Packing for an international trip sounds simple until you start looking at your charging gear.

Your phone needs a charger.
Your laptop needs one.
Your tablet might need one too.
Then there are your AirPods, smartwatch, camera, gaming handheld, and whatever else you are taking.

And if you're travelling from the US to the UK, from the UK to Europe, or between several countries, there is another question:

Do I need a travel adapter, a voltage converter, or a completely different charger?

This is where things can get confusing.

The good news is that you usually don't need a separate charger for every device or a different charger for every country.

For most modern phones, tablets and laptops, the smarter setup is a high-output international travel charger that supports worldwide voltage, has multiple ports, and works with the devices you already carry.

A good example is a multi-port GaN charger like the Volta 140W GIGA, which combines up to 140W of USB-C power with three charging ports and interchangeable US, UK, EU and AU plug pins. 

140W Giga GaN Charger

14.000 kr

140W 3-Port GaN Charger - the mini charger with mighty power. Charge via two USB Type-C® and one through USB Type-A. Perfect for charging smartphones, ...

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But before you buy one, there are a few things you need to understand.

This guide covers what to pack, how much wattage you actually need, whether you need a travel adapter or voltage converter, how to charge a laptop and phone at the same time, and what to look for in the best travel charger for international travel.

What is the best travel charger for international travel?

For most people travelling internationally with several devices, the best travel charger is a compact multi-port GaN charger with USB-C Power Delivery, enough wattage for your laptop, and 100-240V input.

You also want the charger to work with the plug types used at your destinations.

For example, a traveller carrying an iPhone, MacBook and AirPods could use one high-output charger instead of packing three separate charging bricks.

The Volta 140W GIGA is built around exactly this use case. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, supports up to 140W, and includes interchangeable US, UK, EU and AU plug pins. 

Shop the Volta 140W GIGA GaN Charger

The important thing is that you are not buying 140W because your phone needs 140W.

You're buying the extra capacity because your laptop, phone, tablet and other devices can all share the same charger.

Travel charger vs travel adapter: What's the difference?

This is probably the first thing to clear up.

A travel adapter and a travel charger do two different jobs.

A travel adapter changes the plug shape

For example, a US Type A plug will not physically fit into a standard UK Type G wall outlet.

A travel adapter gives your US plug the correct physical shape to connect to the UK outlet.

But it does not automatically change the electricity coming from the wall.

A travel charger actually powers your devices

A travel charger is the power adapter you plug into the wall and connect to your phone, laptop, tablet or other USB-powered devices.

Modern GaN chargers can combine high power, multiple ports and international voltage support into one relatively compact unit. 

So when you're planning a trip, don't think of these as interchangeable products.

You might need:

Travel adapter + charger

or, depending on your charger:

One charger with interchangeable regional plugs

That's a much simpler setup.

Do I need a travel adapter for international travel?

Sometimes.

It depends on where you're travelling from, where you're going, and what kind of charger you have.

For example:

• US → UK: the wall outlet is different
• UK → US: the wall outlet is different 
• US → Europe: the wall outlet is different 
• UK → Europe: the wall outlet is different 
• Netherlands → UK: the wall outlet is different 
  

If your charger has a fixed plug designed for your home country, you'll generally need something that lets it connect to the destination's outlet.

But if your charger comes with interchangeable regional plug pins, you may not need to carry a separate plug adapter for those supported regions.

That's one of the advantages of a charger designed specifically for international travel.

The Volta GIGA includes US, UK, EU and AU plug pins in the box, so you can change the plug configuration depending on where you're travelling. 

Do I need a voltage converter when travelling?

This is where people often get caught out.

A travel adapter does not convert voltage.

If your destination uses a different mains voltage from your home country, you need to know whether the device or charger you're plugging in can handle that voltage.

Many modern phone, laptop and USB chargers are designed for worldwide input and commonly support 100-240V. Your existing travel adapter guide explains why checking the input rating is important. 

The Volta GIGA is designed for international use with a 100-240V input range. 

That means you don't need a separate voltage converter just because you're travelling between common regions such as the US, UK and Europe, provided the equipment you're using is rated for the local voltage.

What about hairdryers and other high-power appliances?

This is different.

Don't assume that because your phone charger works internationally, every appliance you own will.

Hairdryers, straighteners and other appliances can have very different voltage requirements.

Always check the appliance's input rating before plugging it into an unfamiliar outlet.

For USB-powered electronics, the situation is usually much simpler.

Can I use my US phone charger in Europe without an adapter?

If your charger has a fixed US plug, you'll need a way to physically connect it to the European outlet.

But you don't necessarily need to buy a completely new charger.

You can use an appropriate travel adapter, or use an international charger with the relevant plug configuration.

The same principle applies when travelling from the US to the UK.

Your phone doesn't suddenly need a different charging technology because you've crossed a border.

The wall outlet is the part that changed.

That's why a charger with interchangeable regional plug pins can be so useful for frequent travellers.

What should I pack for international travel?

Before buying anything, make a list of the devices you actually use.

For example:

Now look at the list.

Do you really want to pack a separate wall charger for each one?

For a short trip, that can mean several charging bricks taking up space in your bag.

A multi-device travel charger lets you consolidate that setup.

How many chargers do you actually need for a trip?

For many travelers, the answer can be:

One main charger.

Not necessarily one charger for every device.

If your main charger has enough output and enough ports, you can connect several devices to it.

For example:

• USB-C port 1 → laptop
• USB-C port 2 → phone or tablet
• USB-A → older accessory

The exact charging speed depends on the devices connected and how the charger's power is distributed.

The Volta GIGA has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port and uses smart power splitting to distribute available power across connected devices.

That makes it particularly useful when you're working from a hotel room, airport lounge, coworking space or other location where you don't want to hunt for multiple wall outlets.

What wattage should a travel charger have?

This is one of the most important decisions when buying a travel charger.

You'll commonly see chargers advertised at:

• 20W
• 30W
• 45W
• 65W
• 100W
• 140W
• 200W and above
  

So how much do you actually need?

It depends on what you're carrying.

20W travel charger

Fine for a basic phone-focused setup.

If you're only taking your phone and a couple of small accessories, you don't necessarily need a high-output charger.

30W-40W travel charger

A good middle ground for phones, tablets and smaller devices.

65W travel charger

A popular option for travelers who want to charge a phone and many lightweight laptops.

100W travel charger

Better if you're travelling with a more demanding laptop alongside your phone and other devices.

140W travel charger

Useful when you're carrying a high-performance laptop and want enough headroom to charge other devices at the same time.

The key point is this:

Higher wattage does not mean your phone is automatically being charged with that much power.

A 140W charger doesn't force 140W into a phone that doesn't request it.

The extra wattage gives you more capacity for compatible devices.

Do I really need a 140W travel charger?

If you're only charging a phone, probably not.

If you're travelling with a laptop, phone, tablet and other devices, the answer can be very different.

Imagine you're working from a hotel room.

Your laptop needs 80W.

Your phone needs 20W.

Your tablet needs 30W.

Now you're already looking at around 130W of demand.

This is where a high-output charger starts making sense.

The reason to buy a 140W travel charger isn't that your phone needs 140W.

It's that your entire travel setup might benefit from having that much power available.

The Volta GIGA can deliver up to 140W and has three ports for charging multiple devices from one wall outlet. 

Best travel charger for laptop and phone

If you're travelling with both a laptop and phone, I'd prioritise these features:

1. At least 65W for a laptop-focused setup

If your laptop requires more power, go higher.

2. Multiple ports

You don't want your phone to occupy the only port while your laptop is charging.

3. USB-C Power Delivery

USB-C PD is the charging standard used by many modern laptops, phones and tablets.

4. 100-240V input

This matters for international travel.

5. Compact design

A charger that performs well but takes up half your carry-on defeats part of the point.

6. Regional plug compatibility

If you travel between the US, UK and Europe, having the appropriate plug configurations included can save you another item in your bag.

The Volta GIGA checks those boxes with up to 140W, three ports, USB-C PD, 100-240V input and US, UK, EU and AU plug pins. 

Why GaN chargers are so good for travel

This is where GaN, or gallium nitride, comes into the picture.

Traditional chargers commonly use silicon-based power components.

GaN technology allows manufacturers to build chargers that can deliver high power in a more compact form factor. That matters when you're travelling.

Nobody wants to give up valuable bag space to three oversized power bricks.

A good GaN travel charger can consolidate much of that into one unit.

Is GaN better than a regular charger for travel?

For travellers who need a lot of power, GaN has some obvious advantages.

A good GaN charger can offer:

• High power output 
• Multiple charging ports
• Compact size
• Lower bulk 
• USB-C Power Delivery
• Multi-device charging 
• International voltage support
  

What should I look for when buying an international travel charger?

Here's the checklist I'd use.

1. 100-240V input

This is one of the most important specifications for international travel.

It means the charger is designed to accept the different mains voltages commonly found around the world.

Always check the actual specifications of the charger rather than assuming.

2. Enough wattage for your laptop

Don't choose your charger based only on your phone.

Check the power requirement of the most demanding device you're taking.

If your laptop needs 100W, buying a 30W charger because it's enough for your phone isn't going to give you the setup you actually need.

3. Multiple ports

If you're carrying several devices, look for at least two useful ports.

The GIGA has:

• 2 x USB-C
• 1 x USB-C

That gives you room for modern USB-C devices while keeping a USB-A port available for older accessories. 

4. Smart power distribution

A multi-port charger isn't useful if connecting a second device makes everything charge painfully slowly.

Look for a charger that intelligently distributes available power based on what you've connected.

The GIGA uses Smart Power Splitting to distribute its available power between connected devices. 

5. GaN technology

If you're looking for a compact high-wattage travel charger, GaN is worth considering.

It's particularly useful when you want laptop-level power without taking a large laptop brick on your trip.

6. Regional plug support

If you travel between the US, UK and Europe, you don't want to buy a different charger for every destination.

A charger with interchangeable regional plugs can make your setup much simpler.

7. Safety protections

A charger should have appropriate protection against electrical problems such as overcurrent, overvoltage and short circuits.

Don't choose an international travel charger based purely on wattage.

You're connecting expensive electronics to it.

Is a universal travel adapter better than country-specific adapters?

If you're travelling to multiple countries, a universal travel adapter can be more convenient than buying a separate adapter for every destination.

A universal adapter is designed to support multiple major plug types, including common UK, EU, US and Australian configurations. 

The advantage is obvious:

One adapter instead of several.

But there's an important distinction.

A universal travel adapter primarily solves the plug shape problem.

A high-output GaN charger solves the power problem.

Depending on what you're carrying, you may want one, the other, or both.

If you want a dedicated universal plug solution, you can see our:

Universal Travel Adapter collection

Can a travel adapter charge a laptop?

A travel adapter itself doesn't determine whether your laptop can charge.

The important questions are:

What power does your laptop require?

Does your charger provide enough power?

Does the charger support the appropriate charging standard?

A basic passive travel adapter simply allows your existing charger to physically connect to the wall.

That's very different from a 140W USB-C travel charger that is designed to deliver high power directly to compatible devices.

If you're carrying a laptop, don't confuse the two.

Can a travel adapter charge a phone and laptop at the same time?

Some travel adapters have built-in USB ports and can charge multiple devices.

But the total output matters.

A travel adapter with several USB ports isn't necessarily a high-power laptop charger.

This is one reason you should look at total wattage and power distribution, not just the number of USB ports.

For example, the Volta GIGA is designed around high-output multi-device charging, with up to 140W available and three charging ports. 

Can one charger work in the US, UK and Europe?

Yes, if it is designed for those regions and supports the appropriate voltage range.

This is one of the biggest advantages of buying a genuine international travel charger instead of buying a basic charger designed only for your home market.

The Volta GIGA includes interchangeable US, UK, EU and AU plug pins and supports 100-240V input. 

So if you're travelling:

US → UK → Europe

you can take the same charger and change the plug configuration rather than carrying three separate charging bricks.

Best travel charger for Europe

If you're travelling around Europe, the main thing to look for is a charger that supports the plug configuration used at your destinations and accepts the local mains voltage.

For travellers moving between several European countries, a universal or multi-region solution can be more convenient than buying country-specific accessories.

If you are travelling from the UK into Europe, remember that your UK plug is physically different from common European sockets.

A charger with an EU plug option can simplify this.

Best travel charger for UK travel

If you're travelling to the UK from the US, Europe or another region, you'll need a way to connect your charger to the UK's Type G outlets.

The UK is particularly easy to plan for if your international charger includes a UK plug configuration.

The Volta GIGA includes a UK plug pin alongside US, EU and AU options. 

If you are specifically looking for UK plug solutions, you can also browse our:

Travel Adapter for UK collection

Best travel charger for USA travel

If you're travelling to the US with a UK or European charger, you'll need the appropriate US plug configuration.

Again, this is where an interchangeable-plug charger becomes useful.

Instead of buying another charger when you land, you can simply use the correct plug configuration for the country you're visiting.

The GIGA includes a US plug pin in the box. 

What about travelling from the Netherlands?

The Netherlands uses the common European plug system, so travelers coming from the US or UK need to account for the physical plug difference.

If you're travelling between the Netherlands and other European destinations, a universal travel adapter can also be useful because it covers multiple plug configurations.

For USB-powered devices, the same principle applies:

Check the charger input rating, then make sure the physical plug fits the wall.

Can I bring a travel charger on an airplane?

A normal wall charger is different from a power bank because it doesn't contain the same kind of large internal battery.

However, airlines can have their own rules about electronic equipment, so check the airline's current baggage guidance before you travel.

For the charger itself, the advantage of a compact GaN design is simply that it takes up less space in your carry-on.

What if I am travelling for work?

Business travel is where a good international travel charger becomes particularly useful.

Think about a typical hotel-room setup:

Laptop + phone + earbuds + tablet

You might have one wall outlet beside the bed and another across the room.

You don't want to carry four chargers and then discover that two of them need the same outlet.

A multi-port GaN charger gives you a much cleaner setup.

Plug one charger into the wall.

Connect your laptop.

Connect your phone.

Connect your other device.

Done.

The GIGA was built around this kind of multi-device setup, with three ports and up to 140W total output. 

What if I only travel for a weekend?

You might think a travel charger isn't worth packing for a short trip.

But that's exactly when reducing the amount of gear you carry can be useful.

If you're taking:

• Phone 
• Laptop
• Earbuds
  

you could carry three separate chargers.

Or you could take one multi-port charger.

The shorter the trip, the more valuable a compact setup can become because you don't want to fill your bag with things you'll barely use.

The travel-adapter research also surfaced this exact question: whether you should pack an adapter for a short weekend trip.

Is it better to buy one adapter or multiple adapters?

If you only travel to one country, a country-specific adapter may be enough.

If you regularly travel between several regions, a universal adapter or charger with interchangeable plugs is usually more convenient.

The same logic applies to chargers.

Instead of:

US charger + UK adapter + EU adapter + laptop charger + phone charger

you can build a simpler setup around:

One international charger + your cables

The GIGA's interchangeable US, UK, EU and AU plug pins are designed for exactly this type of flexibility. 

Is an expensive travel charger really better?

Not automatically.

Price alone doesn't tell you whether a charger is good.

When comparing a cheap travel charger with a more expensive one, look at what you're actually getting:

• Maximum output
• USB-C PD support
• Number of ports
• Power distribution 
• Voltage range 
• Plug compatibility
• Safety protections 
• Build quality
• Size
• Warranty and support 
  

A $20 charger with one low-power port is solving a very different problem from a $100+ 140W multi-port GaN charger.

The question isn't:

"Which one is cheaper?"

It's:

"Which one replaces the most gear in my bag?"

That is a much better way to compare travel chargers.

The best travel charger for international travel: Volta 140W GIGA

If your goal is to carry one charger for your phone, laptop and other devices, this is where the Volta GIGA makes the most sense.

Volta 140W GIGA GaN Charger

Here's what you get:

Up to 140W of power

Enough capacity for demanding USB-C devices, including compatible laptops.

Three charging ports

Two USB-C ports and one USB-A port let you charge several devices from one wall outlet. 

PD 3.1

The GIGA uses the USB Power Delivery 3.1 protocol for high-power charging. 

100-240V input

Designed for international voltage ranges. 

US, UK, EU and AU plugs

The interchangeable plug pins mean you can adapt the charger to those supported regions without carrying separate chargers. 

Smart power splitting

When multiple devices are connected, the charger distributes available power based on their requirements. 

Built-in display

The GIGA's colour display shows real-time charging information, including the wattage being delivered and internal temperature. 

This is what makes it different from simply buying a high-wattage charger.

You're getting a travel charging hub, not just a bigger charging brick.

Do you need a separate travel adapter if you buy the GIGA?

For the US, UK, EU and AU plug configurations supported by the included pins, you don't need a separate plug adapter just to make the GIGA fit those outlets. 

But that doesn't mean the GIGA is a universal adapter for every electrical appliance.

If you're travelling with something that has a non-standard plug or an appliance with specific voltage requirements, you may still need a dedicated travel adapter or converter.

For most USB-powered electronics, however, the combination of:

100-240V charger + appropriate regional plug + USB cable

is the setup you're looking for.

Don't forget the cable

There's one more part of your travel charging setup that's easy to overlook.

Your charger can only deliver what your cable and device can handle.

If you have a 140W charger but pair it with a cable that isn't rated for the power you're trying to deliver, you won't get the full benefit of the charger.

That's particularly important if you're using one charger for both your phone and laptop.

For a high-power USB-C setup, make sure your cable is rated appropriately for the power you're trying to deliver.

If you're looking for a cable that can handle high-power charging across multiple devices, the Volta MAX supports up to 240W charging, along with high-speed data and display support.

Volta MAX 240W Magnetic Cable

Your international travel charging checklist

Before you leave, check these five things.

1. Check the voltage

Look for 100-240V on your charger where applicable.

2. Check the plug

Make sure you have the correct plug configuration for your destination.

3. Check your laptop's wattage requirement

Don't assume a phone charger can handle a laptop.

4. Count your devices

If you're carrying four devices, consider a multi-port charger instead of four separate bricks.

5. Check your cables

Make sure your cables support the charging speeds you expect.

That's it.

You don't need to turn your travel bag into a charging station.

So, what should you actually pack?

For a typical international trip with a phone, laptop and accessories, I'd keep the setup simple:

1. Multi-port international travel charger

A high-output GaN charger such as the Volta GIGA.

2. Your USB-C charging cables

One or two good cables can cover multiple devices.

3. A universal travel adapter if you need plug types outside your charger's included configurations

This is especially useful if your trip involves several countries or non-USB appliances.

4. A power bank if you'll be away from outlets for long periods

For longer travel days, flights or situations where you won't have access to a wall outlet, a power bank can complement your wall charger rather than replace it.

What's the best travel charger for international travel?

The best travel charger isn't necessarily the charger with the biggest number on the box.

It's the charger that lets you carry less while charging more.

If you're travelling with only a phone, a compact 20W or 30W charger may be all you need.

If you're carrying a phone and tablet, something around 65W can give you more flexibility.

If you're travelling with a laptop, phone and several other devices, a 100W or 140W multi-port GaN charger makes much more sense.

And if you regularly travel between the US, UK and Europe, an international charger with worldwide voltage support and interchangeable regional plugs can remove another layer of packing hassle.

That's where the Volta 140W GIGA fits.

It gives you up to 140W, three charging ports, USB-C PD 3.1, 100-240V input, and US, UK, EU and AU plug options in one charger. 

Instead of packing:

Laptop charger + phone charger + extra USB charger + country-specific plug adapter

you can build your setup around:

One GIGA + your cables.

For international travel, that's the real win.

See the Volta 140W GIGA GaN Charger

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best travel charger for international travel?

For travellers carrying several devices, look for a multi-port GaN charger with USB-C Power Delivery, enough wattage for your laptop, 100-240V input and plug compatibility for your destinations. A 140W charger is particularly useful if you're travelling with a high-power laptop alongside your phone and other devices.

What's the best international travel charger for a laptop and phone?

A multi-port USB-C PD charger with at least 65W is a good starting point. If you have a high-power laptop and want to charge other devices simultaneously, 100W or 140W gives you more headroom.

Do I need a travel adapter for my phone charger?

If your charger's plug doesn't physically fit the outlet at your destination, yes, you'll need an adapter or a charger with the appropriate regional plug. A travel adapter changes the plug shape. It does not automatically convert voltage. 

Do I need a voltage converter for international travel?

Not necessarily. Many modern electronics and chargers support 100-240V input, but you should always check the rating on your specific device or charger. A travel adapter and voltage converter perform different jobs.

Can I use a US charger in the UK?

Yes, if the charger is compatible with the UK's voltage and you have the correct physical plug connection. A charger with a UK plug option can make this much simpler.

Can I use a UK charger in Europe?

It depends on the charger and the destination's outlet. You'll need the appropriate physical plug connection, while the charger itself should support the local voltage.

Is a universal travel adapter worth it?

If you travel between multiple regions, a universal travel adapter can be more convenient than buying separate country-specific adapters. It can cover common plug types in the UK, Europe, US and other regions. 

Can a travel adapter charge a laptop?

A basic travel adapter only changes the physical plug connection. Your laptop still needs an appropriate charger with enough power. If you want to charge a laptop directly, look for a high-output USB-C PD travel charger.

Is 65W enough for international travel?

It can be. A 65W charger is suitable for many phones, tablets and lighter laptops. If you're travelling with a high-performance laptop or several power-hungry devices, 100W or 140W gives you more capacity.

Is a 140W travel charger overkill?

For a phone alone, yes. For a laptop, phone, tablet and other devices, not necessarily. The benefit of 140W is the extra power available to your entire setup, not that your phone will receive 140W.

Are GaN chargers good for travel?

Yes. GaN technology allows manufacturers to build compact chargers capable of delivering high power, which is particularly useful when you want to replace several bulky chargers with one. 

Can I charge multiple devices with one GaN charger?

Yes, provided the charger has multiple ports and enough total output. The available power is shared between connected devices according to the charger's power-distribution system.

Can I use a GaN charger internationally?

Yes, if the specific charger supports the destination's voltage and you have the correct plug configuration. The Volta GIGA supports 100-240V input and includes US, UK, EU and AU plug pins. 

Can I charge my laptop and phone at the same time?

Yes, with a sufficiently powerful multi-port charger. A 140W charger gives you substantially more power headroom than a basic phone charger.

What should I look for in a travel charger?

Look for appropriate wattage, USB-C Power Delivery, multiple ports, 100-240V input, suitable regional plug support, smart power distribution and reputable safety protections.

Should I buy one charger or multiple chargers for travel?

If your devices can all be charged from USB and one multi-port charger provides enough power, one good charger can replace several individual charging bricks. A separate universal travel adapter may still be useful if you need to connect non-USB appliances or outlets outside the charger's supported plug configurations.

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140W Giga GaN Charger

140W 3-Port GaN Charger - the mini charger with mighty power. Charge via two USB Type-C® and one through USB Type-A. ...

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