After more than two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions, many tech conferences and other events have started to resume in person this year, which means it may be time to dust off your suitcase. As you prepare for your next business trip, consider adding some of these travel items to your list of essentials.
Portable charger. Portable chargers are a must-have for frequent fliers who rely on their electronics to stay connected. Whether you’re catching up on emails during a layover or finding your way around a conference venue, it’s important that your devices have enough power to get you from point A to point B.
Extra set of cables + international adapter. Many travel experts recommend purchasing an extra set of charging cables exclusively for trips – so you’ll never be stuck at an airport or event without the right cords and you won’t have to pay a premium for replacements at the airport. You could purchase duplicates of existing cables or choose an inexpensive multi-USB bundle that lets you connect to multiple devices with one cable.
If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you have the right adapter for the country you’re visiting. A universal adapter can accommodate plugs and sockets from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union without needing to swap out separate pieces.
Noise-canceling earbuds. Noise-canceling headphones are another essential for maintaining sanity while traveling for business. Airports and large events can be loud and overstimulating, and active noise cancellation offers a way to listen to music or podcasts and take calls without interruptions. High-quality earbuds also save space without sacrificing quality. Forget bulky over-ear or studio headphones.
Portable hotspot. Airport and hotel Wi-Fi networks are notoriously unreliable, so consider investing in a portable hotspot to maintain a consistent internet connection while traveling. Most cellular providers offer hotspot services, but if you prefer to keep business and personal expenses separate, you may opt for a contract-less, pay-as-you-go option.
Virtual private network (VPN). If you can find a reliable public Wi-Fi network, you should have proper security measures in place before connecting. Hotels, airports, convention centers, and other public venues are ground zero for cyberattacks, and connecting to a public network without cybersecurity defenses like a virtual private network (VPN) is a recipe for disaster. Even if your company offers network security tools stronger than a VPN, it may still be worth investing in one to safeguard your personal devices and data.
Privacy screen. Aside from network security concerns, you should be aware of who is physically around you while working in public. Leaving your phone or computer screen in plain view of onlookers may put your organization at risk of a data breach. Consider adding privacy screen filters to all of the devices you use in public.
Hand sanitizer wipes. The pandemic has made it clear that traveling is one of the fastest ways to catch a viral illness, so it’s important to have a fast and easy way to sanitize your hands, devices, and other surfaces.
Laptop backpack. A durable and versatile backpack makes it easy to organize all of your essentials and access them quickly. The best ones have separate compartments for all of your electronics, smaller essentials like flash drives and pens, and larger items like an umbrella or a water bottle. They also have built-in panels that slide over a suitcase handle to make it easy to go from a conference session to the airport gate.
Source: CIO Insight