Whether you’re travelling into work often or are going away for business, having the right travel essentials can make your train journey more comfortable, organised and productive. From business backpacks and noise-cancelling headphones to travel mugs and handy lunchboxes, here are the essentials you need to make the most out of your business travel:

Commuting essentials to keep you organised 

Staying organised will help make your journey as seamless as possible, and while not all the below items will apply to you, some of them are bound to be a great help.

Comfortable work backpack

Work trips and commutes usually require you to bring along pens, notebooks, laptops and other work-related items to help you with effective networking. It makes sense, then, that finding the right sized backpack for your commute can make all the difference to your journey. Look for one with lots of inside storage, padded straps for comfort, and most importantly, make sure it’s the correct fit for your laptop!

Headphone organiser

There’s nothing worse than reaching for your headphones and finding them a complete tangled mess, but did you know there’s a handy way you can prevent this from happening? Not only will headphone organisers keeps your cables tidy, but they’ll also prevent your wires from getting damaged over time, too. Say goodbye to a messy bag!

Stick-on card holder

Do you find yourself constantly having to rummage about in your pockets for your Oyster Card, or do you have a bad habit of losing your ticket? If so, then you’ll find a stick-on card holder for the back of your phone an absolute gamechanger. These handy holders will allow you to easily access your tickets and travel cards, while keeping everything organised and lowering the risk of you losing anything. Make sure to pick one with a flap pocket for extra safety!

Useful electronic accessories

In this day and age, most jobs involve the use of some technology, especially when it comes to business networking. But even if they don’t, you’ll probably want to use your phone or laptop to pass the time while on your commute. If you want to make better use of your journey, explore our guide to staying productive while commuting. The right accessories can also help, so take a look at these practical electronic commuting essentials: 

Phone screen protectors

The close contact that comes with public travel can feel as if everyone has their nose in your business, and vice versa! If you want a little extra discretion, then privacy screen protectors are a big help. These flexible, scratch resistant screen protectors look no different to any normal clear screen protectors, and can be easily stuck onto your phone, the difference being that your screen can only be viewed by the person directly in front of it!

A portable charger

A portable charger can be extremely useful when your phone, tablet or headphones are running low on power. Choose a compact power bank that fits comfortably in your work bag and has enough capacity for your usual journey. Remember to charge it before leaving home. 

Noise-cancelling headphones

Whether you’re trying to focus on hitting a deadline or are attempting a pre or post-work nap, noise-cancelling headphones are a travel essential. Pass time by tuning into your favourite podcast, playing some of your favourite music or trying your hand at a guided meditation.

Useful travel apps

Even the most seasoned commuter can end up on the wrong train or get mixed up about which stop they’re meant to get off at. Handy apps like Citymapper will take the stress of planning the commute out of your hands. Simply key in your destination, and Citymapper will tell you exactly which mode of transport will get you there fastest and how long it will take. If you are frequent train traveller, download the SWR App to keep track of the latest travel information, add tickets direct to your Touch Smartcard and more useful information for your journey.

Touchscreen gloves

With the weather getting colder, most of us won’t leave the house without a trusty pair of gloves. But the one downside to toasty hands is not being able to use your phone at the same time. Luckily, touchscreen gloves are made using a certain material that allows you to still use touchscreen devices through the gloves, meaning you don’t have to cut holes in your gloves’ fingers! 

Train commuter must haves for the day ahead

If you plan to be out and about all day, then these travel essentials will serve a great purpose, even if you’re heading on a non-work-related trip.  New to commuting? Explore our travel tips for new commuters. 

Travel mug for hot drinks

Can’t go anywhere without a tea or coffee, but hoping to cut down on your day-to-day spends? While there are plenty of great coffee shops along the SWR network, bringing a drink from home in a good quality, leak proof travel mug can help you save money on regular journeys! Simply make your drink of choice at home, pour it into the mug and drink it whenever you fancy, a good quality travel mug should keep your drink warm for around five hours.

Reusable water bottle

Staying hydrated can make a long commute or business trip more comfortable. Choose a lightweight, leak proof water bottle that fits securely inside your work bag and is easy to refill throughout the day. Keeping it within easy reach can also help you remember to drink regularly during your journey. 

Compact Umbrella

Naturally, commuting means confronting the elements, and we all know what the good old British weather can be like. Be prepared for sudden showers by investing in a compact, sturdy umbrella, we’d recommend keeping one in your bag all year-round. Don’t forget to add a waterproof bag or umbrella cover to save any other items in your bag from getting soggy.

Stackable lunch box

Avoid that temptation to splurge on food while you’re out, and instead prepare for your day ahead with a stackable lunch box. Choose one which is compact with compartments for cutlery, fruit and side dishes, or if you’re planning on heating up leftovers, opt for a lunch box which is microwave safe.

Snacks for the journey

A small snack can be useful during delays or longer journeys. Choose something that is easy to carry and does not need to be kept cold. Keeping a snack in your bag can also help you avoid buying something every time you travel. 

Flat lay bag

Whether you need to touch up your makeup or prefer to save time by getting ready whilst on your commute, then a flat lay bag can be a big help. This handy accessory comes with plenty of compartments to help organise your makeup, and is nice and compact for carrying around in a handbag, backpack or satchel. 

Small first aid kit

A compact first aid kit containing plasters, wipes and any personal medication can be useful during a long day away from home. Store it in an accessible compartment so you can find it quickly when needed. Remember to check the contents regularly and replace anything that has expired or been used. 

Make Your Train Commute Easier with SWR 

Make your train commute easier by choosing the right ticket for your travel routine. Alongside our Business Direct platform, which is free to sign up for, we offer a range of cheap train tickets for every journey. Advance tickets are one of the best options, while Semi Flex Return tickets provide extra flexibility if your return plans change. 

Discover our flexible range of train season tickets to find the right one for your journey. You can also use the SWR smartcard to make your journey that little bit easier. Plus, with SWR Rewards, you can enjoy exclusive offers on dining, shopping, entertainment and days out.  

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