I saw this thread a couple of days ago and I think there are some great suggestions already, so I won't bother repeating much. However, when I was more of a road warrior than I am now, I absolutely loved David's video for "GTD on the road":
He had some excellent tips even though it was done back in a different time than the modern day and it is somewhat geared for "overnight" type travel.
Personally, I always include the following whenever I am traveling, either locally or "overnight":
- High quality messenger bag/briefcase (my choice was a TUMI Alpha II expandable storage briefcase bag ... totally from David's recommendation in the above video several years ago ... the thing is made of iron and still in excellent shape today despite me putting it through heck for years on end)
- 10 ~ 15ft CAT-5 Ethernet cable (you never know when a wifi network will be spotty, overloaded, or unavailable)
- Various adapters/dongles (even before the advent of USB-C there were all kinds ports: USB, VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, 3mm Audio, etc.)
- 500GB Hard Drive (not necessarily for sharing with anyone but if I needed emergency space or something, it's good to have on hand)
- GTD folders + extra folders (not plastic ones but high quality folders for keeping tracking of travel documents, mobile inbox, and action support)
- Pad of sticky notes (great for capture and for providing people notes on their documents)
- Extra pens/highlighters/scissors/staples/paper clips/binder clips/rubber bands/pencils/erasers/etc. because those things are never available when you need them
- Wired earbuds (bluetooth is great but can be unreliable or sometimes not permitted in certain locations)
- Small compact mirror (I got one from a conference swag bag and it's an absolute life saver to peek behind monitors and hard to reach areas ... as well as make sure I don't like bad before a meeting)
- Tiny bottle of aspirin/advil/etc. (headaches can come on randomly or what have you so it is always nice to be prepared)
- Extra pair of leather gloves (in case I forget mine in either my coat, my car, lost in the airport, or in general as well as if something looks "unpleasant" to touch ... these have saved me a couple of times)
- Compact umbrella (weather is unpredictable and umbrellas are another one of those "never seem to have them around when you need them" things)
- Swiss army knife (a knife is one of the most versatile tools you can ever have on you as it has something like well over 100 different uses, got mine from a local gun store https://gritrsports.com/ ) [NOTE: - Do NOT take this through an airport]
- Small tube of hand lotion/hand sanitizer (even pre-covid this was a must have as I don't like touching my laptop with dirty hands and my skin is always dry)
- 2 phone charger banks (you never know when you need more power and don't have an outlet available or it is not convenient)
- Extra pad of paper (in case my main folio is empty or I run out mid use)
Related but perhaps not quite for the OP's case as he is in NYC and that is a unique place in the United States where owning a car is seen as a huge cost burden compared to everywhere else in the United States. I would often have an extra change of clothes in my car. Everything from top to bottom (socks, undergarments, shoes, shirts, pants, glasses/sunglasses, watch, etc.), in business casual with 2 ties for appropriate events, such that if I need to dress up for an event or meeting then I can easily do that or if something spills on me then I am not out of luck. For traveling by plane, I always packed a single "basic" outfit in my carry-on in case my checked luggage is lost/delayed/stolen (when I was traveling with a proper suitcase for extended trips ... now I
only will ever use a carry-on).
Well, those are
my tips and tricks. Obviously, I tended to carry a bit more than most as I somewhat emulated a mini office in my briefcase for many years. Quite wonderfully too. However, I rarely travel anymore so it is not as applicable as much.
I hope this helps
