Perhaps one of the biggest perks of the solopreneur lifestyle is that you can work from quite literally anywhere. Likewise, it’s rather common for freelancers, contractors and remote workers to quickly rack up airline miles as a means of getting away from home or meeting with clients and colleagues.
However, many fresh freelancers may not realize the hustle and bustle involved with frequent travel, especially in the wake of tighter airport security and stingier prices for checked luggage. Therefore, it’s crucial to both pack smart and light, preparing for the unexpected such as:
- Long layovers and days that could last for hours (or perhaps overnight)
- Hotels that skimp on accommodations
- Being away from home longer than you expected, potentially in a location where you don’t have ready access to any sort of shopping
Readying yourself for frequent freelance travel doesn’t have to be a headache, granted you know what to bring with you. So, what should every solopreneur keep in their carry-on bag?
Hygiene Kit
Having the proper products and toiletries handy can help ease a lot of your traveling woes. By bringing someone of the comforts of home with you, you can feel fresh and avoid a potential nightmare in the security line. Instead of relying on cheap hotel shampoos and lotions you can bring your in an appropriate-sized container: just make sure you stick to TSA guidelines in regard to storage and size.
Some people needlessly worry out about bringing personal gadgets such as electric toothbrushes and trimmers in their carry-ons, as TSA actually recommends doing so versus checking such items. Likewise, there are plenty of electric toothbrushes with travel cases that are perfect for flights and can handle your trip just fine.
Portable Charger
Bringing along your laptop and phone along may seem like a no-brainer; however, what happens when you’re stuck without an outlet or your devices die on you?
There are a number of portable chargers out there on the cheap (less than $20 on Amazon) for just about any electronic device. Even if your electronics have great battery life, portable charges are lightweight lifesavers that can help you avoid a power emergency.
Notebook and Pen
In the case that you do lose power, it’s important for have a notebook handy to jot down ideas or simply brainstorm while you’re on the plane.
While writing with pen and paper may feel a bit old school, the benefits of writing with pen and paper for a change include:
- The ability to map out or draw your ideas versus confining them to text
- Actually thinking before putting your ideas to paper versus spilling out random ideas on the keyboard
- The potential to overcome writer’s block by giving yourself a new medium to explore ideas
Besides, you may experience some screen fatigue from long hours and frequent flights and want a break from the digital world.
Emergency Snacks
There’s nothing worse than being stranded on-the-go without food.
Underwhelmed with your hotel’s breakfast options? Tired of airline peanuts? Consider bringing some travel-friendly snacks in your carry on such as Cliff or Quest bars, which are calorically dense and can be purchased just about anywhere. Given that food takes up a good chunk of just about any traveler’s budget, it’s a good idea to have cheap options available.
The traveling solopreneur should worry on getting down to business on-the-go versus stressing out about their flying situation. By having the right items in your carry-on, you can enjoy your journey and stay focused on your work.
