Stephen and Paul are frequent travelers and we're very particular about what we bring with us on trips. In this episode, we discuss the types of laptop bags and backpacks we use, plus seat pillows, USB hubs, adapters, and storage, gadget organization bags, earplugs, Apple iPads, and XNote and other writing, journaling, and note-taking tools.

Viture and other companies make reasonably inexpensive VR/AR/XR glasses that are particularly well-suited for travel and work with any PC, phone, or device that supports USB-C. And they're not just for entertainment. Because these glasses are effectively a second screen, they can be used for productivity on the go as well. We also touch on the noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones that can complete the experience on those long flights.

Stephen and Paul discuss translation apps and other mobile apps that can transform international travel. Key among them: Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and other translation apps offer Babel Fish-like live translation capabilities that can help get you past tricky conversations, camera integration so you translate signs, menus, and other items, and offline use. And Google Gemini and other AI apps are emerging as key travel tools, as they can be used to identify and tell you more about the buildings, monuments, paintings, and other objects and places around you using your phone’s camera.

AI has improved a lot in the past two years, so Stephen and Paul look at how you can use ChatGPT, Copilot, or a similar tool to create customize itineraries for your next trip. We also provide examples from two of our favorite cities, Chicago and Mexico City.

Stephen and Paul discuss whether you should check a bag when you travel, what you can do to travel more lightly, what types of luggage each prefers, and a few tips related to shoes.

Are you entertained? If you're facing a long flight, it's a good idea to be prepared so you can make the time go by a little more quickly. Stephen and Paul discuss how they do that, with an emphasis on a terrific little gadget called AirFly that lets you connect your own wireless earbuds or headphones to a plane's in-seat entertainment system.

Stephen and Paul discuss CLEAR and Global Entry, two of the most essential services for frequent travelers.

Stephen and Paul discuss TripIt, the differences between the free and paid versions, and why this service is so useful no matter how often you travel.