5 tech travel hacks I learned after 2 months backpacking in Asia — don't make the same mistakes as me

Last year, I backpacked across Asia for two months, and it was the best time of my life. My boyfriend and I started in South Korea (where we'd just spend two years teaching English to kindergarteners), and traveled to Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand before heading back home to the U.K..
The picture you see above is us on the summit of Mt. Batur in Indonesia — look at the clouds! They're so beautiful they don't even seem real. But also... look at my shoes.
I'm wearing my Merrell hiking boots (that I love, don't get me wrong). This was a major error — they took up so much space in my luggage and I only wore them a couple of times because it was just way too hot.
So I though I'd compile everything I learned while traveling Asia, so you don't make the same travel tech mistakes as me. Please learn from my oopsies.
Why was this a mistake? Because I have a MacBook Pro M1 14-inch, which weighs about 3.5 pounds, give or take. That is pretty heavy when you're trying to save as much weight as you can for airplane luggage.
What should you do instead? You should definitely take an iPad or just your phone instead. Booking tickets and managing itineraries might be a little tricky on a phone, though, so I'd recommend taking one of the best tablets. I have an iPad 2021 (I took that too!) and I wish that had been the only computer I'd taken.
Why was this a mistake? It's all about saving space when you're traveling. What was the point of taking a pair of headphones and earbuds? I never wore the headphones either, because I couldn't be bothered to dig them out of my backpack.
What should you do instead? Take the smallest earbuds you can find. I loved the ANC on my AirPods Pro 2 when I was on flights. I can also recommend the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, because the ANC is second-to-none. Alternatively, the Sony WF-C710N could be a good, cheaper option, with great ANC for just $119.
These are my favorite earbuds in the world. I used them while traveling, so I can say with confidence that the ANC is good enough to block out airplane engine noises and even loud intercity buses.
Why was this a mistake? I guess you're noticing a theme here... taking books was a fool's error! Why did I fill my backpack with paper books when I'm going to be carrying my luggage around? I ended up leaving some at a hotel's book swap.
What should you do instead? Definitely use the iPad or tablet you're going to take to read books, or get a Kindle. The best Kindles can be as affordable as $159 these days. I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite (2024): it has an awesome 12-week battery life and is even IPX8-rated so you'll be able to keep reading at the pool without stress.
Why was this a mistake? For some reason, I took my Merrell hiking boots. Don't get me wrong, I love my Merrell hiking boots — they are some of the best hiking boots. But they are so big and so heavy. They took up loads of space in my luggage, and I only wore them once because they were so heavy — I resorted to my Teva hiking sandals the rest of the time.
What should you do instead? You should get a pair of really good trail running shoes and use them for both walking shoes and hiking boots. I have the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX right now, but I also like the look of the Merrell Moab 3 for something more hardy. If I'd taken these instead, I would've had more space in my luggage, my feet wouldn't have got so hot on hikes, and I would've been able to squeeze a run in, too.
I have the Speedgoat 5, but that's because I bought the shoes a while ago. Now Hoka is onto the Speedgoat 6, which are lighter than the 5s (so even better for traveling) and are more durable (so better for more tempestuous environments).
Why was this a mistake? For obvious reasons, I wanted to get some shut-eye on various travel days. I traveled by plane, boat, bus, and train on my 2 months in Asia, and I had to suffer through all of them by resting my cheek on the window and begging sleep to come.
What should you do instead? You should definitely get a good travel neck pillow. A travel pillow is essential for sleeping on planes. Tempur-Pedic's travel pillow is $69 and is super plush, which will help you sleep on public transport.
Tempur-Pedic (yes, the same brand that makes some of the best mattresses in the world) has a plush travel pillow for just $65. This travel pillow is reportedly very firm, which makes it perfect for propping you up on long travel days.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Hamilton Spectator

a day ago

• Hamilton Spectator

New book details family's two-year sailing journey to the Caribbean islands

A Penticton mother has turned a life-changing experience into a new book, chronicling the two years she, her husband, and their three young children spent living aboard a 45-foot sailboat in the Caribbean. Seeking relief from the stress and grind of running a successful home renovation business near Quebec City, Annie Jomphe and her husband made the bold decision to completely change their lives. They sold most of their possessions, bought a sailboat, and set off on the adventure of a lifetime—thousands of kilometres away from their old routine. Now living in Penticton since 2018, Jomphe is the author of Sailing Back to Life, a 300-page memoir detailing her family's two-year journey on the open sea. The book, released last week, is the English version of the same title originally published in French five years ago. Jomphe and her husband, Martin, both originally from Quebec, lived in Canmore, Alberta for about seven years before finally deciding to pursue a radical lifestyle change. The idea of sailing had been years in the making. Their journey began in early 2016. When they set sail, their children were just 5, 6, and 7 years old. 'We were super excited—and in my experience, when parents are excited, it's not hard to get the kids excited too,' she said. Although they had what many would consider an ideal life—good jobs, financial stability, a beautiful home, and three healthy children—something was missing. 'From the outside, people thought we were absolutely crazy,' Jomphe recalled. 'But inside, we were empty. We weren't living the life we truly wanted—we were living the life we thought we were supposed to live. After five years of working non-stop, we forgot who we were and what we valued. Our lives felt like a pressure cooker. We needed a reset.' As lovers of the outdoors, the couple considered many options before deciding that life on a sailboat made the most sense. 'All we were doing in Quebec was working and making money, but we lost sight of ourselves,' she said. 'We needed something extraordinary to reconnect—with each other and with life.' Remarkably, neither Jomphe nor her husband had any sailing experience before embarking on their voyage. 'You can imagine what our parents thought,' she said, laughing. 'But we just did it. We were on the boat 24/7 and had to learn as we went.' They launched just south of Montreal, eventually sailing through Florida and the Bahamas before arriving in Bonaire, off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. 'There's something about the Caribbean islands that's just so relaxing, caring, and beautiful,' she said. After years of meticulously scheduled business life, the family embraced the freedom of spontaneity. 'When we left, we had absolutely no plan. We just wanted to breathe,' she said. 'We learned quickly to let go. The Bahamas was the only destination we had firmly in mind.' Living on a sailboat came with its challenges—particularly feeding a family of five. They stocked up on dry goods that could last the entire first year, including rice, beans, and pasta, and later restocked for the second year. 'We learned to be self-sufficient and how to manage our water and resources,' she said. 'We made grocery shopping part of the adventure—taking the dinghy to shore and exploring ports with the kids.' At times, supplies were low, especially on smaller islands that relied on infrequent shipments. But they adapted. 'A few times, there wasn't much to eat, but we managed,' she said. Despite the challenges, their children thrived. 'The kids were absolutely amazing,' she said. 'They were more resilient than I was. While I struggled with the lack of structure, they embraced the freedom. It was beautiful—they inspired me to let go.' The voyage was about more than travel. It was a mission to escape the rat race, reconnect as a family, and rediscover what really matters. 'After any trip, you come back on a high, but reality eventually sinks in,' she said. 'It took me a long time to settle back into real life. But I was so much happier afterward.' Not every moment on the water was serene. 'One of the scariest—and most humbling—moments came when we went shark fishing. We were stung by jellyfish, and my son cut his foot badly—there was blood everywhere,' she recalled. 'We also weathered some serious storms. It really grounds you and reminds you how small we are in nature.' The original French version of Sailing Back to Life was published in 2020 and sold well across Quebec and Canada. The English translation, five years in the making, was released on June 10. While the book primarily focuses on their two-year sailing adventure, it also reflects on the pressures that led them to make such a drastic change. 'Writing the book made me realize how important the trip was for finding true happiness again,' she said. 'I'm grateful every single day. That journey helped us regain the freedom to live the life we truly want. It's the little things that matter—not money or a big raise.' Today, Jomphe's three children are teenagers and enjoying life in the Okanagan. 'We chose Penticton for the weather and the beauty—and we love it here. I can't see us living anywhere else,' she said. Ironically, the family hasn't sailed since returning—but they're hoping to change that. 'It's on our list,' she said, smiling. 'We're looking at a future trip to French Polynesia.' Jomphe and her husband now run Sitka Concept Inc., a home renovation business. Sailing Back to Life is self-published and available for purchase on Amazon at Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

National Geographic

a day ago

• National Geographic

7 unmissable UK beaches to visit this summer

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Don't believe anyone who says the United Kingdom is a poor comparison to the likes of Australia, or South Africa when it comes to beaches. What the country lacks in palm trees or exotic wildlife, it makes up for in the sheer variety of its coastline. Somewhere in its four nations, your perfect beach awaits: places with birdlife or wild beauty and destinations where fish and chips with your feet in the sand is an essential part of the beach-going experience. You may need a windbreak but what could be more British than shrugging off a bit of weather? 1. Porthcurno, Cornwall All of Cornwall's magic is concentrated in these couple of acres. The sand is a deep wedge, which expands at low tide, the sea is of a blue that would make a peacock blush and pillar-like granite cliffs ripple along the coast like fortifications. There's culture, too, at the open-air Minack Theatre, where the backcloth is the horizon of the Atlantic. The price of such beauty is crowds in the summer months — traffic jams on the approach lane are legendary. Arrive early- or mid-afternoon or try the quieter sister-beach, Pedn Vounder. It's accessible on foot around a headland at low tide. Porthcurno beach is located at the very tip of Cornwall, in southern England. Photograph by Getty Images, John Harper 2. Weymouth, Dorset For 12 years, George III holidayed at Weymouth, transforming a fishing village into a resort for flaneurs — then, in the late-1800s, for the public arriving on the London train. Come for a classic English seaside experience — deckchairs on the promenade, donkey rides on the pampered beasts of West Hill Donkeys, pedalos, Punch and Judy shows twice a day and sand perfect for castles. Factor in toddler-friendly shallows and you have a favourite with young families. And for fish and chips? There are over a dozen options in town but there's a reason why family-owned Marlboro has been around since 1974. (Welcome to Weymouth, the British seaside resort with a twist.) 3. Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan The Highlands are an idea of isolated beauty as much as a real destination. Enter Sanna Bay, the most westerly point in Britain. To get there, you take a pretty drive snaking along the shores of Loch Sunart. Beyond Kilchoan village, you're on a single-track lane — over moors and past white smallholdings, sheep and Highland cattle — to reach a remote carpark at the end of the road. Even so, you won't be prepared for the impact of walking through dunes to these icing-sugar sand arcs before turquoise shallows. Smaller beaches notch beyond headlands and sunsets are otherworldly. Better still, there's usually a breeze, which means none of Scotland's infamous midges. The isolated beauty of the Scottish highlands is what makes the beach at Sanna bay so appealing. Photograph by Getty Images, Simon Hodgkiss 4. Bamburgh, Northumberland There's a debate to be had about the appeal of cosy coves versus epic beaches. If you lean towards the latter, this is your spot. Bamburgh beach is vast: four magnificent miles from Seahouses harbour to a monster castle at Bamburgh, all backed by silver-green dunes and dotted with rockpools to poke at with a shrimp net. Walk the lot and you can stop for king prawn chilli burgers at Creel & Reel food truck at the carpark in Waterford. You will also deserve a pint of Bamburgh Blonde at the Bamburgh Castle Inn back at Seahouses. 5. White Park Bay, Antrim A public campaign raised £15,000 to safeguard this beauty for the National Trust. Now, otters gambol at dusk (a sure sign of eco-health), 17 species of butterflies and countless rabbits flit in the grasslands behind. Not forgetting the most-photographed cows in Northern Ireland, known for grazing on the beach, swaying along sands whenever a local farmer moves his herd. The squeaky 'singing sands' (the sand is known to produce a humming or buzzing sound) hold fossils — bullet-like squid and the shells of extinct mollusks, commonly known as devil's toenails. The absence of people will put you in mind of Australia rather than Antrim. Just be wary of swimming: the current can be vicious. 6. Holkham, Norfolk On summer weekends, when up to 1,000 cars fill the parking area, it can seem like half of Norfolk has arrived. Through a fuzz of pine trees and a small sea of dunes, you will wonder where they all went. Holkham is big — two-miles long and 1,640-foot wide at low tide. Co-ordinate a visit for that time because it's the scale that wows at Holkham. This is a beach for cricket and kite-flying, to throw balls for madly excited dogs or to lie behind a windbreak and watch vast cloudscapes roll past like galleons under full sail. The beach at Holkham is one of the longest stretches of sand in the country. Photograph by Getty Images, Jackie Bale (How to spend a weekend in North Norfolk, UK.) 7. Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire Wales has bigger beaches like the Gower's Rhossili and pretty coves like Mwnt or Porth Iago. This stretch of coastline near St Davids wins because it has all you need from a beach. The pale sand gets emptier the further you go from the carpark. There's surfboard rental to ride friendly summer waves, plus seasonal lifeguards. Footpaths track to St Davids Head, the Land's End of Wales, marked by a neolithic tomb or to the rocky ridge of Carn Llidi hill, which rises above the beach. Save an ascent till dusk to see islands scattered in a sheet of golden sea. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

Time Business News

2 days ago

• Time Business News

24/7 Airport Transfers in Makkah & Madinah

Every detail matters during your sacred journey—especially how you get from place to place. From the airport to your hotel, from Makkah to Madinah, your mode of travel affects your comfort, timing, and peace of mind. That's where Umrah taxi services step in to simplify and elevate your pilgrimage experience. Umrah taxi services are specialized transportation solutions designed specifically for pilgrims. Unlike general taxis, these are run by operators who understand the spiritual needs, preferred routes, and sensitivities of religious travelers. They often provide: Assistance with luggage Stops for prayer or rest Comfortable, clean vehicles Drivers who are familiar with Islamic etiquette and holy landmarks Perfect for solo pilgrims or families wanting privacy, speed, and comfort. Ideal for tour groups or large families. These taxis are usually vans or minibuses. Travel in premium sedans or SUVs with English-speaking drivers and luxury interiors. Economical option for travelers looking to save. Shared with other pilgrims heading the same direction. Umrah taxi services cover all major pilgrimage-related routes: Jeddah Airport to Makkah Makkah to Madinah Madinah to Makkah Madinah Airport to Hotel Ziyarat Tours in Makkah & Madinah These routes are often priced as fixed-rate packages for convenience. Pilgrim-friendly experience Drivers are trained to accommodate religious needs, including prayer breaks. Drivers are trained to accommodate religious needs, including prayer breaks. Familiarity with routes No getting lost or confusion—drivers know exactly where to go. No getting lost or confusion—drivers know exactly where to go. Clean, well-maintained vehicles Important for long journeys between cities. Important for long journeys between cities. Time-saving No long waits or haggling—get in and go. You can book through: Official websites or booking portals Tour operators and travel agencies Hotel front desk or concierge Direct call or WhatsApp chat with drivers Some services offer live vehicle tracking, digital receipts, and multi-language support. Typical fare estimates: Jeddah Airport to Makkah: SAR 150–250 SAR 150–250 Makkah to Madinah: SAR 350–500 SAR 350–500 Madinah to Airport: SAR 80–150 Pricing depends on: Vehicle type (economy vs. VIP) Time of travel (day/night) Season (Ramadan, Hajj, etc.) Some services offer flat rates to avoid disputes. Hujjaj Umrah Taxi – Reliable, with clean cars and English-speaking staff. Haramain Taxi – Well-known for intercity rides. Umrah Ride – Offers both shared and private rides. Local Licensed Operators – Always verify their permits. 24/7 availability Multilingual support Air-conditioning Baby seats (on request) Punctuality & safe driving Book early during Ramadan or Hajj. during Ramadan or Hajj. Double-check your hotel address before setting off. before setting off. Take a picture of the license plate for safety. for safety. Keep cash handy, especially for tips or tolls. Available in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Good for short rides within cities. Transparent pricing Easy to use Driver tracking May not offer large vehicles Surge pricing during peak hours Book a driver who: Waits with a name card at Arrivals Helps with luggage Drives directly to your Makkah/Madinah hotel Some services even offer Zamzam water on arrival! Choose 7-seater vans, mini-buses, or 14-passenger coasters. Often include: Bulk luggage storage Family-friendly entertainment Discounted group rates Stop for salah (prayers) when needed (prayers) when needed Friendly to elderly and women travelers Patient, non-rushed driving experience Choose taxis with visible ID cards Confirm municipal license or registration or registration Avoid unmarked or unofficial vehicles Government monitors licensed operators strictly in the Two Holy Cities. Your Umrah journey begins not just with Ihram, but also with the right ride. Umrah taxi services are crafted for your comfort, safety, and peace of mind—from the airport to the Haram. Whether you're alone, with family, or in a group, there's a reliable option ready to take you wherever your spiritual heart desires. 1. Are Umrah taxis available 24/7? Yes, most operate around the clock to match international flight arrivals. 2. Do Umrah taxi drivers speak English? Some do, especially in VIP services. Basic Arabic or translation apps help. 3. Can I book a round trip? Absolutely! Most services offer discounts on round-trip bookings. 4. Are prices fixed or metered? Usually fixed rates, especially on intercity routes. 5. How early should I book during peak seasons? At least 2 weeks in advance during Ramadan or Hajj season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS