Business travel isn’t as simple as vacationing on your company’s dime—it requires tremendous effort, energy, and commitment. If you’re frequently flying for business purposes, you’re under constant pressure to be prepared and look professional, even after enduring five hours next to a shivering dog whose owners paid for its own seat, with only dry biscuits and airline pasta to sustain you.
In short, there’s a lot you could do to make business travel easier.
Read on for the guide on how to do just that. Whether it’s tech tools or practical devices, you’ll be a much happier camper after these seven purchases.
#1: Portable Phone Charger
Never get caught waiting sluggishly at a busy charging station or beating your phone to your chest as you scream “WHY” to the skies as your battery slowly fades to zero. No matter the case, you want to stay prepared and self-reliant by packing your very own portable phone charger.
Smartphones use up battery life fast, especially when you’re running several apps with the backlight all the way up. Don’t risk the stress or time-suck of a dead phone when traveling—you never know who will call when.
#2: Don’t Forget Your Dongles
In today’s world of endless product iteration, you can never count on your connectors or device ports to be the right ones. To avoid the stressful situation of having every cable but the right one, pack some dongles and adapters in your carry-on bag just in case.
These gadgets take up very little space but make a world of difference when you’re halfway across the world and realize that you need an HDMI cord to plug into the projector. Believe us: no one wants to be the “technical difficulties” guy during a pitch meeting. No one.
#3: Protect Your Neck in Style
Technology doesn’t always have buttons or screens. For an unplugged gadget that really does the trick on any cricks in your neck, bring along a stylish, modern neck pillow. These ergonomic pillows are not only comfortable beyond belief, but they’re also beyond cool. Enjoying a comfortable ride will do wonders for your mood, demeanor, and professionalism—so why not look chic while you do it? Traveling in style never felt so good.
#4: Bring Your Workstation with You
More than likely, the big boss has got you doing something for the company, no matter how many miles above the office you are. Whether taking off or 10,000 feet in the air, you’ll want a workstation that accommodates your little airline cubicle.
Instead of attempting the tricky endeavor of balancing your chunky laptop on that tiny tray table, pack a lightweight tablet and a wireless keyboard and mouse set for optimal productivity.
#5: A Reading Light of Your Own
We know what you’re thinking: “but don’t airplanes already have reading lights?” But have you ever used one of those? They’re positively awful. They illuminate seemingly everything but your work, and they bother everyone around you.
For a pleasant experience for your fellow passengers and a better work environment for you, don’t forget to slip a mini LED clip-on lamp into your carry-on. Just because the guy two seats in front of you is shamelessly eating a meatball sub doesn’t mean you have to be inconsiderate too. Save everyone’s retinas and your work with this politely portable tech tool.
#6: Noise-Canceling Headphones
Unlike your stellar sales record or excellent work ethic, you can’t control the noise level in the airport or on the plane. That’s why you’ll want to budget for a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones that can take on the likes of crying babies, sleep-talking seatmates, and aforementioned whimpering dogs.
#7: A Portable Steamer
Business travel doesn’t end when the plane lands. Don’t forget to pack a portable steamer for a final touch-up on your blazer, slacks, or skirt at the hotel. Hotel room ironing boards aren’t always trustworthy, nor is the ineffectual method of hanging your clothes in the bathroom while you take an excruciatingly hot shower.
To avoid burning yourself (and getting burned by wrinkle-sensitive clients), eliminate any ridges and imperfections with a handheld steamer.
Stay Grounded While in the Air
Preparing for your business travel will do wonders for your confidence and professional demeanor once you land. With just a few key purchases (and a dash of patience), you’ll have everything you need to make your career take off, before and after takeoff.
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