Traveling on business is exciting for many, but those who do it regularly know that spending a lot of time on the road (or in an airplane) is not always as peachy as it sounds. The upside is that you're certainly not the only one going through the trepidations of working from an airport lounge.
Today, numerous tools for remote workers can help alleviate some of this stress. Below, we list the top five apps and gadgets designed to make the lives of remote workers and business travelers easier.
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Top Gadgets for Remote Workers
Here are the top travel gadgets to help you stay connected even on long trips-and not just connected but also productive!
1. Mophie Powerstation Pro AC
This laptop charger essentially serves as a power bank for your laptop. It's not the only product of this kind today, but we've chosen this model because it offers a well-balanced combination of price and functionality.
The 174-watt output is sufficient to charge most laptops quickly, and the 27,000 mAh power capacity ensures your computer stays powered even during transatlantic flights. The power station provides complete work autonomy, even without charging outlets nearby.
Mophie Powerstation is not the most compact or lightweight option, though. It weighs 2.2 pounds (almost one kg) and is 7.5 inches (nearly 20 cm) long.
However, those are the only disadvantages so far, which are well compensated for by the power capacity, the number of outlets, and the affordable price. It has earned the first spot on our list of tools for remote workers.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 headphones
For many, quality headphones are even more essential on the road than external batteries. Sennheiser is a top brand beloved by millions of audio enthusiasts, and the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 headphones are among this brand's premier models for travel and commuting.
They have outstanding noise isolation characteristics, extended battery life, and accessible controls. The sound and build quality are impeccable, as ever, and although these headphones are larger than earplugs, they remain very portable. What more could a remote worker want on the road?
3. Logitech M720 Triathlon Mouse
With the laptop battery fully charged and all outside noise blocked, you can draft a few documents without any problems. This is where a quality ergonomic mouse should come in; few budget manufacturers can match Logitech in this regard.
The M720 Triathlon features a compact design with a comfy thumb rest, making it ideal for office work and travel. Gesture commands are intuitive, and the mouse pairs perfectly with multiple devices. Another benefit of the M720 Triathlon is that it supports high-speed scrolling, an additional perk that makes this a must-have tool for remote workers.
4. Fitbit Inspire 2 SmartWatch
Most smartwatches are suitable for international travel when paired with a smartphone, but the Fitbit Inspire series takes smartwatch travel tech to a new level. While Fitbit has earned its reputation as a fitness brand, the Inspire supports more features than simply tracking pace or measuring heart rate.
Inspire 2 already features a sleep analysis tracker, an essential tool for anyone who frequently switches time zones. The watch is waterproof, can last for at least a week without charging, and is incredibly lightweight and compact.
Besides, the recent launch of the Inspire 3 model has reduced the price of the Inspire 2 by almost half. The third model is also a good choice, with a longer battery life and similar functions.
5. Tile or Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker
You can use Tile with Android devices or Apple AirTag with iOS. Of course, having a tracker is not an invitation to leave your tech unsupervised, but different things happen on the road, so it's better to be safe than sorry, right?
Besides, Bluetooth trackers can be absolute lifesavers for people who misplace their devices-again, this happens to the best of us on the road.
Predictably, Apple trackers work only with Apple devices. However, Tile trackers are more versatile and come in various models for every purpose and budget.
Even though most models are priced within $30, the budget should not be a significant consideration in this case. These gadgets work with an app, which leads us to the next point.
Top Apps for Remote Workers
So, which apps will you need on a business trip? Of course, a lot depends on your industry, but here are some universal choices you can't go wrong with.
1. TravelPerk
TravelPerk is one of the most advanced multi-language travel platforms, offering apps for both iOS and Android. Like most valuable apps, it's not free, but it can be an excellent choice for individual business travelers and enterprises arranging trips for their employees.
TravelPerk allows its users to book flights, trains, buses, lodges, and car rentals all in one place. It integrates with several trip and accommodation booking apps, including Expedia and Booking.com, allowing users to arrange all the details of an individual or group trip. It generates invoices and offers summaries, making it a top tool for remote workers and regular business travelers.
2. TripIt
TripIt is somewhat similar to TravelPerk, but it lacks the accommodation booking feature. However, this is a handy app for planning itineraries, which considers not just passenger commute routes, like flights and trains, but also more personalized details, like rental cars.
The idea is to ensure every step of your business route is well-planned and that users know exactly when they'll reach another destination on their larger trip itinerary. The app's accuracy is impressive, which means it will be a great help on a business trip with multiple stops and meetings.
3. Flio
Flio is the most popular flight-tracking app worldwide. It offers instant updates on flight changes or delays, as well as other perks that travelers need at airports.
For example, it features a Wi-Fi map, dining venues, duty-free shops, and even stores within the airport that currently offer discounts. You can also see a map of terminals and gates, a lifesaver in large airports.
The app is free, available for Android and iOS, and supports multiple languages. No wonder it's so popular!
4. Yelp
Yelp is primarily used for finding dining establishments and bars, but its functionality is more advanced. In addition to cafes and pubs, you can find petrol stations, stores, spas, and many services-from guided tours to food deliveries.
Overall, Yelp remains a significant spot for independent reviews on anything worth visiting in a given area. So, if you need to stay in an unknown city for more than a few days, Yelp could be a big help.
5. Google Translate
Google Translate is another free app that can be very useful when traveling abroad. This app's advanced language recognition, which works with both voice and text, has become almost as good as human, professional translation over the last few years. It may not be beneficial during a live business conference, but it has other uses, especially if your itinerary involves traveling by train or bus.
Not all railway and bus stations in Europe, for example, have boarding information in English, and Google Translate can prove very helpful in finding your way. Remember to download any dictionaries you may need before you go-this way, you can also use them without an internet connection.
This is a brief list of essential tools that remote workers and business travelers will appreciate. But the actual list is way longer than that-after all, too many things depend on your professional industry and specific travel goals. Still, this guide should provide an excellent starting point for preparing your travels.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with SignalHire.
