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These flight crew- and jet-setter-approved gadgets take the hassle out of travel

Nicole Lee
Nicole Lee

If you want to stay powered up, tuned in, hydrated, organized and in possession of your luggage this holiday season, heed the recommendations from these high-flying experts. (Getty)

Lost luggage, dead batteries, dry skin, lukewarm meals — seasoned jet-setters know these hassles all too well. But the right gear can turn those headaches into smooth sailing, making every journey easier, stress-free and infinitely more comfortable. For worry-free adventures, investing in top-rated travel tech is a smart move. Whether you're flying somewhere exotic or heading out on a road trip with the family, we've found gear that comes highly recommended by seasoned travelers and travel industry insiders.

From noise-cancelling earbuds to power banks that keep your devices juiced, who better to recommend must-haves than airline pros who know the ropes? We chatted with a flight attendant and combed through the best online picks from crew members to find the stuff that really works, is really well-priced and is really what you need — here are the picks that made the cut.

For more travel recommendations, check out our frequent flyer-approved list of the best luggage.

Read more: I'm a tech writer, and these are the 11 must-have travel items that make my life easier

Traveling abroad? Keep in mind that outlets vary by country. This gadget will keep you plugged in from Stockholm to Shanghai and in all points in between. This all-in-one model includes four USB-A connectors and a USB-C.  

"Bought this for our nephew who is prepping for his first trip to Europe!" said one travel pro. "This travel adapter is all in one piece and very sturdy; I am getting a couple for my husband and I, as we are flight attendants! Not having to worry about missing pieces is great!"

$23 at Amazon

While most frequent travelers will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lost luggage is not to check any, that just isn't realistic for everyone. And while Apple AirTags are great for keeping track of your keys and wallet, let's think a little bigger: You can also use them to keep tabs on your luggage. 

"I put one in my flight attendant bag whenever I have to check it," said one five-star reviewer. "These are super easy to use and definitely worth the money."

$80 at Amazon

Tired of arriving at your destination with parched, papery skin? Here's a fix. This compact humidifier operates via USB, comes with two spray modes and has a convenient LED night light — an especially nice touch in an unfamiliar hotel room.

Simon Wu, a flight attendant for Cathay Pacific, told Yahoo that this is a must, thanks to dry cabin air. "I absolutely need a humidifier for my skin after a long plane ride," he says. "This small one makes it very easy to pack."

$10 at Amazon

While Apple AirPods are popular, Wu prefers Google Pixel Buds Pro. These noise-cancelling earbuds can go for up to 31 hours with the charging case. "The Pixel Buds are a must-have when I'm taking a nap during my shift break," he says. Plus, you can ask Google for directions or use it to answer calls and control your music, keeping everything hands-free. 

$164 at Amazon

You'll be using your phone a lot on your trip — not just for staying in touch with folks back home, but for directions, activity recommendations, maybe even to download or scan tickets. All that will certainly drain the battery, and a power bank is a must.

"As a flight attendant, I use this pretty much every day!" exclaimed one travel pro. "This is the best portable charger I have had! I never write reviews, but this one definitely deserves 6 stars."

$16 at Amazon

This universal travel adapter comes with a 110-volt to 220-volt converter, which is a must for using appliances such as curling irons and fans abroad.

"We do a lot of traveling and these have been great," said this travel pro. "Much more than an adapter, we were able to use all of our electronics abroad. I got one for myself and one for my wife. We've used them on cruise ships for extra outlets and hotels as well. I won't go anywhere without these again."

$27 at Amazon

Not every hotel room has a microwave, which is a pain if you want to heat up leftovers or breakfast. A solution? This electric food-warming tote that has become something of a cult hit among flight crews.

"I absolutely love my Hot Logic," said this five-star reviewer. "I've been a flight attendant for a really long time and this is my second one. ... I mostly do turns (day trips), but even on those, I take this with me just in case we don't make it home and have to stay overnight somewhere. ... Outside of North America, microwaves in hotels are almost impossible to find. The Hot Logic works great with converters as well. Just keep an eye on how hot it may get when using a converter."

$35 at Amazon

Errant cables and plugs can make an already chaotic experience (travel, of course) even nuttier, but corraling your accessories like this makes at least packing a breeze. And it's waterproof! 

"I'm a corporate trainer and I travel a lot for work," said one. "I use any number of different cords and attachments, and this thing fits them all. There's room for my jet pack, laser pointer, and dongles, there's a zippered pocket for small things like flash drives, and there's a larger pocket with Velcro closure that holds a twelve-foot HDMI cord. I legitimately bought them in every color available for the other trainers on my team and they love them, too"

$17 at Amazon
Man handing boarding pass and passport to crew member.
If you want to stay powered up, tuned in, hydrated, organized and in possession of your luggage this holiday season, heed the recommendations from these high-flying experts. (Getty)

If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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