The finest · Travel

The finest travel gear

The few things that make a long trip feel shorter. Each one earns its space in the bag.

5 picks worth owning

1

Apple AirTag (2nd generation)

££££ Budget

Finds a lost bag through Apple's Find My network, so it works almost anywhere there are iPhones. The second generation is louder and finds from further away than the first, and the coin battery lasts about a year.

Best for: iPhone owners. On Android, choose a tag made for Google's Find Hub instead.

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2

Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on spinner

££££ Premium

The bag airline crews use, for good reason: strong wheels, an expansion zip that adds about 5 cm, and a lifetime warranty. Reviewers keep naming it the carry-on to beat.

Best for: Frequent flyers who want one bag for years. Check your airline's size limit first.

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3

EPICKA universal travel adapter with USB-C

££££ Budget

One block with sliding plugs for the US, UK, EU and Australia, plus USB-C and USB-A ports, so you need neither a bag of adapters nor separate phone chargers. A long-time top seller in its class.

Best for: Anyone crossing plug borders. Pick a 65 W or higher version to charge a laptop too.

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4Editor's pick

Twelve South AirFly Pro Deluxe

££££ Mid-range

Plugs into the headphone socket of a plane seat, gym machine or car and sends the sound to your wireless headphones or AirPods, so you can watch the in-flight film in your own noise-cancelling headphones. Two pairs can listen at once, and it charges by USB-C.

Best for: Anyone who flies with wireless headphones. It also works the other way, adding Bluetooth to old speakers.

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Price guide, roughly: £ under £40 · ££ £40 to £120 · £££ £120 to £400 · ££££ over £400. Prices change with deals, so tap a product for today's price.

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What to look for, wherever you shop

Not every pick is sold in every country. These are the things that make the difference, so you can spot the finest in your own store.

Size before styleCarry-on limits differ: many airlines allow 55 x 40 x 20 cm, US carriers often 56 x 36 x 23 cm, and budget airlines less. Measure with the wheels and handle.
Trackers match your phoneAirTags need an iPhone. Android phones use Google's Find Hub tags, and Samsung phones also have Galaxy SmartTags.
Adapters are not convertersAn adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage. Phones and laptops are fine on 100 to 240 V; old hair dryers and some kettles are not.
Watts for laptopsFor a laptop, look for at least 65 W from a USB-C port on the adapter.
Warranty is a quality signalLuggage brands that offer long or lifetime warranties expect their wheels and zips to last.

Travel: questions people ask

Do AirTags work on Android?

Only partly. An Android phone can read a found AirTag, but you need an iPhone to set one up and track it. Android users should choose a tag made for Google's Find Hub.

Can I take a power bank in my carry-on?

Yes, and it must go in the cabin, not in checked bags. Most airlines allow power banks up to 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) without approval.

How we pick. Only products that are current, well made and consistently top-rated by major independent reviewers and long-term owners; editor's picks are our own favourites. We don't publish star ratings, invent reviews or take money from brands. Products and prices differ by country, so check the listing in your store. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details