Even though I am an IT guy and my family loves tech just as much, the best part of our vacation is unplugging. Just last week one of engineers was flying and was happy that the airline gives free WiFi. I kind of wish that wasn’t the case.

I don’t fly much, but when I do I hope to catch up on some reading, go through and fix some of my contacts lists, write some more columns and meet my seat neighbor. I admit I love meeting new people and find airports just chock full of new people. Don’t worry, I don’t constantly go over to random people, though my 15-year-old daughter rolls her eyes when she sees me chatting to people nearby.

So what tech should someone bring when on vacation? I know some folks go extreme and some basic. But as luck would have it, going on vacation is the time most people forget, lose or break their power chargers. Been there, done that. I recommend using specific items designed for travel to power your tech, to use only when you are on the road.

For starters: These items are all available on Amazon. Email [email protected] for links and a free gift for reading.

Two multi-nib power chargers. Contains iPad, USB micro and what is now becoming the standard USB C all-in-one USB cord.

Circular four-port surge protector. This way your family isn’t fighting over who gets to charge whose device. Less room needed.

Five-foot network cord (sometimes WiFi doesn’t work, sometimes you can’t find or don’t know the password). Most hotels have a wired solution.

Two extra laptop chargers. FYI I always recommend buying two laptop chargers: keep one at home or at the office, and one in your bag.

Three USB wired wall adapters. 

Smartphone car holster; trust me this will be a lifesaver if you rent a car and you will kick yourself for not bringing one with you.

Two 8-gig USB keys, one blank and one with all copies of your passports, credit cards, birth certificates, marriage licenses. This could save a life. Keep this separate from your carry-on. A good Chabad habit I learned as a bachur is we always have our tefillin on us. Keeping the USB key in the tefillin bag a good habit. Thieves hopefully will not think to look there. I would consult your local rabbi if this appropriate for you. For me not even a thought.

Backpack that has all the pockets to hold all your chargers and list. Take the time to write out an address and name to identify you if you lose it; try to pick a work address or email. If you are at an airport, hackers will know you are going to be away for a period of time. We live in a crazy world, so being careful is important.

Advanced tech:  These are items I take on longer trips, especially if I have to work overseas.

Two 6-port surge protectors, 1 220 volts. These saved the day in a terrible apartment my family rented three years ago.

External 5 TB USB external hard drive. Usually loaded with data I need and the important documents I am working on.

Verizon 4g HotSpot (this may not work in some countries).

Tablet to back up your laptop if you drop shwarma on it.

Spare prepaid cell phone with SIM card. This can save a life; buy here from Judaica House in Teaneck.

Two 8-gig USB keys, 1 empty, 1 with copies of passport and other important documents. Don’t be lazy on this one.

Of course, none of us are going to bring a printer. I always have my eye out on a portable printer that really works. When you get to your hotel, after you check out the pool and gym (gym would be for my beautiful wife who hits the gym every day and rarely misses, works full time and is married to me, yikes), ask the front desk how you’d be able to print if you needed to. A great printing app is Mopria print service and scan service. This app somehow can find any WiFi printer. The scan app is outstanding; both can be found for free on Play Store and App Store.

All of the above are great, but again, remember to unplug. There’s nothing worse than going to a hotel lobby and seeing mom, dad, daughter and son sitting shoulder-to-shoulder buried in their smartphones. Don’t waste these precious family moments.

That’s about it. My readers often email me with mistakes and comments, but best of all their own tech findings. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with items you would bring on a vacation.