Travel Gear: bicycle lock with wireless, digital key

Noke Keyless Padlock

It says what it does on the tin, if you know to pronounce it “no-key”. Noke has a range of bike locks and padlocks that use its own smartphone app as a wireless, digital key. Pairing up automatically over Bluetooth, the Noke app can actually manage a number of different locks, also collecting data like the last time opened, the location, as well as simply opening and closing – the useful bit. The app will let you know when the battery needs to be changed and you can also buy a fob as an alternative to the phone for remote opening.

$70 from noke.com

Mobile WiFi Router

Even allowing for the recent caps on mobile networks’ roaming charges, data roaming on your travels can still be painfully costly. And we’re all wolfing through more data than ever before. TP-Link’s mobile wifi hot spot (M7350) offers a useful alternative. It’s unlocked – not tied to any provider – so just stick in a local SIM with a local (cheaper) data bundle and up to 10 devices can share your network. If there’s 4G, you’ll be flying. And if you’re not sure how to set it up, one of the kids will help.

€95 from maplin.ie

Trtl Travel Pillow

Strictly speaking, it’s probably something of a misnomer to call this a pillow: it’s more of cosy neck brace perhaps. But that’d hardly sell it. It’s like a wide scarf, with a series of flexible ribs inside. You wrap it around your neck and fasten with a Velcro tab to create a sort of a turtle neck head support. It’s made from soft, washable hypo-allergenic fleece and folds flat for easy packing in your carry-on. Of course, there’s still no guarantee you won’t drool on the shoulder beside you, but you will be comfortable.

€30 from trtltravel.com

@tomtomkelly