As any frequent traveller knows, the key to a smooth trip is all in the planning (and the packing!). Whether it’s a domestic daytrip, a conference-filled week away or an international jaunt, a few nifty travel finds can go a long way towards ensuring it’s all smooth sailing and stress-free.

From the tech-savvy to the creative, these travel gadgets are the best companions to take along on a business trip this year.

1. The Phone

Travelling overseas and need to switch sim cards? Or need both your personal and business phones on the go day in, day out? Let the Huawei Mate9 Pro save you some hassle. The dual-sim version of the Mate 9, you can load two SIM cards at a time – so no more SIM-switching and no more doubling up on phones wherever you go. With a noteworthy battery life (a 20-minute charge will last 24 hours) and a sharp Leica lens promising crisp photos, it’s an all-rounder on all fronts. Trust us: once you go dual, you’ll never go back.

2. The Bag

It’s been hailed the ‘ultimate travel bag’ for its duffel-suitcase hybrid – which basically means you get the best of both in one stylish, compact design that’s small enough to go as carry-on luggage. The Pakt One is ideal for business travellers who want to get on and off the plane as quickly as possible and don’t mind travelling light. It’s jam-packed full of thoughtful features; it opens fully flat into two zip-around compartments (also accessible via two top-access zippers when closed), features a padded laptop sleeve in the middle plus numerous easy-access pockets, accessory loops and clip and business card slots to make travelling light easy.

More hot travel tips: 10 ways to survive overseas travel with just a cabin bag.

3. The Headphones

Up in the air it’s all about blocking out the noise, and these Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are the real deal. Designed with a modern and minimalistic feel, they feature an inline mic and remote so you can take calls and control your music. They’ve got crystal-clear sound quality and massively reduce ambient noise, too, so if you’re flying and really want to tune out, these headphones will do the job and still come in handy on the ground.  

4. The Planner

Do you still like to keep notes with pen and paper? With the specially designed Moleskine Paper Tablet notebook and Pen+ you can, while still enjoying all the advantages of going digital. With the smart pen device, whatever you write draw or notate is converted into digital files. Use the Paper Tablet to transfer notes and ideas or use the Weekly Planner to help arrange your schedule. You can then sync to your devices and compatible calendar apps. So when you don’t have in-flight WI-Fi, you can write in the air and simply sync once you land. Perfect.

5. The Jacket

Almost every element that you need to consider when in transit is covered in the Baubax jacket. It features an inflatable neck pillow as well as a built-in eye mask and gloves for comfy snoozes. The cleverly designed jacket also comes with a bunch of other cool features, including an easy-to-access passport pocket, an iPad holder and even a drink pocket (made with insulated neoprene to keep hot drinks warm and cold drinks cool).

Prefer the straightforward neck pillow? Here's your complete guide to travel neck pillows. 

6. The Solar Phone Charger

Eco-conscious travellers will love this Yellow Octopus solar mobile-phone charger with USB port. It’s charged by the sun’s power (with a back-up 1000mAh rechargeable lithium battery for when the sun isn’t shining) – so great news if you’ve got the window seat on a day flight. Once it’s full, it can be used anywhere. Out for the day with zero access to power points? All charging stations taken at the airport? This sleek gadget will keep your phone going.

7. The Power Bank

Need more juice? If you need to power up more than just your phone, there are loads of power bank models available with various connection types and enough juice to get your laptop back up and running. Plus, the latest designs out there support fast charging. You may have to pick according to the specs that best fit you though. We love the Force 420 Pro from Jackery – compatible with both Apple and Android and with enough oomph to get your Macbook going and power up three devices simultaneously, thanks to its 20,100Ah battery.  

8. The Micro Projector

If you’re a business traveller who’s always off to give the next big presentation, a micro projector could be just what you need. Some are small enough to fit into your pocket while still maintain the size and resolution of a big-screen TV. Now that’s handy! It also means you don’t need to rely on the provided tech equipment – or can simply bring this along as your backup. Cube is a top-notch Micro Projector, just two-inches long and boasting a 90-minute battery life and 120-ich display. It also works with phones, laptops, tablets and gaming consoles.