Welcome back to Taryn’s Travel Things, the series where I prove to my husband that skipping carry-on-only doesn’t mean overpacking. It means packing essentials. And this week’s pick is one of those little things that might not seem exciting until you desperately need it. I’m talking about a compact travel power strip with an extension cord, something that has earned a permanent spot in my personal item. Whether I’m dealing with a delayed flight, a crowded airport lounge, or a hotel room with outlets in all the wrong places, this little travel essential has saved me more times than I can count.
Why a Travel Power Strip Is a Must-Have
We’ve all been there. Your flight gets delayed, your phone battery is running low, and the only available outlet is just out of reach. Or even worse, you’ve finally found an outlet, but you need to charge your phone, headphones, laptop, and probably something else at the same time.
That’s exactly why I started traveling with a compact power strip. Instead of hunting for multiple outlets or deciding which device gets charged first, I can plug everything into one convenient spot. And when you’re spending hours at an airport, that little bit of convenience makes a surprisingly big difference.
It’s also one of my favorite hotel room essentials. You know those rooms where the only outlet is hidden behind a nightstand or halfway across the room from the bed? Having an extension cord means I can keep my phone charging nearby without rearranging the furniture or leaving it across the room overnight.
The trick is finding one that’s compact enough to pack easily, with a cord that wraps neatly around the unit instead of turning into another tangled mess in your bag.
My Pick: Travel Power Strip With a 4-Foot Extension Cord
My own travel power strip has two outlets and three USB ports, but the version I’m recommending takes things a little further. This compact travel power strip with a 4-foot wraparound extension cord features four AC outlets and three USB ports, including a USB-C connection.
What makes it especially practical is the combination of extra outlets and the flexible cord. You can charge several devices from one location, and the flat plug makes it easier to use outlets tucked behind furniture or in tight spaces. When you’re finished, the cord wraps around the unit, keeping everything organized and ready to pack.
It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t take up much space but solves a problem you’ll probably encounter on almost every trip. And for something that generally costs around $17 to $25, I think that’s a pretty useful addition to a travel bag.
Other Travel Power Strips Worth Considering
There are a few other compact options worth looking at, depending on how many devices you typically travel with.
The 4-Foot Travel Power Strip with 4 Outlets and 3 USB Ports from Newegg is another convenient option, featuring two USB-C ports and a compact design for keeping your devices charged while traveling.
Another alternative is the Uncaged Ergonomics Travel Power Strip, available at Tractor Supply. It offers three AC outlets, three USB ports, and a 3.4-foot cord, making it another practical option for hotel rooms and travel days.
Whichever one you choose, I’d recommend looking for something compact, easy to pack, and equipped with the right mix of outlets and USB connections for your devices.
Taryn’s Travel Tip: Check the Outlets Before You Travel!
Here’s something worth remembering, especially when you’re heading overseas.
A travel power strip isn’t necessarily a universal travel adapter or a voltage converter. Different countries use different outlet types and electrical systems, so you’ll want to make sure your power strip is compatible with the local voltage and bring the appropriate plug adapter when needed.
One more little airport courtesy tip: when outlets are scarce, a multi-port charger can make it easier to share the charging space rather than taking over the only available outlet.
For me, it’s all about making travel a little more convenient without adding unnecessary bulk. And this is one of those small essentials that earns its place in my bag trip after trip.
So yes, it’s another thing I’m packing.
Still not overpacking. Just prepared.
Happy packing!
Taryn
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