The Verge's favorite travel gear for 2025
I first used a Tortuga travel backpack for a trip to Japan years ago. It was a super convenient bag for toting stuff around the country and keeping my hands free for holding a phone, map, or snack. I recently broke it out again for a business trip, and I was happily reminded just how dang great it is while traveling. The bag just fit under an airplane seat, meaning I could easily access my food, Steam Deck, and laptop during the flight. When the flight was over, I didn't have to wait to fish a bag out of an overhead bin — I just picked the Tortuga up and walked off the airplane.
I'm not sure when I'll be on a plane next. But whenever that is, I'll probably be bringing along my Tortuga bag. — Jay Peters, news editor
Side by Side's pouch lets you stow cords, chargers, and all the gadgets you need to keep your tech going while traveling.
This Kickstarter-born travel case is the best cord organizer I've found, and I've tried many. Recommended to me by former Verger Dan Siefert, this gadget bag holds every tech-related accessory I need for a two-day or two-week trip.
I can fit multiple cables, dongles, earbud cases, pens, and more in its main pouch, which also features several smaller pouches for things like SIM card tools and SD cards. A large zipper pocket on the outside accommodates bulky devices, such as power banks and bricks. I've managed to cram three charging bricks and two small power banks into that outer pocket, which still hasn't pushed its super stretchy material to its surprisingly large limits.
The zippers are impressively sturdy, too, and its vertical form factor makes it easy to pop in my bag. I've had it for two years, and it still looks like new. I literally never leave home without it. – Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, reviewer
For years, I've been procrastinating getting a proper phone holder for my car so I can easily glance at GPS directions, instead of having to look down at my Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. (I kept it tucked inside my cupholder, which barely fits, by the way.) But a couple weeks ago, I got fed up with having an Android Auto-less car enough to finally purchase a wireless phone charger and holder from Amazon. Sure, it's not a name-brand device, but I was able to easily mount it on my dashboard with the suction cup, and it's stayed in place since. It also has a neat auto-clamping feature that ensures your phone stays snug inside the holder, and it provides a way better charge than the measly USB cable I had plugged into my car before. — Emma Roth, news writerCall me old-fashioned and maybe a bit paranoid, but I've never been comfortable with the idea of logging into my streaming services on a hotel TV, despite assurances that the credentials are automatically cleared between guests. As I'm always traveling with at least my smartphone and usually a tablet, I always make sure to pack a USB-C to HDMI adapter (and a short HDMI cable) so I can connect either device to a TV and enjoy Netflix or Prime Video on a larger screen. But I specifically recommend an adapter, like this Anker model, that lets you connect a power source so you can also charge your phone or tablet while it's connected to a TV. You don't want to get halfway through a movie only to find your phone has suddenly died. — Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
I travel abroad a lot, so a reliable charging brick that I can use both at home and while traveling in Europe and the UK (which are all different plugs) is an essential item for me. Minix's compact 66W 3-Port GaN wall charger is my favorite one — it's small but mighty.
It features two USB-C fast-charging ports and one USB-A port, so I can charge my laptop, phone, and other devices simultaneously in my hotel room (I'm still waiting for hotels to figure out that USB-C is a thing now). But the best part is that it comes with a European and UK wall plug adaptor that I can easily snap on depending on which country I'm in. — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, reviewer
I've lost count of the number of times a good night's sleep in a hotel room or Airbnb has been thwarted by an uncomfortably bright status LED on a TV or random appliance. But not everything can be unplugged or turned off (like a smoke detector). My solution is to travel with either a couple sheets of LED dimming stickers precut into various sizes or a roll of light-dimming tape. Instead of blocking an LED's glow entirely, they reduce its intensity by 50 to 80 percent, which I find is usually more than enough to prevent it from being a nuisance overnight. You just need to remember to peel them off before you leave. — Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
A water bottle is usually one of the first things I pack ahead of a trip. But while I have several different bottles I regularly use at home, I only travel with Brita's filtering bottles. As much as I prefer water over any other drink, I don't like spending money on bottled water, and I often can't stand the taste of the water in other cities. I'm sure I'd get used to the taste over time, but for a week's stay, I find Brita's bottles, which use a carbon filter inside, are an effective way to eliminate tastes and odors of water that I'm not used to. —Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter
I'm a transgender person who lives in the Midwest. I travel a LOT to play roller derby. Using public bathrooms has always felt a little fraught for me — even more so in the current political climate. Refuge Restrooms helps me feel a little safer while I'm traveling to do my favorite thing in the world. The site hasn't been updated in a while, and I'm not sure how active the maintenance is, but I've used spots listed on the website and had good experiences. — Ursa Wright, editor, Decoder
The item that I simply must not forget if I'm leaving home for any sort of multiday visit or vacation is my Tushy portable bidet. There's a lot that you can't control during your travels, and that includes the kind of toilet paper you'll have access to (if any). I don't need to get specific; using this convenient bidet-in-a-bottle lets me freshen up. The collapsible bottle is easy to clean, it doesn't leak, and it's easy to store in its included (and discreet) carrying bag for whenever I might need it next. — Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
It's hard to be happy if your feet aren't happy. I recently came back from a week in Scotland, where it can rain at any time, and I spent the entire week in either Balega blister resist socks or Darn Tough wool ones. The Balegas are my running socks, and true to their name, I've logged hundreds of miles in them with nary a blister. (Did I run during my vacation? No, but I walked a lot.) Wool socks breathe well, don't stink, and insulate even when wet — essential for rainy conditions or sweaty feet, both of which were in play. Crucially for me, both brands offer extra-large sizes. You'd be amazed how many brands stop at size 12. — Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Verge
30 minutes ago
- The Verge
A webcam that's almost like a real camera
Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 92, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, I've kept my phone case on all week, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I am finally smashing my way through Donkey Kong Bananza, perusing the Panama Playlists, wishing I had a yard so I had an excuse to buy Ultra Skelly, clenching my stomach at JerryRigEverything's Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 durability test, wondering if Apple will actually make a Pro iPhone in orange, thinking about where I could put Twelve South's PowerBug wall outlet magnetic phone charger, and listening to Wet Leg's 'Moisturizer' (while perusing the band's incredible Windows 95-inspired website). I also have for you: a new Elgato webcam, LG's next portable TV, a game about being a fly, and more. (As always, the best part of Installer is your ideas and tips. What do you want to know more about? What awesome tricks do you know that everyone else should? What app should everyone be using? Tell me everything: installer@ And if you know someone else who might enjoy Installer, forward it to them and tell them to subscribe here.) Today, I'm featuring Kallie Plagge, who joined The Verge from Polygon as a senior copy editor earlier this year. I am very glad she's with us — she consistently makes our work look and sound great, and she has an incredible wealth of knowledge on all things Pokémon, as you'll see. Here's Kallie's homescreen and her explanation of what's on it. The phone: An iPhone 14 Pro. The wallpaper: It's an official Pokémon wallpaper. There's one for each Eeveelution plus Eevee, so I've been swapping them out based on the season. It's Vaporeon's turn! The apps: I'm big on folders, but there are a few apps I need out and easy to access — mainly the Clock app, because I am very paranoid about accidentally not setting an alarm and missing work. I also always have the NYT Games app and Threes there, plus games on rotation based on what I'm playing lately. Right now that's mostly Umamusume, which literally means 'horse girls,' and it's all about — you guessed it — training horse girls to win races. It's based on the anime, which I haven't seen, but it's a good raising game! I also asked Kallie to share a few things she's into right now. Here's what she said: Here's what the Installer community is into this week. I want to know what you're into right now as well! Email installer@ with your recommendations for anything and everything, and we'll feature some of our favorites here every week. For even more great recommendations, check out the replies to this post on The Verge, this post on Threads, and this post on Bluesky. 'Watching Foundation and Smoke and liking them pretty well.' – Paul 'I've been absolutely housing the YouTube shorts of Master Builder Alec, the Lego master builder in Arizona. His series 'Masterbuilderizing Kid's LEGO Models' is such an education in creativity and execution.' – Alex 'Currently playing The Drifter on PC. It's a modern point-and-click adventure that's got time travel elements. Not for the faint of heart but very, very good.' – BaltMatrix 'I finally got to F1, sponsored by Expensify, Shark|Ninja and Brad Pitt's Abs. Cars go vrrrm. I was duly entertained.' – Iain 'I recently came across Folio, which bills itself as a replacement for the recently shut down Pocket. I've been using it for the last couple of weeks and it's a great alternative and available cross-platform, too. Importing my Pocket history was seamless and easy. It's still in startup mode, and there's a few key features like keyboard shortcuts missing, but it has a lot of potential.' – Gordon 'My friends and I came across a site run by two people called Reconnect, which is like Reddit or Hacker News just for gaming blogs. The two people running it have put hundreds of gaming blogs into one place, and they run a Substack newsletter every week that does a roundup, like Installer, of some of the best articles from that week. Makes finding good articles and new bloggers really easy.' – Christian 'I've been reading The Convenience Store by the Sea. It follows the popular Japanese literature 'a different chapter focusing on one person and their relationship with food' trend but if anyone has been to Japan and been charmed by the convenience stores it's worth checking out.' – ashleytwo 'Lately, I've been playing a lot of Descenders, an indie mountain biking game. Everything about it feels super satisfying, whether I'm flying down a hill at 40 MPH or hitting flips and tricks off a huge jump. There's a huge feeling of speed, but you still feel pretty vulnerable — hit a rock or land too hard, and you'll wipe out. I've never been mountain biking before, but this makes me want to hit the trails.' – Cr4shMyCar 'I just rewatched all of Entourage, all at night, all while holding a sleeping baby. The show is way better than I remembered for about two seasons, and WAY worse than I remembered after that. Still: no regrets.' – David (yes, that David!) Any fellow non-QWERTY typers that read Installer? I type using the Colemak layout. I switched to it years ago when I was dealing with some issues with my wrists and was looking for a more ergonomic layout. The first few weeks of learning it were tough, but now, it's just how I type — even though my wrists are mostly better now (which I attribute more to things like my ergonomic keyboard and my standing desk than Colemak). Now, if I try to go back to QWERTY on a computer keyboard, I really have to think about it, but oddly, I have no issues typing with QWERTY on my phone. Anyway, I wanted to do an informal poll of Installer readers: have you tried a non-QWERTY keyboard layout, why did you do so, and have you stuck with it? No need to share your typing speeds or anything. I just want to know a little more about how and why people type. I'll probably share some of the answers in a future issue. See you next week! Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Jay Peters Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Installer Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Android Authority
an hour ago
- Android Authority
I went on Airplane Mode for 8 days and these are the tools I missed most
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority When I boarded a cruise ship last week with roughly thirty family members, I knew I'd be off the grid, but I also figured most of the important people in my life were with me anyway. What I didn't realize was how much I rely on my phone for everything from logistics to late-night distraction. The ship technically offered Wi-Fi, but shoddy service made messages sporadic and Google searches impossible. Here's what I missed the most. Do you utilize Airplane Mode while traveling? 0 votes Yes... on airplanes NaN % Yes, throughout my trip. NaN % No NaN % Google Maps I'm pretty good with directions and can usually get my bearings fast, remember landmarks, and navigate a new area without walking in circles. But even with a decent internal compass, unfamiliar cities and sprawling cruise ports are a different beast, especially when everything looks vaguely like a duty-free shop. Without Google Maps, minor outings became mild scavenger hunts. Offline maps help, but they don't match the ease of real-time search, turn-by-turn directions, or the ability to quickly scan for places 'near me.' Messaging apps To be clear, I was far from lonely. Booking a cruise with my entire childhood household of eight, plus their spouses and children, meant traveling with what felt like a small wedding. There was no shortage of human interaction. In some ways, being cut off from digital messaging was helpful. Group chats back home went quiet and without the usual pings and nudges, my attention stayed fully on where I was and who I was with. I enjoyed the break from some digital noise, but missed the utility of reliable messaging. But I did miss the utility of messaging. The quick check-ins with people not on the boat. The ability to coordinate plans without shouting across the pool deck. And the crucial side text within the group to confirm with a sibling that Mom's being crazy. It wasn't the silence that bothered me, just the lack of selective communication. TikTok and other bottomless content apps I'm not on social media in any serious way. I don't have a Facebook account or a curated Instagram grid. But I do cave to a steady stream of mindless digital content to close out the day, usually a few low-stakes YouTube videos, a handful of TikToks, or a random corner of reddit. The ritual is part entertainment, part distraction, and yes, entirely a bad habit. On the cruise, no signal meant no streams, no scrolling, no late-night rabbit holes. And it wasn't just me. My nieces, who were traveling with us, kept trying to show me their carefully curated Pinterest boards, only to be met with loading screens. For them, it wasn't about a social media presence as much as sharing something creative and personal. ChatGPT No one should lean heavily on AI to do their thinking, but when I'm trying to solve something quickly, whether it's a random bit of trivia or figuring out the best way to appease a picky eater with cruise buffet options, ChatGPT is a gem. It's not about outsourcing brainpower. It's about cutting through a dozen search results. I can ask a clear question and get a clear, conversational answer. 'How much danger am I in if I can see lightning in the distance and my hair is standing up?' (The answer is get the hell back inside the boat.) When I found myself without access to ChatGPT I didn't experience existential panic, but I was reminded of how convenient the tool has become. Telehealth & medical apps When my 9-month-old started running a fever mid-trip (because, of course, that's when it would happen), I calmly went into troubleshooting mode. Normally, I'd open a telehealth app or check something like the Mayo Clinic, or even just search basic symptoms for peace of mind. Without service, even safety and health issues become a bit more unsettling. Without internet service, I ended up relying on instinct. Having a doctor for a brother didn't hurt either, but still, I couldn't help but think how reassuring it would've been to double-check with her doctor with a quick virtual visit. Entertainment apps Heading into the trip, I didn't think I'd need much in the way of entertainment. I was traveling with my whole family, some of whom I hadn't seen in over two years. So in terms of prep, I downloaded exactly one book, specially for the 10-hour flight, and I finished it before we even set sail. That wasn't concerning until halfway through the cruise, when that 9-month-old's fever turned into quarantining in my windowless, interior cabin. With no internet, no streaming, and no new media queued up, I was quickly running on empty, and while I got fairly good at shadow puppets, I learned how much I rely on the Kindle store and streaming services. Going eight days without reliable internet wasn't as painful as I expected. In fact, it was surprisingly refreshing to step away from the constant buzz, especially the kind of digital noise that's loud, persistent, and rarely important. I didn't miss the unread news updates or the pressure to reply to every group chat instantly. What I did miss were the tools that genuinely support my day-to-day: the apps that help me navigate unfamiliar places, solve problems on the fly, or wind down after a long day. This trip made me think more carefully about the kind of screen time I actually value. Not all of it is mindless. So while I'm not planning to live in airplane mode anytime soon, I might be a little more intentional about how and when I stay connected. Follow
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-EURODIGNOMADS0725-1ac44db852a54409962cb2d6e279af48.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
10 Best Places to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe, According to Remote Workers and Expats
The global digital nomad community surpassed 40 million in 2025, according to the data company DemandSage—representing a 149 percent increase since 2019. Some 18.1 million of those people are from the U.S., but before you book your ticket to join them, there are a few things you need to know. "The digital nomad lifestyle is about designing a life that blends professional flexibility with personal exploration," Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, shared with Travel + Leisure . "To strike the right balance, digital nomads are typically drawn to cities with reliable internet, affordable living costs, vibrant local culture, and a strong community of remote workers." As Spencer noted, anyone considering this lifestyle should look beyond the beautiful scenery of a destination and consider all the practical details. "Time zone compatibility with clients and colleagues, access to essential infrastructure, language barriers, and local tax implications can all play a major role in the overall experience," Spencer said. "Becoming a successful digital nomad requires thoughtful planning, financial stability, and a willingness to adapt to new environments. That might sound intimidating to some, but many find that the freedom and perspective this lifestyle offers are well worth the trade-offs." Ready to take the leap? Here are 10 of the best European destinations for digital nomads. People swimming in natural pools on the coast of Madeira. Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure Portugal has been a hot destination for digital nomads for years. I should know—I moved here four years ago as part of my PhD journey while also working remotely. Although I am on a different visa track than digital workers, I can attest to how friendly and open the nation is to those who want to call it home, even if only for a little while. However, the biggest advice I'd give to anyone who asks is to look outside the city centers of Porto and Lisbon, both of which are currently facing housing shortages for locals. Luckily, as our experts explained, the rest of the country is just as lovely as these hubs. 'One place to look into is Madeira, Portugal. It's not very expensive, the weather is pretty nice year-round, and it's not too touristy," Steve Schwab, the CEO of Casago, a vacation rental site, explained. "Beyond that, they actually have a 'Digital Nomad Village' in Ponta do Sol. It's a co-living, co-working area that is designed specifically for digital nomads, so it's a great way to meet other digital nomads." Rekha Magon, co-founder of Boundless Life, a website for digital nomads, agreed, noting that 'Sintra feels like a fairy-tale village nestled in the hills just outside of Lisbon. It's peaceful yet connected, with charming cafés, reliable Wi-Fi, and just 20 minutes from beautiful beaches. The castles are majestic, and the energy is both creative and grounding.' As for how you can move, look into Portugal's D7 visa, often a top choice for remote workers who can show proof of a steady income (around $890 a month, or equivalent savings). A clocktower in old town Kotor, Montenegro. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Montenegro may only be about 5,300 square miles, but don't let its diminutive size fool you. This nation packs a major punch for those looking to experience culture, nature, and history in between Zoom meetings. As for the perfect spot, Magon said digital nomads should head right to Kotor, a fortress town along the coast. "Kotor is a rare mix of medieval charm and coastal calm, ideal for digital nomads seeking inspiration," Magon said. "The stunning landscape views, endless hiking trails, and serene pace make it feel like a retreat that still gets work done." Montenegro doesn't offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers can apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to stay for one year. Patio seating in Pistoia, Italy. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Italy is always a great idea, especially for longer stays. But like Portugal, it's key to look outside the major city centers for maximum enjoyment—and Magon has the perfect recommendation. 'Pistoia is Tuscany's hidden gem," Magon shared. "It's rich in history, full of local flavor, and home to some of the best gelato you'll ever have. A regional train connects you easily to nearby towns, making it a great base for both focus and exploration." Italy launched its digital nomad visa in 2024, designed for non-EU remote workers with 'high qualifications.' You'll need proof of remote employment, along with an annual income of at least $28,950 and private health insurance. Prague's cityscape. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure "Prague is unique because it has a good mix of culture, infrastructure, and relatively low prices. It has a lot of history, nature, and lively nightlife," Heinz Klemann, a digital nomad who runs his company BeastBI from all over the globe, explained of one of his top spots for digital nomads. "A lot of people speak English, especially younger professionals." Plus, if you move here, you'll be in good company. According to Nomad List, Prague ranked as one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in 2022, coming in at No. 18. The Czech Republic offers a Zivno trade license for freelancers. It has some requirements, including proof of a local address, a trade license in specific professions, and at least $5,600 in savings. Bratislava castle in Slovakia. Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure Slovakia is one more nation that punches well above its weight when it comes to perks for digital nomads. 'Bratislava, Slovakia, is a small, laid-back city that is very cheap to live in," Klemann explained. "If you want to stay focused on work without a lot of distractions, this city is great." Slovakia does not currently have a formal digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can apply for temporary residence as freelancers. This permit comes with some financial requirements, along with proof of health insurance. Cyclists in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure Hop over Austria or Hungary and find your next temporary home in Slovenia, which, like the others mentioned on this list, offers plenty of history, fantastic food, and welcoming communities. 'Ljubljana, Slovenia offers culture and things to do like Prague, but with a slightly more laid-back atmosphere," Klemann said. "It's clean, safe, and with lots of green space and nearby nature for weekend escapes, like Lake Bled." Slovenia also doesn't offer a dedicated nomad visa; however, it does allow foreigners to apply for long-term stay permits. Applicants need to register a sole proprietorship and meet the minimum income requirements. Visitors on a cliff coast line in Dubrovnik. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure Looking for warm breezes and cool, turquoise waters? It's time to plot your nomadic stay in Croatia. 'Dubrovnik, with its ancient walls and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, is another great option for digital nomads," Simon Tian, a full-time digital nomad who runs his company Fonus from across the world, shared. "The city has a growing community of remote workers." Croatia's digital nomad visa allows people to stay for up to 18 months; applicants must show proof of income as well as proof of local accommodation and health insurance. Aerial view of Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania. GOUPI CHRISTIAN/robertharding/Getty Images The Balkan nation is on the rise, making it a top contender for digital nomads. As Cepee Tabibian, founder and CEO at She Hit Refresh, a company that helps women relocate abroad, shared, it's also 'affordable, authentic, and welcoming." Specifically, she shouts out the nation's capital, Tirana, as a great option as it's "still under-the-radar for most." She added, "I think the best selling point is that U.S. citizens can live there visa-free for up to a year. No paperwork needed." Yes, that's right—U.S. citizens can stay in Albania for up to 365 days without a visa. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a residence permit, which you can learn more about online. A busy public plaza in Athens, Greece. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Tabibian had one more nearby destination digital nomads need to add to their list: Greece. And once again, she thinks the nation's main city is the best place to go. 'Athens is a mix of ancient history and big-city energy," Tabibian said. "It's lively, affordable, has co-working spaces, and has a digital nomad visa that is relatively easy to qualify for." The digital nomad visa requires proof of remote work, a monthly income of at least $4,000, and health insurance. A rainy day in Tallin, Estonia. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Last—but most certainly not least—is one of the first European nations to invite digital nomads: Estonia. "One of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa back in 2020," Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, noted, "it allows remote workers to stay for up to one year." Estonia is often cited as a top spot for nomads, thanks to its excellent digital infrastructure, which provides high-speed internet almost everywhere. And in its capital city, Tallinn, nomads will find a rich mix of tech startups that will surely inspire their next professional move. Though Estonia isn't only great during working hours; the country is also filled with green spaces that are excellent for disconnecting, including six stunning national parks. Digital nomads must earn at least $4,100 per month and work for a non-Estonian company to be eligible to apply. See more information on their website.
