What electronic gear to take on a trip

[Stargazer]

Hi, I know this has been discussed before but would appreciate an update. I am a newbie traveller (last time overseas in 1996). I am also a technical illiterate. What do I need to take overseas to keep a pc and iPhone 11 charged. Do I need a multiple port USB charger - which one is recommended. Someone mentioned a power bank (think this was the term) to charge all equipment seamlessly. Again recommendations would be appreciated. Finally I need an adapter. Recommendations. Basically I am asking what I need to take with me to keep my gear quickly charged. Please no technical specs as this will go right over my head. Just recommendations.

 

[SeatBackForward]

What kind of PC? Some PC's you can also power from what is known as an USB-C port. In which case, you only really need to carry one power adapter that would be able to charge your laptop and phone together. If that's the case I would recommend something like this 65W GaN charger, as it has USB-C delivery, can also charge another device at the same time, is small and compact, and also has international adapters:

A powerbank is just a big battery, that can also be used to power or recharge your devices, again, knowing what kind of PC you have will help to understand what kind of powerbank you need.

 

[Stargazer]

Thank you for the quick response. Showing my ignorance here but what do you mean “what kind of PC“. Do you mean the brand or some aspects of the internal configuration. If you could explain further.

 

[flyingfan]

Your destination (which country/continent?) will dictate what type of adapter so you can plug your Australian plug into their sockets. If you're going to be transiting for a while, it would also be a good idea to get adapters usable in the transit location too so you can charge while there. You might also be able to charge aboard aircraft.

Unless you have other devices which charge via USB, you wouldn't need a USB charger with lots of ports - a couple should cover it, as long as you bring the charging cable (a USB to Lightning cable) that came with your iPhone. Might be a good idea to have a spare cable in case one gets lost or damaged.

A powerbank might be handy if you use your iPhone extensively during the day and/or won't be able to charge it at night but otherwise I don't think it's a must-have. You can get big powerbanks that can also charge PCs but some are so big they can't get past security.

It would also be a good idea to pay attention to the size/shape of adapters and plugs, as some hotel/airport sockets are in awkward spots and don't accommodate bulky plugs.

Hope this hasn't been too technical Happy travels!

 

[ols]

Always take a power board with me (with normal plugs and usb ports)
That way I just have one travel adapter for different countries plugged into the wall and then can use/charge as many items as I wish

 

[bam71]

Same

 

[TheRealTMA]

Personally I use one of these - HEYMIX Universal Travel Power Plug Adapter, 1C3A USB Port

Or similar. YMMV.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Thank you for the quick response. Showing my ignorance here but what do you mean “what kind of PC“. Do you mean the brand or some aspects of the internal configuration. If you could explain further.

Yeah the brand and the model, then we can determine what type of power it requires. For example I'm currently using a Microsoft Surface Pro 6, which needs 45 Watts of power. So the adapter and cabling I use has to be able to supply that or else it won't work. But other devices like phones, headphones etc require much less power.