Spring fever is everywhere and we’re ready to take off for ANYwhere. Even if it’s just for work.
But whether you’re traveling for work or a fun weekend, your experience is better when you are prepared. After years of packing as a “global executive” for “short-notice” business trips, here are the essentials (concierges, executive airport clubs and personal valets notwithstanding) that you should have to keep things from crashing.
1. Priority Pass
App is free to download; Three membership plans available for additional benefits
Weather delaying your flight? Use the Priority Pass App (in the App Store) and find the nearest airport executive lounge and its amenities. Members of Priority Pass can use more than 700 airport lounges worldwide regardless of airline or class of travel. Pretty cool.
2. Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
$24.99
Outlet shortage at the airport? A multi-socket power strip helps share the juice from a single public outlet. Never again forget any electronics in your hotel room because you’ll be plugging all of your electronics into the same place, thus, less likely to leave one behind. (Abroad, you’ll need to use an adapter and a converter though…)
3. J-Pillow
$52.95
Plan to sleep on the flight? Traveling can be a real pain in the neck, but not with this travel pillow. Through a revolutionary design J-Pillow delivers perfect neck alignment and a restful experience, thus, well worth toting it.
4. Hammacher Schlemmer’s The Thinnest Backup Laptop Battery
$99.95
Worried about running out of charge? This slim profile battery weighs less than 1 1/2 lbs yet packs a mighty 13,200 Mah battery for up to 3 1/2 hours extra laptop time – ideal for long, cross-country flights.
5. Mënaji ClearShave 3-in-1 Formula
$10
Noon o’clock shadow and stuck on a plane? No worries. Mënaji’s Clear Shave 3-in-1 gel doesn’t require water and lets you see exactly where you are shaving so you can shave quickly and gently. Post-Shave — botanical extracts serve as a natural toner to prevent ingrown hairs, dehydration and razor burn. Perfect for sensitive skin. Oh, and yep, it’s regulation travel size.
6. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel Hand Sanitizer in JELLY WRAP™ Carriers
$3 at Walmart
Can’t wash up before you eat? Purell helps travelers stay germ-free with a snappy handle you can’t lose track of.
7. Sharper Image Travel Compression Bags
$9.99
Can’t decide between which shirts and ties to bring? Bring them all! These convenient compression bags increase luggage space by up to 70 percent.
8. Crease Release
$8
Ironing no option? Pack this travel size wrinkle-eliminator. One spritz and your wrinkles are gone, and you’re off to the races!
9. The World’s Smallest Automatic Umbrella
$34.95
Hate unprofessional-looking hoods, raincoats and ponchos? With this item, there’s no reason to ruin your professional image or get wet! At only 8” long, this is the smallest umbrella on the market and can fit in your pocket, but it opens up to a 40″ diameter canopy! Designed by pros, its sturdy construction won’t collapse in a storm. Never get caught unprepared by a sudden downpour again.
And 10. Patagonia R1 Pullover
$129
Need an extra layer on the plane but don’t want the bulk? A Patagonia classic, the R1 is breathable, lightweight, and crunches down to nothing to stow away. And in true Patagonia style, it’s design is flattering.
Honorable mention goes out to the B4 YOU BOARD App (Free) that allows you to order food from restaurants in select airports before you arrive and have it waiting for you at your gate so you don’t end up spending $20 on pretzels.
That’s it. Don’t forget your passport.