Travel Favorites | Tech Gadgets + Apps


Happy Friday friends! With vacation on the horizon at the end of next week – I’ve been making lists like it’s my job! I wanted to share a few of my favorite tech travel items as well as apps – things that make travel a bit easier! 

apps for travel, best tech gadgets for travel, opentable, airbnb,





Tech Gadgets 





  • Travel Case for Small Electronics || I purchased this for Gary a couple years ago and now we take it on every trip with us. You can easily store all of your wires, SD Cards, cables, etc & not have to go digging through your bags to find them – bonus is that none of them get tangled.
  • Selfie Stick || Before our trip to Europe a couple years ago we decided to get a selfie stick. We didn’t want to rely on asking other people to take our photo, especially since we were going to be in another country. We’ve taken it on every trip since & even though it’s a little weird to take a photo with it, you quickly get over it when you realize the quality of the photo you are getting is great and there are no awkward arm selfies in there! 
  • USB Wall Charger || Without fail Gary & I always have a hard time charging our phones, watches & iPads at the same time, but not anymore. A few months ago, Gary picked up this USB wall charger and now we don’t have to call dibs on that one outlet anymore!
  • Power Bank for charging || I use my phone a lot! For the most part I don’t go through my battery too often, but I know that I’ll be sharing a lot during this trip & we’ll be taking videos which use a lot more battery life, so I bought this power bank to take on the trip. It’s also rose gold which pretty much matches every other Apple product I have…yep I’m that person! 










APPS 



  • OpenTable || We don’t make a lot of reservations for restaurants ahead of time because the cravings for food can change. Having the OpenTable app on your phone makes it so easy to snag a reservation on the go, especially if a tour guide or someone local to the area recommends a must try place!! This came in extremely handy when we were in New Orleans and Charleston! 
  • PhotoSync || We take most of our photos with our iPhone’s and with Gary’s phone having the portrait mode offering, I use his phone a lot. Even though we could airdrop the photos back and forth, they don’t come over in the order that you took them – it comes over like a jumbled mess which makes sorting a nightmare. We use PhotoSync which keeps them in order and I can then easily transfer the photos to my Mac using the airdrop feature. 
  • AirBnB || This app is only useful if you’re actually going to be staying in an AirBnB on your trip which we are for two of our stops. You can contact your host directly through the app so that you don’t have to print anything ahead of time, you can also book experience in the city that you’re visiting. We used this during our stay in Nashville and it was super helpful. 








New for this trip ||




SideKix || Since the PCH highway trip will include lots of stops in cities & smaller towns, I downloaded the SideKix app which allows you navigate the city with things that are of interest to you – like cool cafes, smaller museums or even parks! I’m excited to use this in San Francisco since we’ve already done all the “touristy” stuff our first time there! Most major cities are included, so if you want something fun to do in your own city – download the app and see what it tells you to do! 










What are some of your favorite apps that you like to have when you’re on the go? Anything I should add to our tech list? 








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58 Comments

  1. Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
    March 3, 2017 / 11:14 am

    These are all great! I need to check out that airbnb app. I haven't used them before, but have been looking into as an option for our next vacation! Happy Friday!!

  2. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    March 3, 2017 / 11:24 am

    The travel case is such a good idea! I have been throwing my chargers in my big suitcase and then always have to dig around for them. And I took my selfie stick to New Orleans in November and felt weird using it at first, but you're right, you get over it after you realize how great the pictures are! And you don't have to ask anyone while hoping they don't steal your phone haha!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  3. Andrea Nine
    March 3, 2017 / 11:35 am

    Thank goodness for my selfie stick, I had a Bluetooth one but it was awful so I got a regular one and it's great because mr. Nine dues you like me asking people to take our pic, this last vacay only got one of those, lol. Great case too! Happy Weekend beautiful!!

  4. Lindsay @ Lovely Life Styling
    March 3, 2017 / 11:42 am

    Great post idea! I'm pinning this for the next time I travel. The SideKix app sounds great!

  5. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
    March 3, 2017 / 11:51 am

    The gadgets you listed are great! I love using my selfie stick for my GoPro when traveling because it helps capture the scenery better and I don't care what looks I get lol. Power banks might be the gadget I use the most, even in every day life. They are a MUST HAVE now in traveling! I'm a big fan of the app PackPoint that lists everything you need to remember to pack based on weather and activities. You can have multiple lists for each destination you are traveling too as well. Have a great weekend girl!
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  6. Blaire Bingham
    March 3, 2017 / 12:12 pm

    My life changed when I discovered Open Table! I am going to download Sidekick right now. I have never heard of it, but it sounds like so much fun. We are driving up to Kentucky in May and this app would be so perfect for the ride.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  7. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    March 3, 2017 / 12:20 pm

    Mark is pretty obsessed with Open Table and racking up points. I have never heard of SideKix but downloaded it now! I'm so excited for your trip for you!

  8. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    March 3, 2017 / 12:21 pm

    I have to get a travel case now for my chargers. And how have I never airdropped photos to my mac.

  9. Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate
    March 3, 2017 / 12:30 pm

    Hooray for your upcoming trip! Looking forward to checking out your travel faves. Thanks for sharing! Happy list making and trip prepping! xo – Brenda // ChattingOverChocolate.com

  10. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    March 3, 2017 / 12:41 pm

    That SideKix app sound like so much fun! Steven and I definitely need to download that for long roadtrips! I also just bought Steven a travel case for his electronics too because it's such a pain when your cords get all tangled! Happy Friday girly!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  11. Lauren {By Lauren M}
    March 3, 2017 / 12:44 pm

    That USB Wall charger would be a game changer! My husband and I are always fighting for the same plug, haha!

    By Lauren M

  12. Rachel McCarthy
    March 3, 2017 / 12:45 pm

    These are some great gadgets and apps, Biana! I need to check out the USB charger — my husband and I are always fighting over the outlet too haha! And I need to check out PhotoSync, what a great way to get your pictures from your phone to your computer. Have a great weekend!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  13. Brittany
    March 3, 2017 / 12:47 pm

    I thank god everyday for the selfie stick!! I mean, it is does so much and saves so much time! Idk why there aren't more USB wall outlets since that all we ever really use? Saving these for our Mexico trip!

    Brittany πŸ™‚
    kingdomofsequins.com

  14. Unknown
    March 3, 2017 / 1:09 pm

    Love this!
    Xo, Elizabeth
    stripesandsolitaires.com

  15. Leah Behr
    March 3, 2017 / 1:12 pm

    Thanks for the travel tips, babe! I had never heard of the photosync app.

    xx Leah / eatpraywearlove.com

  16. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    March 3, 2017 / 1:23 pm

    Great list!! I always forget our selfie stick but it is so perfect when it's just the two of you… genius invention for sure πŸ™‚

  17. Jalisa
    March 3, 2017 / 1:31 pm

    You've got some great finds, girlie! One thing I definitely need to get is a selfie stick. My niece has one and whenever she's around, we'll use it and the photos come out great. It's so funny because Eddie and I have traveled to a few countries together, but have only about a handful of photos together because we didn't want to ask people to take photos for us. It's not only awkward, but sometimes you don't like the way they took it and to ask again is just even more awkward, haha. I LOVE Open Table, not only is it super easy to book reservations, but you can earn points towards your next meal for a gift certificate, too! I've heard great things about SideKix, mainly how it makes traveling so much easier and it's like having a little tour guide. I've yet to use it, since we haven't traveled in a while, but I can't wait to. Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  18. A Dash of Pretty
    March 3, 2017 / 1:39 pm

    I just added all of those to my cart. They are genius ideas, especially the travel case!

  19. Beautifully Candid
    March 3, 2017 / 2:13 pm

    Your vacation is going to be amazing! Sidekix sounds really awesome, I'm going to check that out. Have a great weekend xo Beautifully Candid

  20. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    March 3, 2017 / 2:13 pm

    The portable phone charger is always a must for me when we're traveling! … I mean, it's a must for me even when we're just going to a football tailgate/game haha. I always end up using my phone more on trips & you definitely don't want it to die while you're out and about!

  21. Marie
    March 3, 2017 / 2:42 pm

    I just got a portable phone charger and it is so fantastic! I don't know what took me so long to get one. I totally need that USB wall charger! You are gonna have such a fab vacation!!

  22. Christina
    March 3, 2017 / 2:42 pm

    I love when you post techie stuff!! You always have some good apps. πŸ™‚ xoxo happy friday!! movies soon??

  23. Rachel
    March 3, 2017 / 2:45 pm

    Great tips! Makes me want to pack up a suitcase and hit the road for a vacation. Happy Friday!

    xoxo
    Rachel
    thetrendytomboy.com/

  24. Zelle B.
    March 3, 2017 / 2:46 pm

    I can't wait to hear about this trip! Stephen and I want to do that maybe for our anniversary next year so I'll be stalking your insta like crazy!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  25. Daily Style Finds
    March 3, 2017 / 2:54 pm

    I need to get a selfie stick. I am always afraid I am going to drop my phone. I love OpenTable for quickly making reservations and not having to actually call.

    Lisa
    Daily Style Finds

  26. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    March 3, 2017 / 3:37 pm

    I am not a fan of selfie sticks, but I need one. LOL! I think I would just feel so awkward taking a picture of ourselves while holding a stick out in front of us. LOL!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  27. Jane Clifford | Typically Jane
    March 3, 2017 / 3:59 pm

    Oh wow that sidekix app sounds super awesome! I'm definitely going to have to get that! And sooooo many yeses to the selfie stick!

  28. Nadine
    March 3, 2017 / 4:00 pm

    Sidekix sounds cool!! Chris always has a power bank on him and I always bring a selfie stick if I know we are going to be taking pictures. That travel case looks handy!

  29. Rebecca Jo
    March 3, 2017 / 4:05 pm

    I never know why selfie sticks get such a bad rap … they make a picture so much nicer & easier to take! I'm all for them.

  30. Unknown
    March 3, 2017 / 4:45 pm

    Awesome post babe…I have bookmarked this page…such great information! Portable phone charger and selfie stick are indeed essentials…! Great Post huni…! Kisses, Neha

    theinstylejournal.com

  31. Missy
    March 3, 2017 / 5:15 pm

    I need that photsync app, never heard of it! This reminds me to find my portable phone charger and charge it for upcoming long days! Have a great weekend!

  32. Lindsay's Sweet World
    March 3, 2017 / 5:43 pm

    I got B a power bank a few years ago for his birthdya and it was one of the best gifts I've ever gotten him! We use that thing all the time!

  33. Christina Lea Loves
    March 3, 2017 / 6:55 pm

    I need to dig our selfie stick out of the closet – it comes in such handy when traveling but we haven't used it in a bit and I completely forgot about it! Happy weekend!

  34. Unknown
    March 3, 2017 / 8:37 pm

    I always have a battery charger for my phone everywhere I go! I also love Opentable I have accumulated so many points and got many gift cards because of them!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com
    Try On Haul

  35. Unknown
    March 3, 2017 / 9:01 pm

    I need to do more traveling! I also so need a selfie stick!

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

  36. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    March 3, 2017 / 9:10 pm

    I use a little tripod that's like a shorter selfie stick but also will sit on its own. I love it and it goes right in my purse. It works for my phone and camera.

  37. Trish @ The Trish List
    March 3, 2017 / 9:34 pm

    Ohh good recommendations! I always forget the techie things when I go on vacation. I am going to check out some of these apps!

  38. Unknown
    March 3, 2017 / 10:55 pm

    These are great recommendations as I prepare for summer vacations! Hope you have a great weekend Biana!

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  39. sara [at] journey of doing
    March 3, 2017 / 11:55 pm

    I use an old sunglasses case for all my cords, SD cards, etc. It's so great to have everything all in one place!! I love Open Table, too. I keep Trip Advisor on my phone too so I can look up restaurants wherever we are!

  40. Unknown
    March 4, 2017 / 10:41 am

    Such a great list! I use a lot of these in my travels as well. I find the Maps.Me app really helpful for traveling overseas when you don't have service. You can download maps and use them offline (your photos GPS works even without service). Super helpful for getting around!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  41. Lizzie @ This Happy Life
    March 4, 2017 / 2:41 pm

    Love the open table app! Hope you're having a great weekend πŸ™‚

  42. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    March 4, 2017 / 3:44 pm

    So fun planning for a trip on the horizon! Great gadgets and apps. I'm going to have to get the SideKix app to explore all the fun things different cities have to offer.

  43. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    March 4, 2017 / 4:37 pm

    Those all sound like great apps, thanks for sharing. I still owe you a list of places in the Central Coast too!! Hope that you are having a great weekend so far too. πŸ™‚

  44. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style Blog
    March 4, 2017 / 10:00 pm

    This is a great list! I'm going to need to download the SideKix app next time I go on a trip!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  45. Susannah
    March 4, 2017 / 10:01 pm

    These are such fantastic travel tips! I'm going to have to get some of these things before I travel again! <3

  46. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    March 5, 2017 / 2:37 am

    I never use our selfie stick. I really should! The SideKix app sounds so cool! Excited to see how you like it!

  47. Emelia @ Dream Big and Buy the Shoes
    March 5, 2017 / 3:39 pm

    That SideKix app sounds really awesome. I am purchasing that small case for my cords and things, genius idea. My selfie stick took a tumble at a pool in Vegas and I need to get another one, haha.

  48. Anonymous
    March 6, 2017 / 12:18 am

    Ok, I know I'm totally behind, but so exciting that you guys are coming to San Francisco!! Where are all of your stops along the PCH? Fingers crossed that the weather is good when you come, what dates will you be in town?

  49. Jenna at Boston Chic Party
    March 6, 2017 / 2:23 am

    These are definitely some travel essentials! I love using Open Table too!
    xoxo, Jenna
    Boston Chic Party

  50. MONICA SORS
    March 6, 2017 / 11:13 am

    Wow thank you to share it! I will download the apps!
    xx
    MΓ³nica Sors
    MES VOYAGES Γ€ PARIS
    NEW POST: PFW STREET STYLE BEST OUTIFTS OCTOBER 2017

  51. Carly
    March 6, 2017 / 4:26 pm

    Ohh that wall charger is genius- with so many devices, there really never are enough plugs!

  52. Karly @ What Karly Said
    March 6, 2017 / 4:39 pm

    This is such a helpful post that I'll have to save for our next trip. I need that tech case!

  53. Tanya Dufour
    March 6, 2017 / 7:08 pm

    A case for all your chargers and cords is a great idea. I use open table and its a very convenient. SideKix sounds like a very handy app!

  54. Sparkles and Lattes
    March 6, 2017 / 10:59 pm

    This comes at a perfect time with mexico next week. Thanks for sharing.

  55. Elle Sees
    March 7, 2017 / 12:15 pm

    Not sure if it's an app, but Roadside America has a website that I love for when I'm road tripping. I love all of the off-the-beaten path roadside attractions. Some of them are so cheesy, but that's half the fun!

  56. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    March 7, 2017 / 4:42 pm

    You seriously always have the best techy suggestions!

  57. Meghan @ I'm Fixin' To
    March 11, 2017 / 3:43 pm

    I just downloaded SideKix! Can't wait to follow along on your trip! xx, I'm Fixin' To

  58. Style and Savings
    March 23, 2017 / 12:32 pm

    Hi Bianca, What restaurants & bars do you recommend in San Francisco?