Why You Can Trust CNET Events Like the Microsoft Outage Are Why I Pack These 5 Gadgets Every Time I Fly
Commentary: Tech blips and unexpected travel meltdowns can leave you stranded. These items make the uncertainty a little easier to navigate.
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A global Microsoft outage grounded flights worldwide on Friday morning as the result of a faulty cybersecurity update from security company CrowdStrike. No one expects their next flight to be delayed or canceled, but the reality is that it happens often -- more than 20% of the time, according to recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics -- and when the setback is terminal-wide, it could mean hours of waiting in lines and biding your time before customer service can get you back on your way.
My perspective on what to pack in a carry-on permanently changed back in 2013, when my flight home from Japan was delayed by 14 hours. Since I was low on funds at the time, I couldn't afford to leave the airport and go book a hotel, so I rode things out in the terminal. To share updates with loved ones and stave off boredom, I had to find ways to keep my devices powered up; having to hunt down an open wall outlet and be sparing about which item to charge next only added stress to the whole ordeal. Having the right gear in my carry-on would have made things a lot less stressful.
Read more:
• 3 Steps to Take Immediately When Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed
• Air Travel Delays and Flight Cancellations: What to Know
I've now been a digital nomad for eight years, so I'm traveling year-round and love it. Having the right tech keeps me entertained, informed and able to get work done wherever I am in the world, and it can help you ride out boredom when you're trapped in a suddenly-offline terminal. Pack one or more of these items in your carry-on in case your next trip encounters an unexpected delay.
Travel has taught me that I can't always rely on the Wi-Fi network of the places I'm staying.
In Kenya, where my family is from, I had to tether off my phone because the network at the Airbnb was nonexistent. I've also stayed in too many hotels with terribly slow Wi-Fi.
Having my mobile Wi-Fi device has helped me avoid many unexpected travel experiences. I like the RoamWiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router because it's fast, has a good range and can connect to various devices to provide Wi-Fi coverage. It's an investment, but if internet connectivity is essential for your trips, consider prioritizing a hotspot router.
I spend a lot of time on the go with few opportunities to power my electronic devices. Power banks have been a lifesaver on planes, trains, buses and cars.
I use the Anker MagGo Power Bank to keep my main electronics charged up, which for me includes an iPhone, iPad, Bose headphones and a MacBook Pro. It's small enough to fit in my carry-on but robust enough to meet my power needs in the event of a setback, such as when the Airbnb or hotel has a power outage (which has happened before).
You never know when you'll be stuck somewhere while traveling. Ensuring you have enough power to keep your devices powered can help you in emergencies and maintain peace of mind.
This Anker cord has both normal power outlets and USB ports, and it's small enough to stuff into a carry-on. I can charge 11 devices at once if necessary, which is great for Airbnbs that look the part but are lacking in actual wall outlets.
The extension cord also has surge protection, which matters because other countries sometimes regulate power differently. Plug the extension cord into your international adapter; this will ensure you only need one adapter for your whole trip.
Over the years, international adapters have gotten smaller and more versatile, and you can now fit them in a backpack.
I travel with the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter because it has multiple port types, so it works well as an all-in-one option. Be sure to check that the country you're visiting will be compatible with whichever adapter you end up packing.
Since I work remotely, I need to do a lot on my laptop while traveling. Typing that much on a laptop keyboard can hurt my wrists. I even wound up in a hospital in Colombia once because of nagging wrist pain. After that experience, I now pack a laptop stand everywhere I go.
The Tonmom Laptop Stand is adjustable to different heights, easy to assemble and small enough to fit into your laptop bag. Your wrists will thank you. Laptop stands are also good for your device because the elevation gives ventilation fans more space to release heat.
What was the Microsoft outage?
Early Friday morning, a faulty cybersecurity update from CrowdStrike caused thousands of Windows PCs to go offline. The update immediately had global repercussions, taking banks, airlines, stock exchanges, supply chains and even some 911 call centers offline. Delta, American and United resumed flights after a few hours, but the ground stops led to many flights being delayed or canceled on short notice, just one week before the Paris Olympics.
The right carry-on gear makes traveling easier
You never know what might happen while you travel, but having the right gadgets can help you prepare for those unexpected moments. Look at your upcoming trips and see if any of these gadgets would make the journey easier.