Essentials for the Traveling Entrepreneur

Travel is oftentimes a staple for entrepreneurs, and getting where you are going and making sure you are packed is only half the battle. These essentials can make travel easier, more comfortable and even more fun.

Audio splitter

Whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie, an audio splitter is an affordable travel necessity that makes it possible to share audio with your travel companions without any trouble.

Portable power bank

Don’t lose power on your phone while you’re on the go again. Having a portable power bank or a phone case that has an extra battery pack keeps your phone going when you’re away from your hotel room.

Wikivoyage: Kiwix

Wikipedia travel guides are a great tool for traveling, but if you don’t have internet they may be inaccessible. With the Wikivoyage download from the Kiwix app, you can access the entire TravelGuide database for information about your travel location, restaurants, things to see or do and more for free.

Neck pillow

Sleeping on any flight can be uncomfortable, but a neck pillow can keep your neck in one comfortable position and help you get to and stay asleep.

Smart suitcase

From motorized cases to expandable packing space to portable charging enabled, having a smart suitcase can make your trip much smoother. Travel and Leisure has a list of many great options to update your luggage.

Waterproof phone case

If you will be traveling near water, a waterproof phone case is the way to go, as you can ensure that whatever happens, your phone is protected. Amazon has many different waterproof options, but be sure to read the reviews so you don’t end up waterlogged.

Noise-canceling headphones

There’s nothing worse than needing to get work done or trying to sleep on a plane with a chatty seatmate. Noise-canceling headphones are a great way to block out the sounds that you want to avoid while playing the audio you want or even just acting as an over the ear earplug/ conversation repellent.

 Like this post? Read more at http://steverenner.com/blog-2/

Coworking Spaces: The Future of Global Business?

Coworking spaces are starting to become more common throughout major cities, especially in places that are considered tech hubs, or that are home to many small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs.

COCO (Minneapolis/St Paul)

COCO has five locations throughout the twin cities, and is part of LexC, a network of coworking spaces throughout the US. Offering spaces for individuals, small groups or larger meetings, the amenities that are available make these spaces comfortable, workable and great for networking.

WeWork (Worldwide)

WeWork has spaces all over the US, Europe, South America as well as in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Australia, and Israel. Started in 2010, community was the focus behind WeWork. The company hosts camps, parties and on location amenities dedicated to creating connections with others in the space.

Betahaus (Berlin, Barcelona, Hamburg, Sofia)

These European coworking spaces were founded in 2009. Many of the members of the coworking spaces are freelancers. Betahaus hopes to bring the social aspect to people that work in jobs that are usually isolated. Different types of memberships are available depending on the amenities that you need to access.

Punspace (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

With locations in Nimman and Tha Phae Gate, Punspace offers 24/7 access for members, with business focused amenities. For Thailand’s growing tourist market, Punspace’s coworking in Chiang Mai offers a beautiful and functional way to work.

KoHub (Koh Lanta, Thailand)

A coworking hub on a tropical island, KoHub allows for work and play in a productive and welcoming community. Just minutes from the beach, this getaway lets you enjoy island life while getting everything you need done.  KoHub even offers on location room and board packages for those looking to take a vacation even if work has to come along.

Hubud (Bali)

Hubud, named for being a Hub in Ubud promotes what they call “location independence” for people looking to work and live how they want. Partnering with global activist groups you can work, live and volunteer all from one central location. The founders of Hubud showcase four main values: community, connectivity, creativity and conversation.

Impact Hub (Worldwide)

Creating a global network of members attempting to change the face of the work space was Impact Hub’s goal from their beginning in 2005. With over 15,000 members and more than 80 locations in the US, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, Impact Hub offers inspiration, flexibility and community to their members. Events and programs to help members build their businesses are all offered to increase the collectivity within the environment.

What do you think of trend of coworking spaces? Do you or would you use them? Let me know in the comment section.

Like this post? Read more at http://steverenner.com/blog-2/

Instant Translation Technology

Have you ever wished you could translate something you’re reading immediately as you are reading it without having to type or copy and paste a phrase into Google Translate?

Now you can, by simply pointing your phone at the page and using the Google Translate app.  The app can translate over 103 languages, and most recently added Japanese translation to the list.

The full 103 languages are available for text translation. You can translate about half of the languages offline (no internet needed), you can use your camera for instant text translation or upload photos for translations. With the handwriting feature you can draw characters instead of typing, and with 32 languages you are able to have instant two-way speech translation.

The app is available for iOS and Android, and is free to use.

If you are unconcerned with text translations, and conversational translations are what you need help with, Waverly Labs’ Pilot Earpiece is going to be a game changer. These in-ear devices come in pairs so you can speak to anyone regardless of whether or not they have their own. You will hear what the other speaker is saying in your own language, and they will hear what you are saying in theirs. The devices are available for pre-order now for $249 USD. They are expected to ship in the summer of 2017.

Another wearable option is the ili translator. With instant offline spoken translations, a helpful library of travel phrases and an easy to understand interface, ili is being offered exclusively for businesses in the US starting in June 2017, with general consumer products becoming available later in 2017.

World travel just got a whole lot easier!

Like this post? Read more at http://steverenner.com/blog-2/