While there’s an enormous assortment of tech accessories for travel that work well, as a product designer, I’ve admired many of the products from Twelve South, a design-driven company from Charleston, South Carolina. In a space crowded with me-too products from unknown Chinese companies, Twelve South has a long track record of coming up with innovative twists on what otherwise are commodity products. While their products are often made in China, their designs set their products apart, allowing them to charge a bit more. The company also serves as an example of how a U.S. business has been able to leverage low cost China manufacturing to remain competitive.
Along with a few favorites from other brands, here are several well-thought out travel accessories that can make our traveling smoother.
1. Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
Airlines still rely on wired headphone jacks, a relic that clashes with today’s wireless earbuds and earphones. The AirFly Pro 2 addresses that problem. Plug it into the seatback entertainment system and it instantly becomes a Bluetooth transmitter and can support two pairs of headphones, so two people can watch the same movie. Lists at $65. Often found at $55.
2. Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Charger
This very compact fold-up MagSafe charger is designed for the iPhone and Apple Watch. The ButterFly is about the size of a silver dollar, unfolds to deliver full-speed charging. Its small form factor means it can slip into a pocket or a slim travel pouch—perfect for those who want to eliminate redundant cables and chargers without sacrificing convenience. Lists at $100; $90 on Amazon.
3. Twelve South Power Bug
So clever, you wonder why no one thought of this sooner. The PowerBug transforms any wall outlet into a wireless charger, freeing up your nightstand, counter, or workspace. Your MagSafe phone clicks onto the front and begins charging. A second USB-C port allows charging a second device. The prongs fold for traveling. $50.
4. Twelve South Curve Nano Stand
Taking a Zoom call from a hotel nightstand isn’t ideal, but the Curve Nano helps. It’s a simple, lightweight anodized aluminum iPhone stand that props the phone at just the right angle, whether for a video meeting, Face Time call, or watching a movie hands-free. When not in use, it folds flat with the parts nesting together—barely taking up any space. $35.
5. Anker Prime 100W GaN Charger
This popular Ankrer charger does the work of three much larger ones, even replacing Apple’s huge MacBook power supply. With two USB-C connections and one USB-A port, it can charge a laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously. It frees up outlets in tight spaces—no more carrying three separate chargers, searching for more plugs in your hotel room, or competing with fellow travelers for wall plugs. This short version also makes it less likely to fall out of an outlet on a plane. $60
6. Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Sony introduced their sixth generation active noise reduction headset in May and it’s been getting rave reviews and plaudits as the best ANC headphones for traveling, with its 35 hour battery life, the best noise reduction, and its compact carrycase. It’s not cheap at $449, but you can sometime get a $25 coupon when you go to the Sony site.
7. Twelve South PlugBug with Find My
Twelve South found a clever way to compete with chargers from Anker and other Chinese companies. They added the Apple Find My feature, a first for power chargers. If you forget to take the PlugBug from from your hotel room, leave it on a plane or misplace it, it will use the Find My app on your iPhone or MacBook let you find it anywhere in the world. It comes in several versions starting at $50; the 120W version provides 120 watts of power and a complete set of world travel adapters. $130.
The Bigger Picture
What unites these products is that they’re designed to solve small but common pain points—eliminating the friction that often makes travel harder than it needs to be. None of them are flashy; instead, they’re practical, thoughtfully designed, and sized for people who want to travel with less bulk.