases are compliant with the sizing airlines demand and are made of lightweight materials. With it, you will be always sure you won’t need to pay a hefty fee in the airport because you didn’t guess the hand luggage sizing.
Traveling is easy and joyful when you’re ready for it. These items and apps will help you to make sure your trip is as smooth as it can get.
