These 12 tiny travel gadgets will upgrade your flight or drive - and they won't break the bank

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

Summer season is here, and there's no better time to consider updating your travel stash -- and we're not just talking about your flip-flops and sunglasses. And right now, during July 4th weekend, you may be able to scoop up some handy tech items that are perfect for keeping tucked into your suitcase or carry-on.

From Bluetooth gadgets to travel chargers and teeny SSDs, these are our favorite travel gadgets to buy right now

This is my favorite cable to pack when I travel, because I always have every charger I need on hand. While most of my tech uses USB-C charging, my iPhone 14 Pro still uses a Lightning cable. This keeps me from forgetting to pack one over the other or needing to keep two in my carry-on.

Spring or summer travels upcoming soon? This gadget turns your wireless earbuds into the perfect pair for in-flight entertainment. Call it a carry-on essential if you're a frequent flyer. While our expert Jada Jones reviewed the more advanced Pro 2 model, this cheaper AirFly SE is a great alternative.

"If you'll likely use this product often, I recommend spending the $60 for a reliable and high-quality product. However, if you want a cheaper option, Twelve South offers the AirFly SE , but it doesn't have aux-in compatibility or dual headphone connectivity," Jones says.