A selection of new travel gadgets aims to improve safety, connectivity, and convenience for phone-dependent travellers, from bone-conduction headphones to water-proof pouches and flexible eSIM plans.
For travellers who rely on a phone, a charger, and a stable connection, a small set of accessories can make a trip noticeably easier. Global Traveler’s roundup focuses on four items that address common pain points: listening safely outdoors, avoiding roaming shocks, protecting a handset from water and sand, and keeping a battery alive when a socket is out of reach.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is presented as the premium option for runners and cyclists who want open-ear audio without sealing themselves off from traffic and other background noise. TechRadar’s 2026 guide and reviews by Tom’s Guide and The Guardian broadly agree that the model stands out for sound quality among bone-conduction headphones, helped by its hybrid approach that combines vibration-based audio with conventional speakers for fuller bass. The same reports also note a 12-hour battery life, Bluetooth multipoint and USB-C charging, while warning that the design still involves trade-offs in isolation and does not suit every use case.
Holafly’s eSIM offering is aimed at travellers who want to avoid expensive roaming bills and the inconvenience of swapping physical SIM cards. The company’s pitch is straightforward: choose a destination plan, activate it and use data abroad without depending on public Wi-Fi networks. That matters not only for cost control but also for security, since open networks can expose devices to greater risk. Prices vary by destination and package.
The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch and The Travelcard Plus Portable Charger fill more practical gaps. The pouch is a low-cost way to keep a handset dry and free of sand, and it may suit holidaymakers who want underwater shots without buying a dedicated camera. The Travelcard Plus is notable for its very slim form factor, which makes it easier to carry than a conventional power bank, even if it will only provide emergency top-ups rather than multiple full charges. Global Traveler says it is also TSA-approved for cabin luggage and available in several colours.
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