Working moms are so busy multitasking to make ends meet, that we need all the help we can get and/or afford to pay for. With so many multi-functioning tech gadgets available it is important to get the most for our money in light-weight travel-compact, easy-to-use devices without spending a fortune.
If business travel consumes your life, has you caught between jobs, job hunt traveling, or you’re simply a full-time traveling school and soccer mom driver, here are some suggestions that could have you traveling lighter under any circumstances. Consolidating your devices without compromising quality is the key to a traveling office or business.
Many of these items you are already familiar with, may own and have already incorporated them into your busy lifestyle, juggling business, home and kids. The tech gadgets you travel with will depend upon the nature of your business, the distance you’re traveling and any job-specific needs you have.
For instance, we all travel with our cell phones and are familiar with the features, but why bring an extra camera when your cell phone takes great pictures which you can either store or email to your home or office. Only a professional photographer would need to carry a better grade camera with them while on the road or on a business flight.
1) Cell phone and cell phone charger, as discussed above. Your cell phone carrier should be updating your phone yearly with the newest models and even the free phones have all necessary functions. You can get the best cell phone reviews and ratings with tech gadgets 2019 that will guide you with all the knowledge and details about the mobile phone that is suitable for you according to your needs.
Before traveling set your phone calendar with appointments, make sure your address book is contact-ready and set the alarm for wake-up calls. Remember to charge your phone through the night with your charger, and take it with you when you leave.
Make sure your cell phone carrier covers the areas your traveling to, and have them switch-on your International plan if necessary. Leave your additional cameras or video recorders at home, unless your income is derived mainly from your photos.
2) If professional grade photos are necessary for your business or your employer, then bring along your most compact camera with accessories in an appropriate carrying case.
3) Laptop computer and the AC plug-in cable only if you need to produce reports in the air or on the road. Many new styles are small, lightweight and much less expensive than full size laptops. Make sure to carry it in a lightweight padded travel bag to prevent breakage.
4) USB storage data travelers are inexpensive mini storage devices to plug in, download and back-up important data while in the air or on the road. Some are so small they can be hooked onto your key ring, only cost $15.00 to $30.00, and hold 2 to 5 GB!
5) USB WiFi for quick plug-in online access while traveling, as there are fewer community-free access spots than in past years. These are small enough to fit next to your cell phone in your phone’s holder and the monthly charge is generally a flat rate up to 5,000 GB and be billed along with your cell phone plan.
The next items really only work on road trips, as they are more bulky but equally important for document production while in the field. If you know your territory to locate an Office Depot or Staples the following items may not be necessary, it just depends on your business needs.
6) GPS handheld device is great to have in unfamiliar territory if you’re a road warrior and your auto is not already equipped with one. The prices are getting more reasonable, but are still pricey.
7) All-in-one multifunction printer, fax machine, copier, photo capture center in one unit. If your business travel will be extensive and you cannot be without your home office, bring it along and plug into your laptop right in your hotel room. These machines are very inexpensive for the amount of use they get.
I’ve brought mine on business trips, setting up a complete portable office. Be prepared with extra ink cartridges and paper so you don’t have to hunt down a Kinko’s in the middle of the night.
8) Travel coffee (or tea) mug that plugs into your car lighter can keep you on the road and get you to your destination.
9) Travel fridge that plugs into your car lighter keeps food and drinks cold on the road in hot summer months. Don’t forget to unplug when your car’s not running or you’ll be looking for a Pep Boys to replace your dead battery.
10) Portable DVD player and movies if you don’t have one built into your car, can keep you occupied during traffic delays. These are also good to have with you should you need to review business or motivational DVD’s.
The most effective way I’ve found to handle business and personal affairs simultaneously are to employ convenient multi-tasking equipment within a few simplified items. Whether you’re self-employed as I am, or work for a large corporation, you can be so loaded down with all the latest gadgets that your purse is no longer manageable. Instead consolidate them and travel lighter on your next business trip, just in time for airline baggage rate hikes.
