Tech journalist and frequent traveller Nafisa Akabor looks at the latest tech you can use on your travels.
By:Nafisa Akabor
With travel back in full swing, these gadgets will make your life easier: a 2-in-1 Asus tablet, the new Fitbit Versa 4 fitness watch, and Samsung’s pocketable Fold 4. Plus, the Airalo eSIM service and an AirTag to track your luggage.
Asus Vivobook Slate 13
The Vivobook Slate 13 is a business traveller’s dream. This productivity and entertainment device with stylus can be used as a tablet, with a keyboard, or propped horizontally and vertically on a plane. It has Dolby Atmos sound, 2x USB-C ports, a headphone jack and microSD card reader. Dual cameras, fingerprint login and quick charging will have you working from anywhere. Price: R12 999.
Fitbit Versa 4
If you’re into running, hiking or swimming, check out the new Fitbit Versa 4. The fitness watch is the ideal travel companion with built-in GPS, over 40 workout modes and a 6-day battery life. Track your heart, sleep or SpO2 (oxygen levels), plus access to Google Maps and Wallet, which gives you access to your boarding pass. Price:
Samsung Galaxy Fold 4
The pocketable Fold 4 is a 7.6-inch work-from-anywhere folding tablet. It is a multi-tasking powerhouse thanks to Google and Microsoft partnerships. It runs on a speedy Snapdragon processor with a 50MP camera, fast charging, and improved durability from its redesigned hinge. Thanks to eSIM support, it is ideal for travelling. Price: R37 999.
Apple AirTag
The iPhone’s popularity makes the AirTag a must for travellers. Global airport chaos means constant lost or delayed luggage. Simply pop an AirTag into your bag and track it on the Find My iOS app. It pings with any iPhone within 100m of it, so you get the most accurate location with precision finding. Luggage strap available separately. Price: R699.
Airalo eSIM
If you’re a frequent traveller and want to avoid standing in a queue or handing over passport and personal information, check out Airalo. The eSIM works in over 190 countries and eliminates exorbitant roaming fees. Download the app, purchase an eSIM regionally or globally, and get connected within minutes. Price: From $9.
Adventure in Egypt
With Egypt being less than eight hours away from Johannesburg and SAA’s codeshare agreement with Egypt Air, it should be on your radar. South Africans need to be fully vaccinated and can get an e-visa that costs $25 for a single entry. Cairo is full of life, and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, historic sites, cultural tours, and day trips.
No Egypt tour should be complete without visiting the pyramids and sphinx of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Sharm el-Sheikh, Kom Ombo Temple, the Luxor Museum, a cruise on the Nile, and of course, the centre of the Arab Spring – Tahrir Square.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike Mount Sinai, or take a technical diving course in Dahab. Top tip: rather make use of a trackable taxi service like Uber because hiring a car and driving yourself can be chaotic.
