Following the loosening of travel restrictions, airlines and tour operators have reported a surge in ticket sales. Although some people remain cautious due to the possibility of last minute changes to the traffic-light status, Eurostar has seen an increase in bookings to several European countries including France, Germany, Austria and Norway. EasyJet has also reported an increase in bookings to the Balearics and Canary Islands, Italy, Greece and Portugal since the government’s announcement.
Whether trying to make the most of the last few weeks of the summer holidays, fit in a short break, book a getaway for later this year or even 2022, or find the perfect Christmas gift for travel mad friends and family, here are eight helpful gadgets that will make that long awaited trip even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Price: £249
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
The Pocketalk S language translator is the perfect travel companion. It can translate 82 languages bi-directionally at the touch of a button and has a text-to-translate camera which instantly recognises and translates text, the written word and signs – ideal if you need help reading menus or are trying to find your way around a new city. By utilising the best translation engines from around the world, Pocketalk S provides consistently accurate translation and creates the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang. It also comes with a complementary 2-year mobile data plan that provides coverage in over 130 countries/regions so you don’t need to rely on Wi-Fi.
Price: £24.99
Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk
Groov-e Kidz Headphones
For long car or plane journeys headphones for the tablet or phone are essential. These Bluetooth headphones provide a great listening experience without the kids getting caught up in the wires. Suitable for all Bluetooth-enabled audio/video devices including smartphone, tablet, laptop and portable DVD the Kidz offer up to 7.5 playtime plus an optional 3.5 mm headphone jack means they can continue to be used even when the battery dies. The comfortable fit means that kids will gladly wear them for them whilst they catch up on YouTube. Available in bold blue or vibrant pink.
Price: £19.99
Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk
Groov-e Wave ll
Proving big sound comes in small packages the Wave II Bluetooth speaker means compromising on power for portability is a thing of the past. Ideal to take camping or to have for around the pool, the Wave II boasts a powerful spec in a compact size. The 6W speaker combined with an eight-hour playtime means the tunes will play all day. A handy carabiner clip means you can attach the Wave II to your tent, clothes, belt or bag knowing it will securely stay in place. There’s no need to panic if a spontaneous water fight breaks out as the Wave II is IPX4 water resistant or in simple terms: splash proof.
Price: £24.99
Available from: www.groove.co.uk
Groov-e Wireless Charger
Keep your gadgets charged wherever your travels take you with this wireless charging power bank from Groov-e. You have the option of wireless charging or USB and USB Type-C output so most phones, tablets, e-readers and cameras are covered. The 8000 mAH capacity offers multiple device charges.
£49.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
A must have if you’re flying somewhere, the AirFly Pro is a Bluetooth adaptor that allows AirPods or other wireless headphones to be used in situations where only wired headphone jacks are available i.e. with the inflight entertainment system. Having to use the uncomfortable wired headphones airlines provide is now a thing of the past as AirFly Pro will allow up-to two users to easily connect their wireless headphones via Bluetooth, to the media system.
Price: £49.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
This sturdy, all-metal folding stand from Twelve South allows you to use iPad Pro more creatively while on the move. Use it to dock iPad Pro on your tray table on planes and trains so you can comfortably enjoy TV shows, movies and games. Compact and lightweight, it folds away for easy transportation.
Price: £49.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
Twelve South PlugBug Duo
Simple yet incredibly practical, PlugBug Duo keeps USB-powered devices charged in more than 150 countries. It also adds two USB ports to a MacBook Power adapter so users can charge three devices at once. With PlugBug Duo, users can keep all their devices charged, wherever they may roam.
Twelve South BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite
Price: £49.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
The BookBook for Kindle Paperwhite is a vintage inspired, one-of-a-kind case designed to protect Amazon’s latest e-reader. Enhancing the joy of reading, BookBook transforms the Kindle Paperwhite into what looks and feels like an elegant, leather-bound hardcover book. Made from hand-distressed, genuine leather which is different and unique on every BookBook, the case even features an integrated folding kickstand that props up the Kindle Paperwhite for hands-free reading on trains, planes or by the pool.