Heading off on a summer adventure? Whether you’re jetting off to exotic destinations or embarking on a local getaway, having the right items with you can really be what makes or breaks your trip.
Our experts at MoneyTransfers.com have used Google Trends data to assess eight of the top trending travel gadgets and accessories for 2023.
Jonathan Merry, CEO at MoneyTransfers.com, comments: “Summer is peak travel season and as expected, top travel gadgets are a trending topic – but which one’s should Brits be putting at the top of their packing list?
From air tags to prevent lost or stolen luggage, to using AI to plan your trip from door to door, our experts are highlighting the must-have travel essentials for 2023’s holiday season.”
1. AirTags (212k searches) +11%
Apple AirTags are the latest summer must-have, garnering over 200,000 searches every month.
Attach this nifty tracking device to your luggage, passport, or anything else you want to keep tabs on, and let your smartphone guide you to their location with ease. It’s no wonder that the Air Tag has become a hot item, with travellers eagerly embracing its convenience and reliability. Pop one of these in your suitcase and you can track your luggage in real-time.
2. Packing cubes (73k searches) +15%
Packing cubes have been in the secret arsenal of well-seasoned travellers for years, and that’s no different in 2023.
With different sizes and compartments, these cubes help you optimise your packing space and effortlessly find what you need. Join the growing tribe of savvy travellers who swear by packing cubes for a stress-free journey.
3. Neck fan (66k searches) +83%
Portable neck fans are an interesting travel gadget to be trending this summer, and yet searches for these handy items are up 83% month-on-month. These futuristic-looking gadgets wrap around the back of your neck and blow a cool breeze directly into your face – they look a bit like headphones when you’re wearing them around your neck.
Merry adds: “neck fans are undoubtedly the hottest growing travel gadget trend this summer, seeing a bigger increase in searches this month than any other item. It appears that the increasing temperatures are something many tourists are looking to avoid this year – with these smart travel accessories offering the perfect cooling escape from high temperatures.”
4. Travel pillow (57k searches) +6%
Long journeys no longer have to be synonymous with uncomfortable sleep. Travel pillows might not be anything new and exciting, but they remain a staple travel essential for a reason.
This cosy essential provides much-needed neck support, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your destination.
5. Trip Planner AI (25k searches) +5%
Imagine having your own personal travel assistant, available at your fingertips. That’s exactly what an AI trip planner brings to the table.
Powered by artificial intelligence, this innovative gadget takes the stress out of trip planning by curating customised itineraries, suggesting must-visit attractions, and providing real-time travel information. Prepare to be amazed as this intelligent companion makes your journey seamless and unforgettable from door to door. Trip planning using AI is still a relatively new concept, but it’s likely to quickly enter the mainstream as AI development continues.
6. Travel size perfume (8.7k searches) +51%
Why sacrifice your signature scent when you’re on the move? Travel size perfumes are the answer to smelling fresh and fabulous no matter where you wander, and they’re seriously trending this month – with searches up 51% month-on-month.
This trending summer essential is likely to be so popular as more travellers increasingly opt for carry-on luggage instead of paying extra for cabin bags and the extra inconvenience that comes with it.
7. Portable bottle warmer (17k searches) +16%
With the approach of the school summer holiday’s many families with young children are also setting their sights on a break away in warmer climates. Portable bottle warmers are another unexpected contender as one of the trending summer gadgets, with an increase in searches of 16%.
A portable bottle warmer is a game-changer for parents, making sure your baby’s milk or formula is always at the perfect temperature. It’s also a great idea for hotel room stays where you can’t guarantee you’ll have access to other ways to warm up your baby’s bottle.
8. Travel charger (20k searches) +15%
In the age of smartphones and smart devices, a reliable travel charger is a travel essential. Keep your gadgets powered up and ready for action with a compact and efficient travel charger.
One particularly popular charger this summer is the Snap Wireless charger – a lightweight, compact gadget that’s capable of wirelessly charging three devices at once. 2023 appears to be the year you can say goodbye to bringing a handful of plug adaptors with you once and for all!
Travel cards and sending money abroad
Not so much a travel gadget, but travel cards are another trending topic as the peak of summer approaches. Many travellers are getting far savvier about avoiding expensive bank fees by using money transfer companies to move their money abroad for spending whilst on holiday.
However, with such a plethora of options out there, it can be hard to find the best option. Our top tips for avoiding fees and charges when travelling abroad include:
- Save your hard-earned cash by using money transfer companies or travel cards that have low or no fees for international transactions.
- Don’t settle for the first option you come across! Take the time to compare exchange rates and fees from different money transfer providers to get the best deal.
- Make life easier by getting yourself a prepaid travel card that offers competitive exchange rates and minimal fees.
- Watch out for sneaky offers of dynamic currency conversion. Always choose to pay in the local currency to dodge those unnecessary fees if you can.
- Keep an eye out for any pesky minimum balance requirements or inactivity fees that might come with your travel card. Pick one that fits your needs without burning a hole in your pocket.
“It’s no surprise that travel cards are another trending topic this month. As we approach peak travel season, more travellers are going to be looking for ways to reduce fees and exchange rate costs when spending money abroad, whether that’s for a short trip or for longer stays abroad.”
