Your summer vacation tech plan: Unplug, mostly. Pack smart, always.
You don’t need more tech on vacation—just the right tech. Here’s how to keep your summer low-stress, even when the power (or Wi-Fi) cuts out.
You pull into the summer rental. The kids burst out of the car. One tablet’s already dead. And your phone—sitting at 2%—can’t load the keypad code to unlock the door. So much for a smooth check-in.
Getting away from screens and devices is the whole point of vacation. But when the power goes out in a storm or your GPS dies halfway to the campsite, a little backup tech can keep the trip on track—without stealing the spotlight.
Here’s how to pack just enough devices to keep things simple, safe and connected—so you can actually relax.
A portable battery charger.
I like the idea of going off-grid, but between GPS, emergency calls and summer storms knocking out the power, portable chargers come in handy. Some power more than phones: They can also handle tablets, drones and a mini fridge. There are even solar options and personal power packs that can slip right into your bag or glove compartment.
The details: The Anker SOLIX 522 300W/299Wh Portable Power Station can charge up to six devices at the same time and weighs less than 10 pounds.
Location sharing is the new text check-in.
Maybe it’s their first solo bike ride to the ice cream shop. Or maybe they’re heading to camp for the first time. Either way, location-enabled tech lets you know where your kids are without asking for text check-ins—you just need to make sure the right notification settings on your phone are turned on.
For younger kids, the Gizmo Watch 3 can send automatic location updates when kids go in and out of any geofence you set up from the road, around a theme park or a campground. For teens with smartphones, you can just check the Verizon Family app to learn their location if the app is active on their phones.
The details: Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure is also water resistant for the pool parks. For older kids with smartphones, Verizon Family Plus can also send a notification if there’s a sudden stop while they’re driving.
Game in the car. Unplug when you get there.
*Bringing a handheld gaming device sets the expectation: The drive is for screen time; the destination isn’t. It’s a way to make the drive more fun without letting devices take over the trip. No console to pack. No arguments over rules once you arrive. Just a clear boundary everyone can agree on—and something to look forward to between stops.
The details: The right handheld gaming device makes the miles fly by. The Backbone One (available with either a Lightning or a USB-C connection) turns any smartphone into a gaming powerhouse.
Swap screens for a Bluetooth speaker.
Not every vacation memory has to come from a screen. Let everyone add their favorite songs to a shared playlist—yes, even the weird electronic track. Then play it in the car, around the campfire or during cleanup time at the cabin. Or try swapping a movie for an audiobook or podcast the kids like.
The details: This clip-on JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Waterproof Speaker works poolside or dockside. The Soundcore Boom 2 Outdoor Speaker works for outdoor movie nights. And these JBL Vibe Beam 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are nicely priced.
Pack your own Wi-Fi so you don’t have to stress about connections.
You’re finally out of office. The kids are at the pool; you’re on the porch with a book; and then someone needs the Wi-Fi password. Or that recipe app won’t load. Or your phone’s dying trying to be a hotspot for three devices at once. Lesson learned: Pack your own hotspot. It’s not about being online more—it’s about making sure the tech stuff doesn’t interrupt the trip.
The details: Verizon Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot. Connect up to 10 mobile devices, including phones, tablets and laptops.
Keep your kids and your new tech gear safe this summer.
Even if you just got your kids the latest smartphone... and now it's in the pool, Verizon Mobile Protect ensures that your kids always have a working phone. And, while they’re using those devices, keep them safe with parental controls and location tracking with Verizon Family Plus.
You’re there for them with Verizon Family. Verizon’s there for you—with a 3-year price lock.*
*Learn more about our 3-year price lock guarantee.
