While flying cars and hover boards that actually hover are in travel’s distant future, there are a few technologically advanced travel products that make their traditional counterparts seem like vintage relics from a bygone era—and not in a good way. The Internet of Things, the revolution that’s connecting our devices and streamlining how we move through life, is leaving its mark on the travel industry, too. These 11 items that are available now make it seem like the future has already arrived. We can only wonder what’s next.
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New luggage is making it easier to do more with less. Integrated scales mean never again wondering if you can pack that extra pair of shoes, built-in tracking promise you'll never again need to rely on inaccurate airline information to find a lost bag, and other features mean you can stay charged, informed, and ready to go wherever you bring your suitcase.
The carry-on-size Bluesmart bag and its accompanying app let you know how much your bag weighs, charges devices up to six times via two USB ports, and tells you the whereabouts of your bag at all times via a built-in tracker. Its handy electronics pocket makes going through security a cinch, and you can even restrict access to your bag with its TSA-approved smart lock.
The 22-inch and 28-inch bags by Raden have similar features. The brand’s app also tells you area weather, the average wait for airport security, and any traffic on your route to the airport, making it easy to time your trip.
New luggage is making it easier to do more with less. Integrated scales mean never again wondering if you can pack that extra pair of shoes, built-in tracking promise you'll never again need to rely on inaccurate airline information to find a lost bag, and other features mean you can stay charged, informed, and ready to go wherever you bring your suitcase.
The carry-on-size Bluesmart bag and its accompanying app let you know how much your bag weighs, charges devices up to six times via two USB ports, and tells you the whereabouts of your bag at all times via a built-in tracker. Its handy electronics pocket makes going through security a cinch, and you can even restrict access to your bag with its TSA-approved smart lock.
The 22-inch and 28-inch bags by Raden have similar features. The brand’s app also tells you area weather, the average wait for airport security, and any traffic on your route to the airport, making it easy to time your trip.
Basil plants on the sill over the kitchen sink and that orchid still hanging on from last Valentine’s Day are easy to forget when you’re planning an extended getaway. After all, when you're headed out on vacation, the only herb garden on your mind is the one at the Airbnb property you rented overlooking the Mediterranean.
You can, of course, pay the neighbor’s kid $20 to tend to your greenery, but the folks at Parrot have come up with a better solution: Flower Power. The wireless indoor/outdoor device measures the health of your plant in real time so you know exactly what it needs and when.
Look for the company’s Power Pot that has water storage for up to a month and will automatically determine when and how much your plant needs watering.
There’s no need to ruin a relaxing vacation worrying about the security of your home. You can use technology to simulate the appearance of home, check in whenever and wherever, and prepare your house for your return.
Control the level of lighting from wherever you want to give the appearance that someone is home. The Philips Hue lights work with your Wi-Fi and the brand’s accompanying app so you can control lights from your phone or tablet.
Adjust your home’s temperature while you're away—or to warm it up or cool it down before you return—with devices like the Nest Thermostat. The brand’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and its wireless camera can also provide you with alerts directly to your phone.
Forget carrying a selfie stick—there’s a way to capture every selfie you want, without the tourist-attraction bane … err, smartphone accessory. The Satechi BT button connects to your phone via Bluetooth and easily fits in your pocket or on a keychain. Prop your phone up and use the button to remotely snap the pic. If you’re worried about where to prop your phone, take along a made-for-phone tripod.
Gone are the days when you needed two hands to take a photo. The HTC RE Waterproof Digital Camera leaves one hand free so you can focus on the experience and still capture all the action. Just tap for photos and press for videos. You can use the 16-megapixel camera in up to one meter of water, and its slim size makes it extra easy to pack.
If you rely on your phone for your travel photos because it’s lighter and easier than carrying a full-size camera and a bunch of lenses, then the Olloclip is made for you. The device clips to your phone and works with both front and rear-facing phone cameras. Three lenses let you capture landscapes and close-ups, and zoom easily.
If you’re sick of your phone telling you don’t have enough space to take photos, it may be worth investing in an Eggcyte. The device—available in 64, 128, or 256 GB—connects to your phone and stores your photos, freeing up room on your phone. When you want to view photos, you can connect to them via the app. It also stores movies and music and allows you to share content with friends and family.
Going off the grid but don't want to leave your electronics behind? The BRV-PRO speaker not only offers hours of unplugged music but charges mobile devices with its built-in 2200mAh Lithium-ion battery. Pair it with the the 5.4-ounce solar panel to extend battery life, and add the BRV-Pro glow deck to turn the speaker into a lantern as well.
Destinations with no cellphone coverage or Wi-Fi still exist, and are often a rare treat. However, sometimes it’s nice to know that you could call for help—if you needed it. The sleek goTenna generates its own signal and pairs with your iOS or Android device. It also connects with other goTennas in range so you’ll never lose your friends, whether on the trail or in a busy city.
Now you can know once and for all if your pet misses you as much as you miss it—simply check up it with the Petcube Interactive Wi-Fi Pet Camera. Set up the wide-angle lens camera and download the app for live HD video. You can even talk to your pet and listen in on the barks or meows with two-way audio. A built-in laser lets you play with your animals from afar. You can even customize access so family and friends can play with your fuzzy friends, too. Shoot video or photos for those too-good-to-not-relive moments.
For now, the iLi wearble translator is only available to travel-related businesses willing to test the device. But the small, portable device stands to revolutionize the way we communicate. While there are surely kinks to work out, the wearable translator brings us one step closer to eliminating language barriers—no cellular connection need.
More from SmarterTravel:
- World’s Thinnest USB Charges Your Gadgets Anywhere
- 7 Travel Apps That Might Save Your Relationship
- How to Fly Like a VIP, No Elite Status Required
Follow Kate Sitarz’s nomadic life on Instagram @katesitarz and Twitter @katesitarz.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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