Why the right travel gear matters abroad
A holiday abroad tends to go wrong in small, avoidable ways: a case that will not fit the overhead locker, a phone that will not charge in the hotel, or a jacket that is useless when the coastal wind picks up. The right gear matters more than the newest gadget. Start with your destinations and your travel style, because a city break with a carry-on bag has very different needs from a month of trains and hostels.
Pay attention first to the things you cannot easily fix at the airport: the baggage limits set by your airline, the electrical standards of the country you are visiting, and the weather you are likely to meet. Keep the list short and check it against your itinerary before you spend anything.
How to choose: criteria, trade-offs and common mistakes
Start with luggage. Measure your cabin bag and compare its dimensions with the allowance of each airline you fly with, because limits differ and are often checked at the gate. Hard shells protect fragile items and usually resist rain better, while soft cases are easier to squeeze into tight spaces and often have useful outer pockets. Four-wheel spinners manoeuvre well on cobbles and station platforms, but check how much an empty case weighs, since that counts against your allowance before you have packed a thing.
Next, look at plug adaptors and voltage. A plug adaptor only changes the shape of the plug so that it fits the socket; it does not change the voltage. The UK supply is 230V, while some destinations, including the United States and Japan, use lower voltages. Many laptop and phone chargers are marked 100 to 240V and work with an adaptor alone, but devices rated only for 230V need a voltage converter, and heating appliances such as hair straighteners usually do too. An adaptor with USB ports or surge protection is a different product: USB ports charge low-power devices and surge protection guards against spikes, but neither changes the voltage. Read the label on each charger before you buy.
Check the voltage on your charger before you buy an adaptor: a plug adaptor only changes the shape of the plug, not the power.
From the editors
Common mistakes include buying a converter for a charger that is already dual-voltage, choosing the lightest case without checking its build quality, and ignoring hold-baggage rules altogether. Check the fees and allowances of your airline before you travel, as these vary by fare and route, and pack the things you cannot replace in your carry-on.
What you really need on the trip
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Wheeled hard or soft cases
A cabin-sized case that fits your airline's limits is the most important purchase for most trips. Choose the size first, then compare shell type, wheels and weight.
Search termscabin luggage · wheeled suitcase · hard shell case · carry-on size
Our recommendationultimateoutdoors.comBest for daypacksPlug adaptors for each destination
Buy adaptors by plug type rather than by country name, and check the voltage on your devices. Remember that an adaptor does not change the voltage.
Search termsplug adaptor · travel adaptor · voltage converter · dual voltage
Daypack for excursions
A lightweight daypack carries water, a jacket and camera on day trips. Look for a compartment that keeps valuables close to your body and a size that fits under a seat.
Search termsdaypack · travel backpack · lightweight rucksack · day trip bag
Our recommendationultimateoutdoors.comBest for daypacksPackable waterproof layer
A waterproof jacket that folds into its own pocket suits unpredictable weather without taking up much room. Check the fabric and seams rather than relying on the label alone.
Search termspackable jacket · waterproof layer · lightweight waterproof · travel jacket
Our recommendationregatta.comPackable layersCharging gadgets and power banks
A power bank and a few reliable cables keep phones and cameras running on long travel days. Check the capacity you need and whether the device supports the charging standard you use.
Search termspower bank · travel charger · USB cable · portable charger
Our recommendationbox.co.ukChargers and gadgets
Where to start shopping
Begin with a list of destinations and climates, then check the baggage allowance on every flight or train ticket you hold. Measure your current cabin bag against those limits and decide whether it needs replacing. Next, note the plug type and voltage for each country and buy only the adaptors and converters you actually need; a single dual-voltage adaptor is often enough for a European trip. For outerwear, ultimateoutdoors.com suits anyone who wants a sturdy daypack for excursions, while regatta.com offers packable waterproof layers that fold into a bag. For chargers, power banks and cables, box.co.uk is a sensible place to compare consumer electronics before you leave. Finally, sort out your money: travelex.co.uk can help with travel money before you fly.
Before you order
- Measure your cabin bag and compare it with each airline's allowance.
- List the countries you visit and note the plug type and voltage for each.
- Read the voltage range on your phone, laptop and camera chargers.
- Note whether any heating appliances need a voltage converter.
- Pack a power bank and spare cables in your carry-on.
- Check the weather forecast and pack a packable waterproof layer.
- Confirm the baggage fees and allowances for every leg of your journey.
The stores at a glance
ultimateoutdoors.com
Best for daypacksUseful for backpacks, hiking boots and daypacks that suit sightseeing and excursions abroad.
Recommended for Wheeled hard or soft cases and Daypack for excursions
regatta.com
Packable layersHelpful for waterproof jackets and fleeces that fold small and cope with changeable weather.
Recommended for Packable waterproof layer
box.co.uk
Chargers and gadgetsHandy for comparing consumer electronics such as laptops and tablets you plan to take with you.
Recommended for Charging gadgets and power banks
travelex.co.uk
Before you flyUseful for arranging foreign currency and travel money ahead of your departure.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a voltage converter to use UK devices abroad?
Check the label on each device or charger. If it says 100 to 240V, an adaptor is usually enough. If it says only 230V, or it is a heating appliance such as straighteners, you will generally need a voltage converter.
Is a plug adaptor the same as a voltage converter?
No. A plug adaptor only changes the shape of the plug so that it fits the socket. A voltage converter changes the electrical supply, which some devices need. USB ports and surge protection are separate features.
Should I buy a hard or soft suitcase?
Hard cases protect fragile items and tend to resist rain better, while soft cases are flexible and often have more outer pockets. Choose based on what you pack and how you travel.
How do I avoid unexpected baggage charges?
Check the baggage allowance for every airline on your trip, including any connecting flights, and weigh your case before you leave home.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
