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Don’t Travel Without These 3 Devices
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Tips for Setting Up a Hotel Streaming Hub
As a frequent traveler, I’ve found that even the most basic hotels typically offer an HDMI-ready flat-screen TV and decent Wi-Fi nowadays. But it’s not always easy to watch the shows and movies I want, especially when I’m abroad. That’s why I always carry these household gadgets in my luggage; I’m never without a fully-fledged streaming hub while on the go.
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Don’t Travel Without These 3 Devices
You don’t need heaps of hardware to watch what you want: these three devices will solve most of your problems.
HDMI Streaming Device
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While most of us favor using built-in apps with our smart TVs, a plug-and-play streaming device is an affordable and useful gadget to keep in any respectable tech arsenal. Whether you’re staying with relatives over the holidays or checking into a remote budget guesthouse, simply plug it into the TV’s HDMI socket to provide some welcome home comfort with access to your favorite subscription services. HDMI streaming devices are usually very compact, setup is quick and easy, and they can be operated using the casting function on mobile devices. Some popular solutions that I have used include:
- Google Chromecast: This is the cornerstone of my travel setup, and I like my second-generation model for its compact size and robust design. I will soon be upgrading to the latest, slightly larger version, which supports 4K HDR and includes Google TV.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: I still regret leaving my Fire TV Stick 4K in an Indian hotel in 2022. I particularly liked its intuitive interface, minimalist remote handset, and support for all my favorite streaming apps, which included Amazon Prime Video, bundled with the purchase.
- Roku Streaming Stick: I owned the first-generation Roku device, which was considerably larger and clunkier than the latest streamlined offering. Not only does this newest iteration feature a long-range wireless receiver (ideal for hotel TVs located far from the router), but it also has 4K/HD/HDR support and voice commands via its included remote.
- Apple TV: My early Apple TV was a little too large to accompany me on short trips, but the latest third-generation model is certainly compact enough to be tossed in your hand luggage. This streaming powerhouse will transform any Airbnb stay, especially if, like me, you are firmly rooted in the Apple ecosystem.
Of course, you can use whatever streaming device you have; these are just my go-to options.
Wi-Fi Travel Router or Hotspot
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Setting up your HDMI streaming device should be as easy as selecting the correct HDMI input and inputting the hotel’s Wi-Fi credentials during setup. However, sometimes, when the Wi-Fi login is restricted, you can use a travel router to bypass the issue. This connects to the hotel Wi-Fi and creates a private network for all your devices, including your HDMI streaming stick.
Travel routers, such as the TP-Link N300 and GL.iNet Mango, are typically compact, robust, affordable, easy to set up, and can also boost weak Wi-Fi reception. Alternatively, streaming from a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or mobile phone hotspot can circumvent connectivity issues while on the go, provided you have a decent data plan. When traveling in my home country, I use a dedicated local SIM card for this purpose.
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Portable Power Strip and USB Hub
Jack Mitchell/MakeUseOf
Hotels are notorious for their scarce power outlets, which are often awkwardly placed. For this reason, I always travel with a portable power strip that includes several USB ports for charging peripherals. These are also useful if your hotel TV lacks a USB port for powering your HDMI streaming device.
Look for a power strip with surge protection, as this will protect your essential devices from damage, especially in areas with unreliable electrical grids and frequent power spikes. If luggage space is a concern, consider using a compact USB hub with multiple connectivity options as an alternative
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Tips for Setting Up a Hotel Streaming Hub
Jack Mitchell/MakeUseOf
Follow these simple rules to ensure your hotel streaming hub is up and running smoothly, every single time:
- Bring spare cables and adapters: Create an inventory of all necessary cables and adapters, and, if space allows, pack an extension cord to make life easier.
- Subscribe to a decent VPN: You might find that your favorite shows are unavailable in your travel destination, and some streaming services may not even exist at all. VPN subscriptions provide an affordable and effective solution for this issue.
- Download content ahead of time: Store a few shows on your devices in case of a spotty internet connection at your destination.
- Store peripherals in a tech pouch: I use a folding case that holds spare cables, as well as useful items like adapters, extra remote batteries, a travel router, and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Turning a hotel smart TV into a personal streaming hub is easy with a bit of preparation. In most instances, especially in modern hotels with reliable internet connections, a streaming device and a USB power strip are enough to get you up and running. As a case in point, I recently found myself staying in the backstreets of Hanoi, suffering from a bout of travel sickness. My trusty Chromecast was quick to set up and provided a very welcome distraction as I recuperated. I’ll be sure to pack it for every trip from now on, regardless of the duration.
