I have a confession: I am a tech guy at heart. With a background in web development and running Web Sharks, I love gadgets. But after visiting 55+ countries, I’ve learned a hard lesson: Gadgets weigh you down.

Real travel tech isn’t about having the newest drone or the most expensive camera. It’s about efficiency, connectivity, and redundancy. It’s about carrying the least amount of gear that delivers the maximum amount of utility.

Here, I decode the hardware and software that keeps me running my businesses (Web Sharks & One World Consulting) from airport lounges and hotel lobbies around the world.

The Hardware: The “Carry-On Only” Rule

My golden rule is simple: If I can’t lift it easily into an overhead bin, I don’t bring it.

1. The Power Plant

Your phone is your boarding pass, your map, and your bank. If it dies, you are stranded.

  • The 20,000mAh Law: Why I never travel without a high-capacity power bank (and the specific flight rules you need to know about carrying batteries).
  • The Universal Adaptor: Don’t buy cheap. I recommend adaptors with built-in fuses and multiple USB-C ports so you can charge your laptop and phone from one outlet.

2. The Mobile Office

How I manage clients from anywhere.

  • Lightweight Computing: Why I prioritize battery life and weight over processing power for travel laptops.
  • Noise Cancellation: Essential for sanity. Whether it’s a crying baby on a flight or a noisy hostel, active noise-canceling headphones are an investment in your peace of mind.

3. The “Cable Chaos” Solution

  • The Tech Pouch: Never throw cables in your bag. I use a dedicated organizer. It saves time at security checks and ensures I never leave a charger behind in a hotel room.

4. The Right Backpack – Your Home on the Road

  • Size: 40–45L is the sweet spot (carry-on friendly, no checked-bag fees).
  • My pick: Osprey Farpoint 40 / Fairview 40 (women’s version) – comfortable, durable, and perfect for most trips.
  • Why it matters: A good pack keeps your shoulders happy and forces you to pack light.

The Software: Digital Security & Connectivity

This is where most new travelers fail. In the digital age, getting hacked is a bigger risk than getting pickpocketed.

1. Connectivity (eSIM vs. Local SIM)

Stop paying roaming charges. I break down the technology of eSIMs—how to download a data plan before you even land, so your WhatsApp works the moment the plane touches the tarmac.

2. The VPN Necessity

Protect your data. As a web developer, I know how insecure public airport Wi-Fi is. I explain why a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is non-negotiable for accessing your bank accounts or managing sensitive business emails while abroad.

3. Cloud Redundancy

The “Digital Photocopy”. If your bag gets stolen, do you lose your memories? I share my automated backup workflow so that every photo and document is synced to the cloud instantly.

4. Offline maps

Google Maps (download offline) or Maps.me – works even without Wi-Fi.

What You DON’T Need (The “Do Not Buy” List)

Save your money.

  • Translator Devices: Your phone does this better for free.
  • Money Belts: They are uncomfortable and scream “tourist.”
  • Solar Chargers: Unless you are trekking the Himalayas for weeks, they are too slow and heavy for normal travel.

A Note from Ravinder

“I run two companies remotely while I travel. The gear listed here isn’t just for show; it’s the operational backbone of my life. Whether you are a digital nomad or just want to stay safe online while vacationing, these tools will keep you connected to what matters.”