Some road trip gadgets are too fun to skip, others add real convenience to the experience, and a few open up whole new ways to travel. The right gadgets solve some of the most annoying travel problems, keep things organised on the move, and make great gifts for anyone who loves the road. Here are 10 travel gadgets ready to make your trips safer, easier or simply more enjoyable.
1. Bluetooth speaker
If you love sharing your favourite music, a portable Bluetooth speaker is made for you, take it to the park, the trips, the garden, the walk. At Altervan, it’s given us epic moments on our road trips. Look for something compact, water-resistant and with solid battery life.
2. Power bank
Picture an afternoon in Florence: the crew is chilling in Piazza della Signoria, but you decide to go solo up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the view over the whole city. You’re rushing for sunset, tongue out from the climb, and just before you arrive, “blip blip”, your phone is dying. A good power bank saves those moments; a solid one charges your phone around three times.
3. Action camera
Action cameras are small, light and wearable, mount them on almost anything, from a skateboard, surfboard or bike to a helmet or even your pet. They’re portable and waterproof, and they’ve saved the day on our trips. Look for 4K video, a good sensor, image stabilisation, a waterproof case and a spare battery.
4. Car phone mount
To find your way easily and stay safe, you don’t want the phone in your hand. A rotating dashboard mount clicks in and out easily and fits all phone types, a must on every road trip.
5. FM car transmitter
Don’t worry, we didn’t know exactly what it did either. Essentially it turns your car’s stereo into a multimedia player: connect your phone for music or hands-free calls, plug in a USB stick with your favourite songs, and charge your phone at the same time. Don’t limit the fun when you’re on the road.
6. Car organiser with a cooler compartment
A place for everything and everything in its place. Keep the seats clear with an organiser that holds wipes, coffees, papers, snacks and phones, and keeps your drinks cool thanks to an insulated compartment. Easy to fit and a big stress-saver.
7. Hidden travel money belt
The safest way to carry cash, cards, ID, passport and valuables, away from pickpockets. You wear it at your waist under your clothes, undetected, avoid unwanted situations and enjoy the trip stress-free.
8. Secret-stash hairbrush
If you’d rather leave your cash at the accommodation, a hairbrush with a hidden compartment is a discreet little hiding spot that won’t raise suspicion.
9. Waterproof smart fingerprint padlock
A smart padlock with fingerprint recognition can store multiple prints, unlocks in about a second, and forgets keys and codes entirely. With a single charge it can last a long time, handy for backpacks and lockers on the road.
10. Portable washing machine
For longer trips, a compact portable washing machine lets you refresh a few basics on the go, perfect when you’re travelling light with a carry-on and rotating a small set of clothes. Pair it with quick-dry fabrics and you’ll never run out of clean essentials. (Packing light? See our carry-on packing guide.)
The right gadgets won’t make the trip, but they’ll make it smoother, safer and a lot more fun. See our next road trips and put them to good use.
With love for travel, road trips and adventure,
The Altervan team.
