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Sex Ed for Work-Travel Virgins Part 2
Missed part one? Check it out here.
Howdy work-travel virgins! Now that you’re all establishing expectations and communicating like experts, it’s time to get into some more technical things.
3. Let’s talk equipment.
For this whole thing to go down in a way that doesn’t leave you metaphorically scrambling for your undies at 4 AM, there’s a few non-negotiables — these are the equivalent of contraception for working while traveling. There’s also some nice add-ons, which are like basically your scented candles and strawberries.
The essentials:
— you (obviously)
— your computer
— your computer charger
— your cell phone charger
— a power converter, if you’re going out of the country
— something to back stuff up on — a USB, Google Drive, Dropbox, whatever.
— headphones
The optionals:
— a mouse and mouse pad
— a bag for carrying your computer and other stuff around (think lightweight here, trust me)
— a WiFi antenna
— a LAN cable
— an extra battery for your laptop
— a video camera, if your computer doesn’t have one built in. Unless you do video conferencing with your clients, in which case it becomes an essential.
4. And of course, safety comes first.
Though unsafe work-traveling won’t get you pregnant (unless you work really differently than I do) it can lead to some really uncomfortable, expensive circumstances. So sort of like pregnancy after all.
Keeping yourself and your stuff safe, as with safe sex, comes largely down to common sense and a few relatively cheap precautions.
First, do not, do not, do not operate your computer without a really good antivirus software. It’s a condom for your computer — it keeps it from picking up all kinds of nasty things. And it’s worth shelling out for, since you’re protecting your means of making a living, so skip the free downloads on this one.
Second, bring back up. If it’s something that will throw a major monkey wrench in things by breaking, then bring two or be really sure that you can get another one where you’re going. Power cords, adapters, headphones and mics (if you Skype) all fall in this category.
Backup is also important when it comes to your information. Whatever type of backup device you use, then really use it. Know how it works and save your info at regular intervals. Once daily, ideally.
So what about your physical safety? Be smart — use the safe at your hotel if it has one, and if not, then go Burn Notice on your stuff. Even just putting your laptop in the wardrobe under your clothes is better than nothing (though you creative lovelies can come up with much better places to hide things, I’m sure).
If you’re working in a cafe, don’t leave your stuff, even just to go pee. It sounds head slappingly obvious, but I’m routinely asked by random strangers around the world to watch their stuff, and it makes me laugh every single time. Though I wouldn’t take someone else’s stuff or steal information about their identity, and you wouldn’t either, and the global community is wonderful; seriously, just don’t. You just don’t know these people, laptops contain tons of valuable personal information, and they’re easy to steal and resell. Don’t do it.You may also want to get your laptop and phone registered, insured, and engraved. Similarly, wear a cross body laptop bag if you can — much harder to snatch off of your body from a moving scooter (If you think I’m joking just try going to Rome…)
Finally, budget for replacing essentials — yes, the “b” word gives me chills too, but it’s a lot more fun to use your mojito money for buying mojitos instead of a new phone charger.
I know, I know, all of this sounds scary and not fun, but it’s good to know. Consider it your verbal STD picture.
Leaving off on that image (you’re welcome), it’s time to hand it over to you. What are your tips for traveling while working? Any horror stories? Success stories?
And be sure to check back next week for the “final three tips,” because things are about to get fun.
“Linked to the My Global Life Link-Up at SmallPlanetStudio.com”
2 Responses
More great tips! I’m looking into that new “Tile” thing for extra laptop security when I travel. I also recommend buying a rapid charger, especially if you use a smartphone. My rapid charger charges my iPhone while on the go in less than an hour, and I can use it to charge my Kindle and maybe even my laptop in an emergency. The rapid charger came in handy when I was out the city and down to 2% battery, as well as in my hotel room when only 1 outlet worked and needed to charge both my laptop and my phone!
Thanks for linking this blog post to the #MyGlobalLife Link-Up!
I’m intrigued…that Tile thing does sound interesting. And awesome tip re getting a rapid charger. I’m so bad about forgetting when things are about to run down…still working on that part of being a grown up!