The Arctic tern travels 44,300 miles every year and carries nothing more than the feathers on its back. But we understand that your needs may be substantially different than this 15-inch bird, so we’ve asked a continuously traveling group of local businessmen and women to reach into their carry-on bags and share their must-have contents.
Nancy Eckert
Eckert is president and CEO of Life South Community Blood Centers, where she assumes full authority and responsibility for the efficiency and success of the organization.
1. My iPad. I just got a Mini that allows easy access in an airplane seat.
2. Safety pins. Always need when least expected.
3. Band-Aids. Blisters from walking in those new shoes happen.
4. A light jacket over a short-sleeve shirt. I never know if the plane will be hot or cold. If I check my bags, I always carry a change of clothes in case my bags are delayed. Coming home isn’t as important.
Marc Schnoll
Schnoll is a licensed CPA in Florida and Wisconsin. He specializes in personalized financial, accounting and tax planning services for individuals and corporations. He also specializes in all facets of the real estate industry.
1. Nuts, trail mix and granola bars. Travel days wreak havoc on your routine. There may not be time to have a meal — or you may be on an airplane where the meal is a half-ounce bag of peanuts. Having easy-to-carry foods can prevent hunger from adding to what already is a stressful day.
2. A laptop or tablet computer. More and more airplanes are now equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing you to keep up with work while in the air.
3. The airline’s customer service number. If you experience a flight cancellation, immediately calling the airline will put you in front of other passengers competing for limited seats to your destination.
4. Anything you MUST have when you land. It’s pretty rare for an airline to irretrievably lose a bag, but missed connections are fairly common, meaning you could be without your bag for a day or two. If it’s a musthave, and you can carry it, do.
5. Reading materials (the old-fashioned kind) – they take up space, but won’t leave you with nothing to do when you’re on the tarmac waiting out a storm – and can’t use your e-reader
Lou Heckler
For the past three decades, Heckler has traveled the world as a motivational keynote speaker and speech coach. He was voted one of Meetings and Conventions magazine’s favorite speakers in 2010.
1. Immodium. Road food can getcha.
2. Something leisurely to read. I find a lot of business people only do work on the plane. I try not to. I use this time to catch up on magazines or a good novel.
3. Some kind of anti-bacterial drops or wipes.
4. Smart phone and or laptop with airline apps installed.
5. Trail mix or other protein snack — flights get delayed and so do meals.
Jonelle Toothman
Toothman is part owner of Half Cork’d and founder of a Gainesville-based startup medical device company serving the neurosurgery field.
1. Multiple pairs of shoes. And not just for extended trips. When you’re a woman on your feet all day, blisters are the worst. Multiple shoes will allow you to stay fashionable while avoiding the wear and tear on your feet. And make sure to bring Flip- Flops, a dash through the airport isn’t uncommon.
2. Great carry-on luggage. Some people prefer a four-wheel carryon; I, however, go for a traditional all-leather Hartmann piece. It has a compartment for a hanging bag and a separate part for shoes, toiletries and other foldable wear.
3. A medical kit. I don’t personally carry a complete kit; however, a few key essentials include Band-Aids (for those blistered feet), aspirin (for the late night wine dinners), thread and needle (for minor rips or loose buttons), and floss (for those slightly awkward moments of food is stuck in your teeth). I always throw the breath strips in this kit for minty breath on the go.
4. iGo® Charger. The iGo is my go-to portable back-up charger. It allows you to plug in a USB cord to charge any device. This is a complete musthave when traveling.
5. An umbrella. Being prepared in rainy conditions is always great. When you’re dressed up in business attire, the last thing you want to look like is a wet dog. A small, easily packable umbrella is a must.