Business Travel Essentials

Before starting my business, I didn't particularly appreciate traveling for work. Partially due to the fact that I missed time with my family and spent tons of uncompensated time in airports, awkward conversations, etc.

A few things made my travels less terrible, and they are listed below in my must-haves for business travel list.

Work Travel Checklist

1. NFC compatible payment methods

   Apple and Samsung Pay, Google Wallet, and others are great travel companions as they are on your phone and not as easily lost as a credit card.

2. Productivity Mouse

   Unlike standard, cheap mice, productivity mice enable you to reduce wrist strain obtained through repetitive tasks like copying a pasting code from ChatGPT. My current go-to mouse is the Roccat Kone XP Air.

3. ChatGPT

   I don't leave home without my AI companions, especially the ones that make life exponentially easier. Use this to help you breeze through email response, draft boring policies and procedures, and debug code.

4. Type-C Charging Laptop

   When traveling, its best to bring devices that don't require those large brick, barrel-type chargers. Chromebooks are perfect for this as they are relatively inexpensive and are type-C charging compatible.

5. Portable Charger

   Use a power bank with ample charge, and once that's compatible with both your phone and laptop.

6. Noise Cancelling Headphones

   Beats Solo Pros are great at canceling out the background noise you'll inevitably encounter while traveling.

7. Super Easy CRM

   When meeting new people, use Super Easy CRM to record their contact information and schedule follow-up calls.

8. VPN

   A VPN is necessary for anyone accessing sensitive information on a public network. Even if you are doing something safe like browsing a fun productivity blog you should use one. The software encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address to protect you from attackers. Avast and NordVPN provide a great for a fair rate.

9. A Roblox Account

   Although at the time of writing, Roblox is not compatible with the Steam Deck, you can access from a Chrombook or most other devices. If you have kids, they probably play Roblox. Playing a game or two with them while you travel can help you miss them a little less.

10. 200 - 300 in cash

    You never know when a store's POS system will be down forcing you to use cash, like it's the stone age or something.

11. Smart Watch

    These are a great way to ensure you don't miss out on important notices when your phone is in your bag. I've been using the Galaxy Watches for years.

12. Company Branding

    I always carry wristbands and my business cards every time I travel. I prefer wristbands with some sort of mosquito repellent as they are not only stylish promote brand awareness, but they help repel the most useless insect god ever created.

13. Pre-made Protein Shakes

    Muscle Milk is my favorite brand, and each carton contains 25 grams of protein and will only cost you 160 calories. I drink one or two before each meal so I don't go overboard when eating out.

14. Steam Deck or other handheld gaming console

    Even when traveling for serious business, you should try to unwind with a fun game or two. My favorite is the Steam Deck since I can easily run emulators to play N64 and Gamecube games.

15. Mobile Hotspot

    If you don't want to purchase a separate device, your phone carrier may offer a mobile hotspot option. These are great for getting a secure connection in hotels and other places.

16. 2 in 1 Travel Bag

    Briefcase-style travel bags may look more professional than backpacks, but they put uneven strain on your delts and traps. This results in back and neck pain. To prevent this, buy a bag with both a single strap and a double strap from Amazon.

17. Planet Fitness Membership

    If you have time and are in the United States, purchase a membership to Planet Fitness. It only costs $10 per month and enrolling will grant you access to thousands of gyms nationwide.

    Its a great way to de-stress and maintain your fitness goals if the hotel you're in doesn't have a gym.

18. Push Up Bars

    If you can't find any place to work out, buy some cheap, lightweight push bars. They'll provide you with a decent workout and won't take up a lot of space in your bag.

And that's it! These are my favorite business travel accessories. As a bonus for those who made it this far, here are some out-of-office responses you can set when you embark on your business journey.

Out of Office Email for Business Travel

1. Subject: Out of Office

   I will be out of the office from [start date] until [end date] for a business trip. I will not have access to email during this time. Please contact [alternate contact name] at [alternate contact email] in my absence. Thank you for your understanding.

2. Subject: Unavailable Until [End Date]

   I am currently traveling for business and will have limited access to email. I'll do my best to respond promptly to your emails upon my return on [end date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [alternate contact name].

3. Subject: Limited Email Access

   I am currently on a business trip until [end date]. I will be checking emails sporadically, so please expect a delay in response. For urgent matters, please reach out to [alternate contact name].

4. Subject: Out for Business Travel

   Please note that I am currently traveling for business and will not be checking email. I'll be back in the office on [end date]. If you need immediate assistance during my absence, please contact [alternate contact name] at [alternate contact email]. Otherwise, I will respond to your emails as soon as possible upon my return.

5. Subject: Temporary Unavailability

   I am currently out of the office for business travel and will not be checking email until I return on [end date]. If you need assistance before then, you may reach [alternate contact name] at [alternate contact email]. Thank you for your patience.

6. Subject: Out of Office for Business Trip

   I will be out of the office for a business trip from [start date] to [end date]. During this period, I will have limited access to my email. For immediate support, please contact [alternate contact name].

7. Subject: Away for Business

   I am away for business until [end date]. I may not have access to my email during this time. For any urgent matters, please contact [alternate contact name]. Thank you for your understanding.

8. Subject: Limited Email Access - Business Travel

   I am currently on a business trip and will not have regular access to my email. If your message requires immediate attention, please contact [alternate contact name]. Otherwise, I will respond to your message when I return on [end date].

9. Subject: Out of Office - Business Trip

   I will be out of the office until [end date] for a business trip. I will not be checking my emails regularly during this time. For urgent assistance, please contact [alternate contact name].

10. Subject: Unavailable due to Business Trip

    I am currently away on a business trip and will return on [end date]. I will not have consistent access to my email during this time. For immediate assistance, please contact [alternate contact name] at [alternate contact email].