If we were to ask you to name some of the topmost essential items that you would pack for a business trip, what would you mention? If you find yourself constantly on the go and excited about the idea of meeting new people, don’t miss out on what we’re going to share with you. This is because, in this article, we will take a closer look into Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir’s must-pack list for his business trips. He is the CEO and co-founder of Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store founded in March 2019. Looking to build new connections while traveling? Keep reading on!
1. Name cards
Since you’ll never know who you might meet and connect with while you’re travelling around the world, name cards are key items for Bahadir to bring along for all his trips, whether it’s for business or leisure. We’ve got to agree with him when he shares how traveling can surprise us all the time. You’ll never know when the passenger sitting beside you during one of your flights, or that stranger that you’ve accidentally bumped into at a restaurant, could serve to be a potential connection that will go on for a lifetime.
2. Mints
If you’ve been through long flights and conferences where you’re meeting lots of new faces, take it from Bahadir who keeps mints with him at all times. Apart from freshening your breath for those first introductions, mint is a type of herb that helps to soothe the stomach and may aid with indigestion. Also, with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, it neutralizes the acid in the mouth that’s formed due to the breakdown of food. Say goodbye to the ‘sour’ unpleasant taste when you’re on the move!
3. Airalo T-shirts
Bahadir has an entertaining T-shirt that reads, “This guy can get you some free mobile data. Just tap him on the shoulder.”. We laughed a little at this brilliant marketing idea to help travelers stay online throughout their travels and at the same time, promoting Airalo to the side of the public that’s still unfamiliar about eSIMs. You’ll be surprised by the number of people who’ve approached Bahadir to find out more about Airalo’s services. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have access to local internet connections at affordable rates?
4. Earplugs, eye mask & essential oil
These items help Bahadir to calm his nerves before takeoff and during landing. If you’re not a big fan of flying like he is, then do prepare some of these items and place them in your carry-on baggage or hand-carry luggage. Earplugs help to block off the loud noises that come while traveling in a plane, minimizing any stressful factors that come with it (if any). Before putting on an eye mask to get some much-needed rest, you might want to apply some lavender essential oil on the crown of your head, behind the ears, on your neck and temples to get rid of anxiety and to aid in your relaxation.
5. iPhone with eSIM purchased beforehand
We’re pretty sure everyone agrees with Bahadir when he says how ‘connectivity’ falls under the modern-day Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Yes, we definitely need to satisfy our physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs. But apart from Maslow’s five-tier model of human needs, there’s no way tech-savvy travelers are going anywhere in their destinations without an eSIM purchased beforehand.
For Bahadir, Airalo is his to-go place to buy an eSIM. To get yours, you can either go to Airalo’s website or download the Airalo app from the App Store or Google Play store.
6. Portable charger & travel adapter
This is probably a given for seasoned business travelers like Bahadir but if you’re not a frequent flyer, it might not come across as ‘essential’ items. To ensure that you’re constantly able to surf on the go and connect via your phone, a portable charger is a definite must-have item. The night before your flight, do ensure that your portable charger is fully charged.
Also, pack a universal travel adapter so you can use your electronic devices without a hitch at your destination. Do a little research and make sure that your travel adapter caters to the local power sockets in the country.
7. Notebook and pen
As perfect as they might be, our technical gadgets may fail us from time to time. With a small notebook and pen readily available when you need it, you’re able to jot down spontaneous ideas instantly, just like how Bahadir does it while the thoughts are still fresh in his head. Plus, they don’t take up too much space, do they?
A chat with Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir
Trip101: How often do you have to travel for work and to where do you most often travel?
Bahadir: I usually travel at least twice a month for work, with Europe being the popular destination. I don’t really get an opportunity to travel just for leisure, so I try to do more exploring whenever I have some free time during my business trips.
Trip101: Where is your favorite travel destination and why?
Bahadir: Netherlands because of the amazing weather and the lifestyle. I’ve learned that the people there really know how to work hard and work smart, as well as prioritising home time just as much.
Trip101: Name three destinations and/or activities on your travel bucket list.
Bahadir: I would like to visit Chad one day… One of the reasons why I started my own company is so that I could help the people around me and aid the underprivileged. I’ve been doing some charity work in Chad to help with sustainability because the country has one of the highest levels of hunger in the world and more than half of its population is living in severe poverty.
Apart from that, I would also like to visit Brazil because on TV they’re always showing how Brazil is filled with people laughing and dancing away and I’m curious to see and experience the joyful culture.
I would also want to travel to Croatia because I’m interested in their history, after watching Game of Thrones and reading many articles about it.
Trip101: Besides traveling for work, what do you travel for?
Bahadir: I guess when I get the chance to, I travel to meet new people.
Trip101: What do you do on your “off-day”? Or rather, what’s your ideal “off-day” like?
Bahadir: Haha, I don’t get much “off-days” while Airalo is still growing but an ideal one would include me watching reruns of “Scrubs” while staying on my sofa.
Trip101: If you couldn’t travel by airplane, would you rather take a railway train, bus or a ferry?
Bahadir: Railway train for sure. I’ve also been wanting to experience the Trans-Siberian Railway, so I think that would be pretty cool.
Trip101: Do you enjoy solo-travel?
Bahadir: I love it! In fact, I’d much rather travel alone.
Trip101: What is your favourite movie?
Bahadir: “The Pursuit of Happyness” featuring Will Smith.
Trip101: What is your secret to maintaining your health while you are traveling?
Bahadir: A really effective way, that I’m sure is no secret, is to explore the city by foot. I walk a lot when I travel, and it’s also the best way to discover the city’s hidden gems.
About Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir
Bahadir is the CEO and co-founder of Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store. He is a serial entrepreneur with a background in shipping and telecommunications. His past startups include Wossco, a Foodpanda for ship supplies and Sim4Crew, a global MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) for sailors.
This article is sponsored by Airalo.
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