Travelling can be full of surprises – some delightful, others … not so much. But with a few clever phone hacks, you can make your adventures smoother, safer, and a lot more fun. From navigating unfamiliar streets to keeping track of your luggage (or even a wayward travel companion), these tips will have you travelling like a pro in no time.

Disclaimer! All of my blogs may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase I may receive a small amount of commission for the referral at no extra cost to you. This commission is what allows me to continue creating guides to help travellers plan their next trip!

Best Travel Accessories for Your Phone

1. Stay Connected Anywhere with an eSIM

Gone are the days of fumbling with tiny SIM cards in foreign airports. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you switch to a local network without changing your physical card. It’s a lifesaver for staying connected without racking up roaming fees. Download an eSIM app (like Airalo), pick your destination, and voilà—you’re ready to WhatsApp your friends with envy-inducing updates.

Pro tip: Always activate your eSIM before leaving home to avoid any setup hiccups.

2. Don’t Let Your Battery Die: Pack a Portable Charger

Phone hacks are only useful is your phone is actually charged. That’s why a portable charger is a must-have for any traveller. Choose a lightweight, high-capacity model that can charge your phone multiple times. It’s perfect for long travel days, overnight bus rides, or when you’ve been snapping too many photos of that gorgeous sunset.

My pick: I have two. A high-capacity power bank (at least 10,000mAh) that can charge my phone multiple times. And a smaller one slim enough to fit in my pocket.

3. Multi-Use Adaptor: The Swiss Army Knife of Chargers

Different countries, different plugs. Instead of carrying a bag of adaptors, invest in a multi-use travel adaptor with USB ports. The best ones have built-in surge protection and work in over 150 countries.

4. Keep Your Phone Safe with an Extra-Strong Case

Your phone will endure more than you during your travels: sudden drops, unexpected rain, and the occasional sandy beach mishap. An extra-strong, shockproof case ensures your phone survives every adventure.

My favourite: Sportlink 360 Protective Cases are practically indestructible, and you can use them underwater!

5. A Wrist Phone Holder (Because Butterfingers Are Real)

Ever dropped your phone into a canal, a glacier, or (God forbid) a squat toilet? A wrist phone holder prevents such tragedies. It’s especially handy when snapping photos on a hike or during a bumpy tuk-tuk ride.

6. Make Flying More Comfortable with a Phone Holder

Forget craning your neck to watch a movie on the plane. A phone holder that clips onto the tray table is a game-changer for in-flight entertainment. Pair it with noise-cancelling headphones, and you’ll forget you’re sandwiched between two snorers.

7. AirTags: The Travel Companion You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let me tell you about a customer I once had on a tour. She was the best, full of enthusiasm—but she had a talent for getting lost. And I don’t mean the occasional wrong turn; I mean getting lost in a straight line. It was impressive, really.

After a couple of heart-stopping moments of “Where is she now?” we decided to take matters into our own hands (and save our sanity). Enter the AirTag. We discreetly attached one to her bag, and voilà—we always knew where she was. It turned out to be a lifesaver. By the end of the trip, we joked that the AirTag deserved its own spot on the group photo!

But AirTags aren’t just for tracking wandering travel companions. They’re a game-changer for your luggage too. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of standing at the baggage carousel, heart sinking as everyone else’s suitcases roll past, you’ll know the stress of misplaced luggage. With an AirTag, you can pinpoint exactly where your bag is—whether it’s waiting for you at the wrong airport or still enjoying the scenery on the tarmac.

In short, whether you’re keeping track of your belongings (or your friends), an AirTag can add a little peace of mind to your travels.

8. Solar-Powered Charger: For Remote Adventures

If your travels take you off the grid, a solar-powered charger is a game-changer. It’s eco-friendly and reliable and ensures your devices stay powered up even in the middle of nowhere.

Travel Apps I Don’t Travel Without

9. Google Maps: The Ultimate Travel Companion

Getting lost in a new destination can be part of the adventure, but it’s not always ideal – especially when you’re racing to catch a train or find your hotel after dark. One of the simplest phone hacks is to download offline maps before your trip.

Apps like Google Maps allow you to save an area to your device so you can navigate even without Wi-Fi or mobile data. Trust me, this has saved me (and my sanity) on countless occasions.

10. Google Translate: Because Not Everyone Speaks Emoji

This app has saved me from countless awkward misunderstandings. Download languages offline so you can translate menus, signs, and conversations without internet access.

Bonus tip: Use the camera feature to translate signs or menus instantly.

11. XE Converter: Know Your Currency Like a Pro

Avoid rookie mistakes (like paying $50 for a $5 souvenir) with XE Converter. It’s a fast, easy way to calculate currency exchange rates on the go.

Pro tip: Refresh the app while you have Wi-Fi to ensure rates are up to date.

12. Uber: Your Ride, Anywhere in the World

Uber is a must-have for navigating new cities, especially when public transport feels overwhelming. Many airports even have designated Uber pick-up zones, so you can skip the taxi queue.

Hack: Always compare Uber prices with local ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Grab for the best deal.

13. Trail Wallet: Track Your Travel Spending

This budget-tracking app lets you set daily limits, log expenses, and see where your money’s going. It’s a lifesaver for anyone prone to “accidental” splurges.

Pro tip: Categorise expenses by food, transport, and activities to spot patterns in your spending. An alternative to this is to get a Monzo card, which will do it for you! Plus, there are no international charges.

14. Offline Shortcuts: Your Secret Travel Weapon

Create photo folders on your phone with screenshots of boarding passes, hotel addresses, and local language phrases. Having everything in one place saves time—and stress.

15. WhatsApp: Stay Connected Anywhere

WhatsApp isn’t just for chatting. It’s also perfect for sharing your live location, making voice calls, and keeping in touch with local guides. If you are abroad and have a data-only plan, then WhatsApp will become your main means of communication.

Final Thoughts: Why Phone Hacks Are Worth It

Your phone can make or break your travel experience, so equip it (and yourself) with the right tools. From staying connected with an eSIM to keeping track of your luggage (and friends) with AirTags, these hacks and accessories are my go-to travel essentials.

Ready to level up your travel game? What’s your favourite phone-related hack? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my list!