The key to a stress-free business trip is to stay organized, rested and connected along the way. Having the right gear on hand can make all the difference when traveling between time zones. Here are eleven travel essentials to keep you at peak performance on your next business trip.
Business carry-on luggage
An absolute must for business trips is a light and compact hand luggage. When you travel across countries, regions and continents, you need hassle-free luggage that you can customize to suit your needs. Look for a suitcase or bag with four wheels that fits standard carry-on dimensions – for most airlines this is 56cm high, 45cm wide and 25cm deep (including handles and wheels). Choose a business carry-on with plenty of compartments to maximize space, and consider packing cubes to keep yourself extra organized.
Laptop bag
Lugging around a laptop requires the right bag to get the job done. Look for a backpack, laptop case or messenger bag with a special laptop compartment. It protects your laptop or tablet while you travel from the terminal to the taxi and back again. When choosing a business laptop bag, prioritize comfort, durability and organization. Most laptop bags have multiple pockets to store pens, paper and notebooks, so you're prepared for whatever comes your way.
Universal travel adapter
There is nothing more annoying than arriving at your destination and discovering that you cannot connect your equipment. A universal travel adapter is a must when traveling internationally for business. It is an all-in-one device with a plug that fits into any socket. The plugs are built into the adapter and you can choose the right one at the touch of a button. It saves a lot of time, so you don't have to look for an adapter at the airport.
Airplane app
One of our best airport tips is to download your airline's app before you leave home. It will save you a lot of time at the airport, which is essential for business trips. Most airline apps give you a digital boarding pass that you can download to your digital wallet so you can skip the check-in line and go straight to security. They also give you real-time updates on your gate and flight status.
Bluetooth keyboard
If you plan to work on the plane, a tablet and a Bluetooth keyboard are ideal for your business trip. They are smaller and more compact than a laptop, giving you plenty of room in a compact airplane seat. A Bluetooth keyboard can even connect to your smartphone if you really need that extra elbow room! Please note that you can use the keyboard during flight, but you may need to disable the keyboard for taxiing, takeoff and landing.
Power bank
Finding a power source is a challenge when you are traveling. And even if you charge all your devices before you leave, there's a chance you'll run out of power. A power bank is super handy and allows you to charge your smartphone, tablet and other small electronics on the go. It is especially useful when you are on the road or in the air for business trips. They're also super compact and fit easily into a laptop bag or carry-on luggage.
Travel pillow
Business travel can be tiring. When you're taking night flights, adjusting to time zones, and running to meetings, you should take advantage of the downtime you have to relax and recharge — even if it's on the way to your next destination. Getting a good night's sleep isn't easy on a plane, but the right travel pillow can help you fall asleep quickly. Look for one that's comfortable, has good neck support, and is easy to store (trust us, you don't want to be the person trying to fit your travel pillow in your carry-on).
Noice canceling headphones
Noice-canceling headphones are another essential for business travel. Whether you need to rest and recover or catch up on last-minute work, you need some peace and quiet to get in the zone. A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones will drown out noisy fellow passengers, crowded terminals and everything in between. Tune in to your favorite podcast or meditation app, or tune out the noise around you. We recommend choosing wireless headphones for a hassle-free option.
Privacy screen
A privacy screen is especially useful when you work with sensitive information. If you're sitting in a tight spot (like the middle seat on an airplane), it can be difficult to shield your screen from your fellow passengers. A privacy screen is a glare filter that you can place on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. It gives you a clear view of your screen, but blocks the view from both sides, so you can keep passwords, credit card details and confidential information to yourself.
Smissey eSIM
Using an eSIM to stay connected during a business trip is a good idea. An eSIM is a small memory card that is built into the hardware of your smartphone. It works like a physical SIM card and connects you to a mobile network, but it works 100% digitally. You can download an eSIM from the Smissey store and easily connect to a local network when you land. You don't have to find a SIM supplier, keep multiple SIM cards or worry about roaming charges while you're away.
A digital wallet
Another essential for your business trip is a digital wallet app for your smartphone. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to lose track of all the items you have on hand. A digital wallet is a great solution. It is an electronic version of your physical wallet that stores digital versions of payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes and more. It's an easy and secure way to make electronic payments in store and keep your credit cards and personal information safe when you travel.
You're ready! Visit the Smissey store to find eSIMs for more than 180 countries and regions worldwide. It will be a game-changer for your next business trip.