Four Essentials That Make Working on the Go Easier
If you don't have the right gear, getting things done on the road feels like an uphill battle.
But you don't need much to stay sane and productive away from home – just a few smart essentials to add comfort and convenience to your makeshift office.
Here are four I never leave home without.
1. An eSIM for instant internet access
An eSIM lets you activate a mobile data plan anywhere. Photo credit: Eminent Luggage
In the past, getting internet abroad meant hunting down a SIM card at every destination.
Thankfully, we now have eSIMs – electronic SIM cards built right into our devices that make it easy to set up fast, reliable internet before you even arrive.
eSIM providers offer data plans tailored to your trip length and coverage needs – be it local, regional, or global. Some provide unlimited access, while others cap your data or reduce connection speeds after a limit. There’s even a plan for flights and cruises. (This guide includes a handy side-by-side comparison.)
I usually set mine up through Revolut before I travel, but Airalo works well, too.
2. A tablet that doubles as a second display
Apps like Duet Display turn your tablet into a second screen via Bluetooth or cable – I’ve even used mine on a train!
If you use a second monitor at home, going back to just your laptop – even temporarily – feels like a massive downgrade. Zoom, glossaries, reference docs… It’s a lot to cram into one small screen.
You could bring your monitor with you – but who wants to lug that giant thing around? Here’s a better idea: use your tablet as a second display.
If you’ve got a Mac (Catalina or later) and an iPad (OS 13+), you can connect them using Apple’s built-in Sidecar feature. It just takes a couple of clicks.
If you use a PC or Android, or have an older Mac or iPad, try Duet Display. You can subscribe to the basic plan for $4/month.
Either will turn your tablet into a second display without adding bulk to your bag.
3. A lightweight stand that fits in any bag
Preparing for an interpreting assignment while on mission in Strasbourg with the CurveFlex laptop stand, Apple Magic Keyboard, Logitech Pebble M350 Mouse, and my trusty iPad tablet as a second screen.
Most of us have a solid setup at home. But on trips, we hunch over for hours, then wonder why we're tired and sore.
Ergonomics still matters on the road. Your screen should sit above eye level, and your keyboard just below your elbows, even when you're working on a plane, a train, or in your hotel room.
To get my screen to the right height, I’ve used everything from shoeboxes to mesh netting. Then I got a portable laptop stand – and never looked back.
For traveling, you’ll want one that’s sturdy, compact, and foldable. The Tonmom laptop stand checks all the boxes – and is incredibly affordable. TwelveSouth’s Curve Flex is my favorite option – pricier, but ideal if you need extra height. I pair mine with a portable keyboard (Apple’s Magic Keyboard) and a lightweight Bluetooth mouse (Logitech’s Pebble M350).
4. A speaker for stress reduction
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom. Photo: Michael Sheehan/Flickr
As much as I love traveling, business trips can be intense. To unwind, I listen to my favorite music – but not through headphones. After a full day with them on, my ears need a break.
So I use a portable speaker instead. I love the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom – it’s stylish, waterproof, and easy to carry (I can clip it to my backpack if it doesn’t fit in my suitcase). It comes with me on every trip and tags along to the beach or the park on my post-assignment breaks.
Plus, it doubles as a white noise machine, helping me sleep through hallway noise and stay focused when I’m working indoors.
And that’s it – the four things I never travel without. They’re simple, lightweight, and compact, but they make a huge difference in how productive (and relaxed) I am on the road. Give them a try!