Your Summer Travel Tech Checklist: Screens, Smartphones, and More

Whether you're jetting off on a city break, road-tripping through the countryside, or heading to a music festival, the one thing you’ll definitely want to pack is the right tech. Bulky gadgets and battery anxiety are a thing of the past. Modern travel tech is all about being light, fast, and always ready for action.

Smartphones are at the heart of it all. From snapping sun-soaked selfies to navigating new streets and sharing your adventures in real-time, having a reliable device in your pocket is essential. Add in compact portable monitors, streamlined accessories, and high-speed chargers, and you’re ready to stay connected, creative, and entertained wherever summer takes you.

This guide is your ultimate checklist for tech that travels as well as you do. Whether you're a casual holidaymaker or a digital nomad, we'll help you gear up with essentials like USB-C monitors, lightweight smartphones, and travel accessories that make a real difference on the move.

Essential Travel Tech

Summer travel isn’t just about switching off. It’s about staying flexible, connected, and ready for anything. Whether you’re logging into meetings from a campervan or streaming your favourite series by the pool, the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s what should be in your bag.

Portable Monitors for Flexible Work and Play:

Travelling doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity or your screen time. Ultra-slim portable monitors let you set up a second screen anywhere, from hotel rooms to train tables. Ideal for work, gaming, or binge-watching, these compact displays offer plug-and-play convenience with no extra faff.

They’re lightweight, durable, and slip easily into your backpack. If you're a digital nomad or just prefer having extra screen space on holiday, a portable monitor is a game-changer. An excellent option to check out if you are looking for a portable monitor is the ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF, which comes with a 22” IPS display. It is an excellent choice for different users.

Shop ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF

USB-C Monitors for Quick Setups:

No adapters, no clutter, just plug in and go. USB-C monitors are perfect for travellers who want clean, fast setups using just a single cable. Whether you're connecting to a smartphone, laptop or tablet, you get power and display in one go, which is ideal when you’re on the move.

Many USB-C monitors double up as portable monitors, so you get all the flexibility with even less kit.

The ASUS ZenScreen MB165B is a great option to consider in this regard. It comes with a 15.6" WXGA display with USB-C connection, making it perfect to use with different devices.

Shop ASUS ZenScreen MB165B

Lightweight Smartphones for Capturing and Sharing Every Moment:

From scenic photos to 4K travel vlogs, your smartphone is the centrepiece of your tech setup. Whether you’re into flagship power or something more affordable, there's a travel-ready phone for you. Here are some popular series to choose from:

The Samsung Galaxy S series offers pro-grade cameras, water resistance and brilliant displays
The Samsung Galaxy A series balances features and value for everyday travellers
iPhones are always dependable for battery, build quality and camera consistency
OPPO phones and Honor phones deliver sleek design, long battery life, and impressive AI-enhanced photo modes

Whatever your preference, smartphones today are built to handle travel snaps, social media uploads, video calls, and more, all without weighing you down.

Best Accessories for Travel:
Once your core tech is packed, the right accessories will help you stay powered up, protected, and productive on the go. These compact travel-friendly add-ons help you squeeze every bit of value out of your gear, whether you're working remotely or documenting your entire trip with your smartphone.

Portable Stands:

Whether you're bingeing a series in your hotel room or jumping on a Zoom call from a train seat, a good portable stand is a lifesaver. These foldable holders support everything from tablets to smartphones, keeping your hands free and posture in check.

Look for ones with adjustable angles and anti-slip feet, ideal for use on aeroplane trays, café tables or even outdoors.

Power Banks:

Running out of battery while navigating a new city or waiting on a delayed flight is the last thing you need. Power banks are must-haves, and high-capacity models with USB-C fast charging will keep your smartphones, tablets, and even smaller portable monitors charged on the go.

Some premium models now include:

Wireless charging pads for quick, cable-free top-ups
Multi-device support to keep all your kit powered
Pass-through charging, so you can power devices while charging the bank itself

Smart Cases and Mounts:

Durability matters when you're travelling. A solid case or mount can protect your gear from damage and make navigation easier.

Waterproof cases: Great for beach days, boat trips or festivals
Shockproof rugged cases: Perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures
Dashboard/bike mounts: Essential if you're using your smartphone for maps on a road trip

Multi-Port Travel Chargers:

Why bring three chargers when one will do? Multi-port USB-C chargers allow you to power your smartphones, tablets, cameras and more, all from one plug. Look for GaN chargers, which are compact, efficient, and powerful enough to handle everything from phones to laptops.

Portable Bluetooth Keyboards & Mice:

If you're using a tablet or portable monitor to work remotely while travelling, a foldable Bluetooth keyboard and compact wireless mouse can turn any table into a functioning workstation. Look for rechargeable options with low-latency connections for smooth typing and responsiveness.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds:

Planes, trains and busy cafés aren’t exactly quiet. A pair of active noise-cancelling headphones or compact wireless earbuds will help you focus, unwind or sleep. They're great for video calls, gaming, or simply zoning out with your playlist.

The Lenovo Legion E510 Headphones are a great choice if you are looking for wired headphones. Or if you prefer wireless options, consider the ASUS ROG Cetra SpeedNova or the Oppo Enco Buds 2 with deep noise cancellation technology.

Cable Organisers & Travel Tech Bags:

Tangled wires and missing adapters can ruin your flow. A good travel pouch or cable organiser keeps everything, from charging cables to SD cards, neatly in place. Select one with elastic loops and zip pockets for a clean and accessible setup.

The DELL Breakout Laptop Briefcase is a great option to consider as a travel bag. It is ideal for 17” laptops and features plenty of space for other accessories as well.

https://box.co.uk/460-bbgp-dell-17-inch-briefcase-black-laptop-case (Product Image + Shop now)

Pro Tips: Travel Smarter with Tech

The right gadgets can seriously level up your summer travels, but how you pack and use them matters just as much. These smart tips will help you get the most out of your gear while avoiding common headaches on the road.

How to Pack Your Tech Smart:

Keep things light, secure, and organised by following a few simple packing rules:

Use tech organisers: Cable bags and pouch kits keep your chargers, SD cards, and adapters in one place. No more rummaging at the bottom of your backpack.
Protect your screens: Slip smartphones, tablets, and portable monitors into padded sleeves or hard-shell cases to avoid cracks and scratches in transit.
Roll your cables: Twist ties or velcro wraps prevent tangling and save space. Labelling your cables also helps when travelling with multiple devices.
Pack a mini extension lead: Great for hotel rooms with awkward plug placement or limited outlets, especially handy if you're carrying a multi-port charger.

Want more tips? Check out our ultimate tech packing list for summer travellers to learn more.

Battery-Saving Tips on the Move:

Keeping your tech powered all day starts with how you use it. Here’s how to stretch your battery life further while on the go:

Enable power-saving modes on your smartphones and tablets
Turn off background apps and disable location services when not needed
Use dark mode and lower screen brightness to reduce power drain
Switch on flight mode when you’re out of signal, searching for a network eats battery
Charge overnight with a multi-port charger or power bank so you’re always ready for the next adventure

Also Read: How to Stay Productive (or Entertained) During Long Journeys without a Charger.

Make the Most of What You’ve Got:

Not everything needs upgrading; sometimes you just need to maximise what you already own.

Pair your phone with a USB-C monitor for an instant bigger screen
Use cloud storage to free up space and back up your travel pics on the go
Sync your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with a tablet for a mini workstation setup
Download maps and playlists offline to save data and battery

Conclusion:

Travelling light doesn’t mean leaving your tech behind. It means choosing gear that’s built to move with you. From ultra-slim portable monitors and plug-and-play USB-C monitors to powerful yet compact smartphones, today’s tech makes it easier than ever to stay connected, productive, and entertained wherever summer takes you.

Whether you're capturing memories, smashing through emails, or bingeing your favourite series beachside, the right setup makes all the difference. And with accessories like power banks, stands, and rugged cases in the mix, your gear will keep up with every adventure, from long-haul flights to weekend getaways.

Also, if you are planning to upgrade your laptop for your summer travel, check out our blog on the best laptops for summer adventures for some ideas.

Discover Your Summer Tech Essentials:

Ready to upgrade your travel kit? Whether you're gearing up for a last-minute getaway or planning a full summer of adventure, now’s the perfect time to upgrade your travel tech. 

At Box.co.uk, you’ll find everything you need to build the ultimate portable setup, from the latest smartphones and lightweight USB-C monitors to power-packed accessories designed for life on the move. From Samsung phones and iPhones to OPPO phones, Honor phones, portable monitors and USB-C monitors, Box.co.uk has everything you need.

You can also find a full lineup of accessories, including stands, power banks, cases, chargers, and more. So no matter what you need for your travel setup, we have got you covered!

Shopping with Box also means getting great value and flexibility. With our easy payment options, including PayPal Pay in 3 and other flexible finance options, it’s never been easier to spread the cost and stay within budget, all while gearing up with premium tech built for summer.

So check out our collection today and get everything you need to make your summer travel adventure memorable!

FAQs:

What is the best smartphone for travel photography?

The best smartphones for travel photography combine top-tier cameras with long battery life and portability. Options like the Samsung Galaxy S series and iPhones offer excellent low-light performance, stabilisation, and high-resolution sensors, perfect for capturing every detail of your trip.

Are portable monitors good for travel?

Yes, portable monitors are excellent for travel. They're lightweight, slim, and easy to set up with laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Great for remote working, gaming, or streaming on the go.

What accessories do I need for my tech when travelling?

Must-have travel accessories include power banks, portable stands, multi-port chargers, rugged cases, and mounts. These items help protect your tech, keep it charged, and improve usability wherever you are.

How can I save battery on my smartphone while travelling?

To extend your smartphone battery life, enable battery saver mode, lower screen brightness, disable background apps and GPS when not needed, switch to flight mode in low-signal areas, and use power banks to charge on the go.

Can I connect my phone to a monitor while travelling?

Yes. With a USB-C monitor, you can connect compatible smartphones for a larger display experience, ideal for watching content, presenting, or working remotely. It’s a simple plug-and-play solution, especially if your phone supports video output.