Tag: #travel

How to Game on the Go with Your PlayStation or Xbox

If you find yourself away from home for work, to visit friends or on holiday, you can still enjoy playing your games. For those who have a passion for gaming, stepping away from the console, especially during important competition, teaming up with others or updates, can make them feel frustrated quickly.

Nowadays, new features in portable technology make it possible to watch anywhere you choose. With today’s portable gaming gear, you can grab a powerful game anywhere you go in your backpack.

Now, anyone from occasional gamers to console experts can easily set up a mobile gaming station. Learn from us how to use your PlayStation or Xbox for gaming wherever you are, and why choosing the right monitor for your PS5 is important.

First, You Should Set up the Console Properly

If you want to play games offline, you should use a portable setup. Here are the things you should bring with you:

  • You can use your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S
  • Compact design of both the controller and the power cords
  • HDMI cable
  • Monitor designed for use with a PS5 monitor that updates the display fast and has low input lag.
  • If you like, you can buy a carrying case or backpack made for consoles.
  • Being able to play your games on the go should not mean you feel the quality suffers.

Even if you’re away from home for any reason, you can still play your games. For gamers who love their sport, stepping aside from the console, especially during important competitions, teaming up, or receiving updates, can quickly cause them to feel frustrated.

Now, you can watch TV wherever you like using portable devices. Today’s portable devices allow you to bring a high-quality game with you anywhere.

These days, both occasional and dedicated gamers can easily create a mobile gaming area with no problem. Find out from us how to connect your PS4 or Xbox to any TV for gaming and why you need an ideal monitor for your PS5.

Here’s Why Choosing a Portable Monitor Has Attracted Many Gamers in 2025

This is why people everywhere are choosing to use portable monitors when gaming.

  • You can carry the amp in a backpack or a console case because it is so light.
  • Games are playable on PS5, Xbox, Switch, and on computers and phones.
  • You can expect top computer gaming performance, vivid colors, and software limitations for sensitive eyes.
  • It’s Plug-and-Play, setup is very easy and doesn’t take time.
  • The gaming monitor made for PS5 is worth buying if you want a display that will last in the future.

Some Ways to Maximize Your Gaming Experience When Away

  • Download games and updates while you are still connected to the internet
  • Take a Surge Protector with You: Sometimes, the power outlets in hotels are limited or just do not work.
  • Sort your cables using a technology pouch to avoid getting them tangled.
  • Enter Game Mode on your monitor to see visuals that are best for gaming
  • Plug in and load all your controllers, headsets, and battery banks before you leave.

Game Suggestions for PlayStation or Xbox 

  • The sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, is full of epic scenes and lovely scenery.
  • You can enjoy FIFA 24 multiplayer wherever you are.
  • Players can get involved and stay entertained as Elden Ring is full of in-depth gameplay.
  • You can join in on the action anywhere with Halo Infinite.
  • Spider-Man 2 – The game feels outstanding and travels smoothly on a 120Hz touch screen monitor.

Final Thoughts

You can play video games anywhere where you can connect to a device with a reliable screen. If you have a PS5 monitor with unique features or a multi-touch screen, you can play your favorite PS5 games any place you go.

Besides, the gaming monitor for PS5 surpasses others in quality with its superb image, smooth refresh rate, and low delay, allowing it to move comfortably from place to place and work among numerous consoles. 

With new forms of gaming coming along, your equipment should change as well. Use technology to help you access your games whenever and wherever you wish. If you have a powerful portable monitor, you can keep working, stay in touch with others and explore your games or entertainment anywhere.

Payzone expands partnership with Bleeper bikes

Coinciding with National Bike Week, 10-18 May, Payzone, Ireland’s largest consumer payments network, is excited to announce an expanded partnership with Bleeper, Dublin’s longest-running stationless bike service. Building on a successful partnership since 2023, Payzone has renewed its sponsorship of Bleeper’s fleet of over 800 public bikes, operating across Dublin City, Fingal, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils, for a further two years.

In addition to the renewed sponsorship, Payzone has now added new functionality and features for active travel to its popular Payzone app, empowering users to not only locate the nearest Bleeper bike but also unlock and pay for it seamlessly using their Payzone account.

At the core of this partnership is a commitment to sustainability. Bleeper’s mission is to fight climate change, “one journey at a time”. In 2024 alone, Bleeper users avoided emitting approximately 46,520kg of CO2 by choosing to cycle for their daily trips. By integrating these services into the Payzone app, users now have even greater access to environmentally friendly travel options.

Jim Deignan, CEO of Payzone, commented: “This integration with Bleeper reflects our commitment to making everyday easier; in particular to make travel and mobility easier and more accessible to those commuting in the city. In addition to simplifying everyday transactions, we are also actively promoting a greener future for Irish towns and cities.”

Payzone is committed to continuous innovation, enhancing its users’ experience by integrating more value-add services. Payzone was the first app in Ireland to integrate shared bikes into its platform offering with the company planning to add further modes of transport in the future.

Hugh Cooney, Founder of Bleeper, added: “This partnership with Payzone represents a step towards making bike-sharing even more accessible to the public. The integration offers an easy and affordable way for more people to choose cycling as a sustainable transport option. We are thrilled to work with Payzone and look forward to further expanding these services.”

For more than a decade, Payzone’s mobile application has been a trusted platform for motorists, delivering continuous innovation. Payzone’s application offers a unique blend of parking, transport & micromobility solutions.  Operating across 18 counties, the Payzone app makes it easy to find and pay for parking, manage toll payments, access shared mobility options and save with exclusive offers, all in one app.

Redesigned Airbnb app now available for Summer 2025

Today, Airbnb unveiled its 2025 Summer Release, ushering in a brand new era of travel from the company that first introduced a way to book a home like a hotel in 2007.  With today’s launch, Airbnb is going beyond homes and introducing two offerings – Airbnb Services and completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences.

This is all powered by a new tech stack that allows hosts to offer homes, services, and experiences – and many more offerings in the years ahead. The new Airbnb app – now available to download – features a new design system with a beautifully animated interface that brings the world of Airbnb to life.

  • Built on a new tech stack–Over the past several years, Airbnb has rebuilt its technology stack, including overhauling and modernising the app experience. This new tech stack now allows hosts to introduce even more offerings in the years ahead.
  • A dimensional design system–Airbnb created a design system with a dimensional and beautifully animated interface – including with new 3D iconography – that brings the world of Airbnb to life, so planning your trip feels effortless and delightful.
  • The app that travels with you–From the moment you book your home, the app suggests services and experiences we think you’ll love – and when you arrive at your destination, the app welcomes you with a detailed itinerary, with recommendations for experiences happening nearby throughout your stay.
  • Explore homes, services and experiences–Users logging into Airbnb starting today will now find an entirely new homepage, where you can discover homes in popular destinations, experiences that fit your schedule, and services around the world.

 

Airbnb Experiences

One of the top reasons people book an Airbnb is because they can live like a local. But it’s hard to find the best things to do when you’re somewhere new. Too often, you end up in a big group, following a tour guide with a megaphone, doing activities that feel like you’re ticking a box. What if there was a more authentic way to experience a city?

Today, we’re introducing completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences – hosted by locals who know their city best. We’re launching experiences in over 650 cities around the world and adding more every day. Uncover the best parts of a city with experiences like:

Reimagined nearly every part of the app, including:

  • Explore tab –  An all-new homepage to discover homes in popular destinations, experiences that fit your schedule, and services around the world.
  • Trips tab – An advanced travel itinerary with a schedule of your trip, details about your home, and the services and experiences you’ve booked.
  • Messages – A revamped messaging platform with photo and video sharing and integrated payments for customising services.
  • Profile – A redesigned Airbnb profile lets you share where you’ve travelled on Airbnb and see the people you’ve met along the way. Airbnb profiles also highlight the over 200 million guests and hosts worldwide who have completed our identity verification process.

Rebuilt the app for hosts to include everything they need to manage their home, service or experience:

  • Airbnb Setup – A simplified listing creation tool makes it easy for hosts to submit a service or experience to Airbnb.
  • Today tab – An all-new reservations management tab makes it easy to see details about upcoming reservations to help hosts provide exceptional hospitality.
  • Calendar – A redesigned calendar for homes, features a new daily view  with an hour-by-hour schedule and real-time integration with Google Calendar.
  • Listings tab – New listing management tools for services and experiences make it easy for hosts to adjust every aspect of their listing, from location to pricing.

45% of Irish commuters stressed by their daily journey

KINTO Join – a provider of sustainable mobility applications – today reveals the findings of its survey which found that 45% of commuters in Ireland find their journey to work or university stressful.

The research – conducted by Censuswide and involving 1,000 people who commute to work or university in the Republic of Ireland – found that more than half (51%) have considered changing their commute method. However, 48% have never tried a different mode of transport for their commute.

Traffic delays and congestion were cited by 44% of commuters as one of their biggest frustrations. The other leading frustrations were fuel costs (30%), the time lost having to commute (30%), the weather (29%), and delays with services (15%).

Driving by car is the most popular primary mode of transport (51%) among commuters. However, only 16% prefer to travel this way. If available, the bus was the most preferred means of commuting (25%), followed by the train (24%) and walking (23%). One in ten (10%) respondents said they would prefer a company or university shuttle.

In urban areas, driving by car and getting the bus were tied for the top spot as the most popular primary mode of transport (at 32% respectively). In terms of generations, almost twice as many Generation X commuters drive by car (63%) than Generation Z commuters (32%).

Of those who commute by car, 91% always or mostly do so alone. Their top reasons for travelling to work or university by car are that it is more time-efficient (48%), it is the only option (43%), and inadequate public transport accessibility (34%).

The study found that the average daily commute time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes, whilst the average daily cost is €10. Train commuters have the most expensive journey to work or university (€13.14). At the other end of the scale, (excluding walkers) eBike commuters have the least expensive commute (€4.71).

As for the average distance of a one-way commute, this is just shy of 17km, with those in Roscommon (30.56km), Wicklow (24.97km), and Westmeath (23.76km) travelling furthest. Meanwhile, respondents in Longford (6.13km), Waterford (9.58km), and Donegal (11km) have the shortest distances to travel.

Patrizia Niehaus, CEO, KINTO Join Ltd, said: “It’s ironic that while so many commuters in Ireland drive alone out of necessity, a significant number would actually prefer not to. They’re frustrated – by traffic, rising fuel costs, and the stress of it all – but don’t feel they have another choice. Of course, large-scale infrastructure upgrades are vital, but they take time. In the meantime, the congestion worsens, and emissions reduction targets slip further out of reach. That’s why action at the micro-level is so critical.

“A large share of short-distance travel happens for work and education. Employers and institutions are uniquely positioned to support more sustainable commuting through initiatives like shared transport schemes, carpooling platforms, or incentives for walking and cycling. When organisations take the lead, they not only support their own sustainability goals, but also drive behavioural change that benefits entire communities — cutting emissions, easing traffic, and giving people what they clearly want: the freedom not to drive alone.”

Emirates named as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline

As part of Autism Awareness month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all. One year after Emirates’ first successful ‘travel rehearsal’, the programme is now being rolled out across 17 cities – allowing children with autism to practice the journey through the airport in order to prepare for real flights. Emirates has also achieved its designation as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, with more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff now trained to support customers with autism. For the month of April, Emirates highlighted autism awareness to millions of passengers globally, showcasing a selection of movies, podcasts and TV shows about neurodiversity on its inflight entertainment system, ice.

Adel al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates, said:

“Emirates has been driving and facilitating good progress in accessible travel, and it is part of our operational strategy. We continue to work on this mission to make travel more inclusive. At the beginning of 2024, we were recognised as a Certified Autism Center™. We have upskilled our teams and I am pleased to say that we are now the world’s first autism-certified airline, with 30, 000 frontline staff and cabin crew trained to support our customers with autism. Now we are also rolling out our Travel Rehearsal programme in cities across the globe, to break barriers and make travel accessible for everyone. This is part of our social and professional responsibility.”

Emirates’ Travel Rehearsals activated across 17 cities

Globally, Emirates has started rolling out its travel rehearsal programme to 17 cities including Barcelona, Brisbane, Budapest, Cebu, Christchurch, Dubai, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Manila, Mauritius, Manchester, Montreal, Nice, Oslo, Paris and Toronto, with more destinations committing to the programme every month.

The Travel Rehearsal concept first began in 2023, as a community collaboration between Emirates, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, and several schools and centres for autism in Dubai, whose feedback was invaluable to the process.

The local schools and centres for autism including Safe Center for Autism, The New England Center for Children’s® (NECC®) Clinic, Rashid Center for People of Determination and Dubai Autism Centre were invited to Dubai International (DXB) to experience a simulation of an airport journey. The children and their teachers and carers got to practice checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Duty Free and familiarising themselves with the airport, boarding passes, and the many individuals encountered along the way.

Now on an international level, parents, therapists and teachers involved in the travel rehearsals have reported to Emirates that the experience has been invaluable in helping their child to have a safe and successful flight, by offering the comfort of preparation and familiarity, as well as trained staff to support.

Emirates is introducing the travel rehearsal initiative in many cities on its network, with partnering airports, authorities, local centers, and foundations. Currently, this is not a bookable service and is available on an invitation basis in collaboration with accredited centers.

Emirates is the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™

Emirates has achieved its goal of becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, by completing the training of 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff to understand and support customers with autism. The new training on autism and sensory awareness equips Emirates’ frontline staff with the understanding and skills to address needs of autistic and sensory sensitive travellers, along with their families. It aims to educate Emirates’ teams on the spectrum of autism, misconceptions and challenges faced, the myriad ways to assist customers dependent on their individual needs, and potential stimulus and triggers that staff should be aware of.

The inaugural designation will be awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a leading organization in autism and neurodiversity training and certification. Emirates worked collaboratively with IBCCES for more than a year, to create the training after detailed reviews and a comprehensive audit. Using a data-driven approach, Emirates and IBCCES created a new blueprint for serving passengers with accessibility requirements, encompassing the entire journey – from ground services to in-flight services.

Emirates’ highlights Autism Awareness globally on ice

Throughout April, Emirates highlighted autism awareness to millions of global passengers on its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice. The content included movies like Temple Grandin, Ezra and The Flight of Bryan, as well as podcasts about Dubai’s autism-friendly mission, documentaries like Copa 71, BBC docuseries Inside Our Autistic Minds, and Carl the Collector – a cartoon about a racoon character with autism.

The Year of Community – Dubai entities work together for Accessible Travel

For many people with autism, air travel is a challenging experience or something to be avoided completely, due to the high level of sensory stimuli that can be involved. A survey on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations, and that 94% of respondents would take more vacations if they had access to places where staff are autism-trained and certified. Through global training and international initiatives, Emirates’ mission to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all also supports Dubai’s ambition to become the most accessible destination in the world.

Continuing to drive the accessible travel agenda forward, Emirates works in close collaboration with all its partners, which includes Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to Dubai Airports, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, working together to achieve important goals in inclusive and accessible travel.

Emirates’ Accessible Travel Information

GOMATIC unveils the Method Luggage Collection

GOMATIC, a manufacturer of quality and versatile camera bags, travel bags, luggage and accessories today introduces the Method Luggage Collection, offering a new level of innovation and functionality in carry-on and check-in bags. Lighter, stronger and with more capacity, they are optimized from the wheels up, offering the same dimensions as all carry-on bags but with up to 20% more packing capacity than other luggage with the same exterior dimensions.

The complete line includes the Method Carry-On (H 22″ x W 14″ x D 9″) and Method Check-In bag (H 30″ x W 19.25″ x D 12.75″), which are available in black, navy, moss green and grey from www.gomatic.co.uk. The Method Carry-On is priced at £320 whilst the Check-In is priced at £420.

Engineered for maximum efficiency and best-in-class materials, the patent-pending space-saving design allows travellers to pack up to three to four more days’ worth of clothes in the Method Carry-On and up to 14 days in the Method Check-In bag with a full-perimeter expansion.

“We’ve pushed the boundaries of science and engineered all new luggage, introducing a collection with the same dimensions but significantly more space,” revealed Jon Richards, Co-Founder of GOMATIC. “This line is a game-changer, meeting all the criteria for a revolutionary product. It’s lighter, stronger and offers more capacity, illustrating the power of innovation in smarter and better packing. The Method Luggage has been rigorously tested to ensure it can withstand the rigors of travel. It’s almost like magic that travellers can fit more in the carry-on than any luggage in its class.”

Mico-welded and made with durable virgin polycarbonate, YKK zippers and 360 silent glide wheels, it moves effortlessly. The Method Luggage Collection has been thoroughly tested in over 30 real-life simulations and has proven to be one of the most durable luggage available that is ready to roll.

Key Features:

● Ultra-lightweight. No nuts and bolts, making the carry-on up to 1 lb lighter than other luggage brands

● 360-Degree Silent Glide Wheels. Move effortlessly in any direction with wheels that glide smoothly and silently, making travel a breeze.

● Full-Perimeter Expansion. Expand your suitcase with ease, thanks to the full-perimeter expansion feature – Method Carry-on from 9” to 10.75”, Method Check-In from 12.75” to 14.5”

● Easy-clean Interior. Liner-free internal design for easy cleaning.

● Micro-Welded Construction and Ridge Design for Strength. The micro-welded construction and unique ridge design add an extra layer of strength, making your suitcase nearly indestructible.

● Internal Corner Protectors. Corners are reinforced with internal protectors to guard against wear and tear, ensuring longevity.

● Compression Panel. Keep your items neatly organized and compressed, maximizing space.

● 3-Stage Aluminium Handle. Customisable to your height, the three-stage aluminium handle offers comfort and ease of use.

● Internal Organization Pockets. Stay organized on the go with multiple internal pockets designed for all your travel essentials.

● Concealed GPS Tracker Pocket. Never lose track of your luggage again with the built-in concealed GPS tracker pocket.

● TSA Locks. Travel worry-free with TSA-approved locks that keep your belongings secure while allowing easy access for security checks.

Available from www.gomatic.co.uk. The Method Carry-on is available now for £320 and the Method Check-in for £420.

Twelve South launches AirFly Pro 2: The ultimate in-flight upgrade for your audio

Twelve South, an innovative Apple accessories designer, today reveals the AirFly Pro 2 – an upgraded version of its best-selling AirFly Bluetooth audio adapter with improved features including better sound, intuitive controls, easier pairing, longer battery life and more.

Twelve South’s AirFly range is renowned worldwide for enabling the seamless pairing of wireless headphones with legacy audio jacks, commonly found on in-flight entertainment, gym equipment and older physical media players. The AirFly Pro 2 allows users to enjoy the superior sound of wireless headphones and speakers with devices that lack Bluetooth functionality.

Since its launch in 2018, Twelve South’s AirFly we reviewed has become a jet setter’s cabin baggage essential, allowing users to enjoy in-flight entertainment with the immersive sound of their own wireless earbuds or headphones, rather than low quality, wired airline headsets. We also checked out the lite version.

The new AirFly Pro 2 elevates this experience by keeping some of AirFly’s best bits and combining with new innovative features:

  • Effortless Bluetooth pairing thanks to dedicated pairing buttons and intuitive physical controls. Pair 1 and Pair 2 buttons make connecting one or two headphones effortless (new)
  • Connect one or two sets of headphones for shared listening – no splitters, no wires
  • With aptX™ support, it delivers high-quality audio with incredible clarity and depth (new)
  • Quick access volume and mute control buttons allow sound to be adjusted instantly (new)
  • Over 25 hours battery life on a single charge plus a clear battery indicator light (new)
  • Can be used as an AUX-IN adaptor for connecting phones to vehicles without sharing data (ideal for rental/courtesy cars)
  • Stylish travel bag and USB-C cable included for charging (new – previously the travel pouch was only AirFly Pro Deluxe models)

In addition to being a travel companion, AirFly Pro 2 is a staple for gym goers allowing fitness fanatics to connect their own headphones to treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment for more immersive soundtracks and guided workouts.

Those with older media players including turntables, portable cassette players and TVs can also use AirFly Pro 2 to connect wireless headphones, speakers and soundbars, breathing a new lease of life into retro devices.

The second-generation model retains the classic AirFly design users know and love. Initially launching in white, the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 will be available in additional colours, including blue and black, later this year.

AirFly Pro 2 is available now for £59.99 from www.twelvesouth.co.uk. It will also be available from Amazon UK early April and from Apple in June.

Useful travel gadgets and accessories for holidays and trips in 2025

Need to up your tech game for your trips and holidays well here below is some you might want to check out for the year ahead with the latest tech on the market from cables to watches bluetooth speakers and more there is something for everyone that is also affordable and will make life easier in 2025
Twelve South PlugBug Travel Kit
Price: £79.99 (50w), £129.99 (120w)
Available from Twelve South UK and Apple
Twelve South’s PlugBug is the first ever USB-C plug with built-in Find My! Travellers will never leave their charger in the hotel or airport lounge again. Simply launch the Find My app on an iPhone so see exactly where it is, even if it’s on the other side of the world. The PlugBug can also act as an AirTag tracker for any bag it’s in, allowing users to find both their bag and charger. Users can even utilise the Notify When Left Behind feature to help ensure it’s not lost in the first place.

It can charge Power Delivery compatible devices much faster than a standard USB-C charger and detects which devices are being charged and delivers the right amount of fast charging power to them. Available in 50W with two ports or 120W with four ports, the Plug Bug also includes EU (Type C) and UK (Type G) interchangeable adaptors.

Folding prongs and ports that are accessible from the bottom of the charger rather than the back, make it easy to plug in to wall outlets in tight spaces, such as behind a sofa or side table. The all new travel version includes adaptors for US, UK, EU, AU KR and CN as well as a handy travel case to keep things organised.

QDOS PowerMotion Ultra 4.0 USB cable
Price: £39.99
Available from QDOS
The new QDOS PowerMotion Ultra USB-C to USB-C cables offer high performance both in terms of power delivery and data transfer. Users can enjoy up to 40Gbps of data transfer, making it the ideal travel accessory for creatives who travel, gaming, and those who want to transfer large files.
What’s more its 100% recycled TPE stepped connector means it’s compatible with all USB-C and high power enabled devices including Macbooks, laptops, smartphones, tablets and more.
Vango Tempest Airbeam pump from Outdoor World Direct
Price: £89.99
Available from Outdoor World Direct
The most intuitive pump for air tents available, the Vango Tempest pump offers easy inflation of any air tent or awning (not just Vango’s), meaning there is no need to carry and work a manual pump. The rechargeable pump simply plugs into the valve and inflates any tent to the correct pressure, offering effortless, fast-pitching when camping. The included attachments mean it can also inflate other gear like airbeds. It also has a deflate function to safely set down the tent. The LED screen features PSI (pressure gauge) and there’s even a USB port so it serves as a powerbank for charging other devices, like phones. What’s more it weighs just 1kg, so doesn’t add to a backpacker’s or festival goer’s load.
Highlander Ben Nevis 52L rucksack from Outdoor World Direct

Price: £99.99

Available in petrol blue for women and grey for men from Outdoor World Direct in March

Ideal for those who love hiking, and embark on multi-day hikes for pleasure or  the Highlander Ben Nevis 52L Rucksack in men’s or women’s from Outdoor World Direct is specially tailored for women’s bodies and designed for comfort.
The adjustable height system and dual webbing on the shoulder and hip straps prevents shoulder pain from long periods of carrying. Hydration bladder compatibility means no need to lift the rucksack off once it’s comfortably in place to drink to stay hydrated.
Large front and side pockets provide easy access and the included rain cover keeps belongings dry in wet conditions. It also features dedicated points for ice axes, walking poles, and a Pole-Park system for more technical hikes.
Highlander Venture Backpack from Outdoor World Direct
Price: £24.99
Available from Outdoor World Direct
This 20L day pack by Highlander is ideal for day trips, whether exploring the mountains or cities. It is also within cabin baggage size guidelines (H48 x W27 x D16cm) and so can make a useful hand luggage option, especially as it’s packed with features.
The main compartment has compression straps for neat packing and hydration bladder compatibility for outdoors activities. A bungee corded front pouch makes handy storage for a helmet or compressing a jacket, while the elasticated side pockets are perfect for a water bottle and umbrella.
Adjustable chest and shoulder straps allow for correct load distribution, preventing aching shoulders.
Groov-e Kidz Headphones – new upgraded version
Price: £17.99
Available from Amazon now and Currys and Robert Dyas in March
New and improved for 2025, these headphones now have a volume limiter switch of 85db or 100db to help protect little ears. Ideal for keeping them entertained on long car journeys or flights, they can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included 3.5mm cable (so compatible with in-flight entertainment).
The integrated mic is ideal for catching up with friends or gaming online. The generous 20-hours playback, adjustable headband and soft, padded ear cups make them ideal for long durations. When they’ve finished listening, the Kidz fold down to a compact size for storage or transportation.

Styletech Portable LED Speaker

Price: £19.99

Available from Very

This affordable, compact Bluetooth speaker is ideal for enjoying music and more when travelling. Enjoy up to 11 hours playback and punchy sound from the 5w speaker, while the 11 RGB animated light options on the LED ring – including 5 static colours and 6 animated – are perfect for setting the mood, or turn them off entirely.
Integrated buttons mean controlling playback can easily be done on the speaker, as well as from the connected device. Standing just 105mm tall and with a handy carry loop, it’s the perfect speaker for holidays and adventures.
Maxcom Gold and Silver 2

RRP: £79.99

Available from Amazon in gold and silver

Maxcom Gold and Maxcom Silver 2 smartwatches combine a classic look with advanced technology for managing life on the go. Designed to look and feel like a stunning piece of jewellery, perfect for dinners out when on holiday, its round stainless steel body and shiny gold or silver bracelet accessories any outfit perfectly.

The watches are ideal for travel; make calls and texts, check the local weather and receive important notifications on the go, as well as track steps and outdoor activities. They also continually measure pulse and blood pressure and analyse sleep quality, suggest breathing exercises, measure stress and mood and send reminders to stay hydrated.

Dedicated female focussed features allow women to track their menstrual cycle, fertile periods and pregnancy. A versatile fitness trainer, it also counts calories burned, distance travelled and supports over 70 sports disciplines.

The 1.2-inch AMOLED touch screen is bright and easy to read. Always-On-Display mode allows users to display the time on a blank screen, giving it the feel of a traditional watch. Users can choose from unique, original dials or from over 100 free watch faces that are available in the app. Its efficient battery lasts for up to seven days without charging.

Maxcom FW66 IronR review

Groov-e Triton
RRP: £20
Available from Groov-e, Moto motorway services, House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Amazon

Ideal for keeping your devices charged on the go, Groov-e Triton is a folding 3-in-1 portable magnetic wireless charger. Compact and no bigger than a post-it note when folded, it fits easily in a handbag, backpack or carry-on bag, meaning users don’t need to take multiple cables or chargers with them.

When unfolded, it has three separate Qi wireless charging pads that lay flat to provide power to multiple compatible devices. Whether that’s an Android or Apple mobile device, Apple Watch, AirPods or wireless earphones, users can charge them at the same time. Triton can also be folded into a rigid stand, allowing users to watch videos or take calls whilst charging.

Syntech Bluetooth Transceiver For Travel Review

The Syntech Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver is a handy travel gadget for those who want that bit more and this is also super pocket friendly too so it does not take up space with today’s tight ravel restrictions now with bags and so on especially flying out of Ireland

This can be used on an airplane which is the intended target but can be used in other ways too which is handy you can connect to your tv laptop and more and you can then easily connected earbuds or headphones and it can connect up to two devices at once which makes it more flexible.

The design is nice and it looks like a smartwatch out of the box which I think is cool  you get a nice display on top a USB-C port for charging and a volume dial on the side also there is a tx/rx switch and power on/off BT switch and extending from all this is the 3.5 mm cable which is short.

On the display it shows the volume level and several icons on the bottom which are headphones and connections and easy to read. This also allows two pairs of earbuds/headphones to connect.

This gadget has another excellent use case here if your car is of the older type and has an aux port you can connect this and you can then connect your phone to your cars system which is excellent

 

Features

 

  • 2-in-1 Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver: The Syntech AUX Bluetooth transmitter for TV is designed for versatility in various scenarios. In transmitter mode, it connects wirelessly to in-flight entertainment systems, TVs, and gym equipment. The included dual 3.5mm AUX adapter ensures compatibility with diverse aircraft audio interfaces. In receiver mode, it streams audio from your phone or tablet to speakers or car stereos effortlessly.
  • HD Display & Dual Pairing: The Bluetooth transmitter features a clear HD display screen for an intuitive operating experience, allowing you to monitor connection status and avoid setup errors easily. It also supports dual pairing, letting you share audio with two AirPods or wireless headphones at once, perfect for enjoying music or movies with family and friends.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: Ultra-lightweight and measuring only a third of a credit card, this Bluetooth airplane adaptor is perfect for travel. It includes a dedicated storage pouch to keep the tv bluetooth transmitter, accessories, and even earbuds organized, saving valuable space in your backpack or carry-on.
  • Stable & Low-Latency Connectivity: Powered by advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology, this Bluetooth adapter for airplane ensures a stable connection with minimal latency for superior audio quality. With a range of up to 15 meters, you can move freely without interruptions. It’s also backward compatible with Bluetooth 5.2/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.0, ensuring broad device compatibility.
  • Extended Battery Life: Enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous audio on a single 1.5-hour charge, perfect for long flights or extended use. Syntech’s tv Bluetooth transmitter comes with a worry-free 12-month warranty and responsive customer support, ensuring a reliable and satisfying purchase experience.

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