Let’s face it, travel and capturing the pics (or didn’t happen) for said trip, is just how it is these days.
But most travelers don’t want to fuss with gear, stop the flow of a tour, or look like they’re filming a production just to capture these moments. You want easy, portable, hands-free tools that help you get the shot from every angle without slowing you down. This is why most of us just use our smartphones. But, whether you’re sharing with your family group chat, your close friends, or posting on your social media channels, ultimately showing video and photos that are actually good and tell your special travel story is what we all want. And to do that you need gadgets that keep you present in the moment while quietly doing the work in the background.
That’s why I’m letting you in on my secret for capturing travel content while on the go. There’s four gadgets I bring with me whether I’m on assignment or on a personal getaway. If there is a frequent traveler in your life, or if that traveler is you, this is the time of year where you can snag some really cool deals to level up a traveler’s tech tool kit.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
These glasses are a game changer, because by having a camera, AI assistant, language translator, and open-ear speakers all on these glasses, you can seamlessly move through your travels truly keeping your hands free to other things—whether you are rolling luggage through a crowded terminal or holding onto the safety rope while crossing a swinging bridge on a hike.
I use the newer Gen 2 version, but Gen 1 is still a solid option, especially when it goes on sale.
I’ve tested them in Germany, using the help of Meta AI to take myself on a self-guided tour near the Berlin Wall. In Mexico on a bike tour around La Paz, I was able to capture moments hands free with a simple “Hey Meta, start filming” command. I went on a scrambling hike in the Seirra Madre mountains, where I needed both hands to navigate the terrain, and these glasses let me capture crucial POV moments for my most challenging climbs.
As I said, a game changer! No more fussing with my phone to try and capture moments in my travels. Oftentimes the delay of grabbing the phone and then turning on the camera, the moment is gone. Getting used to relying on my Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and staying hands free the entire time, helps to stay in the moment instead of staring at a screen.
Why they’re great for travel:
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Real-time translation of menus, signs and quick conversations when you are exploring.
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Hands-free POV capture on trails, bike rides, walking tours and flights.
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AI tools that answer simple questions on the spot, like directions or opening hours.
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Open-ear audio so you can hear navigation or music while still hearing the world around you.
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They look like normal sunglasses, so you blend in instead of looking like a tourist juggling gear.
How to travel with it:
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Download language packs before you fly for offline translation.
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Always bring the charging case. The Gen 2 battery lasts up to eight hours on a single charge, plus the included charging case can add an extra 48 hours of power — so you potentially get up to 56 hours of use.
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Great for airport navigation when your hands are full and you’re moving fast.
Who this is best for:
The traveler who always reaches for their phone, who loves POV video, or who visits destinations where translation and easy navigation matter.
Holiday deal: Shop the sale. Use the link below to Get 20% off Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 glasses and other Meta discounts until 12/01/2026!
RingConn
I used to live by my Garmin watch. But, I cannot sleep in my watch. This ring is something that is so unnoticeable and the perfect kind of wearable that can truly track all of your movement. This is great for travel because we’re moving more than we typically do at home, and this ring will capture all of it. Additionally, you can rely on it to track the wellness basics that actually matter when you travel — sleep, recovery, steps, stress — without wearing a watch. My favorite thing about RingConn is that you get access to all of your data and stats without paying a subscription (like it’s popular competitor).
I’ve had a friend say her ring alerted her three days before she felt symptoms that she was getting sick. But, the advanced alert help her to mitigate the symptoms and shorten her recovery. RingConn can do things like give you a quiet read on how your body is handling flights, jet lag and long days on your feet. Imagine on multi-city trips when your schedule is unpredictable and you need real insight into your energy levels.
And don’t overlook this added bonus: RingConn is HSA/FSA eligible, which helps soften the upfront cost.
Why it’s great for travel:
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Shows how you slept in hotels, Airbnbs or on overnight flights.
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Helps you read your energy levels as you adjust to new time zones.
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Logs all the walking you naturally do when exploring a city.
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Monitors stress on those airport or travel-heavy days.
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It’s small, subtle and doesn’t scream “smart device.”
How to travel with it:
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Charge it before a long-haul flight; the battery lasts days.
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Sync it before departure so your data stays consistent.
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Use recovery scores to plan which days should be lighter or more active.
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You can keep it on through TSA; no need to remove it.
Who this is best for:
Travelers who want simple, meaningful wellness insights on the go — without wearing a smartwatch, managing another screen, or paying a monthly membership fee.
Holiday deal: Shop the sale. Get up to 30% off until 12/01/2026!
Insta360 X4 Air
This is one of my go-to cameras as an adventure traveler. If you’ve ever hiked, kayaked, zip-lined, biked, snorkeled or simply moved through an experience where you don’t have time to frame shots, this camera solves the whole problem. I attach it to whatever the moment calls for—helmet mount, backpack mount, bike handlebar mount, portable tripod—and it captures everything around me. The strategy is to shoot everything now and in the moment, and then pick my shots later.
It has also captured moments I didn’t see with my own eyes. While snorkeling with sea lions, the Insta360 caught the ones behind me nipping at my fins. Those clips were incredible on camera and I would’ve completely missed them otherwise.
Another perk: with 360 footage, I can pull vertical clips for social and horizontal clips for more traditional video. One capture, every format covered. The mini tripod also lets me self-shoot when I need clean, stable footage without asking anyone for help — especially on trails or remote spots where no one’s around.
The new X4 Air is lighter, priced better than previous models, and the best part is the replaceable lens. In older generations, a big fall meant replacing the entire camera. I’ve been there THREE TIMES! Now, if you scratch or crack a lens, you just swap it out. That alone makes it a smarter investment for real-world travel.
P.S. If you’re only getting one travel camera this season, this is the one!
Why it’s great for travel:
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Captures a full 360 degrees, so you never worry about angles, timing or “redoing the shot.”
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Lets you stay present in hikes, kayak trips, city tours or bike rides without stopping the group.
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Pull both vertical and horizontal clips from the same footage.
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Lightweight and compact—easy to pack in a sling or daypack.
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Perfect for fast-moving environments where a phone is too risky or a traditional camera slows you down.
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The X4 Air upgrade is a real improvement: lower price point than previous pro models, lighter weight, and replaceable lenses. In the past, I’ve had to replace an entire camera after a fall. Now, you just swap the lens and keep shooting.
How to travel with it:
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A small selfie stick or bike handlebar grip helps for walking shots.
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Bring microfiber cloths for quick lens wipes.
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Keep a spare battery in your day bag.
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Use the dive case for diving more thatn 15 meters (49 ft)
Who this is best for:
Adventure travelers, families who want easy all-angles coverage, solo travelers who need reliable self-capture, or anyone who wants dramatic footage without thinking about where the camera is pointed.
Holiday deal: Get 25% the Insta360 X4 Air NOW!
HOVERAir X1 (or X1 PRO)
This is the drone for travelers who want those sweeping “wow” shots without carrying a giant piece of gear. The HoverAir is tiny, folds up, weighs under 250 grams and flies itself with one-tap modes. No controllers. No learning curve. It’s one of the easiest ways to add gorgeous aerial footage to your trip without feeling like you’re operating a machine.
For families with littles—hands full of snacks, towels, water bottles, sunscreen—this is the easiest way to get those beach-day memories without asking someone else to film you. The self-follow modes let it track you as you run after your kids or splash in the water. On bike rides, it keeps pace without you having to steer. On hikes, it can lift off from your hand and grab those sweeping views while you stay focused on the path. It’s small enough to toss into a daypack and quiet enough that it doesn’t draw a crowd when you launch it.
I’ve used it on active travel days when I needed both hands free—kayaking, scrambling up rocky trails, even when I’ve been balancing on uneven terrain—and it captured the moment without interrupting the experience. If you want aerial shots without looking like you showed up with a production crew, this is the one!
Why it’s great for travel:
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Captures beautiful aerial footage without needing piloting skills or bulky gear.
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Under 250 grams, which keeps things simple in most destinations.
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One-tap autonomous modes (follow, orbit, hover, reveal) let you film while you stay hands free.
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Quiet enough that you don’t draw attention in public spaces.
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Compact design fits in small sling bags and daypacks—no special case needed.
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Great for family travel, solo travel, group trips, outdoor adventures, road trips, and city exploring.
How to travel with it:
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Pack it in your carry-on only—lithium batteries shouldn’t be checked.
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Update firmware before you leave so you’re not troubleshooting abroad.
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Bring one extra battery for sunrise, sunset, or back-to-back activity days.
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Store it in a small protective pouch so it slides easily into a day bag.
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Check regional drone rules ahead of time, even for sub-250g devices.
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Use one-tap modes at scenic overlooks, beaches, rooftops, trails, or courtyards to get stress-free aerials with almost no setup.
Who this is best for:
The traveler who loves a good view and wants those dreamy aerial shots without the bulk, stress or expertise of flying a traditional drone. Great for couples, solo travelers, adventure seekers and anyone who wants “better than phone camera” vacation footage with almost no effort.
Holiday deal: For the HOVERAir X1 you’re looking at the lowest price of the year (often under $250) during Early Bird and Black Friday sale windows (Nov 3–19 and Nov 20–Dec 1) plus a free extra battery. The other HOVERAir models are also offering discounts.