The travel phone hacks our editors swear by

Whether navigating the maze-like Marrakech medina on Google Maps, capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments or checking in with loved ones, our phones are now as essential to travel as our passports and plane tickets. For many of us, they’re practically an extension of the arm – and savvy travellers know there are plenty of ways to make them work harder abroad. From clever apps and useful accessories to theft-proof cases and money-saving tech, these are our editors’ favourite phone hacks to maximise utility and even save money while on the road.

Essentials

eSIM

If you’re still travelling without an eSIM, it’s time to embrace this game-changing tech. Almost always cheaper than network roaming – especially outside Europe – eSIMs eliminate the faff (and risk of loss) when swapping physical SIMs. Buy via your chosen app, follow the set-up instructions and your phone will connect automatically on arrival. Many plans cost around £10 for a couple of weeks’ data, and there are multi-country options available, too. Ubigi, for example, offers global weekly and monthly plans from around £2.99. We’ve rounded up the best eSIMS here.

Portable charger

A single charge rarely lasts a full day when you’re travelling, particularly if you’re using multiple apps such as maps, photos and streaming services, so a portable charger is non-negotiable. There are plenty of options, so look at capacity (measured in mAh) depending on your needs: 4,000 mAh will give a decent top-up for a day, while 10,000 mAh+ is better for multiple charges or devices – if you’re going camping or to a festival, and won’t be able to top up your portable charger, this is what you want. Keep it fully charged in your day bag – and remember, power banks must travel in hand luggage only.

Bags and cases

Phone case with card slots

This keeps essentials, such as debit cards, room keys and tickets, in one place and easy to hand. They’re ideal for sightseeing days when you don’t want to be overencumbered with a large bag – pair with a phone strap or mini phone bag for a totally faff-free hands-free day out.

Phone strap

Our phones all do double duty as camera and map as well as communication devices. A cross-body strap keeps them both instantly accessible – fishing your phone out of every five minutes for another photo opportunity is deeply tedious – and far safer than leaving it in a pocket or handbag, where it’s at risk of being pickpocketed. Plus, many designs include extra fastenings for added security. We’ve rounded up the best phone bags to shop now.

Accessories

Phone holder

When a Traveller editor won’t fly without something, it’s worth noting. Our senior commerce writer Lauren Burvill swears by this aeroplane phone holder from Amazon, which clips onto the seat in front so you can watch downloaded shows hands-free – sometimes the in-flight entertainment just doesn’t hit the same as your favourite show.

Luggage trackers