Travel Power Management

Travel Power from USB and adapter combo devices

USB was first introduced as a way to offer universal power and adaptability to computers and devices but has accomplished so much more.  USB power adapters almost always use the standard 5 volt interface, As a result, he adapters can charge and run devices regardless of which country you use them from.

As USB ports have become more standardized, the usage of USB-A and USB-C ports along with an adapter plug can resolve the vast majority of of power needs you should find throughout the world.

With these available options, there is little need for any new adapters to be used in other countries.

That said,, for your computer devices, there is still a simple option should you need it.

Almost all laptops used for travel have a compound charging cable.  This means that you can simple exchange your US default charging plug wire for one in the country you visit.  With my family’s yearly travel to Poland I’ve found a need for doing this over the years and is an easily solution when abroad.

Power Banks

Mobile Power banks have been a useful tool in recent years. They are helpful to extend the availability of charged devices while traveling.  While at first they were considered too heavy and inefficient for routine usage, they have become smaller, more powerful and weigh a lot less now.

For travel that is certain to extend to areas with limited power access, these can be an excellent way to ensure that your devices have full power for when they are needed.

Ultimately, these simple travel power tips can save a lot of pain while abroad and needing to charge devices.  The days of lugging around the heavy and overheating Step-Down Power Converters is fortunately at an end.