Image source: Screenshot from a Google image search for “in my bag.”

With today’s technology it’s really easy to work while on the road. I’m accustomed to working on the road as I traveled every week when I did sports marketing for Alltel. About ten years ago it was a more of a challenge to be productive than today. What still holds true is making sure you have the tools to get work done while on the road.

I recently traveled with a client and colleague. During our journey someone asked if either of us had “x.” Of course, I had said item, so I thought it was be fun to tell you the items I think essential to carry in your book bag while traveling.

  • Computer cords – I have an extra set that is always in my bag. Just makes life easier to have an extra set.
  • iPhone Charger – Yes, I have an iPhone. A iPhone 5 specifically. But regardless of what phone you carry, I’ve found that having multiple chargers is a must. I typically get three when I get a new phone – one for home, one for work and one for my book bag. This way, you’re always covered.
  • iPhone adaptor – Not wanting to waste the iPhone 4 chargers I had, instead of all new, I simply have adaptors that changed my 4 chargers to 5 compatible. I have two.
  • Car Charger – Again, I usually have two of these. One that stays in my car at all times, and one for my book bag.
  • LiveScribe pen and charger – I carry what I call a “magic pen” the pen records what you write and you can download your notes to Evernote, your desktop, etc.
  • Notebooks – At Stone Ward we call them Idea Books, but I usually have one in my book bag just in case I need to write something down that doesn’t need to be recorded.
  • Pens/Pencils/Highlighter – Always have multiple of these that stay in my bag. The pencil is mechanical.
  • Koozies – Surprised ya? I usually have one or two koozies in my bag. You just never know.
  • Calculator – I know I could use my phone, but it’s always good to have a calculator.
  • Screen cleaning clothes – I have two – I think one was a freebie, the other I bought.
  • Wireless Mouse – Makes working on my computer easier.
  • Business cards – You just never know when you’ll need one! I keep them in my purse, book bag and car.
  • iPad and Kindle – For games, music  and reading. If I it’s a short trip, basically a day, I won’t take my computer and will use my iPad for keeping up with work.
  • Miscellaneous – Items like, travel size Kleenex, lip gloss (I’m a girl!), Burt’s Bees, Shout wipes, Colgate Wisps which are one use toothbrushes, bottle of water, cheaters (reading glasses), etc.

So there you have it. These are the essentials that I think help me stay productive even while traveling.  I’m sure you have those essentials you can’t travel without. I’m sure I carry too much, but it makes the experience better for me and how travel has changed, having a good experience is part of the challenge.