Let me help you find a unique gift for your frequent traveler that they will love.
I know how difficult it can be to track down that perfect gift for a traveler. There are so many different things to choose from, and you need to take into consideration things like size and weight, compatibility, and many other factors which can play a role in deciding what items you buy.
But don’t worry, you are in the right place. In this post, I will show you 9 unique gift ideas for frequent travelers. I will help you decide on that perfect gift that all travelers will love!
Unique Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers
Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
This is one of my favorite gifts on the list. Not many people will think of this, but it is important to weigh your luggage before leaving for the airport if traveling by air. The Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale will do just that.
It’s always a good idea to check with your airline to confirm their baggage weight and size limits. If you don’t know the weight of your bags, you may be in for a bit of a surprise when the airline charges you those hefty excess baggage fees!
Universal Cable Organizer for Travel Electronics and Cables
This makes a perfect gift for someone who travels with electronics. Comes with a heavy-duty nylon molded case keeping all your electronics cables neatly organized and safe.
This product makes a great carry on bag for your device’s cables and power supply. It also protects from dirt and damage, plus you will never have to worry about misplacing your cables or cords!
Not tangling - 6 elastic loops(S) for slender cords, earbuds, 1 wider elastic loops (L) to hold longer wire or changer, preventing cables from getting enttangled
Spacious - 3 SD and SIM card slots, 2 mesh zippered pockets and 6 mesh pockets of various sizes hold all chargers, USB drives, power bank organized
Organized - Keep all gadgets in one place, keep your important devices in reach, without chasing cords in your backpack anymore
Protection - Made of durable and water repellent nylon molded case protects your item from scratches, dust and accidental dropping
Compact - Dimensions: 6.3 x 9.5 x 1, portable and space-saving size easily fits into any backpack or handbags, versatile electronics accessories organizer for office use and traveling, specifically designed for well organized people (No include cords, electronic accessori
This is one of those items that you will only forget once. When traveling overseas, it’s important to have one of these adapters to make your devices compatible with the power outlets of the country you are in. It’s a must-have item.
I made the mistake of forgetting mine on an overseas trip, and it was so frustrating to find one once you realize you need to charge your phone and can’t. These power adapters are compatible all over the world in over 150 countries.
From my experience, I can honestly say that every traveler needs one of these and would love to receive one as a gift.
International Adapter: The Travel Adapter covers over 150 countries with US/EU/UK/AUS plugs and Powerful Dual USB Ports. It can be worked in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and so on.
Certified and Safety: This travel adapter has FCC, CE and RoHS certified safety system with safety 6.3 Amp fuse ensures complete protection for you and your devices, Built-in safety shutters protect users from the direct touch of the live parts on the socket outlet.
Smart Dual USB Ports: This universal charger is compatible with almost all USB Devices like Apple iPhone 7/6S/5S/4S, Samsung Galaxy S7/S6/S5/S4, Sony, Nokia, HTC, LG, HUAWEI, ZTE, Bluetooth Speaker, Digital Cameras and so on.
Charge 3 Devices: Power Up faster without taking multiple chargers on vacation! Compact and Powerful World Adapter Plug allows SIMULTANEOUS use of the AC Power Socket and Dual USB Ports. Charge 3 Devices at the same time without any mess at all, very Easy to use.
Best of all, by buying with us, youll be working with a company that has a full LIFETIME PROMISE on every product that leaves our factory. Better still, we offer full customer support for all of your needs. Bottom line, it works, or our offer best servi
Long flights can really take their toll on our body. It’s very common to have poor blood circulation when flying for long times. Have you ever noticed after you land from a flight and your ankles feel swollen and bulged out?
Enter compression socks. These will help prevent swelling and blood clotting on a long flight. They will help keep your circulation going. Perfect for swollen calves and ankles.
They are designed to be comfortable and look stylish. They are also very easy to put on and take off during a flight. You can wear them as often as you like and if you travel frequently, these are going to help you be more comfortable and protect your legs and feet.
STYLE AND CONFIDENCE ON YOUR LEGS – Finally! A Durable Compression Sock designed to last, without compromising quality or Comfort. Double stitched Fabric your legs will thank you. Feel the immediate Comfort and remarkable design of your new Stamina Long Sock Tights. The Perfect Work, Cycling, or Ski Socks. Quality stitched & Easy to get on even though they are a compression sock! They Wash well without losing compression keeping all the Excellent vascular toning benefits.
BECAUSE PUSHING YOURSELF THAT EXTRA MILE MATTERS! Get your blood circulating in style! Great for relief of varicose veins, Calf Compression or other leg swelling issues. Use it every day night or both. Prevent Blood clots after surgery & Fits well unlike other Dr. prescribed Stiff varieties. The compression & support is perfectly located on Heel Foot Calves and the toe area wont squeeze your aching toe joints. Instant comfort support. Moisture wicking properties rapidly air dry in a few hours.
TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL – Comfortable material and careful construction. No stitches in places where theyll rub or rip together. Stay put Cuffs Soothing feeling at the bottom and sides of foot with no pinching seen with lesser quality socks without ankle support. Fall in love with your new Stamina socks easy to pull on. and they breath! Use in extremely hot weather crossfit through mud water wall/crawl/rope climbs and half marathons. Perfect for extreme races and long runs!
GRAB CONTROL OF YOUR WELLBEING IN STYLE – An Excellent compression hose very durable with a fashionable look and variety colors available. Washable designed with Quality Lycra Fabric built for durability. Customers agree the comfort is amazing. Use them on a plane during that 9 hr flights or during that 6 mile walk Your durable 20 - 30 mmHg sleeves work with your routine. Feel the shock absorption effect instantly that really helps reduce fatigue and swelling in your lower leg.
GET READY. TO BECOME A RAVING FAN! – We cut no corner in our product and will cut no corners in our support of you! You are making a very intelligent decision doing business with our company. We know youre a big deal and well only provide you with the finest product and service around or your MONEY BACK! Add your Stamina Compression Socks to your Cart and experience the Physix Gear Sport customer experience phenomenon! Add to cart now to begin the amazing journ
Frequent flyers will understand how frustrating jet lag can be. This is something that you will deal with if flying internationally, Jet Lag affects many people. One thing you can do to help prevent jet lag is increase melatonin. There are many products purported to prevent or cure jet lag. One of them is melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body to produce sleepiness.
Another product, No-Jet-Lag, has been proven effective in a scientific trial of round-the-world passengers.
This has also been confirmed by long-haul flight attendants in a test conducted in cooperation with their union. Since it is a homeopathic preparation using extremely low dosages, No-Jet-Lag has no side effects and is compatible with other medications.
Technology gifts are always appreciated by frequent travelers. A new tablet is a great way to pass time while traveling. The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is a best seller on Amazon for a reason. This new version includes the handsfree Alexa technology which is a personal digital voice assistant created by Amazon.
Includes a 10.1” touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 resolution at 224 ppi, 1080p Full HD video playback, up to 10 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching videos, and listening to music. 30% faster thanks to 2x the RAM over the previous generation and a more powerful quad-core processor.
These tablets are quality designed and built to last. They are inexpensive for the features you receive and are one of the most commonly used tablets for travelers all around the world. You can read more about the Fire HD 10 here.
Who wouldn’t want a great waterproof camera without breaking the bank? This is a unique gift that not many travelers think about buying for themselves but really appreciate getting as a gift! The Finepix XP80 is a great all around digital camera for travelers. Oh, did I mention that it’s waterproof!
I really like the design of this camera, the modern look and compact size. This is an all purpose built camera for everyday needs. It also integrates four rugged protection features: waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, dustproof. All of these are great features to have.
Safety is one of the most important things for every traveler. This also applies to your luggage. Anyone that has ever lost their luggage on an unknown flight knows the pain of following up for recovery. In case it is never found, it becomes another financial setback.
To help your favorite traveler track their luggage in case it gets lost, you can get them a luggage tag. With this one, they can rest easy even on connecting flights knowing that their luggage can be tracked at any time. Now, that makes for a unique gift for a traveler!
PEACE OF MIND: Be prepared for emergencies! Protect against Identity Theft! Lifelong protection for loved ones and valuable gear! Securely sets up in a minute, protects for life! You’ll wonder how you lived without it! Tag shows contact and other information you set up. Viewers contact you OR our support team to arrange remedy! With hundreds of thousands of tags in service, Dynotag is the leading company providing maintenance-free smart tags with offices in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Tough and maintenance free! Dynotags require NO electronics or batteries. Advanced DynoIQ Features work anywhere with Internet! PATENTED technology, industry leading features. Reward for Return - included! Lifetime Service - included! Owner is auto-notified via email when tag is viewed. Simple to use - advanced features available when needed. No app required: Works via web browser to setup or view the tag on phones, tablets or PCs! Largest selection of maintenance-free smart tags in the world!
This product comes with GOLD level functionality. Advanced, industry leading capabilities such as GPS assisted tag view locations in your tag access logs and map, multi-level ACCESS CONTROL, automatic e-mail NOTIFICATION on tag view and more. Developed in cooperation with law enforcement and emergency response experts. See dynoverse.com/features for a list of features.
Easy Setup: In your free dynotag.com account click Activate Tag. Up & running in a minute or less. Enter as little (just an email address) or as much (millions of letters) information as you need. Password security included.
Made from strong steel and coated with a protective layer, this deluxe waterproof/weatherproof property tag is handsome, tough and functional. Comes with a braided stainless steel loop to securely attach to any property. This tag is LARGE - sized 2.56inches in diameter and is intended for briefcase or larger luggage. See our OTHER smaller deluxe metal property tag offerings with identical functionality for smaller items like handbags, camera, binoculars and similar proper
RFID blocking technology is an important safety component for modern-day travel. Thieves can scan these chips to get your passport photo, passport ID number, and more information. Electronic identity thieves can steal your personal information without you even realizing it.
This wallet is built with RFID blocking technology to avoid that. There is plenty of space for all your important documents, including passport, credit cards, tickets, cell phones, and more.
It is made with a durable material that is waterproof providing the best protection. Every traveler will appreciate having one of these.
RFID BLOCKING: RFID blocking technology is an important safety component for modern-day travel. Thieves get your personal information through scan. They use this to impersonate your family members, accessing existing bank accounts, and causing havoc for you and your family. Built in RFID Blocking material safeguards your personal information, such as ID card, Driver License, Credit/Debit card. Building Cards and including under frequency 13.56 Mhz in which the cards operate.
FLEXIBLE INSIDE ORGANIZATION: The Universal Passport Wallet stores Passport holder, Credit Cards. Boarding Card, Tickets, Coins, Keys, money, other documents, etc. It can hold 4 passports, 5 Credit Cards. A large pocket for cash and a pen slot on the middle, and 1 removable keychain (removable keychain also does the job for your convenience). It makes your journey comfortable, convenient and wonderful.
THOUGHTFUL OUTSIDE STORAGE:A pocket on the wallet front for phone or any other thing often use, pocket slots are wide enough to accommodate large cell phones like the iPhone 7 Plus making this one of the most important identity protector essentials for men and women. with a removable wristlet strap, keep everything is handy and convenient.
TOP MATERIAL : Made with durable rip-stop nylon fabric, Waterproof material. The light durable nylon material makes it easy to carry, and the well-designed removable strap . The zipper is made of a strong zinc alloy making it even more durable. Interior offers secure storage space and prevents scratches, sleek and lightweight.
WATER RESISTANT NYLON: Manufactured from 100% premium nylon material. The water-resistant fabric also protects your important documents from rain, spills, and other moisture when closed with the zipper. You can zippered all your needs in the bag and keep them all be protect with water-proof function during travel anywhere you
Personally, being a guy, I really appreciate getting electronics as travel gifts. I travel so often that I find electronics are what I use the most and have a tendency to wear out or get damaged somehow.
In the aircraft, especially on long flights, I use noise canceling headphones to drown out any noise from around me. It helps to have a good set of headphones when watching movies or listening to music on your tablet or computer. These are the headphones I currently use and highly recommend. They have lasted forever through all kinds of use! They have traveled all over the world with me.
Powerful noise cancelling headphones — 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without distractions
Astonishing sound — Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level
Unrivaled voice pickup — A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds crystal clear on calls
Keep your head up and hands free — With easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather, and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups — you can stay connected without reaching for your phone
Premium design and comfort — With a lightweight stainless steel headband and earcups tilted for the perfect fit, you can comfortably wear these Bluetooth headphones for hours
Up to 20 hours of non-stop music — Get up to 20 hours of wireless battery life on a single charge
One touch to listen to Spotify — Instantly listen to your last Spotify session or discover new music by tapping and holding the right earcup. Currently only available when using iOS devices with your headphones
Pair with Bose soundbar — Use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair these wireless Bluetooth headphones to the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, 500 or 700 for a personal listening experience.
Alexa to Alexa calling — Use these wireless noise cancelling headphones to place a call to a Bose smart device or the Amazon Echo device with the Alexa mobile
But if you are looking for a really great pair of wireless earbud style headphones, grab a pair of these for sure. They will make traveling so much more pleasant and are really compact as well as holding a charge for what seems like forever.
The worlds most effective noise cancelling earbuds
Noise cancelling earbuds — 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, & videos without distractions. Transparency mode lets the outside world in for quick conversations.
Acclaimed Bose sound — Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. The innovations in these noise cancelling earphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level.
Comfortable earbuds — Easy to wear all day long because every surface that touches your ear is made of soft silicone. Includes 3 eartip sizes to help you get the best fit.
Sweat & weather resistant — These IPX4-rated wireless noise cancelling earbuds are proven to pump out great-sounding music, even when they’re subjected to rain, sleet, hail, snow, or sweat.
Up to 20 hours of non-stop music — Get up to 20 hours of wireless battery life on a single charge
Simple touch controls —Controlling your earbuds is as easy as tapping and pressing the surface. Double tap the left Earbud for noise cancellation. Double tap the right to pause & play music and swipe up and down for volume control (opt in feature via Bose Music App)
Built with Bluetooth 5.1 — Bluetooth earbuds work within 30 feet of your device. When you’re on calls, the microphone system rejects most of the noise around you. Compatible with iOS and Andro
If you are looking for other headphone options, check out our travel headphones guides here. I cover how to select the right ones for you and talk you through what I have seen work best on airplanes as well as answer commonly asked questions about how to use them best when flying.
What are some great gifts for someone traveling abroad?
If you are going on a long haul flight, comfort is going to be key. There are some really great things you can do that help with comfort on long flights, as mentioned in my tips for surviving long flights post. I recommend using a good travel pillow and footrest. Below are my two favorite ones. They work great and will last a long time. And when used together they will transform even short flights into a much better experience.
TRAVEL COMFORT - Our airplane footrest is crafted with high-quality, thick memory foam to greatly enhance your travel experience. It’s like sitting in a recliner with your feet resting on pillows.
LEG & LOWER BACK SUPPORT – Enjoy a hammock like experience as your legs gently sway with the motion of the plane. Helps prevent lower back pain, stiffness and leg swelling suffered during long flights. Arrive feeling refreshed, energized and ready to go!
EASY TO USE – Simply hang it on the arms of the tray table and place your feet in footrest. Enjoy it with the tray table up or down. The adjustable straps allows for the perfect length to provide the necessary support. Highly recommended for those 5 8 or shorter, especially if your feet do not reach the floor when seated.
LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - This space-saving designed easily fits into your carry-on luggage or favorite flight travel bag. Includes a handy drawstring carry bag.
TRAVEL GIFTS – Give the gift of comfort. Whether it’s for international business travel or a family vacation to Hawaii, this super soft memory foam footrest makes a wonderful gift for the travelers in your life. Includes a NO-RISK, 100% Money-Back Guarantee, try it today and see for yourse
Another great gift idea for someone traveling abroad is a sim card for their cell phone. Check out our phones/sim card guides to see how to buy a sim card for international travel that will save money. Also here is a direct link to many international sim cards on Amazon.
What are some great gifts for someone who travels a lot for work?
If you are looking for a gift for someone who is a business traveler, I recommend you check out the Anker PowerCore portable battery charger.
The Anker PowerCore 10000 is one of the smallest and lightest power banks on the market today. Travelers will love this gadget. This compact charger is easy to take anywhere and will provide rapid charging to all your devices. It’s smaller than a deck of cards and as light as a baseball but can charge a phone over three times and most tablets once.
It is safety certified with a multi-protect safety system ensuring complete protection for you and your devices. Designed and built using only high-quality chips and hardware.
It also includes a micro USB and travel pouch and is the perfect gift that all business travelers will love!
The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
Remarkably Compact: One of the smallest and lightest 10,000mAh portable chargers. Provides almost three-and-a-half iPhone 8 charges or two-and-a-half Galaxy S8 charges.
High-Speed Charging: Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost combine to deliver the fastest possible charge for any device. Qualcomm Quick Charge not supported.
Certified Safe: Anker’s MultiProtect safety system ensures complete protection for you and your devices.
What You Get: Anker PowerCore 10000 portable charger, Micro USB cable, travel pouch, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service. USB-C and Lightning cable for iPhone / iPad sold separat
As you can see there are many options for finding a unique gift for every frequent traveler. Decide if they are looking for something for comfort, convenience, or perhaps an electronic device. This article should give you some ideas and help guide you toward making that choice. Hope you found an idea or two that your traveler will love.
Hopefully, you found this article helpful.
Thanks for reading!
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9 Unique Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers (New For 2021)
Let’s look at the best beard trimmers you can carry on board an airplane and the best ways to pack them so you don’t have issues with TSA. It can be very frustrating with all the rules and regulations today, knowing what you can actually carry on board an airplane.
One of the more common things to carry on board an aircraft these days is electronics. An electric beard trimmer is one of those items you may need to stow away in your carry on luggage.
Even more advanced than the original, Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro is a revolutionary grooming tool with technology that can do it all with just one tool – trim, edge, and shave any length of hair.
The unique OneBlade shaving technology integrates a fast moving cutter (200x per second) with a dual-protection system to give you both an efficient and comfortable shave, even on longer hairs.
Shave any length - not as close as a traditional blade so your skin stays comfortable. Trim it down - attach the 14-length precision comb for a fast and even trim. Edge it up - dual-sided blade for precise edging to line up your style.
Use it how youd like: dry or wet, with or without foam, even in the shower.
The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery delivers the power of corded operation without the hassle of a cord. 90 minutes of continuous use with each charge. A premium digital display indicates the battery status.
Unlike a dedicated shaver or beard trimmer, Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro is a revolutionary hybrid tool. OneBlade Pro can do it all with just one tool – trim, edge, and shave any length of hair. This makes it fantastic for traveling.
The unique shaving technology integrates a fast-moving cutter (200x per second) with a dual protection system to give an efficient and comfortable shave on longer hairs.
OneBlade does not shave too close, so your skin stays comfortable. The replacement blades last up to 4 to 8 months.
Why we love it
It’s tough to find a beard trimmer that does several length settings well, and the Phillips Norelco OneBlade Pro comes with 14. Tough to beat that
Also, the build quality is great and will last a long time
Very durable
The replaceable blade will last up to 4 months. You get your money’s worth.
Cons
The shaver blade replacements can be more expensive than some other trimmers. But you will get more use out of it, so it’s worth paying the extra for better lasting quality.
OneBlade Summary
The Phillips Norelco OneBlade Pro is a great beard trimmer, and we highly recommend it. It’s super stylish and powerful. The build quality is great, and the Norelco products are a grooming staple.
The Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro is a revolutionary hybrid tool. OneBlade Pro can do it all with just one tool – trim, edge, and shave any length of hair. Long lasting battery life with a quick charge and indicator is a great feature. You can get the best price on Amazon by clicking below
All-in-One Beard Trimmer – Featuring 4 different attachment heads, a wide T-Blade for beards and mustache trimming, haircuts, touchups, body grooming, & detailing. The precision detailer head is for details, clean up, & complex designs
Hygienic Grooming – Our rotary ear & nose trimmer head provides a hygienic grooming experience by keeping your nose and ear trimming separate, & our dual foil shaver head is best for ultra-close shaves
Months Without Charging – Lithium Ion 2.0+ technology allows for 6 hours of continuous run time on a single charge for months of usage between charges. Our beard clipper features almost no loss of charge during storage
12 Individual Guide Combs – Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ allows for a wide variety of cutting lengths with included guide combs. Featuring 4 beard grooming guide combs and 8 T-blade guide combs for haircuts from short (1/16”) to long (1”)
Worldwide Voltage – With 6 hours of run time, our Lithium Ion 2.0+ is great for travel, vacation, business trips, and more. Worldwide voltage means you can use no matter what country you’re in, 110v, 220v, or dual voltage
The Wahl Lithium Ion 2.0+ Beader Trimmer is a great option as well! Wahl products are built to last forever! You’ll have all you need to keep your facial hair looking great for a long time to come. This kit gives you Wahl’s Lithium Ion 2.0+ Power as well.
Why we love it
The Wahl Lithium Ion 2.0+ Beard Trimmer comes with everything you need to trim, detail, and touch-up your beard, body, and head.
Also, love the fact that Wahl offers a 5-year warranty. They really stand behind their product and have confidence that you will be happy with your purchase.
Equipped with Smart LED that tells you when the charge is running out
Also has two times the cutting power of other standard rechargeable trimmers available on the market
Cons
Some users reported that the on/off button does get stuck at times and could pose a problem due to eventual wear, but there weren’t a lot of those complaints
Wahl Summary
The Wahl Lithium Ion 2.0+ Beader Trimmer is another great beard trimmer with many features that make it a perfect choice for travelers. The long-lasting charge is a huge plus and the one minute quick charge that gives you three minutes of run time will prove convenient time and time again when you are in a hurry.
Any of the other Wahl beard trimmers are a good choice, but if you had to choose one, my pick would be the Wahl Lithium Ion 2.0+ Beader Trimmer. You will get great value for the low price. You can get the best price on Amazon by clicking below
12 attachments for all of your grooming needs: A full size steel trimmer, extra-wide hair trimmer, a steel precision trimmer, a nose and ear hair trimmer, a body trimmer, a adjustable beard trimmer comb (3/4/5/6mm), 4 hair trimmer combs(3/6/9/12mm), a adjustable comb(1/2/4/6/8/10/12/14/16mm) for a precision trimmer, a styling comb
Self-sharpening steel blades: The trimmers precise steel blades create clean, straight lines and evenly trim through the thickest hair. The non-corrosive blades wont rust, preventing skin irritation
Lithium-ion battery power: The high-powered rechargeable battery delivers 60 minutes of use per charge
Whole body washable: The trimmer and all of its attachments are fully washable, so simply rinse them under the faucet for easy cleaning
LCD display:Battery capacity(charging state of the battery is displayed in percent) / Lock Symbol
The Hatteker trimmer kit is an All-In-One personal groomer with 5 different attachments with additional combs. This is a new release trimmer kit which will provide excellent precision.
Why we love it
Another great All-in-one groomer that is durable and long lasting
Its modern design looks great, and the LED screen is nice
It’s compact and easy to pack as a carry on item
Also, it is fully washable with non-corrosive blades and guards that are water-resistant for easy cleaning
The Hatteker trimmer sells for a great price and provides excellent value
Cons
There aren’t too many things not to like about this trimmer. It would be nice if the warranty was longer than 1 year. Not a big deal breaker but where many trimmers are offering up to 5-year warranty, I think this trimmer is good enough to offer the same.
You can check the best price on Amazon by clicking below
You are aware of what you need to do when packing your beard trimmer for travel, but do you know what you should look for when it comes to finding the best beard trimmer?
Versatility
Always determine how the beard trimmer or groomer will be used. Do you need it just for your beard or do you also need to use it on your head and body as well? If this is the case, then you may want to consider a multi-use beard trimmer that allows you to achieve a variety of different length settings for more effective trimming and grooming.
Cord or No Cord?
If you want more in the way of flexibility, then you may want to choose a cordless beard trimmer with a rechargeable battery. This is also great for travel because these types of beard trimmers can be used virtually anywhere; you won’t have to worry about having access to an electrical outlet if you need a quick trim.
On the other hand, a corded trimmer may give you more power, and you won’t have to worry about charging its batteries for it to work when you need it.
Attachments
To achieve different styles and looks, you want to have a few comb attachments. Keep in mind the kind of beard you have for this as well because you may require specific comb attachments for your goatee or whatever beard style you are rocking.
Beard Length
You also need to consider the length of your beard. This is how you determine how many length settings you will need to have. You will also find that some trimmers are more suitable for shorter hair, while others are better for longer hair. You may even just require a stubble trimmer.
Wet and Dry Use
Finally, many beard trimmers and groomers can be used for both wet and dry use. This means some of them can be used in the shower, so if you have a plane to catch, this may be useful for saving time. Waterproof trimmers are also much easier to clean which also helps with cutting down on your time and offers more in the way of convenience.
Now that you know what to consider, let’s get right into our top three picks for trimming and travel.
Can you bring an electric razor on a plane?
The answer is yes! According to theTransport Security Administration, You can carry an electric beard trimmer on an airplane inside a shaving kit or carry on bag. But keep in mind, just because it’s allowed on board, the item is still subject to being searched and confiscated if anything is suspicious.
Not only is an electric razor allowed in checked baggage, but it can also be carried onto the plane. This is also true of disposable razors and cartridges. Straight razors are not permitted on a plane, and neither are safety razors unless the blade is removed beforehand.
All razors and beard trimmers are allowed in checked luggage. Batteries for your electric razor are also allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.
You are free to choose how to take them with you because electric razors don’t have sharp points. It’s recommended you pack your razor securely, so it won’t get damaged during your travels. Any other sharp components should be wrapped tightly and securely to prevent baggage handlers or inspectors from getting hurt or injured.
Ok, so now you know that beard trimmers are allowed on board airplanes. Let’s look at the best beard trimmers for you to actually carry on.
Stainless Steel Blades – Our high-carbon precision-ground blades stay sharp longer, use in conjunction with our six-position beard regulator for multiple face trimming lengths; Our beard guards vary from stubble to short & clean, to thick & even
14 Cutting Lengths - Achieve a range of beard styles with 14 different trimming lengths from 1/16 inches to 1/2 inches; Rechargeable for cordless convenience, comes with bonus nose & an ear trimmer with rinsible head that allows you to clean up unwanted hair
Dual Voltage – Groomsman supports worldwide voltage & can be used for both 110v and 220v; includes adjustable guide comb, 3 stubble combs and 4 hair guide combs, storage travel zipper pouch, styling guide, and the finest self-sharpening precision blades
The Beard You Want - Wahl beard trimmers provide a smooth, precise trim, so you can get the beard style you want. Choose from a variety of guide comb lengths & widths for any beard or mustache style, from scruff to full
The Brand Used by Professionals - Wahl clippers and trimmers have been used by professionals in the salon & the barber industry since 1919. With self-sharpening precision blades & quality construction, Wahl clippers, shavers & trimmers deliver a smooth sh
The Wahl 5622 Beard Trimmer is one of the most versatile on the market. You can trim your beard anywhere from a short 1/16″ length all the way up to 1/2″. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and offers a full hour of run time. It includes several different types of guide combs so you can get the perfect trim.
As an added bonus, this beard trimmer features a nose and ear trimmer as well. Check out your Wahl beard trimmer right here from Amazon.
With 10 adjustable length settings, you can trim your beard however you like. This trimmer lasts for up to 90 minutes cordless, so you have a lot of time to get that perfect trim. What’s so convenient about having no cord? Well, you can use it on the go and not have to worry about pulling it from your wall.
At just over half a pound, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for travel. It’s also easy to clean, thanks to the detachable head. Just rinse, dry, and you’re done!
Check out the Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer for Stubble at this link from Amazon.
Using an electric razor overseas
If you are traveling internationally or overseas, it’s important to know that not all countries use the same power outlets. Plug styles and voltage are not the same everywhere you go.
I always recommend using a universal power adapter that will allow you to use your current device, whether its a razor, cellphone, trimmer, etc.. There are many types of adapters to choose from, but this is a good one.
So if planning an international trip, consider a universal plug adapter and a dual voltage shaver. This will prevent any issues with plugin types and voltage issues in different countries.
In Summary
You really can’t go wrong with any of these beard trimmers. Each one of them can be carried on board an aircraft and will provide great quality at a great price. So whichever one you choose, I know you will be happy with it! The only way you could go wrong is not bringing an electric razor on your next trip.
And obviously, you should never assume that an item will be allowed on board your plane, and always check the current regulations to confirm before packing.
If you enjoyed our best carry on board beard trimmers guide, have a look at all our travel gear guides here:
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at zero cost to you. I will only sell and recommend products that I have either used personally or believe will be helpful for you.
You will only see proven and trusted gear, and I will help guide you away from the products that simply don’t work!
An in-depth look at some of the best tablets for international travel, ranging in prices and specifications from beginner to advanced.
There is no doubt that tablet technology is advancing fast; it keeps getting better all the time. This is great news for travelers.
With so many great features these days, using a tablet while on your travels can be very helpful and convenient. You can use them for entertainment, communication, and research for a very affordable price.
Although I still believe that laptops are a better choice for most travelers, many tablets are a close second. Improved features, specs, and the convenience of carrying a small and compact tablet is just as good.
Some tablets these days are just as powerful as many laptops and they are quickly becoming the first choice for travelers.
Let’s go through the best tablets for international travel first. Have a look at all the features and specs and choose which one suits you the best. Then we will dive into our buyer’s guide and review some of the factors you should consider when selecting your tablet and some frequently asked questions.
Best Budget Tablets
#1. Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet With Alexa
The Fire HD 10 tablet happens to be Amazon’s thinnest tablet yet. It has the largest display of the Amazon’s tablets as well at 10.1 inches with a full HD of 1080p. It has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (224ppi).
It runs on an Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor with 2 GB of RAM. When it comes to storage, it comes with either 32 or 64GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 512GB of additional storage. Plus there are options for unlimited cloud storage from Amazon for certain types of content.
Its battery lasts up to 12 hours of reading, watching videos, web browsing as well as listening to music. Its audio operates on Dolby Atoms with dual stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm stereo jack and built-in microphone. It’s also Alexa hands-free enabled.
The tablet has access to all kinds of content via both the Android and Samsung app stores, millions of movies, TV episodes, songs games, apps, books, among other content.
When it comes to its camera, the tablet has a VGA front-facing camera plus a 2MP rear-facing camera with about 720 HD video recording. It has dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity as well.
The tablet is available in punch red, marine blue, and black colors, it weighs 17.7oz (500grams), with dimensions of 10.3 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches and the customer support facilities screen sharing, emails, web as well as phone.
Pros
It’s bright with a vivid screen and excellently snappy performance are really impressive. Its price is fantastic as well. Those are the biggest for sure.
Cons
The camera isn’t going to cut it if you want extremely high res pictures. But if that is really important to you, it’s likely your phone has a great camera on it and you won’t want to be taking lots of pics with your tablet. If you need to snap a photo of something in a hurry or make a video call the cameras are plenty for a great experience.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is my first choice if you are looking for a quality tablet on a budget. It is very fast and responsive, has a great HD display, and lots of storage space. It’s also very durable and will stand up to the test of travel.
The Alexa feature is really nice to have, giving you quick voice access to entertainment, including music, games, books, and more. You can also use it for voice calling and messaging and even control your smart home with your voice!
You can also join Amazon Prime, giving you access to thousands of movies, tv shows, and books and millions of songs all in one place.
Join now and get a great discount on Amazon Prime through this link. And check out the Amazon Fire 10 by clicking on the button below.
The Samsung Galaxy A 7 inch tablet is technically a modification of the galaxy tab E a sister model. It operates on an Android operating system. I love this tablet. We bought two of them for our children to travel with. They love them! And we all use them.
It holds a charge for 11-12 hours which is long enough to make it through long flights and taxi rides as you work your way to your destination. Even many international flights!
It has a display screen size of 7 inches as it weighs 14 oz and its dimensions are 4.27 x 0.34 x 7.35 inches. It comes in two different colors that are black and white.
The cameras work great! The primary camera has a resolution of about 5MP, and the front camera has a resolution of 2MP; both cameras record videos with a maximum resolution of 720p at a smooth 30 frames per second.
The tablet’s touchscreen accuracy and response is great as well. It gets a little warm during use, but better than other tablets with similar specs.
Lastly, the tablet comes with a 24 months warranty, but the non-removable battery is only covered with a 12 months warranty.
Pros
It is really great value for the money. It is a very capable machine from a very reputable company. The right size as well. Powerful and portable.
Cons
The 8GB of onboard storage is a bit underwhelming. The ability to expand that with a microSD card to more than 1TB is a pretty simple workaround though.
The Samsung Galaxy A 7 inch tablet is another great tablet for someone looking for great features and quality at a value price.
It’s lightweight and portable design makes it easy to store and carry with you.
One great feature that I like is the ability to expand the installed 8GB storage drive to an additional 1TB with a microSD card. That’s amazing storage space for a tablet!
Another great feature is the option of the dual camera. It’s very easy to switch from portrait to video modes. Overall, there are some great features with this tablet. It comes with a built-in radio app and access to many others through the Google and Samsung app stores. I like that it is smaller and lighter than the Amazon Fire HD 10 and usually it’s cheaper!
The iPad Air 4 is a brilliant little tablet with plenty of power for the average user. It has a couple different sizes to choose from and a display that will not disappoint for all your movies and games. It is a tablet that some people will find powerful enough to be a laptop replacement.
Pros
The battery will go for 10 hours and the cameras are 7MP in front and 12MP in back. Some folks will find that as good as their phones.
Cons
The hard drive space is not expandable. So you will pick either 64GB or 256GB when you buy it and that is what you will have. And the price is a little higher than the last generation.
The iPad Pro is designed with an ultra-thin body with an edge to edge display without a home button. It has a storage capacity of up to 1TB. It has a true depth camera which facilitates face ID.
It comes with an optional apple pencil 2 and a smart keyboard. The tablet is widely available in both silver and space grey colors. It operates on an A12X processor. It has a brilliant 11 inch display with promotion technology as well as true tone.
The primary dual cameras have a resolution of 12p with auto HDR and 4k video at 30 fps while the front camera has a resolution of 7MP face time HD with auto HDR.
It has a battery life cycle of up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, listening to music, watching videos, and up to 9 hours of surfing the web on cellular data. It weighs about 469 grams.
Lastly, it has a dimension of about 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 inches.
Pros
It has a beautiful and high refresh rate display, it’s extremely powerful, the apple pencil is far more practical, and the USB-C port makes your experience a lot easier.
Cons
It’s extremely expensive compared to other tablets, it has no headphone jack; the IOS limitation is extremely frustrating. The iPad app ecosystem is underdeveloped and feature-limited.
Apple has clearly been the #1 tablet retailer since the very first year. If you are an Apple fan, you will love this iPad. Apple is the highest-earning company on the planet for a reason.
This particular tablet has been upgraded and has updated specs from previous years. I really like the retina display and Touch ID feature. The iPad is fast and very reliable and has a vibrant 9.7″ screen. The Apple design is great. I love the modern look and feel of the iPad.
As far as camera quality goes, it’s pretty great. Like many other tablets, this is something that can be improved on. But this isn’t the main reason you get a tablet. The image quality is really good for video calls and connecting with others in that way.
The main advantage Apple has is access to the Apple store. There you will find a huge selection of games and apps that can be used for a variety of things including travel.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 powers through everything you might need as it’s even much lighter than the sister brands that fall before. The tablet has a touch screen that measures 12.3 inches, a minimum screen resolution of 2736 x 1824, and a maximum screen resolution of about 2736 x 1824 pixels.
It runs on your choice of three Intel processors: i3, i5, or i7. It runs on Window 10 operating system and comes equipped with either 4, 8 or 16GB of memory, and hard drive storage of up to 1TB solid-state hard drive.
It weighs about 1.7 pounds with a dimension of 15.22 x 9.2 x 1.6 inches.
The battery is made of lithium polymer, and the power source is corded-electric. The battery gets up to 10.5 hours of battery life between charges.
It also comes with a surface pen which definitely makes your experience more fun and it supports both Wi-Fi protocols as well as Bluetooth devices inclusive of the mouse, headsets, as well as printers.
The tablet has some ports and connectors inclusive of a full-size USB 3.0 port, a surface for charging, a microSD card slot, a mini-display port version 1.2, cover connectors among others.
Lastly, the tablet has about six sensors, including an accelerometer, hall effect, Wi-Fi SAR let apps that allow activities like tracking motions as well as determining location, an ambient light sensor, and a gyro.
Pros
The surface pen is standard and works effectively, it has a pixel-dense display, and strong performance all way round.
Cons
The Surface Pro 7 tablet is a bit heavier compared to its sister tablets, and the battery is not efficient since it drains faster with real-world usage.
Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
Faster than surface pro 6, with a 10th gen intel core processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.
More ways to connect, with both USB-c and USB-a ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging. Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light surface pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
All day battery life up to 10.5 hours, Plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80 percent in just over an h
So, I guess I saved the best for last. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is truly a powerhouse that anyone will love. If you are looking for that special travel tablet, this could be the one for you.
The Surface Pro uses the Windows 10 platform and gives you the versatility of both a laptop and a tablet. Go from being an ultralight and very portable tablet to a fully functional laptop in a snap.
This tablet is a high performer using 10th gen Intel Core processors which run cool and quiet.
The 12.3″ screen is a great size which provides extremely high contrast and low glare. Includes the Surface pen so you can sign documents or take notes.
For me personally, the Microsoft Surface Pro is the clear winner. But it doesn’t come without a price.There are other tablets that are higher in price, like the Microsoft Surface Book 3, but you can get a great tablet with amazing features at a better cost.
If you are on a budget and want to stay under $200, the best tablet I can recommend is the Amazon Fire HD 10. As mentioned in my Best 10-inch tablets under $200 post, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is a top-rated seller with many 5 star reviews.The new version includes Alexa Voice which is a great feature, along with 1080p resolution and a new quad-core processor which is up to 30x faster than previous models. You can read more about the Fire HD 10 here, and check the current price on Amazon here.
What is the best tablet for battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is one of the best tablets for battery life. It can run for more than 15 hours on a single charge! I recommend you check it out.
It comes packed with an octa-core 3.09 GHz processor, 512GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. And you can upgrade the storage with an external MicroSD card to expand the memory by more than 1 TB if you want to load more movies or games on yours. It has a brilliant crystal clear HD display which is great for those games and movies.
A pen is included as well, which is great for kids and adults. Perfect for everyday tasks and much more. It’s also very inexpensive for a tablet with many great features and long battery life.
What tablet should I get for my children to keep them entertained?
If you will be traveling with children, you will definitely want something to keep them occupied and entertained for the duration of the trip. Most tablets that are designed for kids will typically come equipped with a parent account, timer, and the choice of pre-selected websites and apps that are safe for kids.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet is a great choice. It comes with one year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited and a kid-proof case. It has a vibrant display, 32 GB internal storage, and has up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life. You can also choose to extend its storage capabilities with the addition of a microSD card that will add up to 256 GB.
For a family to share, you may even opt for the Apple iPad Air. It has a 10.2-inch screen with a true tone display and wide color. It allows up to 10 hours of battery life and is capable of running high performance and powerful apps.
Which tablet For you?
As you can see, there are several choices of tablets that are great for international travel. You can use any of these for any type of travel, work, leisure, and anything in between.
Now buying a tablet for travel can be a bit more expensive than some other travel gadgets, but you have lots of options to choose from. If you are on a budget, I recommend the Amazon Fire HD.
For a solid tablet that has great features and specs, and has a mid-level price point, go for the Samsung Galaxy Tab. If you want a powerhouse tablet that gives you even more features and quality, but has a little bigger price tag, go for the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with either choice.
How do I choose a tablet to travel with?
First, you need to decide if it is more important to you to have a larger screen or a lighter weight one. A bigger screen is typically a heavier tablet. Once you know which of those is more important to you, here are a few more things to think through.
Key specs
First, you should consider how big you want the tablet to be. Remember, you will be traveling with it, so you don’t want it to take up too much valuable room in your bag. Most tablets range in size between 8 and 13 inches and are designed with portability in mind.
Battery life is another aspect to consider, especially when you will want it for a long international flight. Always note the size of the battery it is equipped with as well as the total efficiency of the tablet. Once you determine the battery life of the tablet, check that against user reviews to determine its accuracy.
Accessories are something else you may want to consider with your purchase as well. If you want to doodle, then make sure it comes with a pen stylus. If you want to be able to use it as a computer at times, you might want to consider a small, portable keyboard.
But again, think about how much room you have and how many items you want to tote around with you. Are the accessories you are looking at absolutely essential for your trip?
The resolution, screen size, and processor speed are all important specs to consider as well. The available amount of RAM or memory is also critical and will affect the overall performance of the device. Remember, you don’t want a slow or sluggish device.
Operating system
There are three primary operating system, or OS, choices for tablets to choose from iOS, Android, and Windows. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should research each of them before making your decision. Most people just match the operating system of their phone or their main computer.
How many GB do I need in a tablet?
You want a tablet with at least 32GB of storage if you plan to download any video pictures or audio files. If you don’t use your tablet much or if you only use it to get on the internet, you could get away with as little as 16GB.
Are tablets worth it in 2021?
Tablets are worth buying because they can be used for a variety of things from entertainment to work. They’re extremely versatile and can do anything a laptop, mobile phone or tv can do.
If you want to use it more like a laptop, just add a bluetooth keyboard and mouse like this one
If you want to use it for illustration or art, many tablets have a stylus or pen that is a perfect addition and allows you to express yourself in that way as well.
Reasons not to get a tablet
I personally like tablets. They are so powerful and that power, along with the portability and versatility, can’t be beat. There are a few reasons not to get one though.
If you need a screen larger than 13 inches
If you need a computer with a large keyboard and mouse
If you need a lot of ports to plug things in
If you need a more ergonomically designed solution
What is the advantage of having a tablet?
Tablets have a number of advantages. They have a lot of functionality that phones don’t and don’t have the same size or weight of a laptop. Even the chargers are smaller. The software is easy to find and quick to download as well.
Should I buy a tablet or laptop?
Tablets can be more convenient when it comes to browsing the web, listening to music or podcasts or watching videos, and they are more portable. Laptops have more powerful processors and storage capacity which allow you to load larger programs and store more and larger files and run more complicated programs.
Can you text from a tablet?
You can text from either an android or apple (iOS) tablet. Here is a quick explanation of how to do it from each.
Texting from and iOS tablet
1 – Text message forwarding
Tap the toggle switch beside your iPad to enable text message forwarding for it. You are prompted to type a code on the iPad to activate the feature. After you type the code, your iPad can send text messages to both iPhone users and non-iPhone users.
2 – iMessage
iMessage texts work on an ipad and can include photos and videos just like other text messages. Just sign in to iMessage and go to Settings and then to Messages and turn on iMessage.
Texting from and Android tablet
Android tablets don’t have phone numbers associated with them, but there are some options.
1 – There is an app called Mysms. It has a few limitations, but is a great free option.
2 – There is another app called Pulse, if you don’t mind paying a little bit to make texting possible from your tablet. It also allows you to text from Windows, macOS, iOS, the web as well.
3 – Use Google Voice if you don’t mind texting from a phone number that isn’t your current one.
And consider messaging by means other than SMS. There are other apps that allow you to message, and you’re likely already using or could easily download and use to message. A few of them include Telegram and Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp.
Can you use a tablet without Internet?
Yes, many apps on tablets function fine without an internet connection. Some games or other programs won’t work or won’t sync your progress or changes until you are connected again to the internet either through Wi-Fi or a cellular signal.
As long as you have access to a Wi-Fi or internet signal you can use your tablet to access the Internet. Another option you have is to purchase a data plan and use cellular data to access the internet when you aren’t close to a Wi-Fi connection.
Can you do everything on a tablet that you can do on a laptop?
The average person will find they can do everything on a tablet they can do on a laptop. There are some specific large programs that won’t run on a tablet. But there are usually scaled back, or lite, versions of those programs that will.
Is there a monthly fee for a tablet?
You do not necessarily need a data or cellular contract for your tablet. It will run just fine so long as you are connected to Wi-Fi, and that is entirely free. If you want to have full functionality of all your apps when you are away from Wi-Fi you will need to purchase a contract through a cellular provider and pay those monthly fees.
What can I do on a tablet without WiFi?
Without Wi-Fi you can do a lot on a tablet! But to take full advantage of all your tablet’s features you will want to connect it to a data plan from a cell phone company or tether it to a mobile hotspot or cellphone.
Most apps will run without Wi-Fi. But here are a few ways to connect with the internet on a tablet without a traditional Wi-Fi connection.
1 – Buy a data plan through a cell phone provider like this one. It would be linked to just that one tablet.
2 – Use a mobile hotspot like the one below. This allows you to connect multiple devices to the same hotspot and might be cheaper if you are looking to connect multiple devices and don’t want to pay for them to each have a separate data plan.
Keepgo MiFi device includes a pay as you go SIM with 1GB of global roaming data (valid for 1 year) + quick data refill options (with each data refill validity is extended another year)
【8GB US Data & 1.1GB initial Global Data】We understand the new home life makes you bored, therefore GlocalMe G3 comes with 1.1GB global data.As for 8GB US Data,please offer us device IMEI number to redeem the data. The Mifi data traffic platform is built on Amazon Web Services, which can provide users with safer and more stable data traffic services.
3 – You could ask someone if they can use their phone as a hotspot for you. Here’s how to do that.
4 – Our last tip here isn’t a way to do it without a traditional connection, but to find a traditional connection via a Wi-Fi finding app like WiFi Map, Instabridge or Osmino Wi-Fi. Or just look for a Starbuck or McDonald’s. They always have them and you can typically just park outside and use their Wi-Fi if you don’t have time to go in and grab some food.
Can you get internet on a tablet?
Yes, you can get the internet on a tablet really easily by using a data plan from a phone company or Wi-Fi connection. Both options are built into every tablet already. These make it easy to connect to the Internet while you’re at home or on the go.
What makes a tablet fast or slow?
There are a few things that can make a tablet fast or slow.
First, the processor and RAM of the tablet need to be large enough to run the apps you want to use.
Second, if you fill up the hard drive all the way the tablet will have a hard time running at top speeds. So don’t do that.
And finally, over time the cache can become bloated and cause it to slow down. You can clear out the cache of individual apps in the App’s Menu or clear the cache of all the apps by going into Settings > Storage > Cached data
What makes a tablet run faster?
A tablet will run faster if you make sure to do the following; run as few apps al one time as possible, have a fast processor, have enough RAM, and have a strong internet or data connection.
How can I get free internet on my tablet?
Here’s how to get free Wi-Fi for your tablet
1 – Use any cell active phone as a hotspot
2 – Use a WiFi finding app like WiFi Map, Instabridge or Osmino Wi-Fi.
3 – Find a nearby Starbucks or McDonald’s
Wrapping It Up
I hope you found this guide helpful and you are well on your way to finding the right tablet for your international adventure!
If you enjoyed our Best Tablet for International travel guide, have a look at all our travel gear guides here:
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at zero cost to you. I will only sell and recommend products that I have either used personally or believe will be helpful for you. You will only see proven and trusted gear, and I will help guide you away from the products that simply don’t work!
Over the past year, weighted blankets have become increasingly popular. Most people know that it relaxes the muscles and promotes sleep. But, people often wonder: what are weighted blankets filled with? Even if you own a weighted blanket, you might not know the answer to this question.
Poly plastic pellets
Micro glass beads
Sand
Steel shot beads
Rice/grains
Pebbles
The material doesn’t have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the blanket. But, it may affect how you wash the weighted blanket.
Each weighted blanket filling has its pros and cons. Keep reading and we’ll break down each one.
Types of Weighted Blanket Fillings
Plastic Poly Pellets
Plastic poly pellets are one of the most common weighted blanket fillers. They are incredibly cheap and machine washable. You can buy them in bulk too.
Check out this 10 pound bag of plastic poly pellets from Amazon. These pellets are non-toxic, odorless, and machine washable. Not only that, but they are mold resistant as well.
Micro Glass Beads
Glass beads are a high-end weighted blanket filler. They are a little heavier than plastic beads and smoother too, which makes for a comfortable feeling during sleep. The main downside is that glass pellets are more expensive.
Steel beads are the most popular blanket filler due to their versatility. They are slightly larger than plastic pellets and glass beads, which means you aren’t dealing with as much filler. They’re also machine washable. Most importantly, steel beads are exceptionally durable. Unlike plastic beads, these rarely ever need to be replaced. Likely, you only need to replace steel pellets if you lose some of the filling through a hole over time.
Pebbles or Small Stones
Pebbles or small stones are not as popular, but just as reliable for your weighted blanket. The main advantage of pebbles is that you can find them in nature. It’s important to gather smooth pebbles, though, as sharp pebbles may cause some discomfort. Also, be sure to wash the pebbles thoroughly before using them as a blanket filler. These can be a good option if the person using the blanket has severe allergic reactions to other materials or you are looking to make one super cheap.
Beans Grains or Rice
Beans, grains, or rice are also easy to find for your weighted blanket. They are inexpensive to buy. Because of their small size, they’re easy to evenly distribute and manipulate to make you comfortable. The main concern with weighted blankets filled with rice is that you need a LOT of rice to fill your blanket. They are also much less washable. You for sure want to have a cover on a blanket made with these fillers that you can remove and wash. A weighted blanket core filled with beans, grains or rice can then be spot treated.
Sand
Sand is the most inexpensive filling for weighted blankets, especially if you can find it yourself. But it requires a little more preparation before you can use it as a filling. Make sure to clean the sand so you’re left only with fine particles and no other debris. Also, if you choose to gather sand for your weighted blanket, make sure it’s completely dry. Wet sand clumps together when it comes in contact with moisture. This will cause an imbalance in your weighted blanket. Also, you’ll have to wash your weighted blanket by hand, since sand doesn’t react well with water.
Best Weighted Blankets
You can find dozens of weighted blankets online, but not all of them will suit your needs. We narrowed the list down to three that will accommodate people of different weights. Each of these blankets feature glass beads, which, although more expensive, are worth the investment. These blankets will help you sleep for years to come.
To learn more about how to choose a weighted blanket that is best for you, check out our buyer’s guide.
2 DUVET COVERS INCLUDED - Pre-assembled minky plush COZYHEAT cover for cold winter seasons and neatly tugged inside the package an additional Coolmax regular cover for hot sleepers or warmer weather. Both have zipper enclosure to securely keep your weighted blanket clean and for easy cleaning.
EVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION - Using smaller pockets filled with premium glass beads for an evenly balanced weight distribution, contouring to any body shape, size, and sleep position; less bunching and shifting for maximum comfort.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SIZE FOR YOU - Pick the blanket weight that is roughly 10% of your total body weight, plus or minus 1 to 2 pounds depending on your physical strength. If you need help choosing the right size, feel free to contact us. Well be more than happy to help!
RELAX AND ENJOY - Ready to use right out of the box with or without duvet cover. Great gifting idea, like sending a gentle warm hug to your loved ones.
A FULL NIGHTS REST - Our durable 7-layer weighted blanket is engineered from the STURDIEST MATERIALS with a DURALAST FIBER STITCHING to ensure long lasting comfort - Enjoy our 365 Days Money Back Guarantee!
This weighted blanket is a comfortable fit for anyone around 120 lbs. The glass beads are evenly distributed for an incredibly comfortable fit. With your purchase of this blanket, you’ll also get two duvet covers – one for the winter and one for the summer. The winter cover is made of a soft fleece that traps heat to keep you nice and warm. The summer cover is made of microfiber that moves heat from your body to keep you cool. You can remove your cover at any time to wash your blanket, too!
The original YnM weighted blanket offers a natural way to help calm your body for a restful night of sleep; great calming sensory blanket for adults and children to help decompress and provide comfort
Made with multiple layers and smaller compartments (4.7x4.7) for maximum comfort that contours to the shape of your body
Our unique 7-layer structure is designed to keep you comfortable and cool, allowing the glass beads to provide temperature control
To choose a size for 1 adult, take 10% of your body weight, then add 1 lb; For sharing, please choose from KING 80x87 weighted blanket
Breathable cotton duvet cover, cooling bamboo duvet cover or cozy minky duvet cover are available in YnM. From YnM you can find a perfect duvet for you and for protection of your weighted blanket
This 15-pound weighted blanket is perfect for your twin or full bed. The glass beads are evenly distributed and hug your body throughout the night. Also, the beads are layered with soft breathable fabric. This comfortable blanket will keep you from tossing and turning throughout the night.
The YnM Cotton Weighted Blanket is the perfect fit for your twin or full size bed. It is a great gift for a friend or partner for the holidays. Buy yours from Amazon here.
4 REASONS WHY CHOOSE ZonLi HEAVY BLANKET (1) Give you better sleep. (2) A good gift idea for your lovers. (3) The perfect addition to your bed. (4) Used for all-season comfort.
4 REASONS WHY ZonLi WEIGHTED BLANKET IS WORTH THE PRICE Each design has a unique role. (1) High-density sewing technology, two-layer microfiber are added to prevent the loose of the thread and leakage of the beads. (2) Smaller squares to distribute glass beads inside the blanket evenly. (3) Two-layer 100% soft cotton fabric to keep you at the perfect temperature (avoid overly hot). (4) Loops to secure the duvet cover.
HOW TO CHOOSE Choose the weighted blanket weighs 6%-10% of your body weight and a lighter one for the first try. 60*80 weighted blanket 17 lbs is suitable for 170lbs-220lbs individual and a queen size or king size bed. If you are a hot sleeper, you can try a cooling bamboo weighted blanket.
3 REASONS WHY WE RECOMMEND A DUVET COVER FOR YOUR BLANKET (1) EASY cleaning. (2) Extend the blankets span life. (3) Various styles for your choice, Comfortable Cotton, Cooling Bamboo, Warm Minky.
UNIQUE SEWING TECHNIQUE The tight quilting thread can evenly distribute the weight of the beads. Eight loops can fix the blanket without running.
Our third blanket on this list is the perfect size for those who weigh around 200 lbs. The multilayer blanket is one of the most comfortable on the market. The micro glass beads are sandwiched by two layers of microfiber. These keep the beads evenly distributed and prevent them from falling out of your blanket. The outer layer of the blanket is made of cotton, which is lightweight and breathable.
This 20-pound blanket is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. It comes with a cover that’s easy to wash. Check it out at this link.
Do you have to be careful of fillers made from potentially toxic chemicals?
No; companies are required to manufacture non-toxic fillers for weighted blankets to ensure the safety of all users. Most weighted blankets today are manufactured with plastic poly pellets, glass beads, or steel beads. All of these materials are non-toxic. The main material to watch out for is lead. It is a toxic material that can cause lead poisoning, which can be harmful or even fatal. But, today, manufacturers do not distribute these unsafe blankets.
If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of a certain filler option, or have known allergies, consult with your doctor before using a weighted blanket. But, most people will be just fine.
What is the best filling for weighted blankets?
Steel beads are one of the best weighted blanket fillers on the market. They are a little larger than plastic pellets, which means you’ll be dealing with less beads. This is especially convenient if you spill the blanket fillings. They are also much more durable than plastic beads.
They are not as affordable as plastic poly pellets, but they are still a cost-effective option for your weighted blanket in the long run.
What do you put inside a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets have several types of blanket fillers. These include:
Poly plastic pellets
Glass beads
Sand
Steel shot beads
Rice/grains
Pebbles
Can weighted blankets harm you?
Weighted blankets are designed to have evenly distributed beads or pellets. If that’s the case, you’re not at risk when using your weighted blanket. In fact, it’s manufactured to relax your muscles and provide relief. If you wake up sore after using a weighted blanket, don’t panic. This is normal, especially if you haven’t used a weighted blanket in the past. But, if the soreness persists, it’s possible you may have a blanket that is a little too heavy for you. You can either reduce the amount of filling in it or purchase a lighter blanket.
If you need to buy a couple before you find the right one, it is a small price to pay for a fantastic night’s rest.s.
The weight sits on your entire body for a full night’s sleep, so it can definitely lead to short-term discomfort. Try removing some of the fillers and see if that solves the problem. Generally, weighted blankets should weigh about five to 10 percent of your body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, the blanket should weigh a max of 15 pounds. If you haven’t used a weighted blanket before, try one that’s a little lighter.
The beads also might not be evenly distributed. If one spot is too heavy that can cause targeted pain. So, make sure to spread out the beads evenly.
Finally, your weighted blanket may be causing discomfort due to your sleeping position. Some people sleep on their back, some on their side, and some on their stomach. Depending on how you sleep, your weighted blanket may be a little too intense for a whole night. Experiment with a different amount of pellets or different blanket fillers to find the best one for you.
What does a weighted blanket do?
A weighted blanket applies deep touch pressure throughout the body, stimulating the nervous system. Research has shown that deep touch pressure is linked to reduced anxiety and increased relaxation. Weighted blankets are often used by occupational therapists to soothe patients with ADHD, autism, or other conditions involving anxiety or mild to major depression.
Are weighted blankets hot?
Depending on the materials used, weighted blankets can get hot. But, not all of them do. Common materials for weighted blankets include linen, fleece, cotton, and microfiber. Cotton tends to be the most breathable blanket, but for the most part, the fabric is up to your personal preference.
To learn more about whether weighted blankets make you hot, check out this article.
Who should not use a weighted blanket?
Children under three years old or weighing under 50 pounds should not use weighted blankets. At that weight, the prolonged mild stress on the body can be harmful. For safety reasons, keep your children away from your weighted blanket. If you sleep with children, set your weighted blanket away for the night.
If you ever spill the fillings of a weighted blanket, keep the pellets out of reach of children. They are a choking hazard.
Summary
There you have it: six weighted blanket fillers and some helpful questions to lead you to the most comfortable fit while you sleep. Sometimes it comes down to personal preference and your sleeping behavior when choosing a weighted blanket. At the end of the day, use a durable, non-organic weighted blanket filler like steel, plastic, or glass. These pellets are incredibly reliable; they wash well, are easy to store, and you can even travel with them too.
But, the other types are reliable too. What’s comfortable for you may not be comfortable for someone else. If you try a weighted blanket and it’s not comfortable for you, make sure to evenly distribute the fillings. If that doesn’t work, try a different type of pellet.
Thanks for reading! For more product reviews and guides, check out the articles below.
The weighted blanket is the latest vogue item on most travelers’ must-have list. The coverage not only promises better sleep but also promotes anxiety reduction effects on users.
I get asked this question a lot, so let’s answer it right away. Can you use a weighted blanket for airplane travel?
The answer is yes. But there are some challenges to it. We’ll explain these challenges, drop our best recommendations for weighted blankets, and close with a detailed weighted blanket buyer’s guide.
The TSA has a tighter noose on carry-on luggage, and it is, therefore, no surprise that travelers have had encounters with TSA agents but with mixed outcomes.
Some passengers have had their weighted blankets confiscated while others have been fortunate enough to be allowed to travel with them.
However, the question that begs an answer is, “is it only luck that separates travelers allowed to snuggle with their weighted blankets on board flights from those that are denied that comfort?”
There are no clear answers to this question, but there are numerous suggestions in online discussion boards and social media posts from both curious travelers and experienced ones who have encountered the same issue of carrying weighted blankets onto airplanes.
The following suggestions may help travelers increase their chances of being allowed to bring weighted blankets in planes as carry-on luggage:
Show Proof of Purchase
Travelers with weighted blankets are encouraged to bring along the receipts for the blanket as proof of purchase and to show the TSA and airline agents that it is a legitimate purchase.
Proof of legitimacy may convince the relevant authorities that the stuffing in the blanket does not contain concealed deadly weapons, but instead, they are for therapeutic and comfort purposes.
Bring Samples
If possible, travelers are encouraged to bring small samples of the materials used as filling in the weighted blankets. The TSA and airline agents may be curious to find out what the stuffing used is, and having a little sample will save everyone the trouble of cutting open the blanket.
Examples of the stuffing can be requested from manufacturers, but this is mostly dependent at the manufacturers’ discretion.
Proof of Medical Necessity
Due to the health benefits they give people with autism and anxiety disorders, weighted blankets may be classified as medical equipment to be used in the plane as a carry on item. Travelers with the proper medical prescription from health practitioners may present their orders at the request of the TSA or airline agents and have their blankets waived in as vital medical equipment.
Calling the TSA or airline agent may be another option that may avoid unnecessary disappointment at the check-in gate. The TSA and airplane companies do not have clear guidelines on weighted blankets (though they do allow standard sheets), and therefore consider the merits of each case on an individual basis.
Travelers who call beforehand can present their cases in a non-intimidating manner, and in the process have a better chance of their situation being understood.
As the name suggests, weighted blankets distinguish themselves from regular sheets in that they are stuffed with synthetic, small pellets, beads, or discs. These fillers put a little pressure on users, giving them the feeling of a gentle hug.
Weighted blankets are made from different materials that are soft to the feel, like cotton, and adult varieties usually weigh between ten to thirty pounds. Children varieties of these blankets often weigh less but parents are advised not to use them on infants.
The most popular weighted blankets favored by travelers usually fit an individual’s size. The sheet aims to exert gentle, evenly spread pressure to users’ bodies and give them a comforting snug feeling. Some weighted blankets do not come as one piece; they have different components that are detachable and washable.
My recommendations for weighted blankets that can be used by travelers.
COMBO INCLUDES: 15-pound weighted throw, duvet cover + laundry bag as a gift.
HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: The weighted insert is 100% cotton and filled with glass beads. The duvet is 100% bamboo silk on one side and minky fabric on the reverse.
YOUR BEST REST: Promotes relaxation by giving you the feeling of receiving a hug or being embraced.
TAKE CARE: Ties along the perimeter of the blanket allow for easy assembly. Remove duvet and wash it on cold and air dry. Do NOT put the weighted throw insert into the washer. Dry clean only.
The GO2 Weighted Blanket is a comfortable blanket for kids and adults. It is made of a breathable cotton material to keep you cool while you sleep. The duvet cover is soft silk on one side and mink fur on the other, which is exceptionally soft. This blanket is filled with small weighted glass beads that release tension while you sleep.
The original YnM weighted blanket offers a natural way to help calm your body for a restful night of sleep; great calming sensory blanket for adults and children to help decompress and provide comfort
Made with multiple layers and smaller compartments (4x4) for maximum comfort that contours to the shape of your body
Our unique 7-layer structure is designed to keep you comfortable and cool, allowing the glass beads to provide temperature control
To choose a size, take 10% of the body weight, then add 1 lb
Breathable cotton duvet cover, cooling bamboo duvet cover or cozy minky duvet cover are available in YnM. From YnM you can find a perfect duvet for your child and for protection of weighted blan
The YnM blanket is the perfect blanket for your kid. It is built with soft, breathable cotton to keep your kid cool while they sleep. You have three options for your duvet cover: cotton, bamboo, and mink fur. Depending on your sleeping habits, you can find a cover that is right for you. This blanket is manufactured with small same-size compartments that help evenly distribute the glass beads so you can get a good night’s sleep.
2 IN 1 FLUFFY SHERPA AND VELVET FLEECE - A weighted blanket throw designed to please all senses. A reversible dual-sided surface with all the great weighted blanket benefits built-in. Silky velvety fleece on one side and warm fuzzy sherpa/berber on the other. Snuggling in bed just got even better.
BALANCED WEIGHT FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT – Each small quilt pocket is filled with environmentally friendly nano-glass beads that distribute evenly across the blanket, contours with any body shape and sleeping position to achieve the desired compression comfort.
BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL – The comfortability combined with the eye pleasing color combinations are irresistible, not to mention the weighted assistance to promote a healthier lifestyle or to simply brighten up any room décor. The unique throw size blanket that will leave your guests in awe and wonder.
VERSATILE IN ANY DECOR SETTING - BEDS, SOFAS, VEHICLE SEATS – EVEN THE OUTDOORS our fuzzy throw blankets can thrive. We combined the same compression benefits into a smaller more MULTIPURPOSE package. Now you can easily take our soft throw blanket anywhere in any situation. Ideal for gift to wife, birthdays, anniversary, or any gifting occasions.
NO SHRINKAGE, MATTING OR PILLING - Our dependable warmest fluffy soft sherpa throw blankets are engineered from the sturdiest material with duralast fiber stitching, meaning they are meant to last - Enjoy our 1 year Money Back Guarant
The Degrees of Comfort weight blanket is one of the softest and most comfortable on the market. It features comfy fleece on one side and soft sherpa on the other. Like the other blankets on this list, this one has glass beads for maximum comfort. You can take this blanket anywhere to use it at your home or on the go. Not only that, but this blanket will last you for many years.
Try out the Degrees of Comfort weighted blanket from Amazon at this link.
✅ BABO Premium Weighted Blanket kids is designed for kids between 40 to 60 lbs
✅ BABO Premium Weighted Blanket kids is designed for kids between 40 to 60 lbs
✅ THE PERFECT GIFT FOR CHILDREN! If you are looking for an incredible gift to give, you have found a winner with our Deluxe All-Weather Blankets! Our large 36x48 blanket is perfect for your kids to use on their twin, full, queen, or king-sized beds
✅ IDEAL FOR BOTH HOT & COLD SLEEPERS— Now you can use a sleeping blanket all year round with our innovative, dual weather blanket for all seasons. The minky dotted side is great to use on cold winter nights, and the cool cotton/polyester side is ideal for hot summer weather
✅ Your kids will love the our BABO Weighted Blanket! You can use it for 100 nights, and if you don’t love it we will send you a full refund. You can click the yellow “Add to Cart” button today, knowing you are getting the best!
The BABO weighted blanket is a comfortable option for kids. It works great for kids weighing between 40 and 60 lbs. This soft weighted blanket is a great gift for the holidays. The blanket is machine washable too, which makes it easy to maintain.
Purchase your BABO weighted blanket for kids today from Amazon.
For more advice on how to wash a weighted blanket, check out this ultimate guide.
This weighted blanket is designed for your lap rather than your bed. It’s sized 39”x23” which makes it the perfect size to use on your lap, back, or stomach. The velvet fabric is soft and comfortable. With this small lap weighted blanket, you can relax after a long day of work.
Try out this lap weighted blanket from Amazon right here.
What to Look for When Choosing a Weighted Blanket
The variety of weighted blankets is as diverse as the tastes and preferences of consumers out there, and there is something for everyone. Despite the diversity, there are a few guidelines on how to choose one that suits you.
Body Weight
First, there is a scientific method for choosing a blanket that suits your body weight. It is recommended that you purchase a weighted blanket that is almost a tenth of your body weight.
For instance, someone who weighs 200 pounds should get a blanket of about 20 pounds. For those who are inclined to feel a bit of pressure, more extensive options are not prohibited.
This is a good example of a travel-sized weighted blanket on Amazon. It’s smaller and lighter which would work well for airplane travel.
Sensory Considerations
Second, sensory considerations ought to be considered in the choice of fabric and filling. People with a sensitivity to synthetic fabric should consider organic options like cotton and wool to polyester. Skin irritation ruins peaceful moments when comfort should be the utmost priority.
Easy Care and Maintenance
Another consideration to keep in mind is how easy it is to clean the weighted blanket. It may come as a one-piece, or it may have a slipcover, but either way, it is definitely going to collect its fair share of dirt and grime along your travels. Choose a weighted blanket that is machine washable to make it much easier and way more convenient to keep it clean and ready to go for your next trip.
Return and Exchange Policies
If you have never used this kind of blanket before, then you may not know exactly what to expect. For this reason, you should make sure that the place you purchase the blanket from has a return policy in place. Some may even offer a trial period so you can see if you like the blanket. You may also decide you want to exchange the blanket for one that is a different weight.
Fit for One
Yes, weighted blankets do come in a variety of different length options, but you will soon find that the majority of them are around 48-inches wide. This is only slightly narrower than a twin size bed. Many people wish they were wider, but these blankets are typically made to just fit one person. They just aren’t designed to accommodate two people at the same time.
Temperature Considerations
It is also important to remember that these blankets are heavy, and when they are being used, they can become very hot. If you are someone who already feels warm or hot while laying in bed because of your body temperature and the materials your mattress is made from, the weighted blanket is just going to add to this rise in temperature. Therefore, in these cases, you may want to look for a blanket that has a natural fiber cover and is designed to wick moisture.
For more information on choosing a weighted blanket that’s the right temperature for you, check out our complete article.
Health Benefits of a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are like vitamin pills; they are beneficial to everyone but especially useful to those in need. Whereas vitamin pills are essential to the vitamin-deprived, weighted blankets are necessities to those deprived of sleep.
The science behind weighted blankets lies in their ability to gently press on users, easing them into still positions and remain unmoved until morning. The gentle pressure lowers cortisol levels and stimulates serotonin levels to rise. The former triggers stress in humans while the latter brings along sensations of joy and wellness.
Studies have shown that weighted blankets offer users feelings of comfort, safety, and relaxation owing to their gentle pressure on bodies. These feelings go a long way in reducing anxiety to the users and thereby offering serenity. Read my story of travel anxiety here.
Weighted blankets also improve symptoms in those prone to restless leg syndrome, chronic pain conditions, or insomnia. They work well for psychological inclinations, too, with a strong advantage for those with depression and autism that want a good night’s sleep.
There isn’t a single must buy brand to consider when searching for the perfect weighted blanket for your travels. Although many larger companies offer their own variety, you will find a number of available options in-store as well as online to choose from. Some places may even be able to offer you more customized options.
Hopefully, you found this weighted blanket guide helpful.
Are you looking to snag a great deal on a compact camera before you travel someplace fun? Great! You are in the right place. Compact cameras are, of course, compact, lightweight, and easy to use. That makes them an ideal choice for frequent travelers.
We will review some of the best compact cameras available today. After our review, keep reading for our comprehensive buyer’s guide to learn more about how to find a camera that works best for you.
Although the Canon 360 HS is a few years old now, it’s still one of the best budget cameras on the market today and is great for travelers. It’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to pack and take with you anywhere.
This point-and-shoot camera will take amazing photos and professional quality videos in HD. It has image stabilization and with multiple settings, you will have no problem getting the perfect shot. It’s perfect for beginners, and professionals will appreciate some of the great features.
Overall this is one of the best cameras, available at an affordable price. The only negative is the battery life is poor compared to some others. Expect to get about 180 photos before you will need to charge or replace the battery. Also, a viewfinder is nice to have.
The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS camera is perfect for family vacations, parties, and other outdoor moments.
Its 40x optical zoom means you can capture close-up portraits of your family, landmarks in the distance, and virtually everything in between.
While you’re away traveling, everyone at home will stay updated as you share your shots with the PowerShot SX720 HS’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.
The 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC six-image processor will combine to bring you stunning images and spectacular 1080p Full HD video.
What We Like
Small size 2.51 x 1.41 x 4.32 in. and lightweight 0.54 lbs.
Image Sync Function – In addition to wirelessly transferring photos and videos through Canon Image Gateway to your computer, you can now view and download them from your compatible smartphone.
Intelligent IS – This analyzes camera movement and applies a suitable shake correction method for the shooting situation.
Lightweight – At just 8.6 ounces, this camera is one of the best cameras to use while on the go.
What We Don’t
Focus Time Is Slow. This is not a huge deal but it’s worth mentioning. Depending on the situation you are in, you may find it slow to focus.
The Canon Powershot SX720 HS is a great camera and I highly recommend it. You can check it out on Amazon via the link. Also, watch the video below for more info.
One of the best things about the Panasonic ZS60 is the clean lines as well as textured grips. This camera won’t win any awards for its looks but it definitely has its advantages.
It looks fairly similar to the ZS50 but has improved performance and features.
Panasonic Lumix point-and-shoot digital cameras are known for their reliability and innovative features. You will get both of those with this camera. It has the optical performance of a 30x (24-720mm) LEICA DC Lens, and its compact size and lightweight make it a great choice.
You will love the hands-on manual feel of a lens-mounted control ring and thumbwheel, plus the familiarity of an eye-level electronic viewfinder. Wi-Fi mobile device controllability and 4K video and 4K PHOTO modes are also included in this model, which is perfect for the modern traveler.
What We Like
Has Leica Vario-Elmar 30x zoom with (24-720mm)
Built-in optical image stabilization to reduce blur at long ranges
4K Ultra HD video recording
Post Focus 4K Photo modes
Compact design 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
Great price
What We Don’t
Lower quality compared to a DSLR Similar to the ZS50, this camera has a small chip which reduces the quality.
The Panasonic Lumix ZS60 is another great camera at an affordable price. You can see more info on Amazon by clicking the link.
Focusing Range - Auto 0.4 in. (1.0cm) - infinity (W), 6.6 ft. (2.0m) - infinity (T). Normal - 2.0 in. (5.0cm) - infinity (W), 6.6 ft. (2.0m) - infinity (T). Macro - 0.4 in. - 1.6 ft. (1.0-50.0cm) (W)
This is Canon’s newest superzoom travel compact camera. The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has improved specifications over its predecessor, the SX720.
This camera is very easy to use and is super comfortable to hold. One difference that may be slightly noticeable on this camera vs the SX720 is that the size has increased.
This is due to the new tilting screen. It’s not a huge difference; you can still fit it in your pocket but it is noticeable.
The 40x zoom feature is very nice and with zoom framing assist, you can take great shots using longer focal lengths. Wifi and Bluetooth technology are very convenient features to have. Use your smartphone’s GPS to tag your photos!
What We Like
DIGIC 6 Image Processor – Helps boost image quality in both stills and videos for high resolution with minimal noise when shooting in dark conditions
Dynamic IS – Creates video virtually free of distortion.
Tilting 3″ Screen 180-degree tilting is a great added feature.
Self-Portrait Mode – With so many people taking selfies these days, this mode just makes it so much easier.
Easy To Use Menus – This camera has some great features for advanced photographers but the easy to use menus make this camera great for beginners as well.
What We Don’t
No Touchscreen – We found that, for the price of this camera, a touchscreen LCD should have been an option to have with the swivel screen.
No 4K Video Recording – Again, for the price point of this compact camera, there should be an option of 4K recording like many others.
These features may not be something that every user cares about or needs. But while this is a great camera overall, we feel the SX730 should have these two features.
Just like I mentioned with the Canon 720SX, I highly recommend the Canon Powershot 730SX. For the price, both Canon cameras listed here will give you great value. You can’t go wrong with either.
Versatile video w/ high-quality XAVC S, AVCHD & MP4 formats, Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi w/NFC, 5-axis image stabilization greatly reduces camera shake blur.Recording format:JPEG(DCF Ver.2.0,Exif Ver.2.3,MRF Baseline compliant)
Selfie-ready 3 Extra Fine LCD multi-angle display, P/A/S/M modes, customizable settings and Memory Recall mode, Enhance features w/ downloadable camera apps, Capture the decisive moments with up to 10fps or keep your subject in focus with Lock-on AF
Focus Range Wide: 1.97 (5 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 8.20 (2.5 m) - Infinity.Adjustable Angle Up by approx. 180 degrees. F-number (Maximum Aperture) F3.5 (W) - 6.4 (T)
In-The-Box: Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1; AC AdaptorAC-UUD12; Micro USB cable; Wrist Strap; Instruction Manual
The Sony HX80B is another affordable camera with lots of cool features. We really like this camera and recommend it, but there are a few things this camera can improve on.
You will get sharp detail up close with the world’s smallest and lightest 30x zoom camera. There’s even a pop-up electronic viewfinder for eye-level framing and a 180-degree tilt screen for 18.2MP selfies — very similar to the Canon SX730 for selfie mode.
Stunning picture quality comes from the low light Exmor R sensor and premium ZEISS lens with 5-axis image stabilization. You can share photos instantly with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC.
What We Like
Very Compact – 4″ x 2.3″ x 1.4″
5-axis Image Stabilization – Greatly reduces blur; shoot remarkably sharp images with Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for both stills and video.
Tilting 180 Degree 3″ Screen
Pop Up Electronic Viewfinder
What We Don’t
Menu Difficult To Navigate – Might not be a concern for some users, but for beginners, I can see this being a problem.
Slow To Focus – Personally, I didn’t find this to be a big issue but there have been many complaints about this in the past.
Settings Need To Be Changed Often – You can adjust your settings and save them in manual mode, but for a point-and-shoot camera, most people don’t want to spend their time changing the settings.
Overall, the Sony HX80B is a great camera. It has some minor flaws that can be a nuisance to some users, but I still recommend it for the price.
Check out the video below for some additional info.
Point and Shoot Long Zoom Camera: 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus 60X zooms DC Vario lens (20 1220 millimeter and Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) captures far off moments
High Resolution View Finder & LCD Display: High resolution 1,170K dot view finder and rear touch enabled 3 inch LCD Display (1040 dots) are clear even in bright sunlight.Lens:14 elements in 12 groups
4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes extracts individual high resolution Photos from 4K ultra HD video filmed at 30 frames per second to capture split second moments
Low Light Performance: Low light capture lets you enjoy photography during your nightlife again with impressive results; Note: Refer to user manual PDF attached below in technical specification for trouble shooting steps are on page 54
USB Charging and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Enjoy travel ready technologies like USB charging and Wi Fi connectivity to your mobile device; HDMI D (Micro), Micro USB and USB 2.0 provide additional connectivity to your favorite devices; Max resolution: 4896 x 3672
The Lumix FZ80 a point-and-shoot camera offers an amazing 60x zoom lens and 4K technology.
You might be thinking ‘Wow, that must be expensive!’ But, you will be impressed by the price of this camera, which is another high quality camera for travelers.
I really like the design of this camera. Sure it’s a bit bigger than some others but for me, I don’t mind that. The Lumix FZ80 also ticks all the boxes for must-have items with a travel camera.
There is a good chance that while you are traveling, you will be around some water. Whether it is at the beach or near a lake, you don’t want to risk your camera getting wet.
Waterproof cameras are a great option if you know you will be around water but want to take great photos and videos without worrying about your camera accidentally getting ruined by water damage.
A waterproof camera doesn’t have to be expensive either. My suggestion is to look at the Fujifilm Finepix XP80.
Best Waterproof Compact Camera for Travel – Fujifilm Finepix XP80
Cameras sure have changed over time. They just keep getting better, and if you are tired of taking photos with your smartphone and are ready to upgrade to a better digital camera, keep reading.
The compact camera is also known as a point-and-shoot camera. These types of cameras are designed mainly for their simple operation and ease of use.
The thing is, if you want a camera that is suitable for traveling, you need to pay attention to some specific details about the camera that maybe you wouldn’t really consider if you were not traveling.
It is not always easy to make the right selection for a good travel camera and stick to a budget.
One important thing to know is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. You can stay on a budget and still buy a really nice travel camera that you and your family will love.
Most people use the compact camera for taking snapshots of outdoor events, vacations, parties, and other functions.
If you are traveling, the point-and-shoot camera is a great option as they are lightweight and versatile. They are usually the smallest and most affordable option as well.
But the one negative to using a compact or point and shoot camera is they most likely will lack in image quality when compared to a higher-end DSLR camera.
In general, compact cameras offer great portability, but at the cost of some image stability and quality.
Shopping for cameras involves many trade-offs, based on your specific needs.
It’s important to consider your photography habits before deciding on the right type of camera for you. What are you shooting? How often will you use your camera? Will you be traveling a lot for your photography? What time of day will you take most of your pictures?
These are just a few questions to consider to decide on a camera that is right for you. Everyone’s answers will be different, so don’t just take your friend’s word for it. Instead, do a little self-reflection on how you use your camera and find one that suits all your needs.
Check out a detailed list of pros and cons for compact or point and shoot cameras below.
Point and Shoot Cameras Pros and Cons
Pros
Size & weight: The modern point and shoot cameras are small and light enough to fit in your pocket.
Price: Very affordable and in most cases, you are going to pay less than an entry-level DSLR.
Noise: Most compact point-and-shoot cameras are virtually silent in most cases.
Ease of use: Most point and shoot cameras are set up to take good photos right out of the box. The controls and menus are simple and easy to understand for beginners.
Cons
Image quality: Some point and shoot cameras are not very good at capturing images in low light situations.
Flexibility: Zooming in on objects far away reduces the quality significantly. Changing the lens is not an option.
Manual controls: Selecting your own aperture and shutter speed will be an issue for most point and shoot cameras.
Speed: Focusing is much slower and they are famous for shutter lag.
So, are you ready to move past taking photos on your cell phone and find a real camera?
Now ask yourself, is a standalone camera really required? Do I need one? Probably not in today’s world of technology.
Although smartphones today will take great photos and videos, compact digital cameras are often more versatile and comfortable.
And don’t worry, you can get a really great camera for a decent price. Before I list my compact camera recommendations, here are a few tips that will help you choose the best one for you:
Determine what you need the camera for
Don’t make the mistake of buying extras that you don’t need. Are you going to use it for landscape photos, sports, weddings…? What type of lighting will you be shooting in? Are you looking for a certain zoom or image stabilization? These are some questions to ask yourself before buying the camera. The size and portability is also an important factor.
Don’t worry too much about megapixels
Megapixels are something that most people notice when buying a new camera. Usually one of the first questions asked is: How many megapixels does it have? Don’t worry about that. Today’s cameras are normally built with at least 5MP; gone are the days when the megapixels were a huge concern. Actually, it can be a disadvantage to have high megapixels. The images end up being so large that they take up significant space on memory cards and computers.
Remember you may need extras
It’s possible that you may need some extras to go with your new camera. Things like a memory card, case, batteries, and charger, tripods. Most places will offer a bundle price which will be cheaper than buying the items separately.
So those are just a few tips, there is also a great article on Digital Photography School showing more tips on buying a compact camera.
What To Look For With Travel Cameras – Must-Have Items
Portability
Awesome zoom
The “F” factor
Image stability
WiFi
1. Portability
This is definitely something to consider when buying a travel camera. Your camera needs to be portable so it will be easy to bring with you. Whether it will be in your carry on bag for the airplane, or perhaps you are an outdoor traveler, your camera needs to be portable.
This would include weight and size. Of course the lighter and more compact the better. That is not always possible, depending on the type of photography you do.
Compact cameras are some of the most portable ones out there. They are small and lightweight which makes them easy to transport.
2. Awesome Zoom
Travelers love to have a camera with a huge optical zoom feature to capture those far away images. A really good zoom will let you capture a great shot of an animal in the distance or a building that is far away.
But be aware that a big zoom can mean a loss in resolution. You can add zoom lenses to DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but that will cost more.
Since we are trying to stay on a budget here, a compact camera with a decent zoom will suffice.
If you are looking for a camera with fantastic zoom, check out this article where we reviewed some of the best zoom cameras on the market.
3. The “F” factor
If you are going to be traveling to spots that have low light areas, you will still want to use your camera. Some cameras are better than others when taking photos in low light – a museum for example. For this, you will want a camera with a high f-stop.
In general, the lower the f-stop, the larger the lens opening, or aperture. This means that your camera will take in more light and photos in low-light will show up clearly.
But, in low-light environments, use a tripod to take your shots. The camera takes more time to capture the light in dark settings and photos can become blurry with just a small shake of the hand.
High f-stops are great to use in bright environments – in the middle of the day, for example. They will produce incredibly crisp photos.
Generally, under f-4 is used with low light and over f-4 is better for bright environments.
Due to the size of the lenses on most compact cameras, they have a lower f-stop range than DSLR or other high-end cameras.
4. Image stability
Image stability is important on a zoom lens. As mentioned earlier, a big zoom feature is great to have. But as you zoom in more, image stability decreases. You will want to find a camera that has great image stability.
5. Wifi
Some people may say that a Wifi feature is not that important on a travel camera. I will gladly disagree with them. Although I don’t think it’s a deal-breaker, it still is an important feature for me and I prefer to have the convenience of storing and sharing images and 4k videos right over the internet instantly. You never know when your camera can be lost or stolen.
Other Great Features
4k video, an electronic viewfinder, and an APS C sensor are a few other great features of budget compact cameras. Be sure to consider all of these as well before making your purchase.
Summary
I think if you are looking to get a compact point-and-shoot camera and not break the bank, any one of the above-mentioned cameras will do the trick. Of course, you can spend more money and get a better camera depending on the features you are looking for.
In my opinion, you don’t need to spend more than $400. For the price, features, and quality you’ll receive from any of these cameras, you can’t go wrong!
If you enjoyed our best compact cameras under $400 guide, have a look at all our travel gear guides here: