It’s time to update and revise your travel toolkit as we get out our passports and suitcases and begin to travel again in a post-pandemic environment.
Pre-pandemic, I was a top road warrior, flying to work and staying in hotels for a few hundred nights. I could recall airport codes and discuss the finer points between Bonvoy Titanium status and Hyatt Globalist.
As it happened for many business travelers, this all came to an abrupt halt in 2020. After optimizing my home office, spending more time with family and friends, and spending more quality time with my community, I plan to continue with Wednesday-morning school breakfast with the children before school rather than eating greasy hotel eggs from a Sterno powered vat.
Certain activities are better done in person. After a long hiatus, I have returned to international and domestic business travel. Apart from remembering where my toiletries are and making sure my work pants fit correctly, I have modified some of my tools and techniques for traveling in the post-pandemic era.
Information about COVID regulations specific to each country
The most crucial change in travel is the complex network of COVID-related rules, especially outside the United States. Recently, I traveled to Saudi Arabia, where multiple online forms and a COVID Pass mobile app were necessary. These rules can be challenging to navigate. My case was complicated because vaccine rules had changed before I left the country and during my stay. Fortunately, many apps can help.
My employer uses drum Cussac. It provides valuable travel summaries covering everything, from security and risk assessments to information about COVID-related documentation. The global airline lobby group IATA also offers a free travel map containing current country regulations.
The portable super desk
Being off the road had the added benefit of my home office being built and the trade-in of wrong conference room chairs for better ones. Even the most powerful laptop screen can feel a little cramped. This is especially true after getting used to the convenience of having collaboration software open on only one monitor and the joys of working on multiple screens simultaneously.
Mobile Pixels’ DUEX Plus external monitor was the perfect solution to create a portable, lightweight version of an office-based setup. The 13-inch screen provides additional screen real estate at 1080P resolution. This is less than your laptop’s main display, but it is still an excellent option for keeping your email and collaboration software open on the side screen while you work on your main display.
One USB-C cable connects the monitor to your computer and provides power and video output. Using an attractive slide-out feature, the monitor can be attached semi-permanently to your laptop. You can also purchase a kickstand to allow you to place the monitor wherever you like.
To create a 2-pound dual-monitor setup, I have used the Logitech Pebble and Deux Plus mice. It provides all the comforts of home with minimal weight.
Get rid of all your cords.
Like many travelers, I also have a cord bag in my briefcase or backpack. It contained miles of cables for devices that I had long since stopped using. To streamline your adapters and chargers, use a return-to-travel method. Anker’s USB-C charger was lightweight and compact, and it replaced my bulky MacBook power adapter. My cord bag now looks less like a spaghetti explosion after adding a few multi-purpose USB cables with USB, Micro-USB, and Lightning connectors.
Be prepared to shock if you haven’t been on business travel since the pandemic. My first trip was a shock to me. I couldn’t believe that I had spent so much time dealing with the complexities of air travel. You’ll face the usual inconvenience of small seats, crowds, delays, and constant reminders that you will be punished if you don’t comply with mandates or service levels.
This is combined with the possibility of meeting distant customers or colleagues, so you can expect to eat a lot of unhealthy meals and night outs during your trip.
Maybe I was used to the stress of traveling, but it is still shocking after a while. I have tried to keep my regular workouts going and found that running and walking are great tools that can be used regardless of whether hotels gyms are open. While on the road, I have also been using meditation apps. Many of my colleagues love Calm, as do I. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, simple breathing exercises can help. But don’t underestimate how stressful traveling can be. Prepare a plan and have the right tools to handle travel’s physical and mental challenges.
Business travel has changed a lot since you were a professional or if you took on a job that required trip. It takes some adjustment to travel, regardless of whether you’re flying or diving in luxury for months. These tips should help you create a post-pandemic travel plan. The road will always be there for you, no matter where your travels take.
