Travel can happen at any time of year, and having the right tech with you can make getting around a little easier. A smartwatch can be especially useful while travelling, helping with everything from navigation and contactless payments to fitness tracking and safety.
But the best smartwatch for travel depends on how you travel. If you need a rugged watch for hiking and outdoor adventures, battery life and GPS might be your priorities. For city breaks and international trips, maps, mobile payments, translation tools, and cellular connectivity may matter more.
Quick verdict: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is our best overall smartwatch for travel for iPhone users thanks to its combination of connectivity, navigation, safety features, and rugged design. Android travellers have several strong options, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 for everyday travel and the Garmin fēnix 8 for serious outdoor adventures.
In this guide, I’ll explain why a smartwatch can be useful while travelling, how to choose the right one, and which current models are worth considering.
How we decide what’s best
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Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Why a smartwatch is essential for travellers
A smartwatch can act like a personal assistant on your wrist while you travel. It can help you keep track of boarding times, tours, reservations, and events without constantly reaching for your phone.
Depending on the watch and the services available at your destination, you may also be able to:
- Access maps and walking directions.
- Make contactless payments.
- Store tickets and boarding passes.
- Track steps, workouts, and sleep.
- Receive calls and messages.
- Use GPS to track outdoor activities.
- Access safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS.
- Use cellular connectivity on supported models and plans.
A smartwatch is particularly useful when you are exploring somewhere unfamiliar and want convenient access to information without keeping your phone in your hand.
You can also keep on top of health and fitness metrics, including your daily steps, calorie burn, and sleep stats. The latest premium smartwatches ever have safety features like SOS and fall detection that can alert local emergency services or trusted contacts of a potentially dangerous situation.
Top smartwatch picks for travellers
Now comes the question: which is the best smartwatch for travellers? You can see our smartwatch buying guide for everything you need to know about smartwatches. But there are a few models that stand out across all price points and that are suitable to pair with all types of smartphones.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Best overall smartwatch for travel
Its rugged design, bright display, multi-day battery life, dual-frequency GPS, advanced health and safety features, and cellular connectivity make it particularly versatile for travel. Apple has also added built-in satellite communications, giving the Ultra 3 another potential advantage for travellers who spend time away from traditional cellular coverage.
It is useful for navigating unfamiliar areas, tracking outdoor activities, making payments through Apple Wallet, receiving notifications, and staying connected when you don’t want to carry your phone.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also a strong option for adventure travel. Its durable titanium case and water resistance make it better suited to hiking, water activities, and more demanding conditions than a typical everyday smartwatch.
Best for: iPhone users who want one premium smartwatch for city breaks, international travel, outdoor adventures, and everyday use.
Garmin fēnix 8: Best for outdoor and adventure travel
an excellent choice for travellers who spend as much time exploring trails and mountains as they do exploring cities.
Built-in GPS, multisport tracking, navigation features, an altimeter, barometer, compass, and long battery life make it especially useful for hiking, running, cycling, and other outdoor activities. The 47mm Sapphire AMOLED model offers up to 16 days of typical battery life, while solar versions can extend that significantly depending on the model and conditions.
The fēnix 8 is compatible with both iOS and Android, making it a good option if you don’t want your smartwatch choice tied to your phone brand.
Best for: Adventure travellers, hikers, runners, and anyone who prioritizes GPS, navigation, durability, and long battery life.
Google Pixel Watch 5: Best for Google and Android travellers
A strong travel companion for Android users who want Google services readily available from their wrist.
It offers access to useful tools like Google Maps, Google Wallet, notifications, and other Google services, along with health and fitness tracking powered by Google’s health platform. The 45mm version also provides a larger display for checking directions and other information while you’re on the move.
If phone-free connectivity is important, LTE versions are also available, although you’ll want to confirm smartwatch support and plan compatibility with your Canadian carrier before travelling.
Best for: Android and Pixel users who want Google Maps, Wallet, notifications, and connected smartwatch features while travelling.
Samsung Galaxy Watch9: Best for everyday and city travel
a great option for Samsung Galaxy users and travellers who spend most of their time navigating cities, visiting attractions, using public transit, and staying connected.
Its lightweight design makes it comfortable for all-day wear, while GPS, health and activity tracking, notifications, and smart features make it a useful everyday companion.
You can choose between GPS and LTE models. The LTE version can be useful if you want the option to receive calls and messages without your phone nearby, provided you have a compatible Canadian carrier and smartwatch plan.
Best for: Samsung Galaxy users and city travellers who want a lightweight, connected smartwatch.
Garmin vívoactive 6: Best value for long battery life
A good option for travellers who want fitness and GPS features without moving into premium adventure-watch pricing.
It offers built-in GPS, health and wellness features, more than 80 built-in sports apps, and compatibility with both iOS and Android. Most importantly for travel, it can last up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you can spend less time thinking about charging.
That makes it particularly appealing for longer trips, road trips, or vacations where you don’t want to pack another charger or remember to charge your watch every night.
Best for: Travellers who prioritize battery life, fitness tracking, GPS, and value.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Best rugged Android smartwatch
For Android users who want a more rugged alternative to the standard Galaxy Watch9, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth considering.
It combines a durable titanium design with GPS navigation, fitness tracking, readiness insights, and LTE connectivity. Its 47mm size and adventure-focused design make it better suited to demanding outdoor activities than Samsung’s slimmer everyday watches.
Because LTE is built in, it can also help you stay connected when you leave your phone behind, assuming you have a compatible cellular plan.
Best for: Android travellers who want GPS, LTE connectivity, fitness tracking, and a more rugged design.
How the top travel smartwatches compare
| Smartwatch | Best for | Battery priority | GPS/navigation | Phone compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Overall travel and iPhone users | Multi-day | Excellent | iPhone |
| Garmin fēnix 8 | Outdoor adventures | Excellent | Excellent | iPhone and Android |
| Google Pixel Watch 5 | Google and Android travellers | Moderate | Excellent | Android |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch9 | Everyday and city travel | Moderate | Strong | Android |
| Garmin vívoactive 6 | Value and long battery life | Up to 11 days | Built-in GPS | iPhone and Android |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Rugged Android travel | Strong | Built-in GPS | Android |
How to choose the right travel smartwatch
With so many options, the best choice comes down to where you’re going and how you like to travel.
Consider your phone compatibility
Compatibility should be one of your first considerations.
Apple Watch models require an iPhone. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel watches are designed for Android users, while Garmin offers options that work with both iPhone and Android.
If you already use a particular phone ecosystem, choosing a compatible smartwatch can make syncing notifications, apps, health data, and other information much easier.
Think about the type of travel you do
For outdoor and adventure travel, prioritize:
- Long battery life.
- Built-in GPS.
- Navigation features.
- Durability.
- Water resistance.
- Health and safety features.
For city breaks and international travel, you may care more about:
- Maps and walking directions.
- Contactless payments.
- Notifications.
- Translation and voice assistant tools.
- Cellular connectivity.
- A lightweight and comfortable design.
Consider battery life realistically
Battery life can become much more important when you’re travelling than when you’re at home.
If you are staying in hotels every night, charging a smartwatch daily might not be a problem. But if you’re camping, road-tripping, hiking, or travelling for several days without easy access to power, a Garmin with multi-day battery life could be the better choice.
If battery life is a major consideration, you can also read our guide to which smartwatch has the best battery life.
Decide whether LTE is worth it
An LTE smartwatch can allow you to make calls, send messages, and use certain connected features without your phone nearby.
This can be useful for runners, hikers, beach days, or sightseeing when you don’t want to carry your phone. However, LTE support depends on your carrier and plan, so Canadian travellers should confirm compatibility and roaming options with their carrier before relying on a smartwatch for connectivity abroad.
Preparing your smartwatch for travel
Once you have the right smartwatch, a little preparation can make it much more useful on your trip.
Download maps and music
If your smartwatch supports offline maps or music downloads, set these up before leaving home.
Downloading information while you’re connected to Wi-Fi can save mobile data and ensure you still have access when your connection is limited.
Set up your mobile wallet
Before you travel, add your supported payment cards to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, Garmin Pay, or the appropriate service for your smartwatch.
Contactless payments can be particularly convenient when you’re using public transit or making small purchases on the go. Keep in mind that payment availability can vary by country, bank, and payment terminal.
Check cellular and roaming compatibility
If you have an LTE smartwatch, check with your Canadian carrier before travelling to understand whether your smartwatch plan supports roaming and what options are available at your destination.
Don’t assume that because your phone can roam internationally, your smartwatch will automatically have the same functionality.
Enable safety features
Before leaving, make sure you understand how to use your watch’s safety features, including:
- Emergency SOS.
- Fall detection.
- Location sharing.
- Emergency contacts.
- Car crash detection, where available.
These features can provide additional peace of mind, especially when travelling alone or spending time outdoors.
Learn your battery-saving options
Before your trip, familiarize yourself with battery saver or low-power modes.
Turning off features you don’t need, such as an always-on display, can also help conserve your smartwatch battery when you’re away from a charger.
Must-have travel accessories
It’s not just about the smartwatch itself. It’s useful to bring along additional accessories to ensure you get the best experience possible with it while travelling.
Chargers and docks: Bring a multi- or single-device charger or dock along to keep the battery powered up at all times. Note that depending on the smartwatch, it may need a proprietary charger.
Portable power bank: Plug the smartwatch charger into a portable power bank to keep the watch recharged even on the go. These are useful to keep your smartphone and other devices like earbuds charged as well.
Rugged straps: Consider swapping out your regular watch band for a more rugged smartwatch strap or band.
Screen protectors and cases: Yes, there are screen protectors for smartwatches, too, that protect the glass from cracks, scuffs, and scratches. For fuller protection of the sides of the watch face, there are also smartwatch cases.
The best smartwatch for travel depends on where you’re going
When I travel, my smartwatch is one of the essential items I bring along, ensuring its fully charged before I walk out the door to head out for a trip. It helps in keeping track of activity and steps; isn’t it satisfying to see how much you walked while on vacation? But they also come in handy for other reasons. It can help you navigate unfamiliar streets, pay for transit, track a hike, receive important notifications, and access safety features when you need them.
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you have an iPhone and want the most versatile premium travel smartwatch. Choose the Garmin fēnix 8 if outdoor adventure, GPS, and battery life are your priorities. Choose the Google Pixel Watch 5 or Samsung Galaxy Watch9 for a connected Android travel companion, or the Garmin vívoactive 6 if you want long battery life and strong fitness features at a more accessible price.
Ready to find your travel companion? Explore a wide range of smartwatches at Best Buy Canada.
