Six on-the-go tech items for travellers

We keep things clean with half a dozen innovations that will help you to stay fit, healthy and refreshed while on your travels

Travelling cna leave you unwashed, run down and frayed around the edges. However, our pick of six innovations will help combat all of that with some ingenious ideas. 

Planes, trains and automobiles... You know how the saying goes. Now add in phones, luggage and even our trusty hands. All pretty essential for travelling, but not always the most comfortable, clean and/or hygienic. While not completely unavoidable, you can take the necessary precautions to prevent germs from becoming bigger issues while you're away from home. So, if you are heading off to your holiday destination or you're on a quick business trip, you will want to make sure you have some of thelatest tech to stay fit and healthy while you're away.

1. Scrubba Wash Bag

If you're travelling for some time and you don't have access to a washing machine, or you're not so keen on paying exorbitant hotel laundry rates, try the Scrubba Wash Bag. It's the world's smallest washing machine, perfect for travellers and those who enjoy camping. It's twice as effective as hand washing, and easy to use. It's recommended that you only wash smaller items such as socks, underwear and light shirts, especially if you're on the move and want your clothing to dry relatively quickly. The steps are simple: add your clothes, some water and washing powder to the bag. Release excess air and roll the bag with the board on the horizontal surface for three minutes. Once done, remove the water and add clean water to rinse.

The Scrubba Wash Bag is available at thescrubba.com, from Dh202

2. Fitbit Versa

If exercising has become part of your 2018 routine, you won't want to lose that momentum when you travel. Sure, you are likely to slow down somewhat, but keeping active, walking, jogging, or raising your heart rate for at least 30 minutes isn't all that challenging. Plus, exercise is believed to be a good way to get over jet lag, so there's another incentive. Another gadget not to forget is the Fitbit Versa. This product will give you access to your own personalised dashboard; it will give you a chance to use quick replies for when you're unable to chat to those trying to get hold of you. It's water resistant for up to 50 metres, it will monitor your sleep patterns, and if you're exploring a new city and you don't have your wallet on you, you can pay using Fitbit Pay (after syncing your credit card details) when you see the symbol.

The Fitbit Versa costs Dh899

3. PhoneSoap 2.0

A mobile phone is said to be up to 18 times dirtier than a seat in a public toilet. After using the restroom, most people wash their hands, yet we don't clean our phones nearly as much. PhoneSoap is a good option to pack in your travel bags. You can use it to disinfect your phone – and charge it at the same time. PhoneSoap uses UV-C light, which through specific wavelengths of light, passes through the bacteria's cell walls to weaken DNA. Once compromised, the cells die and are no longer able to cause infections or disease. The beauty about this is that you can also use it to clean other smaller items that pick up bugs, such as your keys, credit cards, earphones and remote controls.

PhoneSoap 2.0 is available at phonesoap.eu, from Dh325

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Read more:

Fitbit smartwatches: how do the Versa and the Ionic stack up? 

Feats with your feet: 6 shoes to enjoy outdoors

Download and go: 12 of the best apps for travel

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4. Trtl Travel Pillow

Pillows provided by airlines often aren't the most comfortable, which is especially annoying if you happen to leave your travel pillow at home, but this offering from Trtl (pronounced Turtle) is one you won't want to forget when you head to departures. Unlike U-shaped pillows, this one has been scientifically designed to hold your neck in a better ergonomic position. The pillow is light, which is great for travelling. The design features a soft hypo-allergenic fleece and a hidden internal neck support system for your comfort. It's also easily washable.

Buy the Trtl Travel Pillow online at trtltravel.com, from Dh110

5. Bose SoundSport Free headphones

Earphones are another one of those products that you want to share sparingly and keep as clean as
possible. From watching movies on your laptop or phone on planes to listening to your favourite podcast or playlists while you're training, you
also don't want the hassle of cables, faulty connections or headphones that don't stay in place. Bose's SoundSport Free wireless headphones are a good choice for that. The brand has focused on size, performance, power and stability for this range. They're rechargeable and last up to five hours. Two additional features that might sway you: the charging case magnetically holds the earbuds in place, and when they're not safely stowed away, the "Find My Buds" feature on the Bose Connect app will show you the last place they were and at what time – so you don't have to fret too much about losing them. They're available in three colours; triple black, midnight blue with yellow citron and bright orange with midnight blue.

Available at Bose retailers across the UAE, for Dh839, including taxes

6. Pure Easy travel water purifier

A given on any trip is that you need to stay hydrated. Now that summer is here, drinking clean water is imperative. So this handy, portable water purifier comes highly recommended. Pure Easy offers a Travel Water Purifier, which can provide up to 5,000 litres of safe drinkable water. As well as the inclusion of a membrane in the filter cartridge to further improve filtration, the brand has also focused on creating a bottle that is impact resistant. This is a good option for those who are doing a lot of walking and for hikers and camping types.

For more information, visit pureeasy.com. The Travel Water Purifier costs from Dh293