Flying for business can be a daunting task. In many cases, it may be seen simply as downtime, where you cannot get anything productive accomplished. Even the most seasoned traveler can experience this productivity degradation and arrive at their destination stressed out, trying desperately to make up for the lost time spent traveling.
Productivity can be measured in a number of ways. You may want to get more work done during your flight so when you land you are ready for your meeting or conference. Perhaps you are already as prepared as you can possibly be, and want to use the time to get some rest, so you can be more productive when the trip is finished.
In either case, there are a multitude of options available to assist you in your drive for productivity. According to Statista, by 2020 there will be over 480 million domestic business trips taken, and you may well be on several of them. Here are 5 gadgets that you can use to help you stay a step ahead of the competition when traveling.
1. External Battery Pack/Device Charger
The number of electronic devices that business travelers are carrying is increasing as technology advances. A common problem is keeping these devices charged up and ready for use. Not all airlines have charging ports available, and even if they are present, you may be limited as to the number of devices that you can charge at one time.
A solution is to purchase an external battery pack or mobile device charger. They are available in many styles and configurations so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. This can be an indispensable tool for the business traveler. You will no longer have to worry about arriving at your destination with no power left on your laptop, and will not have to choose between saving power and using your device to complete the task at hand.
According to the Ravpower website, there are restrictions related to the size of the unit that need to be considered. The FAA restricts batteries that can produce more than 100 watt hours.
2. Audiophile Quality Headphones
The addition of a pair of high-end headphones like those offered by JH Audio to your traveling arsenal can provide benefits in a number of ways. Using a pair of noise-canceling headphones, you can eliminate most of the ambient noise that can be a major distraction to your concentration while traveling by air. Whether using them to create some solitude or to listen more closely to a presentation that you need to finish during your flight, they will allow you to be more productive when trying to get some work accomplished.
Headphones will also come in handy to help you relax if that is your goal. Getting some serious rest on a flight can be challenging, and sometimes that is all you want. Being well rested and ready to go can be seen as a very productive activity. So lean back, put on some relaxing music, and drift off into your own personal reverie, removed from the bustle and activity generated by your fellow passengers.
3. Laptop Computer
No matter what kind of computer you use in your daily business activities, purchasing a quality laptop can make your business flights much more productive. Having the ability to continue working on documents or presentation while 30,000 feet above the ground can have you ready to roll when you land.
There are many good laptops on the market today. Since space is limited when flying, you should probably stick to a 13-inch model. Your best bet to streamline your productivity is to obtain a laptop that runs the same operating system as your work machine, so your applications will perform in a similar manner.
If you take advantage of cloud storage you will be able to easily access your files from your work or laptop machine. You can now work seamlessly at any altitude. A laptop is one of the best devices for you to purchase if you are concerned with being productive on the go.
4. Tablet Device
A tablet device can allow you to be much more productive while traveling for business. While your first thought may be that you can perform all of the functions of a tablet with your smartphone, there are advantages to using the tablet. Size and ease of use are some of the major selling points. Tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro or the Apple iPad let you use all of the applications that are on your phone, but provide a larger screen for easier reading and navigating around the device.
With the addition of a BlueTooth keyboard, you can essentially have a fully functional computer in a smaller footprint. You can also use your tablet for entertainment purposes while on your flight, perhaps to relax with some music or a movie that you have downloaded. The inclusion of a camera on most tablet devices gives you a bonus feature, as you can take some photos of your destination to share with your family or co-workers.
5. Airline Tray Organizers
Space is at a premium when you are flying. Trying to work on the airplane’s fold-down tray can be a challenge for the most accomplished traveler. Using a tool that can help you keep things in place while working in a tight place can make the difference between a productive flight and an extremely frustrating one.
Clips and stands are available that can be employed to secure your smartphone or tablet in an upright position, making it easier for you to see and use the device. Some attachments will also keep a beverage or coffee cup secure, eliminating the need to juggle and potentially spill something on your electronic device. You can also get organizers that strap to the back of the seat in front of you, affording you more space for any items you want to be easily accessed.
Conclusion
Traveling for business can be a grueling undertaking. Taking advantage of some of these tips for a more productive flight can lessen the strain by helping you arrive at your destination prepared and refreshed.
What are your best business travel tips? Leave a comment with your suggestions in the section below.
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