5 offbeat business travel accessories
Briefcase, watch, suit, smartphone, expense card — these are all obvious essentials for business travelers. As the world of travel gets more innovative, however, so does what goes in that carry-on.
1. Livescribe 3 Smartpen ($149.95). Instead of furiously trying to jot down your boss's every word, the Livescribe 3 Smartpen records everything you hear and write (on Livescribe compatible paper). It also sends notes straight to your smartphone to be stored in Evernote (iOS & Android, free), a must-have business travel tool that enhances productivity by allowing users to save reference materials, organize projects and collaboratively edit with co-workers, to name just a few functions.
2. Ravi Ratan Cufflinks ($200). If James Bond had an office job, he would definitely wear these cufflinks, which double as flash drives. Never forget important meeting documents again (or lose anything top secret), as you’ll literally be wearing them.
3. Clothing that charges your phone (price varies). Not only are suitcases charging phones in 2015, but so is clothing. Tommy Hilfiger offers a jacket in both women’s and men’s styles ($419) embedded with removable water-resistant solar panels for charging your phone (although note it’s a bit more edgy than business). You can charge up to two devices at a time, essentially turning yourself into a human battery pack. Still in development but worth monitoring is SolePower ($199.99 pre-order), a power-generating shoe insole that can charge your gadgets as you walk.
4. Stance ($24.95). Stance from Kenu is a palm-sized tripod that not only fits in your pocket, but connects to your smartphone’s micro USB for hands-free video conferencing on the go and the ability to eat popcorn while watching Netflix, plus the ball-and-pivot joint is handy for better Instagram photos. The built-in bottle opener is perfect for enjoying those hotel booze perks.
5. AutoExec RoadMaster ($352). For travelers that want to work on the road, literally, the AutoExec RoadMaster car desk, with a printer mount, turns your car's passenger seat into a work station. While neat, I personally have a hard time picturing why you'd transform your car into an office over going to the local Starbucks, although I guess it saves you needing to drive around (or pay for a coffee).
What's quirky business travel accessories would you add to this list?
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.