3 reasons why a Fire TV Stick is the most important gadget in your suitcase
Unfortunately, the end of August means the end of summer is near. It's the last chance to get that last-minute trip in before the school year starts, and the weather starts to cool down. As one of those people taking a trip, I've started to realize that the most important tool in my suitcase is an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
I understand the urge to leave it at home. You might think to yourself, "I'm going away to get some rest and relaxation. I'm not going to watch much television. Why would I bring my Fire TV Stick?" It turns out that having a device like a Fire TV Stick for streaming your favorite shows is a need, not a want. Not convinced yet? Here are several reasons why you should pack your Fire Stick on your next trip.
TVs at hotels and Airbnbs are unreliable
Unfamiliar setup leads to unnecessary scrolling
When I get to my hotel or Airbnb, one of the first things I do when I arrive is turn on the TV. I'm used to having the TV in my apartment for nearly the entire day. I'll even use it for white noise while I'm writing or online shopping. As for what I watch? If it's at night, I typically have a sporting event on. During the day, I love the Food Network and debate shows.
I don't know if it's just me, but these hotel and Airbnb TVs are frustrating. I'm unfamiliar with the lineup, so I'm constantly looking for the guide to find the right channels. These TVs usually have basic cable most of the time. If you're lucky, you might get HBO, but that's a rarity. It's like playing cards without a full deck. What's the point?
This is where a Fire TV Stick comes in handy, so you can access your streaming services. Most hotel rooms will have televisions with HDMI ports , although some older TVs may not. Simply find the open HDMI port and plug it in. If it's a tight squeeze, you might need to bring an HDMI extender cable. It's a good investment, even if you never have to use it in a hotel.
You'll also want to bring the wall power adapter in case the TV doesn't have an available USB port. You might have to unplug some other things for your power adapter. It might even be a good idea to bring a Micro-USB cable with you. They're inexpensive—you can get one for less than $15. You can always bring an extra Micro-USB cable and a wall adapter if you forget the factory power cord or the TV doesn't have a USB port.
With your Fire TV Stick plugged in, connect to the hotel Wi-Fi. If the login page doesn't automatically appear, you can try opening Silk Browser and typing an IP like1.1.1.1or google.com into the search bar to take you to the hotel's Wi-Fi login page. Then, log in with your Wi-Fi credentials and start streaming.
If that doesn't work, you could also disconnect your Fire Stick and connect to a mobile phone hotspot.
Access travel resources besides shows and movies
Streaming is only one of the benefits
Jorge Aguilar / How-To Geek
Having your Netflix, Prime Video , and HBO Max subscriptions with you on the road is a game-changer. It's also not the only reason to bring a Fire TV Stick.
How many of you have tried to work out in a hotel gym and immediately turned around because it was too small or didn't have any weights? By hooking up a Fire TV Stick to the TV, you can use your fitness apps to get in a quick workout to start the day. Even if it's not a full workout, I know plenty of people who like to use fitness apps for some yoga or light stretching to combat the jet lag.
The resources don't stop there. Use an app on your Fire TV Stick to check the weather for the day. Look through travel guide apps for inspiration on what to do while you're on vacation. As you can see, there's more to the Fire TV Stick than streaming.
Compact and easy to pack
Size is not an issue
Andy Betts / How-To Geek
Think about how much stuff you pack in a suitcase. I shouldn't be talking because I normally overpack. That being said, Fire TV Sticks won't be the reason your suitcase exceeds the weight limit. Fire TV Sticks weigh between one and two ounces.
They're small and easy to transport. If you're worried about it moving around in your suitcase, I suggest putting your Fire Stick and your cables in a plastic or reusable bag. That way, everything stays in one place.
What's the risk of bringing a Fire TV Stick?
Let's say you can't set up your Fire TV Stick. You either forget the right cord or the TV restricts access to HDMI inputs. It's not the end of the world. It's such a small device that you won't regret bringing it along. And if it works, even better. The pros outweigh the cons tenfold.
