Twelve South, a small product design company in Charleston, South Carolina, has a long track record of coming up with innovative twists on what otherwise are commodity accessory products. While their products are often made in China, their clever designs set them apart, allowing them to command a premium. It’s also is an example of how U.S. companies have been able to leverage low cost Chinese manufacturing to remain competitive in price while differentiating with innovation.
Along with a few favorites from other brands, here are several products that can make traveling a bit more enjoyable.
1. Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
Many airlines still rely on wired headphone jacks, a relic that clashes with today’s wireless earbuds and headphones. The AirFly Pro 2 addresses that problem. Plug it into the seatback entertainment system and it instantly becomes a Bluetooth transmitter that can support two pairs of headphones, so two people can watch the same movie. Lists at $65. Often found at $55.
2. Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Charger
This very compact fold-up MagSafe charger is designed for an iPhone and Apple Watch. The ButterFly SE is about the size of a silver dollar and unfolds to provide full-speed simultaneous charging for both devices. Its small form factor means it can slip into a pocket or a slim travel pouch—perfect for those who want to eliminate redundant cables and chargers without sacrificing convenience. $75 on Amazon.
3. Twelve South Power Bug
So clever, you wonder why no one thought of this sooner. The PowerBug transforms any wall outlet into a magnetic wireless charger, freeing up your nightstand, counter, or workspace. Your MagSafe phone snaps onto the front to charge. A second USB-C port allows charging a second device, and its electrical prongs fold for traveling. $50.
4. Twelve South Curve Nano Stand
Taking a Zoom call while on the road isn’t ideal, but the Curve Nano can help. It’s a simple, lightweight anodized aluminum iPhone stand that props the phone at just the right angle, whether for a video meeting, FaceTime call, or watching a movie on your phone during a flight. When not in use, it folds flat with the parts nesting together—barely taking up any space. $35.
5. Anker Prime 100W GaN Charger
This popular Anker charger does the work of three much larger power blocks, even replacing Apple’s huge MacBook power supply. With two USB-C connections and one USB-A port, it can charge a laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously. It frees up outlets in tight spaces—no more carrying three separate chargers, searching for more plugs in your hotel room, or competing with fellow travelers for plugs at the gate. This stubby version also makes it less likely to fall out of a loose outlet. $60
6. Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Sony introduced their sixth generation active noise reduction headset in May and it’s been getting rave reviews and plaudits as the best pair of Bluetooth ANC headphones for traveling. It has a 35-hour battery life, the best noise reduction of any headphone, and it folds up into a compact carrycase. It’s not cheap at $449, but you can sometime get a $25 coupon when you go to the Sony site for the first time.
7. Twelve South PlugBug with Find My
Twelve South found a clever way to compete with chargers from Anker and others. They added the Apple Find My feature, a first for power chargers. If you forget to grab the PlugBug from from your hotel room, leave it on a plane, or misplace it, it will alert you using the Find My app on your iPhone or MacBook. It comes in several versions starting at $50; the top version provides 120 watts of power and comes with a complete set of world travel adapters. $130.
The Bigger Picture
What unites these products is that they’re designed to solve small but common pain points—eliminating the friction that often makes travel harder than it needs to be. None of them are flashy; instead, they’re practical, thoughtfully designed, and sized for people who want to travel with less bulk.
