Road trips are the highlight of the summer for folks who like to feel the wind in their hair and see the open road ahead. But you don’t have to unplug to get off the grid anymore. Make your summer vacation an epic trip with these add-on gadgets for your mobile device.
Pump up the jams
You simply can’t go on vacation without a Bluetooth speaker. They’re the perfect companion for a night under the stars or for relaxing by the pool. And over the past decade, audio engineers have figured out how to make these little handheld and tabletop speakers boom.
The Bose SoundLink Flex and the Sony SRS-XB100 are both waterproof and dustproof—the Flex will even float if you accidentally drop it in water—and both can entertain for 12 hours on a single charge. Looking something a little flashier? Try the JBL Pulse 5. In addition to sharing an IP67 certification for keeping out dust, as well as being waterproof, it also projects a built-in, 360-degree lightshow.
Picture perfect
Speaking of major consumer technology advancements, it’s easier than ever to take amazing snapshots on your smartphone. But adding some after-market gadgets will help stabilize, illuminate and capture your best moments with even more clarity.
The Keywing 3-in-1 Phone Lens Kit includes a 20x macro lens for capturing crisp, detailed closeup shots, a 120-degree wide lens in case you need to expand the view, and a fisheye lens to add extra drama to your snaps. Add a Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand to keep your phone solidly in place, and a remote shutter-release button like the Xenvo Shutterbug for group shots.
Power on the go
The only drawback to having such amazing power in the palm of your hands is that it doesn’t last forever—even our coolest gadgets need to rest and recharge. Luckily, there are plenty of options for doing so quickly without slowing you down.
The lightweight Nimble Champ can charge two devices simultaneously, packs up to three days of power and will get your smartphone to an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. The Anker 313 Power Bank can charge most phones up to three times, an especially helpful feature when you’re exploring a new city or wilderness. It won’t hurt to slide the versatile InCharge 6 onto your keyring, in case you need to transfer battery power from one phone to another.
Are your travel plans taking you outside the U.S.? Grab an International Day Pass and get unlimited talk, text and data while you travel.