Travel is my low-key obsession. I’ll pack up my family and put them on a plane (or boat) multiple times a year because I genuinely believe exposure to different cultures matters. The downside? I spend way too much of my free time planning and packing for trips—and I’m always looking for ways to streamline those. Luckily, CES 2026 travel tech has me feeling optimistic.
From Timekettle’s newest translation earbuds to TESSAN’s all-in-one universal charger, travel is about to get a whole lot smarter—and more intentional—in 2026. Here are the gadgets that have me more excited than ever about planning our next adventures.
I’ve tested a lot of travel chargers, but the TESSAN Voyager 205 actually makes me feel like I could travel with less stress. This thing packs serious power without taking over my bag—it can charge multiple devices at once, from laptops to phones, and even keeps the family’s gadgets topped up on long trips. For anyone who travels with work gear, kids’ devices, or just hates hunting for outlets.
Nothing makes me more anxious while traveling than not knowing the local language. That’s why the Timekettle W4 Translation Earbuds grabbed my attention at CES. They use a new AI engine that automatically picks the best translation model for each language spoken—so conversations sound natural. Add in upgraded bone-conduction voice capture and you get pretty darn accurate translations. Add these to your carry-on if you want less-awkward cross-cultural communications in 2026..
I avoid bulky power banks when I travel. Thankfully, the Baseus PicoGo AC22 Ultra Mini is anything but. It’s tiny (the size of an AirPods case), but packs a 10,000 mAh punch with 45 W USB-C fast charging. That’s enough to juice up my phone, tablet, or even a smaller laptop on the go. The built-in cable is a small but brilliant touch; no digging through my bag for cords. There’s even a digital display showing battery life.
These days, everyone works while they travel. Luckily, the Acer Connect M4D 5G Mobile Wi-Fi is about to make a remote internet connection so much easier. This little hotspot keeps you online anywhere, with fast 5G speeds for video calls, cloud work, and uploading content, all day long thanks to a 15-hour battery life. I love that it can connect multiple devices at once, so I can work while the family streams. It’s coming in Q2 of 2026.
When I’m working in cafés, airports, or on long flights, I need headphones that can switch between blocking the chaos and letting me hear what’s happening around me—and the Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro nails that. Announced at CES 2026, these earbuds have an adjustable ear hook that creates a seal for both passive and active noise cancellation. Meanwhile, smart sensors automatically optimize sound no matter how they sit in my ears. They won’t replace Sony or Bose for hardcore noise canceling, but they are super convenient for travel.
CES 2026 proves that travel doesn’t have to mean compromise—whether it’s staying powered with the TESSAN Voyager 205, connected with the Acer M4D 5G hotspot, or translating on the fly with Timekettle W4, these gadgets make working and traveling smoother than ever. For anyone like me who balances family trips, remote work, and a little adventure, this year’s travel tech is more intentional than it has been in awhile.
Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she's not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two daughters.