If you've ever arrived at your hotel only to realize you forgot a charger, a veteran gadget blogger feels your pain — and after more than two decades on the road, he's built a packing list to make sure it never happens again.
Two Decades of Trial and Error
Longtime tech writer at The Verge has spent over 20 years travelling for both work and leisure, and in that time his approach to packing has transformed completely. What started as a last-minute scramble — a random assortment of gadgets and accessories tossed into a bag on the way out the door — has evolved into a refined, battle-tested checklist.
The lesson he's learned is simple but powerful: the right packing list can be the difference between a good trip and a great one. At the very least, it's the difference between a relaxing vacation and a hectic detour to the nearest electronics store to replace something you left at home.
Staying Connected on a Disconnect
This year's family summer vacation leans into the great outdoors, with plenty of hiking and exploring on the agenda. But for a gadget lover, "getting away from it all" doesn't mean leaving the tech behind. Even on a trip built around nature, the goal isn't to disconnect from favourite devices — it's to make them work harder for convenience, comfort, and peace of mind.
That philosophy shapes the entire packing strategy. Rather than choosing between unplugging and staying wired, the modern traveller can have both: the freedom of the trail and the reassurance that everything from navigation to entertainment to emergency communication is covered.
Why a Checklist Beats Winging It
The real takeaway from 20 years of travel isn't any single must-have gadget — it's the discipline of having a system. A curated checklist removes the guesswork, eliminates the panic of forgotten essentials, and frees up mental energy for actually enjoying the destination.
For frequent flyers, road-trippers, and once-a-year vacationers alike, the principle holds: invest the time once to build a reliable packing list, and every future trip gets smoother. The accessories and devices may change with the seasons and the destinations, but a thoughtful, refined approach to packing pays dividends trip after trip.
Whether you're heading into the backcountry or jetting off for a city break, the message from someone who has done it hundreds of times is clear — preparation is the unsung hero of great travel. Skip the last-minute chaos, and you'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time soaking up the experience.
Source: The Verge — "All the gear a 20-year gadget blogging veteran packs when traveling."
