Here’s how to turn your cellphone into a powerful travel tool
From mini lenses that capture professional-quality photos to a portable printer, these cellphone accessories enhance any trip.
There’s no denying that as travelers, we rely on cell phones for a myriad of tasks, from the practical to the creative.
“Aside from the primary purpose of my phone, which is communication, I normally use it for storytelling. Either by taking photos, filming B-rolls for my video content, or even vlogging,” says Noel Guevara, a conservation photographer, filmmaker, producer, and National Geographic Explorer based in Manila, in the Philippines.
It makes sense, then, to add cellphone accessories to your travel kit. From photo lenses to straps and even a color printer, the best cellphone accessories maximize your phone’s potential and enhance any trip. Here are our favorite additions.
The best cell phone accessories for travel
For starters, a phone case helps protect your device from drops or water, which is especially important if you’re exposed to the elements. If you’re heading overseas, then a universal portable charger can keep your phone powered up no matter where you go. For road trips, a car mount is great for handsfree navigation and safety. Read on for more top tips.
Portable phone charger: Lion Energy Portable Charger
A multidevice charging station like the Lion Eclipse saves luggage space. This one has fast-charging USB (A and C) ports, a high-capacity 20,000 milliampere-hour (mmAh) battery, and a wireless charging pad.
“As a hiking and trekking guide, a power bank is an invaluable travel tool,” says Meeta Singh Rao, a guide from Uttarakhand, India. “I am often walking in remote Himalayan villages where power cuts and electricity shortages are frequent, so this helps me stay connected and safe.”
As a travel photographer, I found this charger very handy on a recent trip when I needed to charge my camera battery in the field. The LED display conveniently shows the remaining battery life, so you always know how much power you have.
While this portable charger is packed with features, it’s worth noting that it weighs two pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for some travelers. Additionally, it lacks a clip or strap for hands-free carry. On the plus side, this TSA-approved device can be fully recharged from a wall outlet in as little as 1.5 hours, ensuring minimal downtime.
(These are the best portable chargers and power banks)
Cellphone charging station: Otterbox 3-in-1 MagSafe charger
Otterbox 3-in-1 Magsafe Charger
Like the name suggests, the OtterBox 3-in-1 charging station with MagSafe lets Apple users charge several devices at once. The magnetic array hangs onto your phone and charges quickly (up to 15-watt) in either portrait or landscape mode—most useful if you want to use the phone while it’s charging.
This stand-like charger helps cut down on cable clutter, and because it comes with a 36-watt wall charger and USB-C cable, you don’t have to worry about compatibility. The weighted base and magnetic alignment are powerful enough to keep devices firmly in place, helping to ensure there are no accidental disconnections.
One downside is that this stand doesn’t fold, which can make it a bit awkward for packing. However, you can get it into a corner in a purse or carry-on. Overall, this is a reliable charging station for quickly powering multiple devices at once.
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Cellphone tripod: iSteady Smartphone Stabilizer
The iSteady Smartphone Stabilizer is a great tool for achieving professional-quality videos with your phone. “A stabilizer is a way to avoid jumpy video,” says Eric Goldring, a travel writer and owner of a luxury expedition travel agency. “They also work to make taking photos and videos a bit easier, as you do not have to awkwardly hold the phone.”
One of the best features of the iSteady is the 360-degree infinite horizontal pan axis for capturing smooth shots from any angle. It even has a magnetic, reversible AI vision sensor that has face tracking capabilities. This means your subject will always be in focus. It’s also got up to 18 hours of battery life, according to the brand.
Balancing the gimbal may take some practice for anyone new to using one. Additionally, at 1.2 pounds, this stabilizer can feel heavy after a while.
A lighter (and less expensive) option is the Peak Design Mobile Tripod. Made from anodized aluminum, it’s about the size of a credit card and sets up with any MagSafe-compatible phone and case. The legs double as a handgrip for selfies or handheld filming, and the anti-slip prongs keep it steady on almost any surface.
“At its most basic level, it eliminates the need to ask another person to take your photo. Just put your phone on a timer, and you’re good to go,” says Guevara.
Wearable phone harness: 2-in-1 Otterbox Crossbody Strap
2-in-1 Otterbox Crossbody Strap
Phone straps are ideal for keeping your phone secure, yet within easy reach. Goldring is a huge fan of phone straps. “I always recommend it to my clients as I have seen many mobile phones being lost overboard, … dropped in the snow, or down a cliff,” he says. “It just offers peace of mind knowing it is secure against your person.”
The OtterBox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap connects to OtterBox cases via built-in anchor points. The strap converts from a wrist band to an adjustable crossbody. It also has attachment points to hook small items, such as keys or earbuds.
Waterproof phone pouch: Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone
This phone pouch may appear delicate, but it’s watertight and offers reliable touchscreen functionality underwater. I have used it while snorkeling in the Maldives and for taking underwater photos during my daughter’s high school water polo match with flawless results.
The lightweight design makes it ideal for camping or hiking, where every ounce matters. The dual locking mechanism securely clicks into place. Each order comes with two cases in various colors, and the pouch is spacious enough to fit phones up to 8.3 inches, including the phone case—a major convenience in the field. I also appreciated the adjustable lanyard for keeping my phone accessible.
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Cellphone wallet stand: Apple Magnetic Wallet Stand
A phone wallet that stashes your phone, plus cards and cash, is a great way to save space in your carry-on or personal bag. This wallet is MagSafe and holds up to three cards. Best of all, it integrates with Apple’s Find My network, so you can track your wallet if you misplace it.
While the magnets are strong, the wallet can detach if it’s bumped the wrong way. Slots for just three cards may be a downside for some.
We also like the Peak Design Mobile Wallet, which is available in two versions. The sleek Slim Wallet holds up to seven cards but doesn’t fold out into a stand. For that, try the Stand Wallet, which works in both portrait and landscape modes. Both wallets are crafted from weatherproof, 100-percent recycled nylon canvas.
Smartphone camera lenses: Moment Lens
Moment Lens
“As a guide, taking photos has become an essential part of my trips, where I capture and share the journey instantly with family, friends, and my online community,” says Singh. “Fortunately, you don’t need much to take stunning photos. Sometimes, a phone paired with the right external lens is all it takes.”
With their high-quality construction and output, Moment smartphone lenses have been favorites with cellphone camera enthusiasts since they debuted in 2014. There are a variety of options to choose from, including 58mm telephoto, 18mm wide, macro, and anamorphic lenses. All are iPhone and Android compatible.
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Airplane phone holder: Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount
Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount
One of my favorite travel hacks is to download my favorite shows and movies on my device to watch on long flights. However, holding my phone for hours can quickly become uncomfortable.
A phone holder mount like this one easily clips onto an airplane tray table. It’s compact and lightweight for easy packing in a carry-on. It works with most smartphones and has dual 360-degree rotation, so you can adjust your phone to any angle for optimal viewing.
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Backpack strap phone holder: Backpack Clip Mount with Phone Holder
This backpack strap phone holder is a convenient, hands-free way to carry your phone on long treks. It comes with two parts—one that clips to your backpack strap and another that attaches to your cell phone.
The Velcro closure, non-slip interior, and silicone suction cup help ensure a secure, stable fit on your backpack and the diagonal phone piece is compatible with all iPhones and most smartphones (4.5-7 inches) without blocking rear cameras.
This device is a personal favorite for long-distance and solo hikes. It gives me peace of mind knowing my phone is quickly accessible, should the need arise.
Cellphone car mount: Peakdesign Car Mount
Avid road trippers know that a phone car mount is a handy tool for safe and easy driving. It not only keeps your device secure but also within reach for navigation or music. The Peak Design Car Mount uses the company’s proprietary magnetic connection system that easily attaches and detaches your phone to the mount. It’s compatible with MagSafe and Peak Design cases with angle adjustments in both portrait and landscape orientations.
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Cellphone printer: HP Sprocket 2x3-inch Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
Travelers often snap hundreds, if not thousands, of photos on cellphones, capturing memories throughout a trip. But these photos are just stored online. Printing them turns those moments into something tangible for travel journals or art projects.
At just about seven ounces, this compact cellphone printer tucks into a travel bag. It’s compatible across cellphones and connects via Bluetooth. You can customize photos with frames and filters through the app and then print them on sticker paper. Portable printers don’t produce the best quality photos, but this is a fun cellphone accessory for documenting memorable travel moments.
