The Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist for Tech Gear
You're two hours into your flight when you realize you left your laptop charger on the kitchen counter. Or you land in a new country and discover your charger doesn't fit the local outlets. Tech packing mistakes are some of the most frustrating travel problems — because they're entirely avoidable. This checklist covers everything you need to pack for your tech gear, so you never arrive underprepared again.
The Core Principle: One Charger to Rule Them All
Before we get into the checklist, here's the mindset shift that makes tech packing dramatically simpler: instead of packing a separate charger for every device, invest in one multi-port GaN travel adapter that handles everything.
The NexCharger GaN 20W Travel Adapter is built for this exact purpose. With 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports, it charges up to 4 devices simultaneously. It works in 180+ countries, so no separate plug adapters are needed. And it's compact enough to fit in your jacket pocket. One item on your packing list covers your entire charging setup.
The Tech Packing Checklist
Charging Essentials
- ☐ GaN multi-port travel adapter — the NexCharger GaN 20W covers 4 devices and 180+ countries
- ☐ USB-C cable — one per USB-C device (phone, laptop, tablet, earbuds)
- ☐ USB-A to USB-C cable — for any accessories that still use USB-A cables
- ☐ Short extension cord (optional) — useful when hotel outlets are in inconvenient locations
Devices
- ☐ Smartphone (fully charged before departure)
- ☐ Laptop (fully charged, charger packed or replaced by GaN adapter)
- ☐ Tablet or e-reader (if applicable)
- ☐ Wireless earbuds or headphones (fully charged)
- ☐ Camera or action cam (with charged batteries or USB-C charging cable)
- ☐ Smartwatch or fitness tracker (with charging cable)
Cables and Adapters
- ☐ USB-C to USB-C cable (for phone-to-laptop charging in a pinch)
- ☐ Any proprietary charging cables your devices require
- ☐ Cable organizer or small pouch to keep cables tangle-free
Connectivity
- ☐ Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or local SIM card plan (if needed)
- ☐ Laptop with VPN installed (for secure connections on public Wi-Fi)
Backup Power
- ☐ Portable power bank (for charging on the go when outlets aren't available)
- ☐ Power bank charging cable (usually USB-C)
Pre-Trip Tech Checklist
Run through these steps the night before every trip:
- ☐ Charge all devices to 100%
- ☐ Download offline content (maps, movies, playlists, documents)
- ☐ Back up your phone and laptop
- ☐ Confirm your travel adapter works in your destination country
- ☐ Pack all cables in a dedicated pouch so nothing gets left behind
- ☐ Check that your power bank is charged
What to Leave Behind
Equally important is knowing what not to pack. If you're using a multi-port GaN adapter like the NexCharger, you can leave behind:
- Individual wall chargers for each device
- Country-specific plug adapters
- Duplicate cables you don't need
- Any charger that only has one port
The goal is a lean, complete tech kit that covers every scenario without unnecessary weight.
Build Your Kit Around One Great Charger
The foundation of a great travel tech kit is a charger you can rely on anywhere. The NexCharger GaN 20W Travel Adapter is that charger — compact, powerful, internationally compatible, and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and fast global shipping.
Visit the NexCharger store to see the full product details and build the travel charging setup that works for you.
Ready to pack smarter? Shop the NexCharger GaN 20W Travel Adapter and check the most important item off your tech packing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tech should I always pack when traveling?
At minimum: your devices (phone, laptop, earbuds), one cable per device, and a multi-port travel charger that works internationally. A portable power bank is also worth including for long travel days.
How do I avoid forgetting cables when I travel?
Keep all your cables in a dedicated pouch that lives in your travel bag. After every trip, repack the pouch immediately so it's always ready for the next one.
Do I need a separate plug adapter if I have the NexCharger?
No. The NexCharger GaN 20W Travel Adapter works in 180+ countries without requiring a separate plug adapter.
What's the most important piece of tech gear to pack for international travel?
A reliable, internationally compatible multi-port charger. Everything else can be improvised — but without a way to charge your devices, everything else becomes much harder.
Is a power bank worth packing for travel?
Yes, especially for long travel days, outdoor activities, or destinations where outlets are scarce. Pair it with a multi-port wall charger like the NexCharger to keep both your devices and your power bank topped up overnight.