Travelling for business? Make sure it’s in the bag

Ann-Maree Moodie

It’s a long-held philosophy that the business traveller should take a carry-on bag on a flight to avoid waiting at the baggage carousel and to eliminate the risk of lost luggage. But is one bag enough?

The advent of technology has meant a choice of gadgetry to pack: smart phone, laptop, iPad, iPod and assorted chargers. Matching the right selection of technology and accessories with the type of business trip and the length of time away has become an art form in itself.

“These days, the workplace can be an airport lounge, a coffee shop, a meeting room at a client’s premises – anywhere where you have access to your email, phone, intranet and internet,” says Derek Stockley, a Melbourne-based training and management consultant.

“The same time-management principles apply, but the new time-management emphasis is on how to best use the technological tools available.”

The ubiquitous iPad is becoming a popular business tool; the larger, heavier laptop is increasingly being left in the office. “The options depend on how much back-up capacity you need,” says Stockley. “iPads are now replacing laptops – often you don’t need both if you can access emails and your presentations on an iPad.”

Sally Dunn, a director of lifestyle product company Annabel Trends, travels interstate eight to 10 times a year, and three times a year to Hong Kong and China. She is away for seven to 10 days each time.

“You have to be very smart when you’re packing for a business trip,” says Dunn, whose mother started the business 45 years ago. “You need business attire that’s appropriate for wherever you’re going. I don’t even take shampoo with me any more – I just use whatever the hotel provides. It just adds weight and it’s always important to pack lightly.”

Like many business travellers Dunn has ditched her laptop in favour of an iPhone and an iPad. As many of her trips are to see manufacturers and suppliers to source new products, including travel goods, Dunn uses the iPhone to take photos which she transfers wirelessly to her iPad using a picture transfer app. She emails the photos to her mother Annie, who may be anywhere in the world, also doing business.

“The iPad means you don’t have to carry a dedicated computer bag any more,” says Dunn. “I can just slip my iPad into my handbag and, with my carry-on luggage, I can keep to the two-bag restriction imposed by airlines for carry-on luggage.

“There are some limitations to the iPad but for the convenience, I can put up with it. And when you get to the hotel, if you really need a computer, you can always use the hotel’s business centre.”

New technologies have been a boon for some makers of travel bags and accessories. Photojournalists, podcasters and bloggers often carry photographic, video and audio equipment in addition to a laptop computer in order to edit and upload their new work quickly. Companies like LowePro make bags that accommodate multiple types of equipment in a size suitable for carry-on luggage.

However, technology changes much faster than the 12 months it commonly takes a luggage and accessories maker to develop a concept and to have stock ready for sale. Avoiding producing products that may be out-of-date within a year and being left with costly inventory is a decision about whether or not to specialise.

“If you’re making covers for a new version of a smart phone, by the time they are ready to sell, there’s probably a new version of the phone out and you’ll be stuck with a heap of stock that won’t fit it,” Dunn says.

But Elizabeth Rosa, who operates two retail outlets in Sydney and the Blue Mountains selling luxury stationery and leather goods, can take a different approach. Her range of iPad covers is sold for aesthetic value more than utilitarian convenience.

“We produce bespoke items and as such we don’t tend to manufacture a huge amount of stock due to the availability of the specialty leather we use,” says Rosa. “We design and manufacture a range of organisers, diaries, pencil cases, journals, note holders, and compendiums; we introduced our range of iPad covers predominately on the request of our customers.

“All of the leathers we use for manufacture are bespoke designs and can generally be purchased once only and the design is never repeated.

“We mix these with soft leather interiors and colour coordinated cotton fabrics for lining to complete the range. Our business philosophy is to manufacture covers for items that last for a long time.“

The Australian Financial Review