If you are an adventurer or maybe a business traveler, having the best smartwatch for travel can help you keep track during your trip. These days smartwatches are not only used to keep time and for fashion purposes. They do much more things like relieving stress, load boarding passes, play music, track your steps and respond to your emails among other uses.
Additionally, the best travel smartwatch for men and women should have the ability to translate different languages. This makes it easy to manage your trip in foreign land by simply using apps on your watch. And since health and travel go hand in hand, you might also require to keep fit during your trip. That is why you need a smartwatch to help you monitor your progress when using the hotel gym or participating in outdoor fitness like yoga.
Since all the smartwatch for travel are not created equal, some have better qualities than others. This makes selecting the right one a challenge. Luckily, we have reviewed the best smartwatch for traveling. These are important travel accessories that you need in your upcoming trip. Read our in-depth reviews and comprehensive buying guide to carefully select the top performing smartwatch for the money.
Important Travel Tasks You Can Do With Your Smartwatch – Uses
There are so many travel accessories that you need to make your trip a little more fun and enjoyable. Since managing time during travel is important, adventure enthusiasts and international tourists always find it necessary to have the best travel alarm clock and the best smartwatch for travel. That is if they don’t want any inconveniences with work or travel programs.
All these gadgets and much more help you keep your trip on track so you will not miss important appointments and other events.
Luckily, the improvements in technology has made managing your travel plans much easier. Smart technology has transformed the way we travel and there are so many tasks that you can do with your travel smartwatch.
Some of these tasks include the following:
- Booking a hotel or Airbnb rental space for your accommodation.
- Load your boarding pass quick and easy straight from your wrist.
- Look up local restaurants and eateries near you
- Tracking your flight and following travel schedules.
- Your smartwatch is like the best handheld GPS unit or even better.
- Find exchange rates for cases of foreign currencies at your destination.
- Book a taxi or airport transportation services.
- Get information on weather and staying a step ahead.
- Translate languages, making it better than ordinary travel guides.
- Manage your trip and even operate google slides from your rist.
Choosing the Best Smartwatch for Travel – Things to Consider
Are stuck figuring out the best features and the right model of smartwatch to lay your hands on? Well, do not be hard on yourself. Any smartwatch lover can find the buying process overwhelming. And this is because of the different types of similar products available in the market. Remember, you don’t want to pick any device from a random brand that you just came across.
You need a quality product from a trustworthy brand so that you can be sure of the best service. I will take you through a simple criteria that will help you pick the right smartwatch that will suit your traveling needs. Have in mind the following important considerations before you make your purchase so that you can pick the most suitable traveling smartwatch.
Compatibility with Your Phone
This is probably the most important thing you should consider before you buy a smartwatch. There is no need of buying a smartwatch that can’t get along with your smartphone. For the smartwatch to function accordingly, you need to connect it to your smartphone. The functioning of the smartwatch also depends on the type of phone that you have.
For example, for instance, if you get Apple smartwatches, you can only connect them to iPhones. On the other hand, iPhones and Apple smartphones can support different types of smartwatches. Therefore, you need to consider the type of smartphone that you have that will be compatible with your wearable technology for hassle-free functioning.
Style and Cool Design Matters
Smartwatches are fashionable items so you definitely need to think about the appearance. How does it look on your wrist? There is no need of buying a smartwatch that is equipped with the best features and doesn’t look well. Unless you are planning to use it in hiding. There are different styles that you can choose from depending on your taste. Make sure you pick the best design that gives you an appealing look.
Longer Battery Life Is Great
As a traveler, you need a great smartwatch that can hold charge for long. You don’t want to run out of battery even before the end of the day. Smartwatches feature a small battery capacity. If you are planning to track your fitness on the go or listen to some quality music, then you need to ensure you have the right battery capacity. A battery with 350mAH can provide you with up to 168 hours Bluetooth connection and up to 3 hour talk time.
Internal Storage Capacity
The amount of storage that you choose depends on how you intend to use your smartwatch. For instance, if you are planning to listen to music, then you need decent storage. Smartwatches from top brands like Samsung have more storage capacity of up to 4GB internal storage which is pretty good. Other brands allow micro SD card with a capacity of up to 32 GB.
Ambient Light Sensor Feature
Smartwatches that feature an ambient light sensor adjust their brightness level making them easy to read in different settings. For instance, the watch can dim itself when you are using it at night and bright enough to help you read with ease on a sunny day. However, this is not a feature that you will find in most smartwatches. Some models allow you to adjust the brightness manually.
Build Quality and Durability
There are different types of materials that are used to make smartwatches. Not only does the material provide looks but plays a huge role in the longevity of the device. If you need a quality smartwatch for travel, avoid buying cheap models that are made of plastic which is prone to scratches. You want a watch with an excellent build quality such that you have no worries when going camping, hiking, swimming among other outdoor activities.
All-In-One: Multi-Tasking Ability
When you are picking a smartwatch, choose a model that can perform a wide range of functions. Most of them have different functions which include internet connectivity, digital media player, GPS and checking heart rate among others. So, you don’t have to keep checking your phone all the time when you need to know the time.
Water Resistance – Weatherproof
Sometimes you might be caught up in the rain. The good thing with majority of smartwatches is that they do not shut down when they get into contact with water. However, if you are looking for a model that you can wear when swimming, the options might not be many. You can get some smartwatches that can be submerged 1 ½ meters of water in ½ hour without getting damaged.
Notification Alert for Efficiency
When you are traveling for business meetings, you need to keep up with time so that that you do not miss important meetings and events. Make sure that you choose a smartwatch with up to date technology so that you can see all the messages and other notifications. Some models even have reminders so you don’t have to worry about missing your schedules.
Other Important Considerations
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Button or touch operation? This depends on your opinion on ease of use.
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Consider the price and the brand. Will you get the value of your money?
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Quality display is an important feature to consider on your smartwatch.
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Apps that it can accommodate. The more the apps, the better the smartwatch.
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Also consider its general performance, its specifications and much more.
The Recommended Best Smartwatch for Travel Reviews
Smartwatches are not only used for fashion purposes but also for travel reasons. Where there are a wide range of smartwatches that you can find on the market, not all of them will be suitable for traveling. We have picked the best smartwatch for travel on the market today. After checking our top picks, I believe you will find the most suitable smartwatch to suit your adventures.
1. Fitbit Versa Smart Watch – Best Smartwatch for Travel
Love listening to music when you are on the go? Then you will appreciate having the Fitbit Versa Smart Watch. This device can store and play over 300 songs. So, it doesn’t matter where you are, you can always enjoy your favorite music. You can connect the watch with wireless Bluetooth headphones to take your music to a higher level when you are working out.
Unlike other smartwatches, you have no limit to how you can wear the watch. This one allows you to wear it your own way since you can create endless looks when you get Fitbit Versa accessory bands that are sold separately. The watch also features a slim and lightweight design which makes it comfortable on your wrist.
If you are a fitness enthusiast, this smartwatch will help you track different health parameters. It can track your heart rate, sleep stages and much more. Additionally, you can enjoy more than 15 exercise modes like run or swim. You can also swim wearing this smartwatch without worrying about damages because it is water resistant up to 50 meters.
Everything is right at your wrist and you don’t have to keep removing your smartphone to check for updates. The smartwatch will show you notifications texts, calls, calendar and weather. This watch allows an operating temperature of between -10-60 degrees Celsius. It battery can also last for four days on a single charge.
Features at a Glance
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Provides real-time alerts to different notifications.
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Watch is compatible with wireless Bluetooth speakers.
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Fitbit versa accessories allow you to create different looks.
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Can play and store up to 300 songs and 4 day battery life.
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Allows you to track your daily activity, heart rate and sleep changes.
2. TicWatch Pro Premium Smartwatch with Layered Display
Travel in style with the TicWatch Pro Bluetooth Smart Watch. This is an incredible companion when you are outdoors because it is equipped with a GPS tracking that runs the whole time. The watch provides you with two modes that you can choose from. You can choose the smart mode or the Essential mode to meet your need and optimize the battery power.
When it comes to the design of the watch, this model won the 2018 iF Design Award. It features a stainless steel bezel, carbon fiber body cover and Italian leather straps which are breathable for comfort. On top of that, there are so many watch faces that you can buy to express your mood. This watch gives you a stylish and smart look just like you.
It is also equipped with a Google Assistant Built-in allowing you to send text messages and make calls to Android only. You just need to talk and tell Google to do it right from your watch with the voice command. Another great feature of this watch is that it has two screens. One is a high resolution AMOLED screen and the other one is a power saving FSTN LCD screen. This allows you to control the battery life for up to 30 days.
This smartwatch also helps you track your fitness and health. It can track different fitness parameters like step counter, calories burned, speed, cadence monitor and heart rate monitor. This gives you the opportunity to remain healthy and track your fitness. On top of that, you can stream music and listen to your favorite songs when you are training.
Features at a Glance
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Allows you to stream your music when training.
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Features a built-in GPS to track your routes accurately.
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Has a nice design and different faces that you can choose from.
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Provides you with two modes of use; smart mode and essential mode.
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Made with two screens, a high resolution screen and a power saving screen.
3. Samsung Galaxy BT Watch – SM-R810NZDAXAR – Classy
It doesn’t matter where your travel trips take you. With a smartwatch, you can get a balanced life wherever you are. The Samsung Galaxy Watch can be a great travel companion for avid travelers. This is a carefully crafted smartwatch that allows you to control everything from your wrist. With its sleep cycle tracking and reminders, you can have a relaxed mind and keep time.
The device allows you to use it for several days with just a single charge. It features a wireless charger that gives you the chance to power it up so that it doesn’t slow you down. Do you love listening to music? If so, this smartwatch will serve you well. It is designed with a quality battery that can play music for up to 9 hours. Isn’t that awesome!
The smartphone pairs well via Bluetooth with Android and iOS devices. You don’t need to keep removing your smartphone from your pocket all the time. Everything that you need is right at your wrist. Even when your phone is not close, you can still make calls, respond to texts and access headlines and playlist.
When you are buying a smartwatch for travel, durability should be your number one consideration. The Samsung Galaxy smartwatch feature military-grade durability. This means that the watch is designed to last unlike other cheap models. Additionally, it is swim ready and resistant to water. Moreover, the watch is designed with a Corning Gorilla DX+ to prevent the display from scratches.
Features at a Glance
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The built-in health tracking helps you stay active and healthy.
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Bluetooth connection makes everything easy to access at your wrist.
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Pairs well with iOS smartphones and Android devices via Bluetooth.
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The watch can play music for up to 9 hours to keep you entertained.
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Comes with additional strap, travel adaptor, wireless charging dock and instructions.
4. Mobvoi TicWatch S2 Google Fitness & Travel Smartwatch
Are you an adventure traveler? Do you need a quality smartwatch that will help you keep track regardless of where you are? If so, the Mobvoi TicWatch S2 is the right watch for you. This smartwatch is designed to suit any outdoor activity. So, whether you are traveling for business, on the golf course, hiking, paddle-boarding among other activities, this smartwatch will suit all outdoor adventures.
The watch features a GPS with three satellite systems that helps you navigate your way. It gives you two independent navigation when you are cycling or running. Additionally, it will be easier for you to track different parameters like distance, calories burned, steps, and speed among others.
In regards to the durability, this is a watch that will serve you for many years. It has military grade durability so it can handle any extreme condition or environment. Some of the great features that enhance the longevity of the watch include high and low temperature resistance, dusk-proof, dust-proof, anti-shock and humidity-proof.
You also don’t have to worry about water because the watch is waterproof. You can with your wearable technology up to 50 meters underwater. The watch is designed with Corning Gorilla Glass combined with one piece back shell that meet 5 ATM waterproof standards. With its TicMotion AI technology, this smartwatch can record swimming time, swimming style, calories burned, speed and distance among others.
Features at a Glance
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Durable smartwatch that is certified by the US Military Standards.
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Easy to personalize your display with various customized watch faces.
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It has a built-in GPS that has 3 satellite systems for easy navigation.
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Allows easy tracking of your performance by providing different parameters.
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Features TicMotion technology that detects ad records your swimming information.
5. Samsung Gear S2 Watch – Best Smartwatch for Travel
If you need a quality smartwatch that combines traditional design and digital smarts, then this smart creation from Samsung is your best shot. This smartwatch is among the top performers that you can find from the market today. Its innovative cool design features touch screen controls and a circular screen that allows quick and easy app access and operation.
Actually, the first thing that will attract your attention is the design of the watch. It is generally a good-looking smartwatch and sits comfortably on your wrist. It features a round bright face that and stainless steel casing that will compliment your fashion. Also, this design is meant to last longer. Just like atomic travel alarm clocks, this smartwatch updates the time worldwide automatically regardless of your location.
It also has a battery with a longer life but this varies from place and its usage. Another unique feature of this smartwatch is that when you are browsing or checking your notifications, you are able to enjoy over a thousand application from third party developers.
This watch is faster like it is smart. Featuring a speed based twin core processor, you are guaranteed of faster operations and great general performance.
Also, with the included 3-axis accelerometer and optical heart rate sensor, you can track your daily activities, sleep patterns and heart rate throughout the day. This helps you to know or track your performance. On top of that, it features inactivity alert that will let you know when you spend too much time inactive so it will give you a gentle reminder to discourage that.
Features at a Glance
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The watch is compatible to other smart technologies – both iOS and Android.
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Has a durable construction and a longer battery life.
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Has a twin core speed processor and optical heart rate monitor.
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Hybrid smartwatch that features touch screen and beautiful steel construction.
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Equipped with a wide range of apps and also has a heart rate monitor.
6. Amazfit Bip Smartwatch by Huami with GPS – Affordable
Have you ever missed a flight or a bus traveling to a far destination? Maybe you didn’t check your time well and you need up missing your schedule. The good news is, you can always be in control when traveling if you have a travel smartwatch. Make Amazfit Bip Smartwatch your travel companion to keep you informed and active all the time.
Having this smartwatch helps you to stay organized all day long. You will get one-way notifications for emails, incoming calls and SMS messages so that you can take the right measures on your smartphone. On top of that, you can get alerts from social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Slack, Snap and weather forecasts among others.
This smartwatch features GPS and Glonass so you can be sure of effective navigation regardless of where you are. You can track your steps real-time, calories burned, distance traveled, and quality of sleep you get among other important parameters. Nevertheless, you will also get detailed information in other activities such as cycling, running, walking or treadmill.
You will also enjoy 30 days battery life. Another thing that I love about the watch is that it is super comfortable. It is ultra-lightweight and its bip is comfortable so you don’t have to take it off. It is also IP68 water resistant and dustproof meaning that it will serve you longer.
Features at a Glance
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Offers a long battery life for up to 30 days.
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Automatic tracking for different activities.
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Lightweight, comfortable and stylish smartwatch.
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Has optical heart rate monitoring and built-in GPS.
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The watch provides you with important notifications.
7. Ticwatch E with Shadow OLED Display – Comfortable
For travel lovers, everything about your journey revolves about time. You are always trying to keep up with schedules, tours, buses and planes among others. Considering all the travel gear that we carry, a travel smartwatch serves more than just a watch to a traveler. There are so many functions that this watch does which makes your travel fun and easy.
If you are looking for the most comfortable smartwatch for travel, look no further than the Ticwatch E. having this watch, you are not limited to the things that you can do. Whether you want to improve your golf swing, request car rides, explore new places and much more, this watch is smart enough to help you do that and much more.
Furthermore, you can track your fitness because it takes details of your heart rate, rides, walks and much more. For entertainment purposes, you can stream music from the comfort of your list and listen to your favorite songs. Another unique feature that you will love is the Google assistant. You can get answers or things done even when your hands are full.
Not only will you enjoy a wide range of features but also a good appearance. This smartwatch is lightweight and stylish. Additionally, you can get a personalized look by interchanging watch bands to match with different outfits. With this wearable technology, you don’t have to worry about water or sweating because it is IP water and dust resistant.
Features at a Glance
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Heart rate monitor that has a built-in PPG sensor.
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Watch allows you to listen to music from your wrist.
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Has a built-in GPS that has GLONNASS and GPS sensor.
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Easy to change the watch faces with customized watch faces.
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Allows independent navigation when you are cycling or running.
Final Words
Traveling is fun especially if you have the right travel accessories. Your smartwatch will turn out to be a great investment in your upcoming trips. Besides just displaying time, you get to enjoy a lot of smart services if you have the best smartwatch for travel. The best part is, these devices come in different designs, brands and styles. Therefore you can be sure to get something that you love and suits your needs.
To make it even better for you, we have made your purchase work simpler by reviewing the most recommended smartwatches for travelers in the market. The devices we have covered above are amazing and they give you a fashionable look. Further, we have given you a detailed buying guide so that you can understand all the essential features that you should check when buying a smartwatch for travel. I hope the information you find here will help you pick the right travel smartwatch.