By Ron Levine.
The cost of business travel so far in 2026 has risen faster than the number of trips taken, according to the Global Business Travel Association, which recently held its annual conference in Chicago. As business travel spending grows, companies are placing greater emphasis on the value of every trip.
Business travelers seek simplicity and efficiency to add value to their trips. And one of the ways they can do that is by choosing smart travel accessories that make packing and transportation less of a hassle. There are fewer small travel goods stores nowadays, but they are the experts to assist you with the latest accessories.
Here are four ideas that can make the journey easier.
1. Tame the tech
Everyone is traveling with multiple digital devices these days, and those devices need cords and chargers. A tech organizer is a handy zip-up case that keeps tech accessories safe and untangled.
To save space and effort, particularly when traveling overseas, there are international adapters that work everywhere and charge up to six devices at once.
2. Keeping track
Losing keys, wallet, phone or a suitcase on a business trip can definitely slow down or even scuttle a business trip.
A GPS tracker can be placed inside a suitcase, but make sure it works with your Apple or Android device’s “find my” features. There are also tracking devices you can loop onto your keys, press it and it will call your phone. There are also credit card-sized trackers for those who are in the habit of misplacing their wallets.
3. More than a suitcase
The business traveler’s suitcase is their home-away-from-home, so why not have a suitcase that does more than carry clothing?
Carry-ons these days can come with features like retractable cupholders, phone chargers, laptop compartments and phone cradles. So when you’re sitting at the gate waiting for your flight, you have easy access to your computer, a place to put your coffee and a way to hold the phone for a Zoom meeting. You can also expand your suitcase’s capacity by using compression cubes and making sure it has an expansion zipper.
4. Backpacks that mean business
Backpacks are the workhorses of business travel. They slip under the seat in front of you for easy access during a flight and keep your hands free.
For business travel, you want your backpack to be stylish and theft-resistant. Solid color backpacks in leather or other high-end fabric can do both. Look for one with a laptop compartment and comfortable padded straps.
Bonus: Some business backpacks can convert to briefcases in just seconds.
5. When you need dependable power on the go.
When meetings, emails, and travel plans depend on your devices, running out of power isn’t an option. For instance, a power bank provides plenty of backup power to keep your phone, tablet, and compatible laptop charged through long travel days—without having to hunt for an outlet OR charging cords; they are built right into the power bank.
6. Protect Your Identity When You Travel
Travel with added peace of mind. A passport wallet keeps your passport and credit cards organized in one place while RFID-blocking technology provides an extra layer of protection.
9. Be Ready for any Weather
A super compact umbrella should be part of any trip. These minis fit everywhere from a backpack or briefcase to your pants’ pocket. They measure less than 7 inches when closed.
Wherever your business travels take you this fall, across the country or across the globe, the right accessories will make it more efficient and, dare we say it, more fun.
Ron Levine is president of United Luggage Dealers Associates You can visit the website, www.UnitedLuggageDealers.com, to find member retail stores to visit or purchase online.
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