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Whenever I'm stuck in a train, plane, transit center, or residence that's not my own, the idea of being alone with my own thoughts terrifies me like no other and drives me to come up with creative ways to keep my mind constantly occupied and stimulated. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but the fear of being bored during the long stretches of waiting that come with traveling is all too real and common.
Luckily, I never have to miss a beat and I can stay up-to-date on all the entertainment I normally enjoy by packing a few key products and services with me. I have specific favorites that fit my budget and preferences, but not everyone will share those. As a result, I've offered general ways you can stay entertained wherever you go, and all the relevant Insider Picks guides and reviews that will help you narrow down your choice.
You won't regret bringing any of these 5 entertainment solutions with you the next time you travel.
A tablet
The entertainment possibilities feel endless with a tablet, the ideal platform to host your games, streaming apps, and books. We're partial to the iPad because of its sharp resolution, powerful processor, and Apple Pencil support, but the market is ripe with different models from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon.
- Learn about what you should look for while shopping for a tablet: The best tablets you can buy
- Stay loyal to the Android family of devices: The best Android tablets you can buy
- Find an affordable tablet that holds its own against the iPad: The best Amazon Fire tablets you can buy
- Get a side-by-side comparison of two popular tablet options: iPad vs. Fire HD — which one is better?
An e-reader or reading app
While many of us are paperback purists at heart, carrying more than a few book copies is heavy, bulky, and impractical. An e-book reader is the light, convenient solution and you'll find yourself reading more books than ever when you own one. Buying an e-reader is an investment, but it quickly pays for itself as e-books are cheaper than physical books. If screen size doesn't bother you, you can also download a reading app to access books on your phone.
- Find an e-book reader for your needs and budget: The best Kindles and ebook readers you can buy
- Check out all the reading apps and devices we recommend: 8 apps and devices that let you read thousands of books anywhere you go
- Get a side-by-side comparison of two popular e-book reader options: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara HD — which one is better?
- Read about why a specific Kindle model was the best tech purchase one editor made: Kindle Oasis review
- And why one reporter pays $9 a month for this unlimited reading app: Scribd review
A portable projector
A tiny projector that fits in your bag, backpack, or even the palm of your hand can be very useful when you want to entertain groups of people on the go. Anywhere with a wall or where you can set up a screen becomes a mini home theater to watch movies, stream live events, or play video games.
- Find a pico projector that offers high-resolution image and is easy to carry: The best pico projectors you can buy
- Find an affordable portable projector: The best projectors you can buy for $130 or less
- Project wire-free with one of our favorites, a soda can-sized device: Anker Nebula Capsule review
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