Best travel accessories for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Posted May 30, 20159 yr

iPhone, iPads, and Macs are great travel companions, but they're even better ones with the right accessories.

No matter where you're going, bringing the right accessories for your iPhone or iPad can save you a lot of headaches while on the road or in the air. If you're traveling internationally, for example, you'll want to make sure you have the right adapters to charge your gear. If you need to bring multiple devices, a manageable way to keep cables in check is a must. Working on your iPad? A solid keyboard option should be considered.

If you're not exactly sure what you need, we can help you figure it out. Here are some of our favorite travel accessories for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that we never leave home without!

PlugBug World by Twelve South

Power your devices in any country

The PlugBug World charges not only your iPhone or iPad, but your Mac, too. Slide out the different sections of the PlugBug brick and charge away. The PlugBug comes with adapters that cover any international plug you may need while on the go. Just throw the ones you need in your bag along with the PlugBug brick and hit the road.

$45 - Buy now

Belkin SurgePlus

No outlet shortage here

For anyone that travels with multiple devices, charging all of them can be a challenge. Sometimes hotel rooms don't have enough plugs — especially if multiple people are fighting for outlets. The Belkin SurgePlus accommodates 3 AC outlets and 2 USB outlets. It also swivels, so the other plug in the outlet isn't wasted. Best of all, its tiny form factor makes it easy to stick it in the bottom of a travel bag until you need it.

$28 - Buy now

ZAGG Sparq

Never run out of power

While traveling and sight-seeing, you can end up away from a wall outlet for extended periods of time. Save your battery and your sanity with the ZAQQ Sparq, which packs a huge punch in a slim form-factor. You get two USB ports and a choice of 6000 or 10,000 mAh. I especially appreciate that the ZAGG Sparq doesn't appear to lose charge over time as fast as some the other power brick options I've tested: That means more time in your bag, and less against the wall.

$45 - $50 - Buy now

Olloclip for iPhone

Take your photography further

If you're going on vacation, getting great photos is likely at the top of your list. For more versatility, be sure to pick up an Olloclip: It functions as a 4-in-1 lens attachment that adds two different macro lenses, a wide-angle, and a fisheye. The iPhone camera has gotten incredibly capable, and the Olloclip makes it even easier to leave your standalone camera at home.

$70 - $80 - Buy now

Lowepro Passport Sling III

For a versatile carry-on bag

The Lowepro Passport Sling III is technically a camera bag, but I've found it to be a great travel companion no matter what you're toting along. For camera buffs, it comfortably fits a mid-size DSLR and a few lenses alongside an iPad; if you aren't taking a DSLR, however, you can easily remove the middle lens compartments and use it as a general storage area, with the side compartment for your iPad still intact. The Passport Sling makes for a great day bag because of the way it distributes weight: It's super comfortable to carry for hours on end — a must for traveling around strange and new cities.

Grey/Orange combo - $50 - Buy now
Black - $50 - Buy now
Lowepro Passport Sling III review

ClamCase Pro

For work iPads on the go

The ClamCase Pro is my favorite iPad keyboard case because it transforms your tablet into a mini-workhorse: It's got great battery life, protects the entire iPad, and has a spacious keyboard with dedicated keys. Sometimes I forget I'm not using my MacBook Air. It's seriously that good. If the ClamCase isn't quite the perfect fit for you, though, be sure to check out our Bluetooth keyboard roundups linked below.

Fugoo wireless speaker

Take your music with you

If music everywhere is important to you, Fugoo makes an impressive line of portable wireless Bluetooth speakers built to withstand anything you can throw at them — including time itself. They sport 40 hours of battery life, and they're even waterproof! That's right, it works next to and under the water. You can choose from three different styles to suit your travel needs, depending on your outdoor adventuring component.

$199 - $229 - Buy now
Fugoo wireless speaker review

Bobino cord wraps

Keeping your cables under control

Traveling with cables doesn't have to be a pain: A few good cable wraps will go a long way, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to get things under control. I've tried a lot of different options, but the Bobino brand remains been my favorite. They're easy to use and easy to find in your bag due to the bright color options.

$10 - Buy now

BookBook Travel Journal by Twelve South

For storing all the things, including your iPad

If you need something to not only carry your iPad, but manage all your cords, headphones, and other peripherals, the BookBook Travel Journal by Twelve South is an excellent choice. With tons of versatile compartments and storage space, how you choose to stow things away is completely up to you. And you can rest assured your iPad is also safe, sound, and hidden away from prying eyes.